Passport police verification is one of the most important things to do when you’re obtaining an Indian passport. If someone is applying for a passport for the first time or applying in certain ways, the police verification is required and influences whether they receive the passport. A lot of people wonder if they have to show up in person for passport police verification. Which type of verification you use and your situation will determine the answer.
In this guide, we will explain all about passport police verification in India, including the types of circumstances where you need to be there, when you don’t, what papers you should have available and how it happens.
What Is Passport Police Verification?
During police verification for a passport, the local police check the person’s identity, address and history. The purpose is to confirm the applicant’s criminal status and Indian citizenship, as well as their address.
There are three types of police verification associated with passport applications:
- Pre-Police Verification
- Post-Police Verification
- No Police Verification
The requirement for each type depends on the category of the passport application and the urgency (normal vs Tatkal).
Do You Have to Be Physically Present for Passport Police Verification?
Let’s directly address the main question: Do you need to be physically present?
Yes, physical presence is usually required during passport police verification.
Here’s why:
- The police need to verify that you actually reside at the stated address.
- They may ask you questions about your stay, family, job, or background.
- Your signature is required on the verification form.
- Photographs and original documents may need to be shown in person.
If you are not at home when the police arrive, the verification may be marked as “incomplete” or “person not found,” which can delay your passport application or even lead to rejection.
When Is Police Verification Required?
Depending on your application category, the verification process may vary:
Fresh Passport (Normal Scheme):
- Pre-police verification is mandatory.
- You must be present when the police visit your home.
Fresh Passport (Tatkal Scheme):
- Post-police verification may apply.
- You get the passport before the verification, but the police will still verify afterward.
- You must still be physically available when verification happens.
Reissue of Passport (No Changes in Address):
- Police verification may be waived in certain cases.
- You may not need to be physically present if there is no change in your personal information and your previous police report was clear.
Reissue of Passport (Change in Address or Details):
- Police verification is usually required again.
- Your physical presence will be necessary.
Steps in the Passport Police Verification Process
Here’s how the process typically works:
1. Passport Application Submission
Applications for a passport should be made through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) portal. You submit your form via the internet, choose the day you want to visit and pay the required fees.
2. Appointment at PSK
Make an appointment at the chosen PSK or POPSK office and hand in your originals like Aadhaar and proof of address, as well as your educational certificate.
3. Initiation of Police Verification
When your PSK appointment is finished, the information is sent to your local police station at the address you put on the application.
4. Police Visit to Your Residence
This is the crucial stage where your physical presence is necessary.
- A police officer visits your house.
- He or she asks for original documents (same as submitted at PSK).
- You’re asked to sign the verification form.
- Two local references (neighbors) may be contacted to confirm your stay.
5. Submission of Report
The officer submits a report based on the verification. If everything is in order, the status becomes “Clear.”
6. Passport Dispatch or Continuation
Based on the police report, your passport is either issued, dispatched, or flagged for further action.
What Happens If You Miss the Police Visit?
If you are not available during the police verification, here are the possible outcomes:
- The verification is marked “incomplete” or “person not found.”
- Your application may be put on hold.
- You might need to reschedule verification through the local police station.
- Re-verification may be required, delaying the passport process.
Tip: If you’re aware of your absence, inform the local police station ahead of time to reschedule the verification. This shows responsibility and may allow flexibility.
Exceptions: When You May Not Need to Be Physically Present
While rare, certain situations may allow for exemption from physical presence:
Senior Citizens:
A lot of the time, when a senior citizen reissues their passport with no changes, police verification is not required.
Government Employees:
Those working in central or state government institutions that use Annexure B will be exempt from police verification.
Minor Children:
Minors below 18 may not require verification if their parents have valid passports with clear police verification.
Even in these cases, someone (like a family member or neighbor) may still need to confirm your address, especially if you’re not home during the visit.
Required Documents for Passport Police Verification
Whether you’re present or not, the documents must be accurate and consistent:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- Ration Card (optional)
- Electricity Bill / Gas Bill / Bank Statement (as address proof)
- PAN Card (as identity proof)
- 10th/12th Certificate (if applying under ECNR category)
- Employer Certificate (if government or Tatkal)
Always carry originals along with photocopies for submission during the police visit.
Tips for a Smooth Police Verification
- Be at Home: Ensure you’re available at your residence after your PSK appointment.
- Keep Documents Ready: Originals and copies should be neatly organized.
- Inform Neighbors: Since the police may ask your neighbors to verify your identity, let them know in advance.
- Respond Promptly: If you miss the first visit, go to the local police station immediately to arrange re-verification.
- Stay Updated: Track your police verification status on the Passport Seva website.
Tracking Police Verification Status
You can track the progress of your police verification online using your Application Reference Number (ARN).
Steps:
- Go to passportindia.gov.in
- Click “Track Application Status”
- Enter ARN and your date of birth
- The status will show:
- “Pending with Police”
“Police Report Submitted”
“Clear”
- “Adverse” (if any issues)
- “Pending with Police”
What If Police Verification Fails?
If the police report is adverse, your passport may be:
- Delayed
- Denied
- Cancelled (if already issued under Tatkal)
Common Reasons for Adverse Report:
- Applicant not found at the address
- Discrepancies in documents
- Criminal background
- Fake documents submitted
To resolve this:
- Contact your local police station.
- File for re-verification with proper documents.
- Rectify any wrong information in your application.
How to Request Re-verification
If you missed your police visit or received an adverse report:
- Visit your local police station.
- Carry your ARN, ID proof, and address proof.
- Request re-verification (may involve a formal letter).
- Follow up until the new report is submitted.
Note: Re-verification may take a few days or weeks based on police workload.
Final Thoughts
Simply put, the answer to this question is no, you are not required to attend the police station. Most of the time, your attendance matters for completing the verification procedures. Making sure you are proactive, ready and stay present helps your application progress without being delayed.
Police checks serve a real purpose by helping to ensure national security and to confirm the identities of passport holders. Supporting the authorities and being present as needed allows you to get your passport faster and without any extra stress.
Please refer to our website for further information.