Police Verification Status for Passport: Reasons for Delay & Fastest Ways to Speed It Up

For a lot of passport applicants in India having waited for police verification approval is often more stressful than submitting their application forms or going to an appointment. The police verification process is the last step before passports are printed and sent out to the applicant. Therefore, understanding how to check your police verification status for passport knowing what might delay it, and being proactive in your efforts can turn this stressful waiting game into something that is manageable.

This guide provides information on how to check the police verification application status, possible causes for delays, and ways to help speed up the time it takes for your passport application to be completed.

Where to Look for Your Police Verification Status

You do not need to worry. There are two main ways to track police verification through the Indian Government.

1) Passport Seva Portal (On-line). This is the simplest method. You will need to create a Passport Seva account to log in to the site. Once inside, you will be able to view “View Saved/Submitted Applications” and select your active application. You will be able to track exactly what stage your application has reached, such as:

• Police Verification has been initiated, and the assigned Police Station has been notified.
• Awaiting Police Verification report.
• Police Verification is clear.

2) mPassport Seva App: You will be able to access the same information as described above, using the official Passport Seva App, directly from your phone.

Reasons for Delay in Police Verification 

In order to rectify a police verification that has been identified as delayed, it is important to know the potential biases that can lead to such delays. Here are the most common reasons:

No Show from the Applicant: This is the primary cause of delays in police verification. If the police officer arrives at the address you provided and you or anyone who is a representative of you (a family member or friend) isn’t available to answer questions or produce original documents, then the verification process will be on hold. A report stating “Not Found” will be sent, which will result in further delays.

Mismatch in Address and Documents: If there is a mismatch between the address or documents you submitted on the application form and the verification that is taking place, scrutiny will likely occur. This could be as minor as the difference in the spelling of your name or your address.

High Workload at the Police Station: The local police station has the responsibility of performing the verification of passports, visas, driver’s licenses, and tenant reference checks in the area. Therefore, your file may simply be sitting on a desk along with dozens of others waiting to be processed.

Pending or Adverse Police Record: If a check of any local database identifies a minor record or a pending action against you, you will have to wait for the verification to clear that database before it can be considered an acceptable police verification for your passport application.

Address is Correct but Forwarded to an Incorrect Person: If you provide a vague address, or an address that is not consistently used by the combination of businesses or locations where you live and/or designates the business(es) that you are associated with on a physical basis, you will likely have trouble meeting the requirement of providing an accurate physical address.

Fastest Ways to Speed Up the Process

Here are the steps to accelerate your Police Verification Status for Passport:

Be Available and Prepared: Once your application status reads “Police Verification Initiated”, please ensure that you or someone responsible from your family is present at your address during normal business hours for approximately the next 7 to 10 days, and have all of your original documents ready. 

Politely Visit Your Local Police Station: In the four to five days following the initiation of your application status, feel free to make a polite and in-person visit to the local police station that you applied to. Greet the staff, state who you are, provide your application reference number and kindly inquire if they have received your police verification file. Doing so puts a face to the file and promotes a moment of cooperation rather than an adversarial moment. 

Carry Complete Set of Documents: All original documents (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Utility Billing Statements, Lease/Rental Agreement, etc.) and a self-attested copy of the Receipt of your Passport Application.

Follow Up Via Official Channels: If at any time you have not received your Police Verification Status for Passport please feel free to escalate your request to the Passport Seva Helpline (1800-258-1800) or by utilizing the Feedback/Complaint feature located on the portal. You may also reach out to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) of your region by way of email and request your Police Verification Status.

Conclusion: From Verification to Vacation

To successfully obtain your passport in a timely manner, be patient and assertive while you become familiar with the police verification process and maintain a good rapport with the police officer assigned to your application.
Once you receive your passport, it will be easier for you to prepare for your vacation. For example, consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance for a trip to cover any medical-related incidents that may occur. Niva Bupa provides excellent customer service and offers great travel insurance products. By utilizing Niva Bupa travel insurance, you can enjoy your travels without worrying too much about your health or possessions.