Passport Police Verification — Process, Timeline, Status Check & What to Expect

After your appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), there's one more step before your passport is dispatched — police verification. For many applicants, this is the most anxiety-inducing part. But don't worry — this guide explains exactly what happens, how long it takes, and what you need to do.

What Is Passport Police Verification?

Police verification is a background check conducted by your local police station to confirm your identity, address, and criminal record (if any). The Regional Passport Office (RPO) sends a request to the police, who then verify your details and submit a report.

This is a mandatory step for most passport applications. The passport is either issued before police verification (post-police verification) or after it, depending on your application type.

When Is Police Verification Required?

Good news: For most fresh normal passport applications, the passport is now issued first under the "post-police verification" scheme. You'll receive your passport while verification happens in the background.

For more on tatkal and special cases, see our guide to tatkal and lost passport procedures.

What Do Police Verify?

During verification, the police check:

• Identity — Are you who you claim to be?
• Address — Do you actually live at the address mentioned in the application?
• Criminal record — Any pending cases, FIRs, or court proceedings?
• Character and antecedents — General background check through local records

The verification is typically done by a constable or head constable from your local police station, sometimes accompanied by the Station House Officer (SHO).

What Happens During the Police Visit?

Here's what to expect when the police officer visits your home:

1. They'll come to your residential address mentioned in the application — usually without prior appointment
2. They may talk to your neighbours to confirm you live there
3. They'll ask to see your original documents (Aadhaar, election ID, rent agreement, etc.)
4. They may ask basic questions — your name, parents' names, occupation, how long you've lived there
5. You'll need to sign a verification form
6. The entire visit usually takes 10–15 minutes

Tips for a Smooth Visit

• Be available at your address for 2–4 weeks after your PSK appointment
• Inform your family members so someone can attend if you're not home
• Keep documents ready (see list below)
• Be polite and cooperative — this is a routine check
• If you're a tenant, keep your rent agreement and landlord's contact handy
• If you live in a gated society, inform the security guard to allow the officer entry

Documents to Keep Ready

Keep these originals accessible during the verification period:

• Aadhaar card
• Passport application acknowledgement (printed from the portal)
• Address proof — voter ID, electricity bill, rent agreement, or bank statement
• Identity proof — PAN card, driving licence, or voter ID
• Passport-size photographs (2 copies, same as application)
• Rent agreement (if you're a tenant)
• Previous passport (if reissue)

How Long Does Police Verification Take?

Typical timelines:

• Normal applications (post-PV): Passport is issued within 7–10 days. Police verification happens within 2–4 weeks after that.
• Tatkal applications (pre-PV): Verification usually within 1–2 weeks. Passport issued after clearance.
• Metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore): Can be faster — sometimes within a week
• Smaller towns / rural areas: May take 3–6 weeks

Note: If police verification takes longer than 3 weeks, the passport office may issue the passport even without receiving the police report (for normal applications).

How to Check Police Verification Status Online

You can track your police verification status on the Passport India portal:

Step 1: Visit the Passport India Website

Go to passportindia.gov.in and click on "Track Application Status".

Step 2: Enter Your File Number

Your file number is on your acknowledgement receipt from the Passport Seva Kendra.

Step 3: Enter Your Date of Birth

Enter your DOB and click "Track Status".

Step 4: Check the Police Verification Section

The status page will show:

• SP Verification — status from the Superintendent of Police
• Date sent to police — when the request was forwarded
• Police report received — whether the report has come back
• Status: Clear / Adverse / Incomplete

You can also use the mPassport Seva app (available on Android and iOS) to track your status on the go.

For a detailed guide on tracking, see our passport status check guide.

Understanding Status Terms

• "Pending" — Request sent to police, report not yet submitted
• "Clear" — Verification completed, no issues found
• "Adverse/Negative" — Police found some issue (see section below)
• "Incomplete" — Police need more information or another visit

What If You Get an Adverse Police Report?

Don't panic. An adverse report doesn't automatically mean rejection. Here's what can happen:

• Minor discrepancy (e.g., slight name variation) — The RPO may still issue the passport after review
• Address mismatch — You may be asked to submit additional address proof
• Pending court case — Passport may be denied or issued with short validity depending on the case
• False adverse report — You can file a representation with the RPO and request re-verification

How to Handle an Adverse Report

1. Visit the RPO with all original documents
2. File a written representation explaining the issue
3. Request re-verification if the report was incorrect
4. The RPO will review and take a decision — this may take 2–4 weeks

Re-Verification Scenarios

Police re-verification may be triggered if:

• Your passport was issued under post-PV and the police report was adverse
• You changed your address after initial verification
• There's a discrepancy in your documents
• The police station requests additional verification

Common Delays and How to Handle Them

Why Police Verification Gets Delayed

• Officer transfers — The assigned officer may have been transferred
• Incorrect address — Police couldn't locate your residence
• Pending at SP office — Report submitted by local police but pending at SP level
• High volume — Especially during peak passport season (March–June)
• You weren't home — Officer visited but no one was available

What You Can Do

1. Check status online regularly using the passport portal
2. Visit your local police station — politely enquire about the status and provide your file number
3. Contact the RPO — call the Passport Seva helpline at 1800-258-1800 (toll-free)
4. File a grievance on the Passport India portal if it's been more than 3 weeks
5. Write to the SP office with your file number and application details
6. Contact your local MP/MLA as a last resort — their office can follow up with the police

Pro tip: If the police officer calls you, respond promptly. Delayed responses from your end can push back the entire timeline.

Police Verification for Specific Cases

Fresh Passport

For first-time applicants, this is standard. If you've applied through the online process, verification is initiated automatically after your PSK visit.

Passport Renewal

If you're renewing with the same address, police verification is usually not required. If your address has changed, verification will happen at the new address. See our passport renewal guide for details.

Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)

A PCC requires a more thorough police verification than a regular passport. The process and documents are similar but the check is more detailed. Learn more in our PCC application guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is police verification for passport?

Police verification is a background check by your local police to confirm your identity, address, and criminal record. It's a mandatory step in the passport issuance process.

How long does passport police verification take?

Typically 1–4 weeks depending on your location. Metro cities are usually faster (1–2 weeks), while rural areas may take up to 6 weeks.

How can I check my passport police verification status online?

Visit passportindia.gov.in, click "Track Application Status", enter your file number and date of birth. The status page shows the police verification status.

Will the police visit my home for passport verification?

Yes, a police officer will visit your residential address to verify your identity and that you live there. The visit usually takes 10–15 minutes.

What happens if police verification is negative or adverse?

An adverse report doesn't mean automatic rejection. You can file a representation with the RPO, provide additional documents, and request re-verification.

Can I get my passport without police verification?

For normal (non-tatkal) fresh passports, the passport is usually issued first under the post-police verification scheme. For tatkal, verification must be completed before issuance.

What if the police officer doesn't visit even after 3 weeks?

Check status online, visit your local police station with your file number, call the Passport Seva helpline (1800-258-1800), or file a grievance on the passport portal.

Police verification is a routine step — most applicants clear it without any issues. Keep your documents ready, stay reachable at your address, and track your status online. Your passport will be on its way soon!