Complete mandatory police verification for a fresh passport or a reissue with an older passport.
Jurisdiction
All of India (conducted by respective state police at the applicant's residential district)
Who applies
Passport applicants (fresh or reissue) for whom police verification has been ordered by the Passport Officer — either pre-issue (before passport is printed) or post-issue (after passport is dispatched)
Typical time
7–30 days from verification order (varies by state and district; metros faster due to e-reporting; rural areas can take 45–60 days)
Fee
No separate fee for police verification — it is covered within the passport application fee
| # | Document | Type needed | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Passport application reference (ARN / file number) | Download / Print | Used by the applicant to track PV status online and by the police officer to link the field report to the correct application in the Passport Police portal |
| 2 | Proof of Residence at the application address | Original | Documents to show the beat constable during the home visit; Aadhaar, utility bill, rent agreement, or ration card confirming the applicant lives at the stated address |
| 3 | Identity proof (Aadhaar / Voter ID) | Original | Produced to the visiting police officer to confirm the applicant's identity at the time of the verification visit |
| 4 | Verification Certificate from gazetted officer (Tatkaal only)(optional)Required only for Tatkaal applicants; submitted at PSK at the time of the main appointment | Original | Annexure F or equivalent certificate signed by a gazetted officer (Class I) certifying the applicant's identity and address; substitutes pre-issue PV for Tatkaal |
Original documents: Carry originals only for in-person visits — do not hand them over permanently unless explicitly required.
After the Passport Officer grants the application and orders police verification, the system automatically transmits the PV request to the District Special Branch / Local Intelligence Unit of the police jurisdiction covering the applicant's address. No action is required from the applicant at this stage.
The SHO of the local police station receives the PV request through the CCTNS / Passport Police portal and assigns it to the beat constable responsible for the applicant's residential beat/ward. In cities, it may be routed through a dedicated Passport Verification Cell.
The assigned beat constable or sub-inspector visits the applicant's residence to confirm that the person actually lives there. The officer checks identity and address documents (Aadhaar, utility bill, rent agreement) and may speak to neighbours for corroboration. The applicant must be present or ensure a family member is available.
After the visit, the officer enters the PV report on the Passport Police portal: the report can be Clear (no adverse antecedents), Adverse (criminal record, address mismatch, or suspicious activity found), or Unable to Verify. Clear reports trigger passport printing; adverse reports trigger review or revocation.
The applicant can track PV status on the Passport Seva portal using the file number or ARN. Status messages include 'Police verification initiated', 'Police verification pending', 'Police verification completed — Clear', or 'Police verification — Adverse Report'. An SMS notification is also sent when the report is submitted.
On receipt of a Clear PV report, the Passport Officer issues the print order. The passport is printed at India Security Press, Nashik, and dispatched by speed post to the applicant's address. For post-issue PV (Normal scheme where passport was sent before PV), no further action is needed if the report is clear.
Passport Seva Division, Ministry of External Affairs
Before and after PV — issues verification order and reviews adverse reports
Orders police verification after PSK grant; reviews adverse PV reports to decide passport revocation or further enquiry.
State Police Department — Local Police Station
On receipt of PV request from MEA/PSK portal
Receives and assigns the police verification task to the beat constable; reviews and countersigns the final PV report.
State Police Department — Local Police Station
Field verification — home visit
Conducts the physical home visit, verifies the applicant's identity and address, checks antecedents in local records, and enters the verification report on the portal.
Track PV status using ARN or file number; receive SMS/email notifications on verification outcome.
Used internally by police officers to receive PV assignments, enter field visit results, and submit reports linked to passport applications.
If the beat constable visits and finds the address vacant or neighbours confirm no one by that name lives there, an 'Unable to Verify' or Adverse report is submitted, causing significant delays or outright rejection.
Even minor or settled cases in local police records can result in an adverse PV report. Applicants should check their local police record status before applying, especially for Tatkaal.
Beat constables cross-check the Aadhaar/Voter ID address with the application address. If these differ, the report may be filed as Unable to Verify. Always ensure the address in the application matches your actual current residence and supporting documents.
In semi-urban and rural districts, police verification can take significantly longer due to constable workload and poor connectivity to the online portal. Plan passport applications well in advance if your address falls in a rural area.
For Normal scheme passports dispatched before PV is completed, an adverse report after dispatch triggers impounding — the applicant must surrender the passport. It is important to keep your record clear before applying.