Key Highlights
Latest Facts and News:
• As of 2024, all Indian passports include a file number for easy tracking and reference.
• The Ministry of External Affairs has streamlined the passport application process, making file numbers even more crucial.
• Recent updates to the Passport Seva portal have improved the accessibility of file number information.
With international travel and passports, every detail becomes important, and one of them is knowing what is the file number in the passport. Very often, this overlooked constituent makes a huge difference during the application or renewal of a passport, checking up on status updates, and police verification. Here's everything you need to know about passport file numbers, the passport reference number, and how it can easily make your travel plans go through.
Understanding What is File Number in Passport
So, what is the file number in the passport? The file number of the passport is a unique identification number that is given to every Indian passport application. This number is very important because it helps the Ministry of External Affairs trace applications and respond to queries quickly. It serves as a reference number for the whole process of issuance of a passport, linking all stages, from police verification to application approval. Commonly known as the passport reference file number, it is one of the key information on your application and helps you track your progress and recovery of key information regarding your passport.
Components of a Passport File Number
The passport file number is not just a mix of letters and numbers but an important set of identifiers that contains and lets the embassy know about your:
City code: The city where the passport application was filed.
Application Year: The year the applicant applies for the passport
Serial number: Each is issued a serial number, tracking an individual's applications every year.
Each part of the passport file number format facilitates the Ministry of External Affairs to classify and track such a huge amount of applications for passports all over the country; thus, it makes life easier for Indian citizens.
Also Read: Difference Between a Visa and a Passport: Complete Guide
How to Find Your Passport File Number
Finding your passport file number is essential for tracking and completing various stages of the passport process. This number is available in both your physical passport booklet and online on the Passport Seva portal.
Finding the File Number in a Physical Passport
How to find your file number in your passport booklet:
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Open up the passport and open it to a page showing personal information.
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The passport file number is typically located at the bottom right corner of the personal details page.
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Look for an alphanumeric code, particularly the file number with a label.
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Insertion of an image here would create a picture to assist users in understanding where one can locate the file number on their passport.
Retrieving the File Number Online
If you lose your passport or want to know your file number via the online portal, you can do so as follows:
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Step 1: Open the Passport Seva portal.
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Step 2: Log into your account using your email and password.
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Step 3: Click on the "Track Application Status."
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Step 4: Provide relevant details such as name, date of birth, and reference number for the passport application.
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Step 5: It will provide you with the file number of your file so that you can keep track of whether your application is going through smoothly or not.
By following all these procedures, the candidate can keep proper updates while obtaining a passport, from its application up to the final verification and approval process.
Importance of the Passport File Number
The passport file number serves multiple vital functions, from tracking your application status to facilitating police verification. Many always get stuck with the question of what is the file number in the passport, and many fail to research more. Still, the truth is that building familiarity with your file number can save time, reduce stress, and ensure a smoother process overall.
Tracking Passport Application Status
The passport file number is important in tracking your application status regarding your passport. With a file number, you check the status of your passport at all stages of processing, including submission to police verification and up to its final dispatch. This file number will enable you to get updates in case of delayed processing or further requirements on your application.
Assistance During Police Verification
During police verification, you may be asked for the passport file number or what is the file number in the passport. This number enables the officers to cross-check your identity and application details against local records. Ensure that this information is provided for smooth verification. Familiarity with and provision of the correct file number expedites the process, as officers can obtain your application directly in their system, cutting down the time to pass a passport.
Also Read: Top Visa-Free Countries for Indians: Experts Updated List
Protecting Your Passport File Number
Now, it is not only you who has the question or about wanting to know what the file number in the passport is but others too, which is why you should never let this crucial information become known to the world. Here are some helpful hints on how to protect it from possible misuse:
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Do not publicize or share your passport reference number or file number only with trusted authorities, members of the family, or close contacts directly involved in the passport application process.
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Safe Storage: You have to maintain a paper or electronic record of your passport file number in a safe and accessible place, like an encrypted document or a secure note.
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Be careful online: Always enter your file number on authentic, government-approved websites such as the Passport Seva Kendra or the official government website.
Reminder: This safeguards your file number from unintended use or misuse and keeps the contents of your passport details confidential.
What to Do If You Lose Your Passport File Number
In case you lose your passport file number, the following are fast ways of getting it-
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Check all the previous correspondences of the Passport Seva Kendra or SMS messages that had the file number.
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Use the Passport Seva Portal: Log in to the Passport Seva and select "Track Application Status" from it.
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Track the application status personally logged by the reference number retrieved during application for Online Apply or through your Application ID
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Approach Your RPO Office: Follow up to track the status of an application to your local Passport Seva office using your contact number along with details presented by you with the relevant Passport Seva Kendra while also carrying some sort of Photo Identification.
Through such procedures, recovery and monitoring of the status of the passport application become easy regarding the passport file number.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding "what is the file number in the passport" is essential for every passport holder. This unique identifier not only streamlines the passport application process but also aids in tracking your passport application status and assisting during police verification. Knowing the file number in the Indian passport context further emphasizes its importance in managing your travel documents effectively.
By keeping your passport file number secure and knowing how to retrieve it when needed, you ensure a smoother experience during your travels. Whether you're checking your application progress or resolving issues, your file number is a vital tool in navigating the complexities of passport processing time.
To know more about the passport file number and to immigrate somewhere out of India, TerraTern is right there to help you with the move. TerraTern offers more than 100 immigration services to its customers to make their immigration easier!
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