In India, passports are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) offices. Once an individual applies for a passport, they can easily check its status online or offline.

The process is streamlined through various online platforms, thus offering applicants real time updates and peace of mind. Let’s see the simple steps to check passport status in India through both online and offline channels:

In order to check passport application status by any channel, you will need:

• File number of your passport (It is a 15-digit number that you get after submitting the passport application).
• Your date of birth.

Once you have these details handy, let’s look at how you can check passport application status online and offline:

To check your passport application status online, there are two ways.

1. Check Passport Status Online through Passport Seva Portal

2. Check Passport Status Online through mPassport Seva Mobile App

Are you browsing the internet "how to check passport status online?" End your search and follow this simple step-by-step guide:

• Step 1:  Visit the official website of "Passport Seva" and click on the "Track Application Status" tab.
• Step 2: The page redirects to "Track Application Status". 
• Step 3: Here, select your application type. Also, enter your date of birth, and 15-digit file number. Click on "Track Status".

The next page will display your current passport application status.

mPassport Seva is an online app provided by the government of India for all passport related services. It is available for free on both Android and iOS platforms. Follow these easy steps to track your application via mPassport Seva app:

1. Download and install the mPassport Seva app on your smartphone.
2. Launch the app and complete the registration process by submitting your details.
3. Select the 'Track Application Status' option from the home screen.
4. Choose the type of application, file number and your date of birth.
5. Once you submit all the information, click on the 'Track Status' button to view the current status of your passport application.

You can also track your passport application status offline by the following methods:

1. Track Passport Application Status via SMS

You can get updates on your passport application status on your phone itself. Send "STATUS FILE NUMBER" from your registered mobile number to 9704100100. You can opt for this paid SMS service during your application time.

2. Track Passport Application Status via National Call Centre

You can call on the National Call Centre’s toll-free number 1800-258-1800. A Citizen Service Executive is available from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. An Automated Interactive Voice Response is also available 24/7. Hence, you can also access information regarding your passport application status during non-working hours.

Please note: Residents of Jammu and Kashmir and the North-East states can communicate via the following contact details:

•  Jammu Kashmir - 040-66720567 (paid)
• North-east States - 040-66720581 (paid)

3. Track Passport Application Status via Helpdesk

Visit the Passport Seva Kendra or send an email to get updates on the application status of your passport.

Once you have tracked the status of your passport and have the 13-digit tracking number handy, here is how you can track its dispatch and delivery status: 

1. Track Passport Dispatch Status through the Official Website of India Post

You can track the dispatch and delivery of your passport through the official website of India Post.

• Step 1:  Visit the official website of India Post.
• Step 2: Click on the tools available on the website and navigate to "Track Consignment."
• Step 3: Enter your 13-digit tracking number in the "Consignment Number" section and enter the code visible on your screen. Click "Search."

If you do not notice any delivery tracking data, this means that your passport has not been dispatched.

2. Track Passport Dispatch Status through the India Post SMS Service

You can also track the delivery status of your passport through the Indian Post's SMS service. Send your 13-digit tracking number in the format POST TRACK <Your 13-digit tracking number> to 166 or 51969.

India Speed Post usually dispatches an applicant's passport to the communication address (as mentioned in the passport application form). Keep track of your passport delivery status by using Speed Post- Tracking Utility.

Often, the online delivery status is different from the real-time delivery status. Hence, it is ideal to contact your nearest Speed Post Centre regarding this. If a Speed Post Centre Personnel cannot locate your address, it gets returned to the sender. In such circumstances, kindly contact your Regional Passport Office for further help.

Yes, but only in case of an emergency, you can collect the passport from the Regional Passport Office.

Remember you must fill in an application form stating the reason for collecting the passport urgently. The Regional Passport officers can accept or reject your application for collecting the passport in person from their office.

A passport is an essential document serving as an identity and age proof. Therefore, applying for the same at the earliest is important. Moreover, you can also track the passport application status online. Keep these pointers in mind when you check passport status for a hassle-free experience.