How Long Does It Take To Get A New Passport In India?

One of the most significant processes to go through before travelling abroad for education, employment, or business is passport applications. Although the process of applying for a new passport has become simpler with the Passport Seva Portal, there is one common query in the mind of every applicant: How long does it take to get a new passport?

A passport may take as long as three days, depending on the type of application, i.e. normal or Tatkal scheme, police verification and accuracy of the documents furnished. Although the Government has reduced the turnaround time of its passports to a large extent, there is still a possibility of delay in case an application is incomplete or needs further verification.

This article provides you with information on the processing time of a new passport in India, what could impact the timelines, what the difference is between a Normal / Tatkal Passport and how to get it issued as soon as possible.

How Long Does It Take To Get A New Passport Under The Normal Scheme?

Applicants who don't need their passport urgently choose a normal passport application. The normal verification procedure is followed in this category and typically involves police verification before dispatch of the passport. The overall processing period can be expected to vary based on the applicant's location, verification of documents and police clearance, though the Ministry of External Affairs has made its processing effective.

If an application is successful, the applicant will receive her or his new passport no later than 30 days after the application is submitted. Please note, however, that the processing time may be longer if police verification is delayed or further information is needed. Thus, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications ahead of their intended overseas travel.

The following is the typical processing time for the normal scheme:

Important Points

• Pre-passport verification is carried out in this scenario, after which the normal passports are issued.

• Completing all documents correctly faster than requests that need clarification.

• A few days longer processing might be a possibility for those living in distant areas, as the administrative procedure may take a little more time.

• Final processing time will depend upon successful verification by concerned authorities.

Factors That Affect Passport Processing Time

Even though the Government has standardised the passport processing procedures, a few things can still, somehow, end up affecting the total time needed to issue a passport. The applications are handled promptly, but in some instances they might require extra attention, depending on the applicant’s particular and individual circumstances. If people get a feel for those factors, it can help them steer clear of needless hold-ups and make the whole application experience feel smoother. Some of the big factors that can affect passport processing include:

• The processing time is also greatly affected by the police verification status, especially in the case of a normal document.

• If there is any information on the application that is incorrect, incomplete or inconsistent, it could lead to further verification or a document request.

• The lack of supporting documentation(s) or the lack of clarity or validity of such documentation may delay the scrutiny process.

• During intervals of admission or in the holidays, processing time could be longer.

• The amount of time that appointment slots are available at the chosen Passport Seva Kendra can impact the entire timeframe.

• Candidates living in hard-to-reach and remote areas might take a bit longer to complete/process the confirmations and receive their delivery.

• Typically, it will take longer to process an application if background checks or documentation are necessary for clarification and/or legal reasons.

Common Reasons For Passport Delays

A lot of delays in passport applications come from easily preventable errors, not administration. By identifying why applications are delayed, applicants can help to ensure that they complete their application process fully and accurately. Some of the common causes include:

• Incorrect spelling of the applicant's name or personal details in the application form.

• Mismatch between identity and address proof documents.

• No appearance on the date of the scheduled Passport Seva Kendra.

• Incomplete or unsuccessful police verification.

• Poor quality of supporting documents presented for submission (either or both of the blurred and expired/invalid ones).

• For any legal, criminal, or verification matters to be further addressed.

When the application volume is unusually high, a delay in the technical or administrative process.

Also Read: Major Amendments in Passport Rules 1980.

Conclusion

The processing time for a new passport in India varies from one application type to another and relies largely on the verification procedure at police stations as well as the correctness of the documents submitted with the applications. Normally, the process of getting a passport takes around thirty days, but if any applicant fulfils the conditions for the Tatkal scheme, a passport will be issued to them in a period of one to three working days. If the applicant is working with complete documents, comes on time for appointments and shows cooperation with the processing of the application, then the applicant is able to avoid any trouble in passport processing.