Everything to Know About Passport Reference Number

What is a Passport Reference Number?

Passport applicants are issued a unique 12-digit alphanumeric code to track their passport application status. This number is referred to as the Passport Reference File Number. The person can use this unique number to check their passport status.

This unique number is given to every Indian passport applicant once they have submitted their passport applications at the regional passport office. Here is a breakdown of the 12 different digits of any Indian passport reference number:

• The first four digits of your passport reference number indicate your current or residential city from where you have applied for your passport
• The fifth and sixth digits of your passport reference number indicate the year of application
• The remaining six digits refer to the serial number of your application made in that particular place or city

Please note that this unique reference number is only issued temporarily for that particular passport application. Also called PRN, It is primarily an acknowledgment that you physically submitted your completed passport application along with the necessary documents at the applicable Passport Seva Kendra. These documents can only be submitted at a scheduled passport appointment at the nearest passport office or PSK.

Significance of Passport Reference File Number

In a huge country like India, it is important to have proper procedures for everything, including dedicated methods of tracking progress. The primary purpose of a file reference number is to stay up-to-date with your passport status.

Passport processing generally takes 2-3 weeks under the Normal scheme and 3 days in the case of Tatkaal passport application. However, there can always be a delay due to unaccountable factors. Bad weather conditions, strikes, and many other factors can cause a delay.

If, for any reason, your passport is delayed or you need to track the status of your passport, you can use this unique passport reference number to know the status.

Secondly, your passport reference file number is also useful at the time of passport police verification.

All you need to do is follow these steps:

• Step 1: Go to the official Passport Seva website
• Step 2: Go to the ‘Track Application Status' on the home page. You will be directed to a new page.
• Step 3: Now select the applicable option in the provided sections. These include ‘Select Application Type', ‘File Number', and ‘Date of Birth'. Fill in the correct details.
• Step 4: Once you provide the necessary information, click on ‘Track Status'. You will see the latest status of your passport application.

When are you Given a Passport Reference Number?

The entire passport application procedure is centralised and governed by the Ministry of External Affairs. You have to submit a completed online application and provide the defined set of documents to ensure your application is complete.

After submitting this online application, you must pay the required passport fee, depending on the service you have opted for. You can pay the passport fee online through a debit card, credit card, internet banking, or bank challan. After the fee payment, you must select a suitable slot for your passport appointment. One important thing to note about this process is that you can only reschedule once.

Once you show up for your passport appointment and submit all the required documents along with the biometrics, you will get a system-generated passport reference number for your file. This 12-digit alphanumeric code is your direct reference and can be used to track the passport status in the future. Usually, you can note down the PRN for your future use. It is also shared with you on your registered mobile number and email ID mentioned as per your account details.

In case you don't get your passport file number even after completing your process, you can contact the passport office you visited or call them on their toll-free number.

Over to You,

Your passport is an important document, and you must always try your best to keep it safe. Especially when traveling abroad, keep multiple copies of it always on you, as the police authorities can request it during routine checks. You must also buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy to avoid any unpleasant expenses. What's more, most international travel insurance plans cover the loss of passports abroad. This feature allows you to get reimbursement in case of passport theft or loss while you are abroad.