In a significant move to enhance passport services and address the growing demand for appointments, the Ministry of External Affairs has unveiled a camp-mode office at the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Pune. Effective from June 5, 2022, this initiative aims to minimize waiting times and expedite the passport application process. Furthermore, to provide greater convenience to applicants, all Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) under the jurisdiction of RPO Pune will now remain open on Saturdays, starting from May 20, 2023, until further notice. These measures are set to offer enhanced accessibility and improved services to passport seekers in the region.
To benefit from the fresh appointment booking service, applicants are required to complete the online application form at https://www.passportindia.gov.in/ and make the necessary payment electronically. Following this, applicants should log in to the same portal to verify the payment status and secure their appointment. Once the appointment is confirmed, applicants can conveniently download the appointment confirmation receipt from the portal.
Applicants must submit the following original documents, accompanied by one self-attested photocopy for each category:
- Date of Birth Proof: Acceptable options include PVC Aadhaar Card, complete original Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar issued by UIDAI, PAN Card, driving license, EPIC (Voter ID), birth certificate, and more.
- Address Proof (in self-name): Valid documents encompass PVC Aadhaar Card, complete original Aadhaar letter, e-Aadhaar issued by UIDAI, EPIC (Voter ID), rent agreement (notarized if unregistered, with witness signatures), electricity bill, telephone bill (landline or post-paid mobile), water bill, photo passbook of a running bank account with the latest transactions updated (limited to scheduled public sector banks, scheduled private sector Indian banks, and regional rural banks), among others.
- Non-ECR (10th standard or higher education) Proof: Applicants can provide their 10th or 12th class mark sheet or certificate from recognized boards, or a graduation/post-graduation degree from recognized universities, among other acceptable documents.
It is essential to note that small cut-out Aadhaar cards or smart cards issued by non-government entities will not be accepted. In cases where the QR code on the Aadhaar letter cannot be scanned and verified, applicants will be requested to submit physical copies of e-Aadhaar or PVC Aadhaar for scanning and verification purposes. If necessary, officials may request additional documents to ensure the authenticity of the applicant’s information.
Applicants must ensure that the details provided in all documents, including their full name, date of birth, and names of parents or spouse, are consistent and identical.
While the information mentioned above covers general requirements for most cases, it is advisable to visit the official passport website at https://www.passportindia.gov.in/ for comprehensive and detailed information regarding specific document requirements. This is particularly important for complex cases involving single parents, adopted children, lost passports, individuals with ongoing criminal cases, and other unique situations. The website offers comprehensive guidance and assistance to facilitate a seamless passport application process.
With the introduction of the camp-mode office at RPO Pune and the extension of Saturday openings at POPSKs, passport applicants can look forward to improved services and reduced waiting times, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient experience when obtaining their passports.
