Do not use the old Saanjh passport-verification workflow
The earlier version of this page directed users to ppsaanjh.in, asked them to register a Punjab Police account, and then select "Passport Verification". That is not the correct general workflow for a present-day Indian passport application. Apply for the passport through Passport Seva; if police verification is required, the Passport Office sends the verification request to the police authorities.
Official Passport Verification Links
How Passport Police Verification Works in Punjab
- Apply for a fresh passport or re-issue through the official Passport Seva portal.
- Complete the online application, pay the applicable passport fee and attend the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) appointment when required.
- The Passport Office assesses the application and decides whether police verification is required.
- Where verification is required, the request is forwarded electronically to the police authority having jurisdiction over the applicant's address.
- Cooperate with the police verification process and keep original supporting documents available if the verifying officer requests them.
- Track the passport application through Passport Seva. The final decision on passport issuance remains with the passport authority.
Pre-Police and Post-Police Verification
| Mode | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Pre-Police Verification | The passport authority waits for the required police report before passport issuance. |
| Post-Police Verification | The passport may be issued first and police verification is completed afterwards in cases permitted by Passport Seva rules and procedure. |
| No Police Verification in Applicable Cases | Certain categories may be processed without ordinary police verification when the applicable Passport Seva requirements are satisfied. |
The Passport Office determines which mode applies based on the application category, documents and applicable Passport Seva rules.
Documents for Police Verification
The exact document requirements depend on the passport application and the facts of the case. Keep the originals of the documents submitted with the passport application available for verification.
- Present-address proof accepted for the passport application.
- Identity and date-of-birth documents submitted with the passport application.
- Existing passport, where the application is for re-issue.
- Application/file details or acknowledgement generated by Passport Seva.
- Any additional document specifically requested by the Passport Office or verifying police authority.
Passport Seva states that address proof is required for the applicant's present address. However, the applicant must provide details of all places of residence during the preceding one year when the application requires them so that police verification can be carried out.
Applicable Law
Indian passports are governed principally by the Passports Act, 1967 and the Passports Rules, 1980, as amended from time to time. The Ministry of External Affairs administers passport issuance through the Passport Seva system, while local police authorities provide the police-verification report when a verification request is referred to them.
Punjab's public-service delivery system is additionally governed by the Punjab Transparency and Accountability in Delivery of Public Service Act, 2018 and the Punjab Transparency and Accountability in Delivery of Public Service Rules, 2021 for notified State public services. These State provisions do not replace the central Passports Act and Passport Seva procedure for issuing an Indian passport.
How to Check Passport Verification Status
- Open the official Passport Seva portal.
- Select the application-status tracking facility.
- Enter the passport file number and date of birth or other details requested by the portal.
- Read the latest status carefully. It may indicate that police verification has been initiated, is pending, has been received, or that further action is required.
- If the application remains pending for an unreasonable period, use the Passport Seva grievance facility or contact the Passport Office concerned.
If the Police Report Is Adverse
Passport Seva advises applicants whose file shows an adverse police report to contact the Passport Office to understand the reason. Where appropriate, the Passport Office may seek clarification or arrange re-verification. A clear police report may be required before the passport application can proceed.
Passport PCC Is a Different Service
A Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) obtained through Passport Seva for emigration, employment, residence or visa purposes is different from police verification carried out for issuing or re-issuing a passport. Do not confuse the two procedures. If you require a PCC, apply for the PCC service through Passport Seva or the appropriate authority specified for your case.
Important Points
- Do not submit a separate Punjab Police passport-verification application unless an official authority specifically directs you to do so.
- Give complete and accurate present-address and previous-residence information in the passport application.
- Keep your phone reachable and monitor Passport Seva status after the PSK/POPSK appointment.
- Never pay an unofficial fee to obtain a favourable police report.
- Use Passport Seva for passport status and passport-related grievances.