Passport Office in Bhopal

For residents of Bhopal and nearby districts, the passport office in Bhopal is more than a mere government facility. It serves as a gateway to realise dreams of global travel, obtain higher education, and explore international opportunities.

Established on 17th October 1978, during the tenure of Hon. Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee as External Affairs Minister, the Passport Seva Kendra, Bhopal (or PSK Bhopal) has become a cornerstone for passport services in Madhya Pradesh.

Thousands of people rely on the efficient operations of this office to transform their dreams into reality. This article will explore everything you need to know before your passport office Bhopal appointment for a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Types of Passport Office in Bhopal

Primarily, there are two kinds of passport facilities in Bhopal: the Regional Passport Office Bhopal (or RPO Bhopal) and the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

• RPO Bhopal: Established in 1978, RPO Bhopal is responsible for the issuance of passports and other associated operations.
• PSK Bhopal: Complementing these services, the PSK serves as the key centre where applicants can submit documents, make applications for fresh passports, renew their old passports nearing expiry, and seek assistance for passport-related queries.

Bhopal Passport Office Contact Number and Address

PSK Bhopal

Public Grievances Cell

Services Offered by Passport Office Bhopal

• Document Verification: The Passport Seva Kendra in Bhopal ensures that all the documents submitted by individuals are accurate and follow the compliance guidelines.
• Tatkal Passport Service: This is a fast-track service for individuals seeking urgent issuance of passports.
• Passport Renewal Process: Undertakes the renewal of the passport for continued use.
• Issuance of a Fresh Passport: Assists first-time applicants with the issuance of fresh passports.
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Undertakes the issuance of PCC that is often required to secure a job abroad and for other purposes.
• Personal Detail Updates: Handles revisions in the name, address, or marital status of the passport holder.
• Reissue of Passports: In the event that the passport holder loses, damages, or misplaces their passport, or when its pages are exhausted, the Bhopal Passport Seva will help with the reissuance of a new passport.
• Online Services: Passport office Bhopal online services are designed to streamline passport-related services. They help with booking regional passport office Bhopal appointments, form submission, tracking application status, and more.
• Printing and Delivery: PSK Bhopal is also responsible for finalising and dispatching the printed passports for the applicants.

Documents Necessary to Obtain/Renew an Indian Passport

• Proof of Age: Birth certificate issued by a municipal authority, school leaving certificate, certificate of birth date issued by a gazetted officer or declaration by the orphanage head/childcare home
• Proof of Identification: Aadhar card, PAN card, voter ID or driving licence
• Proof of Address: Utility bills in the name of the applicant, bank statement or Aadhar card
• Proof of Citizenship: PAN card, Birth certificate, Aadhar card
• Photographs: 2-3 recent passport-size photographs. Size: 2 inches x 2 inches and a white background.
• Old Passports: Any old, expired, or damaged passport
• Additional Documents: Marriage certificate for additional information needed for amendments, birth certificate for minor to major passport application, etc.

Things to Know Before Applying for a Passport at the Bhopal Passport Seva

• Appointment Booking: Every applicant is expected to book an online appointment. This is mandatory for the submission of applications. So, applicants must ensure they have secured their slot in advance at a PSK Bhopal address.
• Processing Time: The standard time for processing applications is between 15 to 30 days, whereas for Tatkal applications, this time is between 1 to 3 days.
• Document Verification: To prevent any delays or rejection, applications must cross-check all documents and ensure accurate information in the forms.
• Passport Validity: The validity of passports for adults is 10 years, while minor passports are valid for 5 years. Renew well before expiry.
• Fee Payment: For a hassle-free experience at RPO Bhopal, ensure you pay the application fee online before booking your slot.
• Police Verification and Biometrics: Make note that both these processes are mandatory when applying for a passport.

How to Apply for a Passport at the Regional Passport Office, Bhopal?

Passport Office Bhopal Online Process for Application

• Step 1: Head to the official Passport Seva website of the Government of India.
• Step 2: On the home page, navigate to the button for 'new user registration' and click on the 'register' button to proceed.
• Step 3: In the stipulated section, input your email ID or mobile number and click on the link shared for account verification.
• Step 4: Once you register, go to your account and click on "Apply for New Passport/ Re-Issue of Passport."
• Step 5: Duly fill out the application form. Double-check the information for errors. Submit the form with all the relevant documents.
• Step 6: In this step, you will need to pay the application fee. Click on "View Saved or Submitted Applications," followed by selecting "Pay and Schedule Appointment."
• Step 7: Pay the relevant fees, collect the receipt, and book an appointment with the passport office in Bhopal according to your availability.
• Step 8: Visit the PSK Bhopal on the scheduled date with your documents, complete the police verification process, and submit biometric information. Once all the information is verified and approved, your passport is sent to your home address.

Passport Office Bhopal Alternate Process for Application

• Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva website and from the home page navigate the "Before You Apply" section and click on the "Forms and Affidavits," section followed by "Print Application Form."
• Step 2: Carefully fill out the form with details such as the applicant's name, city, etc., in block letters.
• Step 3: Return to the Passport Seva website, upload the form under "Upload E Form" and submit all the relevant documents.
• Step 4: Pay the fees online and schedule your appointment by clicking on "Pay and Schedule Appointment" under the "View Saved or Submitted Applications" tab.
• Step 5: Visit the Bhopal Passport Seva on the stipulated date, submit your documents and biometric information, and wait for approval.

Tips for a Successful Passport Application at PSK Bhopal

• Check the regional passport office Bhopal address and arrive at the appointed time to avoid missing out on your appointment slot.
• Ensure you are appropriately dressed for your passport photo to meet official requirements.
• Carry a printed copy of your appointment confirmation and fee receipt for verification.
• Ensure that your contact information (phone number and email ID) is updated, as you will receive updates on these.
• Acquaint yourself with the latest guidelines on the necessary documents for your specific application type.

How to Track a Passport Application at Passport Seva Bhopal?

• Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva portal. On the home page, click on the "Track Application Status" button.
• Step 2: Choose your application type and input your application reference number and birth date.
• Step 3: ​Click on "Track Status" to view the status of your application at PSK Bhopal.

How to Register Grievances for Passport Office Bhopal?

1. Visit the Passport Seva website and under "Before You Apply", you will find a tab for "Feedback and Grievance."
2. To register a grievance click on "Grievance/Feedback" followed by the "Click Here" button.
3. Provide the necessary details, describe your issue in the Description Box and click on "Submit."

Conclusion

When you are well prepared and have the right information, the passport application process at Passport Seva Bhopal becomes streamlined. However, when you plan your travel, it is equally important to secure your trip with comprehensive travelling insurance for a stress-free journey.

Reliable insurers such as Reliance General Insurance ensure travellers are covered against a host of unpleasant scenarios right from medical emergencies to trip curtailment and more.

So, whether you are travelling for leisure or work, combining your passport with our travel insurance can make your international experiences truly enjoyable and worry-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it possible to reschedule your regional passport office Bhopal appointment?

   Yes, appointments can be rescheduled up to two times through the Passport Seva website.

2. Can I switch from a standard application to a Tatkal application?

   No, for a different application process, you will need to submit a new Tatkal application separately.

3. What should I carry for my passport appointment at PSK Bhopal?

   Carry the following documents:

   • Original documents and photocopies (e.g., ID proof, address proof, birth certificate).
   • Appointment confirmation receipt.
   • Fee payment receipt.
   • Any additional forms or affidavits based on your application specification.