The government has recently added new features in its official “mPassportSeva” app. The app now allow citizens to apply for fresh passports from the smartphones itself from anywhere in country. The ‘mPassportSeva’ app is available for free download on both Android and iOS. Note that the app is released by ‘Consular, Passport and Visa (CPV) Division’ and not by any other government agency. There are several fake versions of the app on Android, so, be sure to download the right app.
What are the new services?
The updated version of the “mPassportSeva” app now allows users to apply for a fresh passport along with PCC form filing, online payment for the application form, appointment scheduling/rescheduling or cancellation functionality. Additionally, citizens can apply for a re-issue of a new passport in lieu of an existing passport for any of the following reasons: change in existing personal particulars, validity expired within 3 years or due to expire, validity expired more than three years ago, exhaustion of pages, damaged passport and lost passport.
Other services include — issue of Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) along with background verification for Global Entry Program (GEP).
How to use the mPassportSeva app to apply for a passport on your mobile?
Note that there no separate process to apply for a passport via mPassportSeva app exclusively. The process is exactly similar to the existing system that is being followed by ‘Passport Seva’ website. In other words, there is no change in the application, documentation or verification process of getting an Indian passportand it’s just that the mPassportSeva app is a new mode for making the task easier. The mobile app has a new interface and here is how to apply for a fresh passport from the app:
*Tap on New User Registration after opening the app.
* Select the Passport Office from the list as per the city in which you are residing.
* Enter personal details like name, date-of-birth, email id.
* Think about a unique login ID and check for its availability and then add a strong password. (This process is similar to opening an email ID). You can also keep your email ID as a login ID for the app.
*Add a security question and answer. This will come handy when you forget your password.
*After the confirmation , add the text written inside the small image (Captcha code) and hit submit.
You will then have to activate the account by checking for the email sent by the passport office and clicking on the verification link. On clicking the verification link, you will be directed to a webpage and you will be asked to enter your Login ID for confirmation.
Close the app and relaunch it again. The go to “Existing User” and enter your Login ID followed by the password and Captcha code. After that you will be greeted with a screen saying Apply for Fresh Passport along with other option. Click on it and fill the form and follow the steps.
