Passport Update: The central government has started the facility of getting a passport near your home, read the full information
There is good news for those planning to get a passport. The facility of getting a passport will now be available near home. To simplify this process, the government aims to increase the number of passport service centers operated through post offices from 442 to 600 in the next five years. This initiative will relieve many people from the hassle of traveling long distances so that they can easily apply for a passport at their nearest post office.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Department of Posts have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for five years to ensure seamless availability of passport services through Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK).
More convenience for citizens
The MoU was signed by Manisha Bansal Badal, General Manager, Directorate of Business Development, Department of Posts, and KJ Srinivas, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs. Under this scheme, the number of passport service centers across the country will increase to 600 by 2028-29. This will make it easier for citizens to access passport services. The number of users is expected to grow from 35 lakh to one crore in the next five years (passport update).
How to apply for passport at post office
Earlier people had to visit the passport seva kendra to apply for a passport. Now these services are available at Common Service Centres (CSC) in post offices. To apply, you can visit the CSC counter of your nearest post office and register and submit your application. You have to register online on the official post office website, pay the fee and submit the form. After completing the process you will get a date for document verification. On the given date, visit the post office with the required documents.
Documents required for passport application
To apply for a passport you will need the following:
Birth certificate
High school mark sheet
Voter ID
PAN card
Aadhaar card
Driving license
Ration card
Notarized affidavit
The documents will be verified at the post office. If they are correct, the process will continue. During verification, your fingerprint and retina will be scanned. After the process is completed, you will get your passport.