If your Passport application is stuck on “On Hold”, “Under Review”, or “Pending for Verification”, you’re not alone. A large number of Passport applications get delayed due to document mismatches, police verification issues, incomplete details, or system flags that require manual checks.

This guide gives you every probable reason, step-by-step fixes, escalation methods, and offline alternatives. Follow this carefully and you can usually resolve the delay faster without repeated visits to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Passport Seva Status Tracker.
   Log in to your Passport Seva account and use your File Number + DOB to fetch status.
2. Read the exact status wording carefully.
   Phrases like “Pending for police verification”, “On Hold”, or “Application under review” indicate very different problems.
3. Check your email/SMS alerts.
   PSK sends details if documents need correction or if you must re-upload something.
4. Compare your documents with the application data.
   Name, date of birth, address, and identity proof must perfectly match.
5. Check the police verification stage.
   Most delays happen at the police station level — follow the specific steps given below.

Required Documents

• Application Reference Number (ARN) or File Number
• Aadhaar card (address + identity)
• Birth certificate / School certificate (for DOB)
• Address proof (EB bill, rental agreement, passport of spouse, etc.)
• Annexures (if required) — A, B, E (depending on your case)
• Police verification receipt (if already done)

Fees (If Applicable)

No fee is required to check status. Passport application/resubmission fees apply only when re-scheduling appointments or updating incorrect data. Typical charges range between ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 depending on Normal/Tatkaal and booklet type.

Status Meaning Explained

• Under Review: Passport office is checking documents and verifying personal details.
• On Hold: The office found mismatches or missing documents — action required by you.
• Pending for Police Verification: File is sent to local police station for background check.
• Pending for Physical Document Verification: You may need to visit PSK again with originals.
• Clear for Printing: All checks are done; passport will be printed soon.
• Dispatched: Passport printed and handed to the courier (Speed Post).

Common Reasons for Delays

• Address mismatch across documents
• Incorrect or incomplete DOB proof
• Police unable to verify address (locked house, tenant not available, no neighbors confirming)
• Missing Annexures required for your category (e.g., divorced, single parent, minor passport)
• Frequent change of address in recent years
• Criminal record check still in progress
• Technical backlog at PSK during peak seasons

Solutions for Each Problem

• Fix address mismatches immediately.
  Ensure Aadhaar, rental agreement, electricity bill, and application address match exactly.
• Provide a strong DOB document.
  If birth certificate is unavailable, use school leaving certificate or matric certificate.
• Follow up with the local police station.
  Most “Under Review” cases are pending at the police end; visit the station with original documents.
• Re-upload missing documents if requested.
  Check Passport Seva email/SMS for re-submission links.
• Annexures submission.
  Download the required Annexure (A/B/E) and sign it before a notary/executive magistrate.
• Correct errors at PSK.
  You may book a “re-issue appointment” to fix data entry mistakes.

Offline Alternatives

If the online review doesn’t progress, visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK). Carry:

• Original documents (Aadhaar, address proof, DOB proof)
• Annexures (if applicable)
• Application printout

Ask the verification officer to view the backend notes — they can see the exact error and tell you what needs to be fixed.

How to Escalate Complaints

• Passport Seva Helpline: 1800-258-1800
• Email: grievance.psp@mea.gov.in
• Contact Regional Passport Office (RPO). Use the RPO locator on Passport Seva website.
• Police Station Follow-up: Meet the verification officer with documents.
• CPGRAMS grievance: For cases stuck 30+ days even after completing all formalities.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does passport processing take?
   Normally 7–21 days for Normal; 1–3 days for Tatkaal after police clearance.
2. What does ‘Under Review’ mean?
   Your documents are being checked manually at the passport office.
3. Why is my file on hold?
   Mismatched documents, missing proof, or incorrect address details.
4. How to speed up police verification?
   Visit the local police station with originals — most cases get cleared same day.
5. Can the passport be issued before police verification?
   No, except Tatkaal cases with Annexure F.
6. What if police marked my report as ‘Adverse’?
   Provide correct documents at PSK and request a re-verification.
7. Can I change address after applying?
   You must re-schedule and update during a PSK visit.
8. Why is my passport printing taking so long?
   Printing queues or pending RPO approval.
9. Does minor passport require full police verification?
   Depends on parents’ passport validity and address proof.
10. My passport shows dispatched but not delivered.
    Track Speed Post; if returned to RPO, request re-dispatch.