Frequently Asked Questions

Ans. On receiving the new passport one should check if all the information provided i.e.name, address, date of birth, gender, place of birth, place of issue, parents / spouse name, signature is accurate, correct and legible. Check if the photograph is proper and clear. Check for stamps and signature of the Passport issuing authority. Check if the lamination is proper. Any discrepancy notices should be reported immediately before using this passport for travel.

Q2. I am presently residing in UAE. I got my passport when I was on my Delhi address. Now I have shifted to Bangalore. Should I change my address in the passport? …. If change is required, what are the documents required and how much time will it take?

Ans. It is recommended to have the correct and present address on your passport. In this case the Indian Mission issues a new passport. You will need to fill online passport application form and submit all valid proof of your new Residential address to incorporate the new address onto your passport. You could check specific details in the Change of Address Checklist, Consulate General of India, Dubai and Change of Address Checklist, Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi available on our website.

Q3. I don't have ECNR stamp in my Passport. Can I get it on the basis of my provisional matriculation or above certificate issued by the University/Board concerned?

Ans. The Indian Mission is no longer affixing ECNR stamp in passports. In fact it is not even printed in most of the new passport booklets unless otherwise on special cases which is on the discretion of the mission. Currently, only ECR stamp is being put in passports if applicant is not eligible for ECNR. However, if you wish to change to an ECNR status - you should possess qualification of Matriculation or above from a recognized University / Education Board of India. You can also get ECNR status on the basis of provisional matriculation certificate if the mark sheets of all semesters of your course are available with you. Applicants who do not have educational certificates should have stayed abroad for more than 3 years excluding the period(s) of visit to India or should be a dependent who is below 18 years and whose parents have ECNR status in their passports or should be a person (he/she) whose spouse has ECNR status in his or her passport or should be above 50 years of age You can visit the checklist available for Cancellation of ECR Status

Q4. I got my passport 2 years ago, but was married recently. Should I include my spouse's name in my passport? If so, what is the procedure?

Ans. It is recommended to include your spouse's name in your passport. For this, one has to fill an online passport application form along with original marriage certificate duly attested from concerned state home department where the marriage is registered, photocopy of spouse's passport (if he / she has one). You can visit our website for the checklist available for Adding Spouse name in your passport