Jan 08, 2017 05:58 PM
27616 Views
My passport was expiring after 2 months and I decided to renew it online.
I am sharing this review for the folks who are also thinking to renew or apply for fresh passport online.
I first did some research online to get familiar with the process, documents and recent rules / regulations introduced to simplify the process.
Let me put down the steps I followed to get my passport renewed online.
A - Before Visiting PSK:
Step1: I first registered on the passport seva at https://portal1.passportindia.gov.in/
Step2: Checked the documents required - in my case it was address change and inclusion of my spouse name on my passport. I had aadhar card and marriage certificate, in addition to this I got my LPG refill receipts.
Step3: I booked an appointment online and paid fee using my credit card under "Normal Processing"
I chose not to process it under tatkaal scheme, as it required Annexure H, however I would strongly recommend to apply under normal processing if you have Aadhar card with the same address.
Step4: I downloaded the appointment receipt and carried it to PSK along with the supporting documents.
Note: It is required to carry self attested photocopies along with original documents.
B - At PSK
Reaching PSK Ghazibad: I went there by Car, I was lucky to get parking inside the building complex, however if you are coming by metro - Vaishali is nearest metro station.
I booked my appointment for Wed - Dec-28-2016 reporting time: 2:00 PM
Entry:
I was asked for appointment copy at the main gate and then I was allowed inside at 1:45 PM(15 min before) so there is no point reaching early.
Document Verification:
I was first attended by document verification team(Queue wait time~ 15 min) where they gave me a file and asked me to get into another section, soon after I was given a token number.
Basically PSK has three set of counter(A, B and C), everyone has to first go to counter A then B and finally C.
There are LCD screens, Restrooms, Cofee Machine and sitting area to wait for your turn.
Counter A: I got my token number in 15 min, counter A is basically operated by TCS staff and they are fairly good and cooperating.
They took my photo, verified my documents, took my fingerprints and asked me to wait for my turn at counter B.
The process took nearly 10 min.
Counter B: I had to wait for 90 min for my turn at counter B, here they reviewed the documents and placed a cancelled stamp onto my old passport, then I was asked to wait for my turn at Counter C.
Counter C: I had to wait for 25 Min for my turn, here they reviewed all documents and asked me to submit the file at Exit counter and leave.
C: After Visit:
I got the SMS on the same day - You have been granted Post Police Verification, your passport
Next Day(Thursday): I got another SMS: You passport has been sent for Printing
Friday: Your passport has been dispatched
Saturday: I got my Passport!:)
On 8-Jan 2017: I got a call from local police station and he visited my home and references to complete the police verification.
I would say that now the process is smooth, however, they can still improve to reduce the long waiting time by maintaining sync among the three counters.
I would suggest to provide aadhar card as proof of address to get your passport in less than a week time.
