The journey of obtaining a passport is often a mix of excitement and anticipation. You’ve completed the application, successfully navigated the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) visit, and received a “Police Verification Report Received” status. The final step—the printing and dispatch of your new passport—seems within reach. However, for many, this is where a frustrating delay can occur. You keep checking the status, but it remains “Police Verification Report Received” or similar, with the dreaded “File is under review” or “File has been sent for printing,” but the status of passport not printed and dispatched persists. This article will serve as your definitive guide to understanding why these delays happen, what your next steps should be, and how you can take proactive measures to finally receive your travel document.
Understanding the Final Stages of Passport Issuance
Once your application is successfully processed at the PSK and the police verification is complete and “Clear,” the file moves to the Regional Passport Office (RPO). Here, a final quality check is performed. Only after this conclusive review is the passport file approved for printing.
- The Stages: The typical flow after police verification is:
- Police Verification Report Received: This confirms the RPO has the police report.
- File has been sent for Printing: The file is electronically sent to the centralized printing facility.
- Passport has been Printed: The physical passport booklet has been created.
- Passport has been Dispatched: The passport is handed over to India Post for delivery.
- Why the Final Delay? The final delay, where the passport not printed and dispatched status seems stuck, can be attributed to several factors. It’s a bottleneck where the sheer volume of applications can cause a backlog, or a final, unforeseen check is required.
Common Reasons for ‘Passport Not Printed and Dispatched’ Delay
If your passport dispatch status pending for an extended period, it’s essential to understand the potential reasons behind it. pinpointing the cause is the first step toward finding a solution.
- 1. Quality Check Discrepancies:
- Data Mismatch: Despite the initial checks at the PSK, the final quality check at the RPO might flag a subtle discrepancy. This could be anything from a minor spelling error to an inconsistency in the details provided in different sections of your application.
- Clarity of Documents: If the scanned copies of your documents were not clear, the RPO might put the file on hold for manual verification, which can cause significant delays.
- 2. RPO-Level Backlogs:
- High Application Volume: During peak travel seasons, festivals, or after a new scheme is announced, RPOs and the central printing units can experience a massive surge in applications. This backlog can slow down the printing and dispatch process for everyone.
- Technical Issues: Occasional technical glitches in the centralized printing system can also temporarily halt operations, leading to delays.
- 3. Delayed or Inconclusive Police Verification:
- “Adverse” Report: While your online status may say “Police Verification Report Received,” the report might be “Adverse.” An adverse report, often due to an unverified address or a minor criminal record, will put the application on hold indefinitely until the issue is resolved. This is a primary reason for a stalled passport application status stuck.
- “Pending” Status: In some cases, the report may still be “Pending” even if the system shows it as received. The RPO may need clarification, or the report itself may be sitting in an internal queue.
- 4. Address and Pincode Errors:
- Incorrect Pincode: A wrong or non-existent Pincode in your address details can cause the passport to get stuck in the dispatch process, as the system cannot route it correctly.
- Dispatch Location: The passport is dispatched to the address provided in your application.1 If this address is unclear or incomplete, India Post may be unable to deliver it, and it will be returned to the RPO.
- 5. Application Type and Complexity:
- Tatkal Applications: While meant to be fast, a tatkal passport dispatch delay can occur if the RPO finds any reason for a pre-issuance verification.
- Complex Cases: Applications involving a major name change, a single parent, or a lost/damaged passport often require more thorough scrutiny, which can delay the final printing and dispatch.
Proactive Measures to Resolve Your ‘Passport Not Printed and Dispatched’ Status
If you’ve waited beyond the usual processing time (typically 7-10 working days after “Police Verification Report Received”), it’s time to take action.
1. Track Your Application and Police Verification Status
- The Official Website: Continue to check your passport application status on the Passport Seva portal (https://passportindia.gov.in/). If the status is still “Police Verification Report Received” for an unreasonable time, it indicates an issue at the RPO level.
- Check the Police Report Status: For a pending police verification, you may need to follow up with your local police station to ensure they have sent the report. If they have, you can request the tracking number or date of submission.
2. Contact the Regional Passport Office (RPO)
- The Grievance System: The Passport Seva portal has a dedicated Passport Seva grievance system. This is often the most effective official method. Log in to your account and raise a grievance explaining your situation, including your file number and the details of your application. This action escalates your query to the appropriate RPO official.
- National Call Centre: You can call the toll-free Passport query number at 1800-258-1800.2 While this is for general inquiries, a representative might be able to provide some information on your file status.
- In-Person Visit: If you have an urgent travel need or have been waiting for an extended period, an in-person visit to your RPO can be effective. Be sure to carry all your original documents, the application receipt, and any other relevant proof. This direct approach can help a passport officer resolve a pending query on the spot.
3. Using India Post Tracking
- Once Dispatched: If your status changes to “Passport has been Dispatched,” you will receive an SMS with a Speed Post tracking number. Use this number on the India Post website (https://www.indiapost.gov.in/) to track the delivery of your passport.
- In Case of Non-Delivery: If the status shows “Delivered” but you haven’t received it, immediately contact your local post office. If the passport has been returned to the RPO due to non-delivery, you will need to apply to the RPO for re-dispatch.3
Getting Expert Assistance from AM Global
When you’re faced with a seemingly unmoving status of passport not printed and dispatched, the stress can be overwhelming, especially if you have imminent travel plans. This is where professional document service providers can be a significant help.
AM Global: Your Reliable Partner for Passport Services
For personalized and efficient resolution of your passport-related issues, turn to AM Global. As a trusted document services & travel portal based in Delhi, India, AM Global (https://amglobal.org) provides expert support across the country and overseas.
- Expert Diagnosis: The team at AM Global can help you pinpoint the exact reason for the delay, whether it’s a documentation issue, a pending police report, or an RPO-level backlog.
- Effective Follow-up: With their in-depth knowledge of the system, their passport agents Delhi and passport agents Gurgaon can assist you in filing grievances, drafting a formal letter to the RPO, and following up with the relevant authorities to expedite the process.
- Comprehensive Services: Beyond resolving dispatch delays, AM Global is a one-stop solution for a wide range of services, including:
- Passport Services India: Applications for new passports, renewals, tatkal passport, lost and damage passport, and child passport.
- Visa applications (e.g., USA visa, UK visa, Schengen visa, Dubai visa).
- PAN Card and Aadhar Card services.
- Facilitating cheap flight tickets and affordable flight tickets.
- Direct Contact: To get in touch with AM Global for a personalized consultation, you can call them directly at +91-9999-422-422 or send an email to amglobal.org@gmail.com. Their commitment is to provide transparent and timely support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why is my passport status “Police Verification Report Received” but not yet printed?
A1: This status indicates that the RPO has received the police report, but your file is still undergoing a final review at the RPO. This final check is crucial to ensure there are no discrepancies or issues before the passport is approved for printing. This is a common stage where a passport application status stuck can occur due to backlogs or minor verification issues.
Q2: What should I do if my passport is “dispatched” but I have not received it?
A2: If your passport status shows “Dispatched,” you should have a Speed Post tracking number. Use this number on the India Post website (https://www.indiapost.gov.in/) to track the consignment. If the status is “Delivered” but you don’t have it, immediately contact your local post office. If it has been returned to the RPO, you will need to apply to the RPO for a re-dispatch.4
Q3: Can I personally collect my passport from the RPO?
A3: No, in most cases, personal collection of passports from the RPO is not permitted. The passport is exclusively dispatched via Speed Post to the address mentioned in the application.
Q4: How long does it take for a passport to be dispatched after printing?
A4: Once the passport is printed, it is usually dispatched within 1-2 working days. The time it takes to reach you depends on the distance and the postal service, but it typically takes 3-5 working days via Speed Post within India.
Q5: Is there a way to get a faster dispatch for my passport?
A5: There is no official way to expedite the dispatch once the passport is printed. However, if you have an urgent travel need and are facing a significant delay before printing, you can file a grievance or contact the RPO for assistance. Professional services like AM Global can also assist with the follow-up process.
Conclusion
A stalled passport application at the final stage of printing and dispatch can be a source of immense stress, especially with looming travel plans. By understanding the reasons for the delay and taking proactive, informed steps, you can effectively move your application forward. Whether it’s by leveraging the official grievance system, following up with the RPO, or seeking expert assistance from trusted document service providers like AM Global, you have a range of options to ensure your passport is on its way. Don’t let a pending status hold you back—take control and get ready to travel.
Disclaimer
This article provides general guidance on the passport application process. The information is subject to change based on the policies of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult the official Passport Seva website (https://passportindia.gov.in/) or contact a trusted document service provider like AM Global. The author and publisher are not liable for any inaccuracies or actions taken based on the content of this article.
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Related Topics for Future Reading
- Passport Renewal India: A guide to renewing your existing Indian passport.
- Lost and Damage Passport Replacement: Steps to take if your passport is lost or damaged.
- Passport Under Review: Understanding what to do when your application is under review.
- Tatkal Passport Application Process: All you need to know about expedited passport services.
- How to Check Passport Status: Different methods to track your application.
