10 reasons for passport rejection in India

Getting your passport is an important first step to moving out of the country. The process of applying for a passport has become a lot easier today. But it’s still important that you do your homework well before applying for a passport. In some instances, an applicant is denied a passport. It can be quite annoying to discover that the trouble you had taken to apply only resulted in a negative response. But knowing beforehand the common reasons why passports are denied can help you avoid making mistakes during the application process.  

10 reasons why your passport application may be rejected

Your passport application can be rejected due to the following reasons:

1. Incomplete documents
2. Inconsistent information
3. False information
4. Unclean copies
5. Signature issues
6. Unpaid Application fees
7. Perceived security concerns
8. Criminal history
9. Overdue payments
10. Address verification issues

1. Incomplete documents

If you fail to submit all the required documents, or if the submitted documents are incomplete in any way, your passport application may get rejected. Make a checklist of the documents required for submission along with your passport application. Run through the checklist and ensure that you have all the documents in order, before submitting them.

An Indian passport is denied when the applicant is unable to prove his/her citizenship. So, the most important documents you need to submit are the ones that prove your national identity. All documents like your driver’s license, birth certificate, voter’s ID card, PAN card and other similar documents should be submitted along with the appropriate fees; otherwise, your passport application will be rejected.

2. Inconsistent information

If the information provided in your documents is not consistent throughout, your passport application has a high chance of being rejected. All details such as your name, initials, date of birth and address information should be consistent across all documents that you submit and the form that you fill out.

3. False information

Providing false information, such as details about your permanent address can result in your passport being rejected or denied. Remember that your name, address, place of birth etc. are documented and providing the wrong information can have legal consequences, which include imprisonment for a term of up to two years or a fine up to Rs. 5000/- or both.

4. Unclean copies

You must submit photocopies of some of your documents as part of the passport application process. Make sure they are legible, and clear and look as close to the original as possible. You don’t want the documents looking too dark, smudged in ink, contorted, or distorted. The popular adage, ‘the devil is in the details’ is very applicable here. Don’t be lazy and overlook these minor details. Present your documents well, and you should have no problems getting a passport.

5. Signature issues

When applying for a passport, ensure your signatures match those on all the documents and forms you are required to submit. If your signature is not consistent across the various forms and documents, your application could be rejected.

6. Unpaid application fees

This may sound like an obvious reason not worth mentioning, but it’s often the obvious one that we overlook when you are in a hurry to put together your application form. So, make sure you pay the stipulated application fee when applying for a passport. Failure to do so will result in the rejection of the application.

7. Perceived security concerns

The state can refuse to issue a passport if for any reason it suspects you may engage in behaviour that is detrimental to the country. Though it is highly unlikely, it is also possible that a misunderstanding or misprint of your name could very easily result in you being mistaken for somebody else. There have been instances in other countries where individuals have been mistakenly identified as most-wanted criminals due to errors in the documents submitted. So be clear with your documents to avoid any confusion.

8. Criminal history

In the rare event that your name is under investigation, your passport is likely to be denied. The state could also deny you a passport if it treats you as a controversial figure. If for any reason the state believes that you have the power to tarnish or diminish the image of the Indian government abroad, you can be denied a passport.

Also, if you have in the past served time in prison for any crime, the state has the right to review your application closely and deny it on the grounds of threat.  

9. Overdue payments

If you have any outstanding loans, debts or tax payments that are due by a certain date, then your passport application could be rejected. To avoid any such issues, make sure that all your tax filings (if applicable) are correct and current before applying. Similarly, check with your bank on your loans or debts (if applicable) and repay any outstanding amounts. Being debt-free would ensure you don’t face any issues during your passport application process.

10. Address verification issues

Among the many complications that could occur, your current residential address may conflict with the permanent address you listed in your application. This could happen if you have been moving between two different regions during the time of the application. If you live in a different location, such as a distant town but have applied citing a different local address then you may face complications during the police address-verification process. You could be denied a passport on the grounds that your address could not be verified by the police. To avoid this, ensure your current residential address is the same as the one you’ve listed in your passport application, or if that is not possible for some reason, then clarify with the local police to get your residential address cleared. 

Expert View

Shakuntala Rane, a passport officer based in Pune, said in an interview with the Times of India, that one of the common reasons for the delay, and sometimes subsequent refusal in issuing a passport is due to the applicant’s failure to mention his/her temporary address in the application form.

If you reside away from your hometown (or permanent residence) due to any reason and for any period, you should mention the details in your application. A failure to mention the address results in undue delays, complications and sometimes rejection.

FAQs on passport rejection

Can a passport be rejected in India?

Yes, a passport can be denied, or the application rejected on valid grounds. However, the Delhi High Court holds that every citizen has the legal right to hold a passport and it can be denied only in accordance with law. Source: Indianexpress.com

Can I reapply for a passport after rejection?

You can log into the PSP portal and ‘log appeal’ against the decision. If any documents are missing, you have the option to re-upload them. A payment of 25 rupees should be made to file this appeal.

How can I raise grievances about passport applications?

You can register grievances or feedback through the Passport Seva Kendra website.

‘Have you applied for passport, but it was not issued’: what should your response to this question be?

If you have previously applied for a passport and it was rejected and you are now re-applying, you should answer ‘yes’. You should have details about your previous passport application as you may be requested to provide these details.

All the best on your journey to realising your dreams of studying abroad!

Editor's note: This article was originally published in September 2016 by our content writer, Ashwin Sriram. We have since revised it to include up-to-date information and ensure its comprehensiveness.