Regional Passport Office(RPO) Complete List, How to Apply and Documents Required

A regional passport office is the government centre responsible for supervising passport services and policy implementation across a defined geographic area in India. Commonly abbreviated as RPO, these offices oversee Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), manage escalations, and authorise final passport printing and dispatch.

Key Highlights

• Where to apply: Use the official Passport Seva portal or attend your nearest PSK/POPSK.
• Process: Complete the online form, pay fees, book an appointment, and attend biometric verification.
• Steps to fill: Register, upload documents, generate ARN, and track status.
• Contacts and support: National helpline, RPO contact numbers, and official e-mail channels.

What is Meant by Regional Passport Office?

A Regional Passport Office (RPO) is a government administrative centre under the Ministry of External Affairs that oversees passport operations within a geographic jurisdiction. 

It supervises Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). An RPO does not usually handle routine front-end appointments itself; instead, it provides oversight and final approval for passports issued in its jurisdiction.

The RPO ensures policy compliance, resolves escalated cases (e.g. corrections, objections), and handles grievance redressals at a regional level. 

Role of RPOs in Passport Issuance in India

They perform the managerial and decision-making tasks that ensure the passport service runs reliably. Their role includes:

• Approving and authorising the printing and dispatch of passports.
• Supervising Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) to ensure procedures are followed correctly.
• Coordinating with state police for timely and accurate verification.
• Addressing grievances, reviewing appeals, and managing special cases such as Tatkaal applications or passport adalats.

Functions of Regional Passport Offices

Key functions are practical and administrative:

• Administration and supervision: Allocate appointments, control PSK performance, and check compliance.
• Document verification: Check supporting documentation and clarify inconsistencies.
• Escalation handling: Manage corrections, objections, and complex cases.
• Public outreach: Run awareness drives, mobile camps, and special sessions when required.

List of Regional Passport Offices in India

Below is a regional passport office​ list by city and state. 

How to Apply at a Regional Passport Office?

Application is largely digital. Follow these steps to apply:

Step 1: Create an account on the Passport Seva portal and sign in.

Step 2: Complete the application for fresh issue, re-issue, or Tatkaal; save the ARN.

Step 3: Pay fees online to activate the booking option.

Step 4: Book an appointment at a PSK or POPSK in your respective jurisdiction.

Step 5: Attend your appointment with originals and photocopies for verification, biometrics, and a photograph.

Step 6: Track status online until dispatch. RPOs manage the final approval stage.

Documents Required at RPO

The most commonly required documents are:

• Proof of identity: Aadhaar, PAN card, voter ID, or driving licence. (Use UIDAI DigiLocker where possible.)
• Proof of address: Aadhaar, recent utility bill, bank statement, rent agreement, or spouse’s passport.
• Proof of date of birth: Use a Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or Class X certificate.
• Existing passport: If renewing or re-issuing.
• Supporting annexures: Marriage certificate, name-change affidavit, or other annexures as applicable.

Always confirm acceptable documents for your application type on the Passport Seva portal before booking.

Appointment and Visit: What to Expect

Appointments are structured to reduce waiting times and ensure checks are complete:

• Check-in: Carry appointment confirmation and the ARN printout or QR code.
• PSK counters: Document verification, photograph, and fingerprint capture.
• Verification: Checking of originals and copies is done by the officials; any discrepancy will be indicated.
• Police verification: RPO initiates local police checks; clearance is required for final issue.
• Dispatch: Once approved, the passport is printed and dispatched; track delivery online.

Tips for a Smooth RPO Visit

Make the process efficient by following these practical tips:

• Prepare documents in advance and keep originals readily available.
• Use DigiLocker/e-Aadhaar to speed verification where permitted.
• Confirm jurisdiction on the portal to avoid rejections for applying at the wrong office.
• Reschedule sparingly as the portal allows limited rescheduling for the same ARN.

RPO vs Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

If problems arise, these steps usually resolve them:

• If your application is still under review, it usually means police verification is pending. You can follow up with the local police or check at the enquiry counters.
• In case of a document mismatch, you’ll need to submit additional supporting papers at the PSK or RPO.
• If you face payment or appointment errors, check the status online and rebook if necessary.
• For delays in dispatch, raise a grievance through the Passport Seva portal or call the helpline.

Customer Care E-Mail/Helpline

Official support channels are:

• National Call Centre (toll-free): 1800-258-1800.
• Passport Seva portal: https://www.passportindia.gov.in/  for tracking, grievances, and office contacts.
• E-mail: passport.pg@mea.gov.in / passport.grievances@mea.gov.in. For a specific regional passport office contact number or address, use the Passport Seva ‘Passport Offices’ directory on the portal.

Regional Passport Offices supervise PSKs, ensure verification integrity, and issue the final passport. Use the official Passport Seva portal for applications, check jurisdiction, and keep documents ready to ensure a smooth, timely process. For contact details, grievances, and real-time tracking, rely on the portal and the national helpline listed above.

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