One of the most common questions passport applicants ask is: “How long does it take to get the passport after the appointment?” The answer depends on multiple factors, including the type of application (normal or Tatkal), your location, and the speed of police verification.
In this detailed guide, we break down the expected timeline after your passport appointment and provide useful tips to ensure faster delivery.
What Happens After Passport Appointment?
Once your appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) is complete, the following steps take place:
- Application is sent for processing
- Police verification (if required) is initiated
- Verification report is sent to the Regional Passport Office
- Passport is printed and dispatched
- You receive SMS/email updates and a tracking number
- Passport is delivered via India Post – Speed Post
Each stage plays a role in the overall time it takes for the passport to reach you.
Normal Passport Processing Time After Appointment
For applications under the Normal Scheme, here’s what you can expect:
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Post-appointment verification | 1–2 days |
| Police verification completion | 7–10 days |
| Passport printing and dispatch | 2–4 days |
| Delivery by Speed Post | 2–3 days |
| Total time | 12–17 working days |
This timeline can extend if there are issues in your documents, police verification, or during peak travel seasons.
Tatkal Passport Processing Time After Appointment
If you apply under the Tatkal Scheme, the process is significantly faster, as it skips or expedites police verification:
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Application processing | Same day or next day |
| Passport printing and dispatch | 1–2 working days |
| Delivery by Speed Post | 1–2 working days |
| Total time | 2–4 working days |
Tatkal is ideal for emergency travel needs, but make sure to meet the documentation and eligibility criteria.
Factors That Can Delay Passport Delivery
Several elements may impact the expected timeline:
- Incomplete police verification
- Address mismatch in documents
- Unavailability at home during police visit
- Public holidays or local lockdowns
- Errors in application
Keeping your documentation accurate and being available for verification ensures faster delivery.
How to Track Your Passport Status
After your appointment, you can track your passport using any of these methods:
- Visit passportindia.gov.in → Track Application Status
- Enter your File Number and Date of Birth
- You’ll get updates like: “Application under review,” “Police verification initiated,” “Passport sent for printing,” etc.
Once dispatched, you’ll receive a Speed Post tracking number to track the delivery live on the India Post website.
Police Verification: Pre or Post?
Your application may go through:
- Pre-police verification (before passport printing) – Standard in most normal applications
- Post-police verification (after dispatch) – Applicable in some Tatkal or special senior cases
Your processing time depends greatly on how fast the local police process your verification.
What If There’s a Delay in Passport Arrival?
If your passport doesn’t arrive within the estimated timeframe:
- Check status online at Passport Seva or India Post
- Call the Passport Seva helpline: 1800-258-1800
- Visit the PSK or RPO with your file number
- Raise a grievance via the CPGRAMS portal if necessary
Online Passport Agents Helps You Get Your Passport Faster
At Online Passsport Agents, we understand how valuable your time is. That’s why we offer end-to-end passport and visa assistance, ensuring you:
- Submit your application accurately
- Book the earliest appointment slots
- Get real-time updates on your status
- Are prepared for a successful police verification
- Receive your passport without unnecessary delay
With offices in Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, and Vizag, our experienced professionals offer fast, personalized, and reliable service that simplifies the process for you.
Whether it’s a normal passport or Tatkal, we help ensure your passport reaches you on time, every time.