File Number in Passport: What It Means and Where to Find It?

Are you wondering what a file number in a passport is? If so, a file number in a passport application is a 12- to 15-digit alphanumeric number printed in the top-right section of your Passport Seva Kendra acknowledgment letter. Individuals can obtain this after submitting their application at the Passport Seva Portal. It is used to track passport status and identify the application you submitted.

Read the blog below to learn more about the file number in a passport application and how it helps to avoid errors when checking an application, submitting a passport-related request, or communicating with Passport Seva Kendra.

What Is the File Number in an Indian Passport?

A file number is a 15-digit alphanumeric reference code. It is printed in the top-right corner of the acknowledgment letter issued by the Passport Seva Kendra.

• It is usually related to your passport application or application record.
• Used by the Passport Seva Kendra to identify and retrieve necessary applications when using certain passport services.
• A file number is different from a passport number.
• For instance, when applying for a passport and you need to check the application status, Passport Seva's tracking service asks for your file number.

File Number and Passport Number: Key Differences

The table below outlines the main differences between a file number and a passport number.

Passport Seva automatically differentiates between these identifiers. Their grievance and service request systems provide separate fields for Application Reference Number, File Number, and Passport Number.

Note: For more information on the application process, refer to the Indian passport application process guide.

Where is the File Number in a Passport?

A file number can be found in the following places.

1. Application Receipt

• You can find the file number in the passport application printed on the acknowledgment or receipt you get.

2. Confirmation Email or SMS

• You can find the file number mentioned in confirmation messages sent by the relevant passport authorities.

3. Passport Seva Kendra Website

• When you apply online, you can log in to your account and check the file number under your submitted applications.

4. Passport Booklet

• After your passport is issued, check your file number on the last page of your booklet. It will be labeled as "File No".

What Is The Purpose of a File Number in a Passport?

Here is how a file number helps with several passport-related activities.

• You can use a file number to check your passport application status, police verification status, and passport status.
• Passport authorities might use your file number to locate and verify your application.
• The file number can be used to contact the Passport Seva Portal to ask about your application.
• Authorities can use a file number in the passport to manage and track appointments.
• It is used in document verification and application processing throughout the application journey.
• It also functions as a unique reference number for your application until the passport is issued.

When is a File Number Needed?

A file number is required in the following situations.

• For checking application status online
• For tracking police verification progress
• For checking passport dispatch and delivery updates
• For contacting the passport office for your application
• For checking your application details on the Passport Seva portal
• For resolving application-related issues

What If You Cannot Find Your Passport File Number?

Follow the steps below if you are unable to find your file number in your passport.

• The file number is usually printed on your application receipt. Check it.
• Check the acknowledgment letter received after submission.
• Check your email and SMS for application-related information.
• Check your submitted applications in the Passport Seva portal.
• You can also contact the Passport Seva call center for assistance.

What are the Common Mistakes When Entering a Passport File Number?

Here is a list of mistakes you must avoid when entering a file number in a passport application.

• Do not confuse the file number with the passport number. Both are different.
• Do not enter the wrong file number while checking your application status.
• Do not provide an incorrect DOB on the tracking portal.
• Do not misplace the application receipt or acknowledgment receipt.
• Do not share your file number with untrusted sources.
• Never ignore status updates after passport police verification or document requests.

Do OCI or Other Indian Consular Applications Ask for a File Number?

No, they do not. Both OCI and other Indian consular applications request different passport or application identifiers.

For instance, an OCI-related form will request only passport details, whereas the passport application status service specifically asks for a file number.

Conclusion

A file number functions as a 15-digit alphanumeric identifier in an Indian passport application. The Passport Seva portal uses a file number to track application status, and it is printed in the top-right corner of the acknowledgment letter. If you are unable to find your file number, inform Passport Seva or the relevant Indian Mission/Post instead of replacing it with your passport number.