Passport Reference Number: ARN, Meaning & How to Find It

When you apply for a passport, after you enter all the details in the form and submit it, you will receive a passport reference number. The Passport Seva authority issues this number, and it also appears on your application form.

However, many applicants still don't know about the passport reference number or what it's used for. In this blog, we explain what the passport reference number is, how to use it to get real-time application updates, the difference between a passport reference number and a file number, and where to find it.

What is a Passport Reference Number?

The Application Reference Number (ARN) is a unique reference generated after you submit your passport application online through the Passport Seva system. It helps identify your application and is different from your File Number and passport number. You can find this number in your passport application and on the application receipt. It's officially called the Application Reference Number (ARN). Each passport application gets a different reference number for tracking.

Keep your ARN and application receipt safely stored because they contain important reference information for your passport application and related Passport Seva services. In case of any mishap, such as loss or delay of the application.

Do not assume the file number and the passport reference number are the same; each serves a different purpose.

We can say that:

• ARN: The number you receive after submitting the passport application.
• File Number: You can use the file number to check your passport application status.
• Passport number:The identifier of the issued passport.

What Does ARN Mean in a Passport Application?

In a passport application, ARN means your application is complete and has been successfully submitted. You will receive your Application Reference Number (ARN) after submission, provided by the Official Passport Seva Authority.

All applicants should understand that your ARN is linked only to your passport application. It will not be considered your passport number after the passport is issued.

Where Can I Find My Application Reference Number (ARN)?

If you don't know where to find your ARN, the points below will help you check it if you have submitted your Passport application.

Check Submitted Application Details

You can find your ARN number after submitting your passport application. You will get an ARN number from the official Passport Seva portal after a successful submission.

On the Application Receipt

Check your application receipt, as it also lists your application reference number. It's proof of your submitted application, so your ARN number will be listed there. However, don't confuse the file number with the ARN.

Check Passport Seva Account

Another way to find your application reference number: Go to the official Passport Seva portal, sign in to your account, navigate to the saved or submitted application, and you can see your ARN in the submitted application information.

View the Official Communication information

Check your messages, notifications, or email from the official passport authority related to the application. You can find your application reference number through these application communication details.

Foreign Applicants: Check with the Indian mission or the Passport Seva Portal

Indian citizens applying for passport services from outside India generally submit their applications through the relevant Indian Mission or Post. The Global Passport Seva system has a separate process for applicants applying abroad.

Is the Passport Reference Number the Same as the File Number?

No, the Passport Seva portal provides a passport reference number and a file number, and they differ.

See the table below for the difference between the passport reference number and the file number:

How to Check Passport Application Status with Application Reference Number?

For applications processed through the standard Passport Seva system in India, you can check your application status using your File Number and date of birth. Indian citizens applying for passport services abroad may use the Application Reference Number (ARN) and date of birth through the Global Passport Seva system.

Here are the steps given below to check Passport application status with the Application Reference Number easily:

1. Go to the official Passport Seva Authority website.
2. Navigate to Track Application Status.
3. Choose the application type.
4. Enter your file number.
5. Provide your date of birth.
6. Click on the Check Status option to see real-time application status.

Now you can view the real-time status of your Indian passport application by following the steps above.

What to Do if I Cannot Find My Application Reference Number?

If you applied outside India, check the Global Passport Seva system or contact the relevant Indian Mission/Post for application-specific assistance.

1. Visit the official Passport Seva portal.
2. Log in to your Passport Seva portal.
3. Check your submitted Passport applications.
4. Check the receipt information.
5. Verify the Application communication documents you receive.
6. If you are a foreign applicant who applied outside India, then check through the India Mission.
7. For passport application status, first make sure the portal is asking for a file number or an application reference number.

You can also find your Application number in the acknowledgment letter you receive after submitting the documents. For applications processed through Passport Seva in India, the File Number printed on the acknowledgment letter is used with the applicant's date of birth to check application status.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some mistakes applicants make when applying for a passport but do not understand the application reference number.

Not understanding the difference between ARN and File number

• Most applicants don't understand the difference between the ARN and the file number and treat them as the same, which is one of the biggest mistakes.
• For normal application tracking, you need to provide a valid file number, not the ARN.

Using a passport number as an application reference

• Your passport number proves you received a passport and that it has been issued. However, many applicants provide the passport number as an application identifier, which is incorrect; you should not provide the number unless someone specifically asks for it.

Not Having an Acknowledgment Letter

• Many applicants don't think an acknowledgment letter is important and don't know it includes your file number, which you can use to track your application status.

Depending on unofficial websites and sources

• One of the major mistakes is not checking the information from the authorized service websites or sources and staying on the unofficial sources that lead to the application being delayed or rejected. These fraudulent and unofficial websites can take your sensitive information and lead you into trouble, so avoid using information or assistance from unofficial or fraudulent websites.

Difference Between ARN vs. File Number vs. Passport Number?

The table below clearly explains the differences between ARN, File Number, and Passport Number.

Final Thoughts

A passport reference number is a number that you get after submitting an application. It is also called the Application Reference Number and is issued online by the Passport Seva portal. Through this blog, you have understood the clear difference between the file number, application reference number, and passport number.

To check your passport application status, use the file number rather than the application reference number, as per Passport officials' guidelines. For more details and help with passport services, contact Visament, where our agents will help you complete the passport application and documentation.