Once your passport application has been approved, the most awaited step is the dispatch and delivery of the passport to your address. Many applicants are unsure about how to track the status of their passport dispatch and what to do if there are any delays or issues. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to monitor the dispatch status of your passport, what each status update means, and how to ensure timely and safe delivery.
Understanding Passport Dispatch Process
After your application has cleared all verifications and has been approved by the Passport Issuing Authority, the final steps include:
-
Printing of the Passport
-
Quality Check and Sealing
-
Handing over to India Post for Dispatch
-
Delivery to the Applicant’s Address
Once handed over to India Post, your passport is dispatched through Speed Post, and a tracking number (consignment number) is generated.
Where to Find Your Passport Dispatch Details
Once your passport is dispatched, you’ll receive the following information:
-
SMS notification with the India Post tracking number.
-
Email confirmation (if registered during application).
-
Passport Seva portal update under your application dashboard.
This dispatch detail contains a Speed Post tracking number, which typically looks like PPxxxxxxxxxIN.
Steps to Track the Dispatch Status of Your Passport
1. Visit the India Post Tracking Website
-
Go to the India Post Tracking Portal.
-
Enter your Speed Post tracking number (e.g., PP123456789IN).
-
Click on the “Track” button.
-
You’ll see a detailed movement log, including dispatch center, transit locations, and delivery status.
2. Use Passport Seva Portal
-
Login at Passport Seva Website.
-
Navigate to your application history.
-
The latest status update will show “Passport has been dispatched via Speed Post – Tracking No: XXXXXXXX.”
-
The same link may redirect you to India Post tracking.
What Do Different Dispatch Statuses Mean?
Understanding the tracking statuses can help you stay informed about the exact location of your passport:
-
Dispatched: Passport has been handed over to India Post.
-
In Transit: Your passport is moving through sorting hubs.
-
Out for Delivery: The passport is with the local postman for delivery.
-
Delivered: Successfully delivered at your registered address.
-
Consignee Not Available: Delivery attempt failed – try collecting it at the post office.
-
Returned to Sender: Delivery failed multiple times; will be returned to passport office.
Delivery Timeline After Dispatch
Normally, after dispatch:
-
Metro cities: 2–3 working days.
-
Tier 2/3 towns: 3–5 working days.
-
Remote areas: Up to 7 working days.
India Post handles passport deliveries with priority handling, so delays are rare but can happen due to local issues.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Passport?
If it’s been more than 7 working days since dispatch, and the passport hasn’t arrived:
-
Check tracking status on India Post.
-
Visit your local post office with the tracking number.
-
Call India Post customer care at 1800-266-6868.
-
File a grievance on India Post Complaint Portal.
If your tracking says “Returned to Sender,” contact your respective Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) immediately for re-dispatch or collection instructions.
Tips for Smooth Passport Delivery
-
Ensure your address is accurate and complete at the time of application.
-
Keep your mobile number active for delivery coordination.
-
Keep one government-issued ID proof ready during delivery.
-
Authorize a family member to collect the passport if you're unavailable.
Remember, passport deliveries are not left unattended. You must acknowledge receipt.
Can You Collect the Passport from the Post Office?
Yes, if delivery attempts fail or you're unavailable, your passport may be held at your local delivery post office for a few days. You can collect it by:
-
Showing a valid government-issued ID.
-
Carrying a copy of the tracking confirmation.
-
Signing the delivery slip at the post office counter.
Security Measures During Dispatch
To prevent fraud or misdelivery, the following safety measures are in place:
-
Dispatched only via Speed Post (India Post).
-
Requires physical delivery with signature.
-
No handover to unauthorized persons.
-
Tracking ID is unique to your application.
Always be cautious of fake delivery calls or messages. Only trust communications from Passport Seva or India Post.
Final Thoughts
Tracking your passport dispatch after approval is a simple yet critical step to ensure timely and safe delivery. With the Speed Post tracking system and regular updates from Passport Seva, you can monitor every movement of your document. Take proactive steps in case of any delay, and be ready with ID proof when the postman arrives.
We at Smotpro.in offer fast, professional passport and visa services across India with 24/7 support, expert handling, and a decade of experience. Whether it's applying, rescheduling, tracking, or collecting—we handle it all, so you don’t have to worry.