My experience of Passport renewal at Passport Seva Kendra(PSK) Gorakhpur

How I came to know about PSK Gorakhpur

After marriage, I was thinking to apply for passport renewal to add spouse's name and change the address. But, due to some reasons, I was not getting time to apply for it. Actually, I was confused, whether, I should apply for the passport from my home town or from the place I am located at present. But, finally, I decided that I will apply for the passport from the regional passport office, Lucknow. The reason was simple. Since my husband is working in a private sector, he keeps on moving from one place to another. Second, we live in a rented apartment. And the third, which is the main reason, was that if I would apply for the passport renewal later, then we would have to undergo the address verification process again. Therefore, it was better to apply from regional passport office, Lucknow. So, I decided to call at the passport office. But, as it happens in the government offices, no one responded. So, I thought to apply online and do the further processing. But, when I opened the official website for online registration of passport, the name of Lucknow was missing from the drop down box. So, I searched on Google to find the problem. Then, I came to know about the new website and i.e. passportindia.gov.in. From here, I got the toll-free number 1800-258-1800. So, I called and inquired about the process to apply for passport renewal. The employee asked me my location and suggested me to apply from the Passport Seva Kendra Gorakhpur. This passport seva kendra has been launched recently and is operating from 22nd March, 2012. Therefore, people are not aware of it. Then, I asked her the process. She told me to download the e-form. Fill the details and upload it. Then, I would get an appointment. On that day, I need to be present at the center at the scheduled time with the necessary documents.

Passport renewal: Application procedure

I followed her instructions. On 5th May, 2012, I applied for the passport renewal in normal category. I downloaded the e-form, filled all the details and uploaded the same form. While doing so, you also have the option to upload the scanned copy of the proofs to be submitted along with the application. However, I decided to carry all the original documents along with me. After, submitting the form, I got appointment on 8th May, 2012. The reporting time was 9:45 AM. The appointment time was between 10:15- 11:00 AM.

Passport renewal working procedure at PSK Gorkhpur

I arrived the Passport Seva Kendra Gorakhpur at the scheduled time on the scheduled date. A long queue was standing outside at the passport office premises. I showed the acknowledgement letter and entered the building. There were seven token issuing counters. A long queue was present on all the counters. I went to the first counter. The TCS employee asked me to show the entire necessary document. Since, I was applying for addition of spouse name and change of address in the passport, I had to submit the photocopy of marriage certificate, my passport, husband's passport and the address proof. She verified all the documents and prepared a file having a token number. Then, another TCS guy guided me to another room. For the complete passport application, you have to undergo three counters- A,B, C respectively. Token issuing counter and counter A is located at the ground floor and counter B and C are located at the first floor of the building.

At the counter A, the employee scanned all the documents, took the fingerprints and captured the photograph. Remember, you do not need to take the photograph anymore. Then, she collected the appropriate fees and gave me an acknowledgement receipt. She then asked another guy to guide me for the next process. The employee showed me the path to move to the next counter and told me to sit in the waiting zone till my turn comes. The token number was being flashed in the waiting area. When my turn came, I was guided to the Counter B/ verification counter. Here, the officer verified all the documents once again. After the process was complete, he signaled me to move to the next counter.

Then, I moved to the counter C. This is also known as granting counter. The officers of this counter are the one to decide the type of police verification required for further processing of the passport. When, I reached at this counter, 4-5 people were already waiting for their turn. So, I took the position and waited for my turn. After 10 minutes, my turn came. I entered the room. The officer asked me few questions. And then decided, to have pre-verification for passport issuance. Then, he cancelled my existing passport.
After the process was complete, I went to the exit counter where I was provided the acknowledgement receipt. The TCS employee asked me to fill the feedback form. The TCS employees are very helpful and were very friendly. The processing at each counter was very smooth. The entire process took almost one hour.

Processing time involved in passport renewal from PSK Gorakhpur

On 17th May 2012, police officers came for address verification. Though the verification was over, but, there was no change in the status till the next few days. When I called the customer care to inquire about the situation, they told me that they cannot tell anything regarding this matter. Finally, I decided to wait for some more days. On 27th June, the status changed that passport application has been verified at the regional passport office and passport has been granted. After 11 days, i.e. on 7th July, 2012, I got an email and message that the passport has been dispatched to me. Finally, I received my passport on 9th July, 2012.

Passport Seva Kendra, Gorakhpur review

It was really an amazing experience of passport renewal. Now, since, I have got my passport, I can now apply for the passport of my daughter.

Thanks to TCS and the passport officers of PSK Gorakhpur for their positive and friendly attitude. They are doing a great work.

Some tips for those who want to apply for the passport.

Passport registration is done online.

If you are not able to be present at the scheduled date, then inform the PSK at get another appointment.

You do not need to carry the photograph. But, if you are applying for the child below 4 years, you will have to carry the photograph.

Carry all the original documents.

To know more about the details, it is better to call at the PSK call center. The toll free number is 1800-258-1800.