By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow: In a significant step towards easing passport-related procedures for citizens, the Government of India has introduced an innovative Mobile Passport Seva Van service.
Gone are the days when individuals had to spend long hours waiting in lines at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and navigate multiple visits to get their documents verified.
With this new doorstep initiative, the passport-making process has become quicker, more convenient, and accessible, right from the comfort of your home.
What is the Passport Mobile Van Service?
The Passport Mobile Van Service is a specially designed mobile unit equipped with all the necessary tools to carry out the passport application and document verification process seamlessly.
Launched by the Ministry of External Affairs, this service aims to simplify the process, especially for those who are unable to visit passport offices due to age, distance, health concerns, or busy schedules.
The van comes fully equipped with a biometric device, high-resolution camera, document scanning system, and other digital infrastructure. Once a citizen schedules an appointment online, the mobile van arrives at the specified location—either their home or a designated area nearby.
The officers in the van verify documents, collect biometric details, and capture photographs. Once this process is completed, the passport is processed and delivered to the applicant’s home within a few days.
Who Can Benefit from This Service?
While this service is available to all citizens, it is particularly useful for:
- Senior citizens who may find it physically difficult to travel to PSKs.
- Working professionals with tight schedules who cannot afford to wait in long queues.
- Residents of rural or remote areas, where passport offices may be far away.
The initiative is designed to ensure that no citizen is deprived of passport services due to logistical barriers.
How to Apply for a Passport via Mobile Van
To utilize this modernized and efficient method, follow these steps:
- Register Online:
Visit the official Passport Seva website and log in with your existing account. If you don’t have one, create a new user profile with your registered mobile number and email. - Fill the Application Form:
Select either the “Apply for Fresh Passport” or “Reissue Passport” option. Please fill out all the required fields carefully and verify the details before submitting. - Choose Service Type:
While booking your appointment, select the “Mobile Passport Seva” or “Doorstep Service” option instead of the regular appointment at a PSK. - Schedule Appointment:
Choose a convenient date and time slot as per your availability. After confirmation, the mobile van will be scheduled to arrive at your chosen address. - Complete the Process at Home:
When the van arrives, officers will verify your documents, capture your photograph and biometrics, and complete the rest of the formalities—all in a single visit.
Where is the Service Available?
Currently, the Passport Mobile Van Service has been launched in select areas, including:
- Bhopal and nearby rural regions
- Kargil in Jammu & Kashmir
- Chennai
- Goa
The government has plans to expand this facility across all major cities and remote parts of the country shortly, making passport services more inclusive and reachable.
Why This Service Matters
This initiative is a game-changer in citizen-centric governance. Some of its major benefits include:
- No long queues at the passport. The entire process is completed at home, saving time and effort.
- Hassle-free renewal of expired passports or issuing of new ones.
- Single-visit verification removes the need for multiple rounds of documentation.
Final Thoughts
The Mobile Passport Seva Van is a major leap toward digital governance and convenience. It not only reduces the workload on passport offices but also ensures that essential documentation is no longer a tedious, time-consuming task. The service empowers citizens by bringing essential government facilities directly to their doorsteps—literally with one click.