What are the most common mistakes should avoid while applying for a passport?

Are you applying for an Indian passport? 

There is little worry about applying for a passport. The reason is a large number of passports are rejected each year to be paid and make minor mistakes during the application process. Mistakes that we often avoid that might cost later. Here are the most common mistakes that we Indians make while applying for passports and should rectify today. 

Typos on the application form

Incorrect spelling, inaccurate date of birth and wrong residential address are all common errors while filling out the application form online. Depending on the case, applicants will be advised to apply for a correction or a complete re-issue of the passport. Read the instructions carefully, to ensure nothing has been missed.

Incorrect spelling, inaccurate date of birth and fake residential address are all common mistakes we make while filling out the application form online. Instead of double-checking, we make a hurry and click submit. Depending on the case, read instructions carefully, to ensure nothing has been missed or make the same errors in the future. 

Missing and incorrect documents

One of the most common mistakes made by applicants is missing the required documents and submitting incorrect or unacceptable documents during the application procedure - for example, while the Adhar card is an important and acceptable proof of your date of birth. 

This is your cue to go through the list of acceptable documents for proof of address, which include a water bill, post-paid telephone bill, electricity bill, tax assessment bill and more. Similarly, for date of birth, a birth certificate issued by the registrar of birth and death or municipal corporation, a school leaving certificate and others are officially acceptable.

Unpaid dues

What is the main reason many passports get rejected is because of unpaid dues and delayed payments. It can be anything. Whether it’s your water, electricity, mobile phone or credit card bill, these documents are thoroughly vetted by passport officials. Frequency in bill payment or delayed payment of large loans doesn’t particularly look good to a passport office and can often portray you in a questionable light. Though you can re-apply for a passport once the debts have been paid. It looks better to show consistency in your financial transactions. 

Signatures that don’t match

Yes, believe it or not, there have been multiple cases where the signatures of applicants haven’t matched across the various documents that are submitted during the application process. When such instances occur at the time of the appointment, it becomes difficult to access fresh copies for the signature and you end up rescheduling the appointment or even worse, getting rejected which means you have to go through the entire process again. So, here’s a pro tip: practice your signature freehand before signing the documents!

Dark, dim, indecipherable copies

Several attested copies of supporting documents are required to be submitted as part of the application process. What often goes ignored are the photocopies which can be misprinted, dark and unclear and can be a reason for the rejection of the passport. Make sure that the required details in these photocopies are legible and clear to the naked eye, making it easy for the passport office to go ahead with the process.

Cancelling appointments more than 3 times

Keep this in mind, applicants are not allowed to cancel or reschedule their passport more than 3 times within a year. If so, their application will be deducted and applicants are required to resubmit a new form and pay the full fees once again.

Wrap things up: Don't stress! Most errors on the application form can be corrected through a simple procedure. If you happen to notice an error after hitting submit, don’t worry, you will be given a chance to verify all details at the passport office. If however, the passport has already been issued, you will have to return the passport for necessary rectification at the regional passport office and on approval, a new booklet and passport number will be issued. Any additional payments will be dependent on the merits of the case. In some cases, applicants may be advised to apply for a re-issue of the passport. Details