When moving to India from another city, there are a number of things you will have to update your personal records with. One of the biggest records you will need to update is your address for any government documents you have, including your passport. Whether you are applying for a new passport, renewing an old passport or are in the process of applying for a passport, you want to make sure your application is sent to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) for your area. The question that arises is; how to change Passport office in Passport Seva after moving? 

It is important to note that you cannot simply go into your Passport Seva profile and hit the “edit” button to change your passport office information. Your passport office information is connected directly to your registered address on your Passport profile. This article contains a detailed walkthrough of the entire process for updating your passport application to be sent to the appropriate jurisdiction after your address changes.

Know the Reasons why – RPO Change Based on Jurisdiction

Regional Passport Office (RPO) has control over processing your visa renewal application. The Passport Seva site will assign your application(s) to the correct RPO according to the residential address you supplied. If you submitted an application or profile from your previous address, then this application/profile will still be linked to that RPO and cause long delays, confusion, and possibly additional requests for documentation. Changing your address is necessary to update the RPO on your application.

How To Change RPO in Passport Seva

There is no separate way to change your RPO. Simply update your address in Passport Seva, and the RPO will be automatically assigned based on this updated information. Follow these steps to do it correctly:

Applying for a New Passport or to Renew an Old Passport

This situation is very easy. If you are applying for a passport after recently moving:

To apply for a passport online start by accessing the Passport Seva Portal. Do not edit any previously saved applications, using an old address. 

Your Present Residential Address Section: When completing your online application, there will be a section requesting your Current Residential Address. Enter in the complete New Address where you will reside in the New City.

Application Assigned Automatically: The Passport Seva System assigns an application to an RPO based on the PIN Code and information provided in the Current Residential Address Section. The assignment of the application can be viewed in the preview prior to submission.

Appointment PSK/KPO: When you schedule your appointment using the SSPS, you will view the locations for the PSK or POPSK associated with the new RPO you selected. You will have to select a location near you, so you can meet the required documents at the same time.

How to Handle Moving After You’ve Submitted Your Application

If you’ve already submitted your application, but then moved, there are some extra steps to take before your application goes through properly:

1. Contact the RPO Where Your Application is Being Processed: In this situation, you cannot just go into the online system and change the RPO to your new address. You must contact the RPO that has been processing your application in order to let them know that you’ve changed your address. The contact information (phone and e-mail) for this office is available on the Passport Seva website.

2. Request an Application File Transfer: At the same time, inform the RPO of your request for the file transfer, and request that they transfer your file to the RPO that will be handling your application for your new address.

3. Submit Proof of Your New Address: You’ll likely be required to submit proof of your new address (e.g., a rental agreement, utility bill, and/or Aadhaar), along with your written request. This can substantially slow the processing of your application.

Checking and Verifying Your Current RPO Assignment

You can verify your assigned RPO prior to submitting an application.

To verify your assigned RPO, visit the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” tab after entering your address in the online application form.

You will be able to view your application number; the detailed view will display your assigned “Passport Office” or “RPO”.

Required Documents for the New Address

When submitting the New RPO application, you must present an updated new address during the appointment. 

• Your Aadhaar Card 
• A valid Voter ID
• Recent Utility Bill
• Registered Rental Agreement with NOC from the owner
• Property Tax Receipt

Conclusion

Once you apply for a new passport with your home address, the Passport Seva application database will automatically assign your application to your Regional Passport Office based on your home address. Do not make the mistake of thinking that an old address would work just as well for you. This may only create a backlog on the paperwork required to get your passport and possibly delay your transition into your new community. Be sure to prepare for the process ahead of time.