New passport rules: Passport verification via DigiLocker and more

There has been a significant change in the passport application process for international travel starting from August 5. Applicants can upload necessary documents using DigiLocker to apply for a new passport, which is a government platform.

Using DigiLocker, applicants will be able to submit their passport application online once the documents are uploaded, through the official website www.passportindia.gov.in.

It has to be noted that passport applicants are advised to create a DigiLocker account while submitting their applications if they use Aadhaar for verification purposes.

To make the process easier, the Ministry of External Affairs added that if the applicants use DigiLocker to upload their documents, they will no longer be required to carry hard copies of any documents during the application process. This will help in reducing the overall processing time, which is expected to increase the quality of the passport application process.

The Ministry has urged applicants to use DigiLocker service and help expedite the process as well.

As per the reports, DigiLocker has been introduced in the passport application process to not only speed up the application process, but also to make it efficient.

Simultaneously, Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) have been set up in various various regions across the country to reduce the need for physical document verification.

It’s a digital wallet service that has been launched by the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information. With this, users will be able to collect and keep all their essential documents, issued by the government, in a safe and secured manner. Users will also get to access it whenever and wherever required, like the driver's license, marksheets, vehicle registration certificate, and other necessary documents.

To open a DigiLocker account, users will be required to register with their mobile number, which should have already been linked to Aadhaar. They will then be sent a one-time passcode (OTP) on their linked mobile number, which they will require to log in to the DigiLocker account. Further, one should bear in mind that if you want to make any changes in DigiLocker, you will have to make changes in Aadhaar.

You can use this system to store any type of document. The Ministry has now also allowed the use of Aadhaar documents via DigiLocker for online application submission. Any type of certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, and voter ID card can be kept safely on DigiLocker.

Well, this virtual locker has been introduced by the government to facilitate your application process as well as to keep your document safe. Since it can store any kind of document, you will get the freedom of not taking your important documents in hard copies.