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Understanding The File Number In Passport: A Simple Guide

TeamAckoApr 25, 2025

When we apply for a passport, we tend to wait anxiously for the authorities to respond. However, it is often possible to check our passport status using the Passport Reference File Number (PRFN), which is also the file number in passport. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn what is file number in passport, how to locate it, and how to troubleshoot issues if you can't find or use it.

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Contents

What is File Number in Passport?
What Does the Passport File Number Consist Of?
How Does the File Number in Passport Application Look?
Passport File Number Example
Where is File Number in Passport?
How to Find Passport File Number (Step-by-Step)
Lost Your File Number? Here's How to Get File Number of Passport
How to Check Passport Status Using File Number?
Common Issues With the Passport File Number
Troubleshooting the Passport File Number: Steps to Fix Common Issues
Importance of Protecting Your File Number
How Does Travel Insurance Help With the Loss of a Passport?
Frequentrly Asked Questions

What is File Number in Passport?

The file number in passport application is a unique 15-character alphanumeric code printed on the last page of your Indian passport. This passport application file number is generated by the Passport Issuing Authority and serves as a reference throughout the passport application process.

It helps in:

Tracking the status of your application
Verifying applicant identity
Managing application flow internally

What Does the Passport File Number Consist Of?

The Indian passport file number typically contains:

City/State Code – First 2–3 letters indicating the Passport Seva Kendra (e.g., DEL for Delhi, MUM for Mumbai).
Application Number – A unique number linked to your submission in that office.
Year of Application – Indicates the year you applied for your passport.
Serial Code – Helps differentiate individual applications.

This structure helps officials manage and process each passport application number efficiently.

How Does the File Number in Passport Application Look?

The file number on a passport application typically looks like a 15-character code containing both letters and numbers. Suppose you applied for a passport from Mumbai in 2023, then here's how your passport file number will look:

"MU23B4005725523," where the first two alphabets represent the city/state, the numbers in the middle represent the applicant's application number in the city/state, and at the end of the passport file, the number represents the year of application.

Passport File Number Example

Here's a sample to help you understand:

MU23B4003725525

MU: City code for Mumbai
23: Year (2023)
B4003725525: Application-specific digits

This kind of structure is standard for a file number in Indian passport.

Where is File Number in Passport?

Wondering where is the file number in passport or how to find file number in Indian passport?

On your passport: The file no in passport is located at the bottom section of the last page.
On your application receipt: If you applied online or offline, the passport application file number is printed on the acknowledgment.
Online account: Login to passportindia.gov.in > Services > View Saved/Submitted Applications.

How to Find Passport File Number (Step-by-Step)

If you’re unsure how to find passport file number, here’s what to do:

Visit the Passport Seva Portal
Click 'Existing User Login'
Enter your credentials
Navigate to ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’
You’ll see your file number, ARN, and other application details

Lost Your File Number? Here's How to Get File Number of Passport

If you’ve lost or forgotten your passport file number, here’s how to get file number of passport again:

Check your registered email or SMS from the Passport Seva Kendra
Login to the Passport Seva website and go to ‘Saved/Submitted Applications’
Contact customer service or visit your regional Passport Seva Kendra

How to Check Passport Status Using File Number?

To track your application status with your file number in passport:

Visit passportindia.gov.in
Click ‘Track Application Status’
Select the application type
Enter your passport file number and Date of Birth
Click submit to view your current passport status

If you’re wondering how can I check my passport application status without file number, you can:

Use your Application Reference Number (ARN)
Call the toll-free helpline 1800-258-1800

Common Issues With the Passport File Number

Here are the most common problems applicants face with their passport file number and how to resolve them:

Incorrect File Number: Entering the wrong file number can prevent you from tracking your passport status.
Lost or Forgotten File Number: Misplacing the file number can block access to your application status.
File Number Not Recognised: The system does not accept your file number.

Troubleshooting the Passport File Number: Steps to Fix Common Issues

If you're having trouble with your passport file number, follow these simple troubleshooting steps:

Verify the File Number: Double-check for any typos or errors in the file number you entered.
Contact Passport Support: Reach out to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or call customer service for help retrieving or verifying your file number.
Check Email or SMS Updates: Look through your registered email inbox or SMS messages for your file number or updates from the passport office.
Use Alternative Tracking Methods: If the file number isn’t working, try tracking your application using your Application ID, DOB, or registered mobile number on the Passport Seva website.

Importance of Protecting Your File Number

Your passport file number is a sensitive piece of information. To protect it:

Confidentiality: Do not share your file number with unauthorized individuals.
Secure Storage: Store your file number in a safe place, such as a password-protected document or secure note.
Caution Online: Be cautious when entering your file number online; ensure you're on official government websites.

How Does Travel Insurance Help With the Loss of a Passport?

When going on an overseas trip, our passport is the main document that serves as our ID, and losing it due to improper care or damage or theft can come with many hassles.

No matter how much we try, certain things are out of our control. However, to help prevent unexpected costs, a travel insurance plan can help. It will get you a reimbursement to get a passport on an emergency basis or help get a duplicate passport with the added costs.

Not only that, travel insurance will also cover any medical emergency, hospitalisation bills, baggage-related issues, trip-related issues, and so on.

So, to protect your money against trip-related risks, buy travel insurance today.

Frequentrly Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about file number in passport application.

What is file number in passport?

It’s a 15-character alphanumeric code to track your application.

Where is the file number in Indian passport?

It’s located on the last page, near the bottom.

Is the passport reference number and file number the same?

Yes, they’re often used interchangeably.

Can two applicants have the same file number?

No. Every passport application has a unique file number.

How many digits is a passport file number?

Typically, it has 15 alphanumeric characters.

Where is the file number in passport application form?

It's not printed directly. It’s generated after submission and payment.

How do I find my passport document number?

Check the first page of your passport beside your photo.

Does passport file number change?

No, your passport file number does not change once assigned. It remains the same throughout the processing of your application. However, if you apply for a new passport (e.g., due to renewal or reissue), a new file number will be assigned for that application.

How can I check my passport application status without file number?

You can make a call on the National Call Centre's toll-free number, 1800-258-1800. A representative or AIVR will answer your call, and you can check your passport application status.