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Understanding The File Number In Your Passport: A Simple Guide

TeamAckoJun 13, 2024

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. If you're still confused, you can read this guide to learn about PRFN and the steps to find the file number in your passport in simple terms.

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Contents

What Is File Number In Passport?
How Does The File Number In Passport Application Look?
How Can I Check My Passport Status By File Number?
How Do I Find The File Number In Passport?
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 alphanumeric code assigned by the passport issuing authority to track the application's progress and status throughout the issuing process. After you submit the application and pay the fees, you will receive the file number from the issuing authority.

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 2005. Then here's how your passport file number will look:

"MU23B4003725505," 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.

How Can I Check My Passport Status By File Number?

To check the status of your passport application online, simply follow the steps:

Go to the Passport Seva portal
On the home page, click on the ‘Track application status’ link
Enter the application type, file number and date of birth to check the status

How Do I Find The File Number In Passport?

Once you submit the application and pay the fees, you will be given the passport file number. You can note down the code and check the Passport Seva Kendra portal to get an update on your status.

To check the passport file number online:

Go to the Passport Seva portal
On the home page, click on the ‘Existing user login’ link
Enter your existing credentials
Navigate to the ‘’services section’’ and click on the ‘’submitted application’’ to find the details

You can also check the file number on your passport once you receive it. Just look for a unique alphanumeric code, usually located on the top right-hand side of the first page where your personal details are. This code is the file number.

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.

Are ARN and file numbers the same?

No, ARN and file number are not the same. ARN, or Application Reference Number, and a file number serve different purposes. An ARN is typically generated when you submit an application form for a particular service or product.

On the other hand, a file number is a unique identifier code assigned to a specific case, file, or document within a system. It's widely used in bureaucratic, legal, and administrative contexts to keep track of files or documents over time.

Can two applicants have the same passport file number?

No, the file number in passport application is unique for everyone. Thus, it is not possible to have the same passport file number for two applicants.

What does the passport file number consist of?

The passport file number is a 15-digit alphanumeric code.

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.