How to Find Your Tracking Number on a Passport: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

When you apply for a new passport, you might be curious or anxious about its delivery status. The process of tracking your passport can vary depending on the country and the method of delivery. This guide will help you navigate through the process of finding your tracking number on a passport, whether it's an Indian passport or international applications.

Tracking an Indian Passport

For Indian passports, the tracking number is provided through the Indian Post Service. Here’s how you can track the delivery status:

Identify the 13-digit tracking number that was provided to you when you applied for your passport. Send a text message in the format POST TRACK [13-digit tracking number] to either 166 or 51969. You can use any mobile number for this. You will receive an SMS with the tracking details and status of your passport.

Priority or Express Envelope for Passport Return

For those who had to ship their passports using a paid Priority or Express envelope, the tracking number would have been on the envelope. If you have the receipt for the postage, you can check the tracking number there. If you no longer have it, you can try the methods mentioned below:

Using the India Post Tracker App

Another method is to use the free Android app provided by India Post. Here’s how:

Download the app from the Google Play Store. Open the app and select the Consignment No option. Enter your 13-digit tracking number and the captcha if prompted. The app will provide you with the status of your passport.

Tracking via SpeedPost

If you're tracking a SpeedPost delivery of your passport, you can do so through their website:

Go to the SpeedPost track page. Enter the tracking number and captcha if required. The site will provide you with the delivery status.

Tracking an American Passport Application

If you have recently applied for a USA passport, you can track its status as follows:

Visit the US State Department Passport Status page. Enter your application number and the captcha if required. The page will provide you with the current status of your passport application.

If you're not sure what the status is or if you applied for another type of passport, consult the relevant government website for specific steps.

Conclusion

For Indian citizens and others interested in tracking their passports, the methods and tools provided in this guide should help you stay informed about your passport’s delivery status. Whether it’s an Indian passport, an American one, or another type of passport, the process and resources available are generally clear once you know where to look.