Under international regulations, you cannot travel to a foreign country without a valid passport. Thus, if you are planning an international trip, applying for a passport is the foremost thing to do.
Once you apply for your passport, you can wait for the authorities to respond. While you wait, you can check your passport status using the Passport Reference File Number (PRFN) or your passport file number.
If “Passport Reference File Number” or “File Number in Passport” confuses you, you are in the right place. Here we will explain all that you need to know about PRFN. First of all, let us explain the file number in a passport or Passport Reference File Number, in simpler terms.
Note: This article uses the Passport Reference File Number and File Number interchangeably.
What is the File Number in an Indian Passport?
The passport file number is an alphanumeric reference code assigned to your application for an Indian passport. You receive the Indian passport file number after submitting your passport application and paying the required fee.
This unique number can be used to track the status of your passport application and check its progress online.
Where to Find Passport Application Number?
You can find your passport application number in the documents or acknowledgement received after submitting your application through Passport Seva. If you are looking for the file number for a passport application, log in to your Passport Seva account and check your submitted application details. The file number on passport application records can also be used to track your application status and access relevant updates.
How is the Indian Passport File Number Created?
The file number in an Indian passport is generated by the Passport Seva system when you submit your passport application and pay the applicable fee.
It is a unique alphanumeric reference number assigned to your application and can be used to track its status.
Suppose you apply for an Indian passport, then here’s how your passport file number will look:
“PA27C4009274523”
- First section: The initial letters in the file number in an Indian passport identify the relevant passport office or processing region.
- Second section: The numbers that follow form part of the unique reference assigned to the applicant’s passport application.
- Third section: The remaining numbers are part of the system-generated sequence used to uniquely identify and process the application.
Do you know? If you lose your passport while travelling internationally, travel insurance may provide assistance with the necessary documentation and help you navigate the process of obtaining emergency or replacement travel documents.
What is the Purpose of a Passport File Number?
The file number for passport applications helps applicants monitor the progress of their application and receive updates during the processing period. It can be especially useful when there are unexpected delays or when you need to check the latest application status.
The file number on passport records can also help Passport Seva officials locate your application details when you make an enquiry or need assistance with an issue. Keep your passport file number handy when contacting Passport Seva or visiting a Passport Seva Kendra for any application-related queries.
How to Get File Number on the Passport?
After you successfully submit your passport application and pay the applicable fee, on the Passport Seva website you can retrieve the passport file number online, which you can use to track your application.
If you need to get the file number for a passport application, you can find it in your Passport Seva account under your submitted application details. You can also use this number to check passport status by file number through the official Passport Seva portal.
Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website.
Step 2: Log in using your registered user ID and password.
Step 3: Go to the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” section.
Step 4: Select the relevant application to view its details, including the application reference number and file number on passport application records.
Step 5: You can track the passport application with file number or contact Passport Seva for assistance.
Note: If you are looking for an old passport file number, check the application records associated with your previous passport or retrieve the details through your Passport Seva account, where available. Moreover, if you have lost your Indian passport file number, you can simply retrieve it online by following the steps below.
>> Also Read: Diplomatic or Red Passport in India
How Does Travel Insurance Safeguard Your Passport?
Your passport and visa may be your tickets to an exciting international adventure, but unexpected mishaps can quickly turn your trip into a stressful experience. From losing important documents to facing other travel-related emergencies, being prepared can make all the difference.
Once your passport and visa are in place, take the next step towards a worry-free journey with international travel insurance. Depending on your policy, it can provide financial protection and assistance for covered situations, including the loss of your passport and related expenses. So, before you pack your bags and head overseas, protect your trip against the unexpected. Buy international travel insurance today and travel with greater confidence!
Disclaimer: Plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.

