How to Find File Number in Passport - A Step-by-Step Guide

As per international regulations, you can not travel to a foreign country if you do not have 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 revert.  While waiting, you can occasionally check the status of your passport with the help of 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. This blog will explain all that you need to know about PRFN. The page will also educate you about the steps to find the file number in the passport. First of all, let us explain file number in passport or Passport Reference File Number in simpler terms

Note: This article uses the Passport Reference File Number and File Number interchangeably.

What is File Number in Indian Passport?

The file number in Indian passport is an alphanumeric reference code. The unique number is provided once you submit a passport application and pay the fee. 

Once you apply for an Indian passport, you get the passport file number that can be used to track the status of your passport application.

How is the Indian Passport File Number Created?

A File number is an alphanumeric code. The file number is a tracking ID; thus, it is created uniquely. 

Suppose you apply for an Indian passport from Patna in 2023, then here’s how your passport file number will look like:

“PA27C4009274523” 

First section: The first two alphabets represent the state/city where you applied for the passport.

Second section: The numbers in the middle represent the applicant’s application number in the specific state/city.

Third section: The numerics at the end of the Indian passport file number will represent the year of application.

What is the Purpose of a Passport File Number?

Sometimes, when your passport issuance takes longer than usual, you can use your passport file number to track the process updates. 

The file number in Indian passport is unique and can be used by anybody who wishes to track passport updates. Once you track where your passport is stuck, you can simply visit the Passport Seva Kendra and rectify the issues informed to you while tracking your passport.

How to Get File Number on the Passport?

Once you successfully submit the passport application and pay the fee, you get the file number as a tracking ID. 

You can also spot your passport file number once you receive your passport. To check your file number, simply check the last page of your Indian passport. You will find the unique Passport file number on the last line of the passport. 

Moreover, if you have lost your Indian passport file number, you can simply retrieve it online by following the steps below.

Step-1: Visit the official passport seva website.

Step-2: Navigate and log in through the ‘existing user ID.’ Enter the asked credentials and click on login.

Step-3: On the logged-in page, navigate to the “services section”  on the left side and click on the “view saved/ submitted application”.

Step-4: Upon clicking the “view saved/ submitted application", you will find details such as ARN, Applicant’s name, Submitting dates, and passport file number. 

How Does Travel Insurance Safeguard Your Passport?

An overseas trip can come with several hassles apart from delayed passport issuance. While preventive measures can prevent hassles in visa and passport applications, you need additional financial security to secure your belongings during the trip. 

Thus, once you gain your passport and visa, you should secure your trip with international travel insurance.

An international travel insurance policy ensures you remain financially protected if you lose your passport in a foreign country. The plan covers the cost of retrieving a lost passport if you lose it under covered situations. 

Thus, to ensure financial security against trip-related contingencies, buy travel insurance today!

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.