New Passport Regulations: Mandatory DigiLocker Usage for Passport Verification – Comprehensive Online Tutorial

Aspiring passport applicants are now mandated to present their original documents through DigiLocker, a digital document storage platform, especially when employing Aadhaar for verification procedures. Additionally, applicants are required to digitally upload all pertinent documents via DigiLocker before proceeding to submit their applications online through the official Passport Seva website – passportindia.gov.in.

Under this newly instituted decree, prospective applicants are obliged to upload all requisite documentation to DigiLocker before embarking on the online submission of their passport applications. This initiative has been introduced to streamline and expedite the passport verification process.

Bid Farewell to Physical Document Burden
The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that individuals utilizing DigiLocker for document submission will no longer be burdened with the need to carry physical copies of any documents during the application process. This strategic move is anticipated to reduce overall processing time, thereby augmenting the quality of the passport application procedure, as reported by ToI.

Untangling the Rationale Behind the Regulation
The integration of DigiLocker into the passport application process serves a dual purpose – not only does it accelerate the application timeline, but it also enhances efficiency, as highlighted in reports by ToI.

Concurrently, Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) have been strategically established in various regions to minimize the necessity for in-person document verification.

Unlocking the Concept of DigiLocker
DigiLocker, a pivotal component of the Digital India initiative, strives to eliminate reliance on physical documents by enabling the electronic sharing of e-documents with Passport Seva through an authentication mechanism for online document validation. The platform is maintained by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Users can access it at their convenience, allowing for storage and retrieval of documents such as driver’s licenses, academic transcripts, vehicle registration certificates, and other indispensable records.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Navigating DigiLocker
Setting up a DigiLocker account is a straightforward process that mandates only a mobile number or Aadhaar number. Authentication is established through the transmission of a one-time password (OTP), followed by the creation of a security PIN for two-factor authentication. This culminates in the establishment of the DigiLocker account.

Modifications to DigiLocker settings necessitate corresponding changes in the Aadhaar profile.

Diverse Documents Eligible for DigiLocker Storage
The Ministry has now extended approval for the inclusion of Aadhaar documents within DigiLocker for the purpose of online application submission. Furthermore, the platform accommodates the storage of a broad spectrum of documents and certificates, including Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, passports, and voter ID cards.

Unveiling the Advantages of DigiLocker Usage
Functioning as a virtual vault, DigiLocker is a government initiative designed to simplify the application process and safeguard important documents. With the capacity to house an array of documents, individuals are relieved of the need to carry physical copies of their crucial records.

In conclusion, the passport application landscape has been revolutionized by the introduction of mandatory DigiLocker integration for verification. This leap into the digital era not only expedites the application procedure but also fosters efficiency and convenience for applicants across the nation.