A significant change in the passport application process for international travel came into effect on August 5.
To apply for a new passport, applicants are required to submit their original documents in DigiLocker, especially if they use Aadhaar for verification purposes. One will also have to upload all documents using DigiLocker, after which applicants can apply online through the official website of Passport Seva – passportindia.gov.in.
This means the new ruling mandates that applicants will now have to upload the necessary documents on DigiLocker before submitting the passport applications online. This was introduced to make the passport verification process easier.
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No need to carry hard copies of required documents anymore
The Ministry of External Affairs said that if the applicants use DigiLocker to upload their documents, they will no longer be required to carry hard copies of any documents during the application process which makes the process easier. This will help in reducing the overall processing time, which is expected to increase the quality of the passport application process, as per ToI report.
Why this new rule was implemented?
DigiLocker has been introduced in the passport application process to not only speed up the application process but also to make it efficient, ToI noted citing reports.
Simultaneously, Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) have been implemented in various regions to reduce the need for physical document verification
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What is DigiLocker?
Digital Locker, one of the key initiatives under the Digital India initiative, is aimed at eliminating the usage of physical documents and enabling sharing of e-documents with Passport Seva via a mechanism to verify the “authenticity” of the documents online. It is maintained by the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Users will also get to access it whenever and wherever required, like the driver’s license, marksheets, vehicle registration certificate, and other necessary documents.
How to use DigiLocker? Online guide
To open a DigiLocker is easy – all you need is your mobile or Aadhaar number. Your mobile/Aadhaar number will be authenticated by sending an OTP (one-time password) followed by setting your security PIN for 2-Factor authentication. This will create your DigiLocker account.
If you want to make any changes in DigiLocker, you will have to make changes in Aadhaar.
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Documents that can be stored in DigiLocker
The Ministry has now also allowed the use of Aadhaar documents via DigiLocker for online application submission. Besides, any type of document or certificate including, Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, and voter ID card can be stored in DigiLocker.
Why use DigiLocker?
DigiLocker, which is a virtual locker, has been introduced by the government to facilitate your application process and to keep your document safe. As it can store any kind of document, you will no longer be required to carry your important documents in hard copies.
