Passport Dispatch Tracking: How to Track Using Consignment Number
After all the documentation and appointments are done, you expect the final stage of the passport application process (the “waiting-to-get-your-passport”) to be the most stressful time of the process. After everything that you have been through, at this point, you are asking yourself, “Where is it?” Fortunately, the entire process is transparent and allows you to track your passport from the time it was printed and dispatched until it arrives at your home. This process uses passport dispatch tracking (a service provided by India Post) which is known as the Passport Speed Post Tracking.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to locate your consignment number for your passport and find out how to track the status of your passport in real time. By following this guide, the uncertainty of waiting for your passport will become an easier-to-manage waiting period filled with information about where your passport is and when it will be delivered.
Step 1: Get Notified About Your Dispatch Notification
You will receive notice of your passport on official notice as part of the tracking process. A notification that your package has been shipped will be provided to you by:
SMS: A text message will be sent to the mobile phone number that is provided during submission of your application.
E-mail: An e-mail message will be sent to the e-mail address that was provided in your application.
Passport Seva Portal: An update regarding your shipping status appears in your application dashboard.
The most important part of the notification you receive from us is the unique identification you will find in your e-mail; otherwise known as the consignment number, or article number. This is the number that gives you access to the online tracking system for Speed Post India. The consignment number will contain a long string of both numbers and letters similar to; EQ123456789IN.
Step 2: Central Hub (Main Office) Tracking Your Passport From Dispatch Point
Passport dispatch tracking is the general term for this system. Using the Indian Postal Speed Post system, a special and secure arm of the Indian Postal system is used for all passport deliveries. When the RPO delivers your passport to the India Post, they enter your passport into their system using your unique consignment/Article Number. With that number you are able to begin tracking the progress of your passport through the Speed Post process.
Step 3: How to Track Using Your Consignment Number
To track a passport speed post using the consignment number, you will need to have the consignment number available to view your tracking information via three different methods.
- India Post’s Official Website (Primary Method)
To access India’s Post Office online tracking page, go directly to:
(https://www.indiapost.gov.in).
Once there, enter your consignment number into the appropriate field marked “Track Consignment” and click on the button marked “Track”.
The tracking status will then be displayed in real-time, showing the following information:
- Acceptance: Time and location of handoff to the RPO
- Processing at speed post centre: Status of movement through sorting centre(s)
- Delivery Post Office (arrival): Arrived at local post office
- Out for delivery: The most eagerly anticipated status
- Delivered: This is the final confirmation that includes the estimated delivery time/date printed.
2. Online Tracking Aggregators for Third-Party Logistics
Many online resources exist for consolidating and tracking packages if you put your consignment number on their site. Most resources use information retrieved by the Indian Postal Service but may have more mobile-friendly layouts.
3. SMS (Offline) Tracking
The Indian Postal Service (India Post) has also created a method for you to track your package by sending an SMS in the format:
POST track <your 13-digit consignment number> to 166 or 51969.
You will receive an SMS reply with the last status update.
Step 4: Analyzing Your Tracking Statuses
As you track your passport, knowing what the status messages mean will help you manage your expectations while waiting for your passport to be delivered:
Item Dispatched from RPO: Passport is with the Indian Postal Service.
Received At Speed Post Centre [Location]: Your passport is being processed in the Indian Postal Service’s mailing system.
Arrived At Delivery Post Office: Your passport is now at your local post office where it will be given to a delivery person for distribution.
Out For Delivery: The delivery person has the passport and is in the process of delivering it to you. Be sure to have someone at the address to receive the passport and have an acceptable form of identification.
Delivered: Your passport has been delivered to you. If you did not receive it, go to your local post office immediately.
What should I do if I See a Problem with my Tracking Updates?
Delay in Booked Update’s: Expect to see your Booked update appear between 24-48 hours after receiving your dispatch notice. Do not be alarmed by prolonged periods of no updates because there will be weekends between scans.
Stuck at a location: If you do not see an update to your tracking status after 3-4 days, try to take note of where it was last at before contacting India Post Customer Care at 1800 266 6868 or your local delivery post office with the consignment number.
Did not receive a dispatch notice: Log into your Passport Seva Portal and if you see your status as dispatched via speed post you will find your consignment number in your application details and can contact the Passport Seva Helpline.
Conclusion
By using the Passport speed post tracking system, you now know where you are during the last phase of obtaining your passport. Tracking your passport via the consignment number allows you to switch from being a passive recipient waiting for your passport to an active participant tracking your passport. The Passport speed post tracking system is a reliable system, ensuring security and peace of mind.