The Indian government has introduced a new feature on DigiLocker that will allow citizens to access their Passport Verification Record (PVR) directly through the platform. Launched on December 3, 2025, the update is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the National e-Governance Division (NeGD).
Officials describe the move as part of a broader effort to simplify government services and strengthen India’s e-governance framework. The feature enables users to retrieve digitally issued PVR documents—records that certify the completion of mandatory police, address, and background verifications required during passport processing.
Digital India announced the rollout through its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, calling it “a significant milestone toward citizen-centric digital governance.”
A Historically Cumbersome Process Gets a Digital Makeover
For decades, passport applicants were required to visit multiple government offices, submit physical documents, and wait through lengthy in-person verifications. In many states, police verification delays added weeks—or months—to the issuance timeline.
By integrating PVRs into DigiLocker, the government aims to reduce friction at every stage of the passport process. Citizens can now:
- Access their verification records securely
- Download the document anytime, anywhere
- Store it alongside Aadhaar, PAN, driving licence, and academic certificates
- Share the PVR digitally with agencies and institutions when needed
Officials say the reform will not only accelerate passport issuance but also improve transparency and reduce dependency on physical paperwork.
Early Users Report Technical Issues
Despite widespread appreciation for the new feature, early adopters posting on X highlighted glitches—including difficulty retrieving records, authentication errors, and delays in document visibility.
A senior official acknowledged that the system is still being stabilized across multiple platforms and databases. “Full integration across state police departments and passport systems takes time. Temporary difficulties are expected,” the official said.
Experts say such feedback loops are characteristic of large-scale digital rollouts, noting that Aadhaar, CoWIN, and DigiLocker itself underwent similar early-stage turbulence.
Why PVR Matters—And What Comes Next
A Passport Verification Record is a crucial document that confirms all mandatory checks—police verification, address validation, and identity assessments—have been completed. Without a clear verification record, a passport cannot be issued or renewed.
By making PVRs accessible through DigiLocker, authorities hope to streamline related processes as well, including:
- Employment background checks
- Visa applications
- Police verification for tenancy or legal matters
- Document submissions for international travel or migration
With DigiLocker already hosting more than 200 types of official documents, the addition of PVRs significantly enhances the platform’s relevance for Indians navigating administrative requirements at home and abroad.
Government officials say the integration marks another step toward a future where public services are “paperless, presence-less, and cashless”—the three pillars of India’s digital governance philosophy.
