If you’ve recently applied for a passport or need to access your passport reference number for any reason, you’re in the right place.
Your passport reference number is a unique identifier tied to your passport application.
You will get it immediately when you submit an application for a passport and having it handy can be very helpful.
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It serves several important purposes.
Below are some of its uses:
- To track your passport application status: Aside from being an identifier, the primary use of your passport reference number is to track the status of your passport application. You can use this number to check where your application is in the processing queue, whether it’s pending review, under processing, or ready for collection.
- To make inquiries and see updates: If you need to make inquiries or updates regarding your passport application, you can use your reference number. It helps passport authorities locate and review your application details and make any changes or address any issues with your application.
- You can use it for appointment scheduling: Some passport authorities require applicants to schedule appointments for document submission, biometric data collection, or passport collection. Your passport reference number will be needed to book these appointments online or through any designated channels.
- It is needed when you go to pick up your passport: When your passport is ready for collection, you will be required to present your passport reference number along with other identification documents before it will be given to you.
- Can be helpful in visa application and immigration service delivery: In some visa application processes or immigration procedures, you will be asked to submit your passport reference number. It helps authorities verify your identity and passport details during these processes.
- Helps to recover lost or stolen passports: If your passport is lost or stolen, you can use the passport reference number to expedite the replacement process. It helps the authorities to locate your original passport details and get it replaced fast.
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Finally, it can help with travel arrangements.
While not directly related to your passport application, some travel-related services or bookings (like hotel reservations, flight bookings, or visa application submissions) can request your passport reference number for verification purposes.
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Undoubtedly, your passport reference number is very important, if you have forgotten yours and wish to find it, below is what you should do.
How do I get my passport reference number?
To get your passport reference number, check the acknowledgement or receipt sent to you when you submitted your passport application, you will find it there. If you applied online, log in to your account on the passport authority’s website and go to the application status or tracking section to find your reference number.
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Check your passport application acknowledgement notification
This is the easiest way to get your passport reference number.
When you submit your passport application, the passport authorities will receive your application, upon receiving it, they will send you an acknowledgement notification.
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Something like “We’ve got your application, we will start working on it”.
If you’ve recently applied for a passport, you will get this notification via email or phone (whichever one you subscribed to).
To get your passport application reference number, check your application acknowledgement or receipt – it contains your passport reference number.
You will find somewhere in it.
The acknowledgement also includes other important details about your application.
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Check your online account
Another way to get your passport reference number is through your online account.
Many passport authorities, such as government agencies or consulates, have online portals for applicants to track their passport applications.
If you apply through this portal, you can get your application details including the passport reference number through the account you created during your application.
To do this, log in to your online account using the credentials (username and password) you created during the application process.
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Once you are in your account, go to the section that is related to application status or tracking, there you should find your passport reference number listed along with other application details.
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Call the passport authority
If you’re not able to get your passport reference number through the above methods, there is another option.
The next step is to contact the passport authority directly.
You can do this by going through their official website, customer service phone numbers, or email addresses.
Once you reach them, give them your application details (like full name, date of birth, and application submission date), it will help them identify your application and retrieve the reference number for you.
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Visit the application processing centre (If you can)
In some cases, especially for manual or in-person applications, you need to visit the passport application processing centre.
When coming, bring along any acknowledgement or receipt they sent to you during the application submission.
At the centre, the staff will assist you in retrieving your passport reference number.
Once you have got your passport reference number, you need to keep it safe and secure.
Write it down in a secure place like in a personal organizer or encrypted digital document.
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Do not share your passport reference number publicly or with unauthorized individuals.
It is sensitive information and should only be disclosed when necessary and to trusted entities.
When making inquiries or if you need help from the application centre, always use the official channels provided by the passport authority.
Avoid sharing your passport reference number through unsecured or unofficial means.
Conclusion
Your passport reference number is a unique identifier assigned to your passport application.
It helps authorities and applicants track the status of the application throughout the processing stages.
This number will be given to you when you submit your passport application.
To get yours, you can follow any of the processes above to retrieve the number.