My Passport Application Experience: Tips and Tricks for a Faster Process

By Abu Nowhash Chowdhury August 29, 2025 Posted in Experience
Tags: Passport E-Passport Chattogram Bangladesh
My Passport Application Experience: Tips and Tricks for a Faster Process

In this post, I’m sharing my experience and some practical tips I picked up during my passport application journey to help you navigate the process more smoothly and efficiently.

Getting Started

I applied for my passport through the official ePassport website at Regional Passport Office, Panchlaish, Chattogram.

While the official notice specified only a few required documents, I kept the following comprehensive set with me during the submission of my application and police verification (just to be on the safe side—so they couldn’t reject my application, even if they wanted to! 🥴):

- Application Receipt
- Printed copy of Application Form
- Birth Certificate
- NID (National ID)
- Father’s and Mother’s NIDs
- Academic Certificate
- Nationality Certificate
- Khatiyan (Land Record)
- Utility Bill Copy

I waited in line for about 3 to 3.5 hours to submit my documents. Since I applied as a student, the officer requested to see my student ID card, which I didn’t have with me at the time. I explained my situation and provided other evidence to confirm my status. Thankfully, he accepted my explanation, approved my application, and forwarded it for the biometric stage. I then waited in another queue for around 2 to 2.5 hours to complete the biometric process. At this point, my application status was “Enrolment in process.”

Police Verification [No Longer Required]

A few days after completing the biometric process, I received an email confirming my application enrollment. When I checked the status online, it showed that my passport had been sent to the SB/DSB office for police verification. This stage turned out to be the longest part of my month-long application process.

Despite waiting for several days, I did not receive a call from the police for verification. Frustrated, I decided to visit the DSB office myself, taking my Application Receipt along. They informed me that they had received my passport file and that an officer would call me soon for verification. Unfortunately, more days passed without any call. I even tried using the Hello SB app but had no luck.

Finally, about 8 to 9 days later, I received a call from an officer asking me to visit the DSB office with all my documents. I went the next day, where he verified my documents and asked a few questions about my academics, profession, plans, and reasons for applying for a passport. He approved my application on the spot.

The Waiting Game

Even after the verification, my application status remained “Pending SB Police clearance” for a few more days. Despite contacting both the officer and the Passport AD, I didn’t get much help. The police officer assured me that my application had been sent to the passport office, but the passport office claimed they hadn’t received it. After several days of back-and-forth, I finally saw that the police verification was complete and my application was now “Pending final approval.” A few hours later, it moved to “Pending in Print Queue.”

Two or three days after that, I received an email and an SMS informing me that my passport was ready for issuance. I collected it from the passport office the next day.

That concludes my passport-making journey.

Mistakes I Made During My Application Procedure:

  1. I submitted my documents on a Thursday, which delayed the application enrollment confirmation due to the weekend. It took a few extra days to process.

  2. I waited for a call from the police for verification, but if I had visited their office earlier, the process could have been much faster. It’s also possible to complete verification on the spot if an officer is available.

Tips to Speed Up the Process

  1. Ensure Accurate Information: Fill out the online form with 100% accurate information. Any errors or mistakes can significantly delay your application.

  2. Confirm Your Biometric Enrollment: After providing your biometric data, ask the officer to confirm your enrollment status on the spot. This can prevent a delay of 2 to 3 days.

  3. Be Proactive with Police Verification: As soon as your passport status changes to “Pending SB Police clearance,” don’t wait for a call. Visit the SB/DSB office yourself and complete the verification process.

  4. Avoid Online Payment Gateways: Many applicants face issues with getting the Chalan copy when using online payment gateways. It’s safer to pay at a bank and get the Chalan copy directly.

I hope these tips help you have a smoother experience!