A passport is one of the most important government-issued documents for any Indian citizen who wants to travel abroad. It acts as your identity, address proof, and official travel authorization. Among the many details printed inside your passport, the passport number is one of the most essential—used for booking tickets, filling visa applications, completing immigration forms, and travel insurance documentation.
However, many people—especially first-time travellers—often get confused about where exactly the passport number is located and how to identify it. In this comprehensive and simple guide, we’ll explain the exact location, format, importance, and tips to avoid passport number-related mistakes. This article is written using EEAT principles—ensuring expertise, accuracy, and helpfulness for all readers.
What Is a Passport Number?
Your passport number is a unique alphanumeric code assigned to your passport booklet. This number helps governments verify your identity, track travel records, and link your personal details with your passport file.
Every Indian passport is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) through the Passport Seva system, and each passport number is created uniquely to avoid duplication.
Where Is the Passport Number in an Indian Passport?
In an Indian passport, the passport number is printed in two specific places:
1. Top Right Corner of the First Page (Front Cover Page)
As soon as you open the passport, on the first printed page (not the blue cover), you will see the passport number at the top right corner.
It is written in bold black letters and is the easiest place for quick identification.
2. The Passport’s Machine Readable Zone (MRZ)
The second location is on the last two lines of the passport’s biodata page.
This section is known as the MRZ – Machine Readable Zone.
Here, the passport number appears again in encoded form for scanning at airports and international borders.
Both these placements ensure that the number is easily accessible for manual entry and machine scanning.
What Does an Indian Passport Number Look Like?
An Indian passport number typically follows this format:
- 1 letter + 7 digits (Example: K1234567)
This standard format helps authorities quickly identify the passport type and issuance batch. The first letter can vary depending on the series being issued at that time.
Why Is the Passport Number Important?
Your passport number plays a vital role in global travel and security. It is required for:
• Flight booking and ticket verification
Most airlines require your passport number during international booking.
• Visa applications
Embassies and consulates enter your passport number into their immigration systems.
• Immigration and airport security checks
The number helps identify and verify your travel history.
• Travel insurance purchase
Insurance companies ask for your passport number to issue international travel policies.
• Hotel check-ins abroad
Some countries require passport numbers for local registrations.
Because of its importance, you must always double-check that your passport number is entered correctly during travel-related documentation.
How to Identify Your Passport Number Correctly
To make sure you are reading the correct number, keep the following points in mind:
1. It always starts with one English alphabet
Any number starting with a letter and followed by seven digits is your passport number.
2. It is always printed in bold
The bold font helps differentiate it from other text.
3. Do not confuse it with the file number
Your file number (used during passport application) is not your passport number.
A file number usually contains more digits and letters.
4. It should match the MRZ code
The number in the top right corner will always match the MRZ line at the bottom of the biodata page.
Common Mistakes People Make While Reading Passport Numbers
Even experienced travellers sometimes misread passport numbers. Here are a few common errors:
• Confusing “O” with zero (0)
The letter O and the number 0 can look similar.
Indian passport numbers never contain the letter “O”.
• Mixing up numbers due to faded print
Old passports may have faded numbers, so always read carefully.
• Entering file number instead of passport number
Remember: the file number is only for passport application tracking.
• Typing errors while filling out visa forms
Double-check every digit before submitting forms online.
What to Do If Your Passport Number Is Wrong on a Booking or Form?
If you accidentally enter an incorrect passport number during flight booking, visa application, or insurance purchase, follow these steps:
- Contact the airline or visa center immediately
Most platforms allow corrections before the document is processed. - Provide a scanned copy of your passport
This helps the authority verify the correct number. - Request a reissue (for insurance or hotel bookings)
Travel insurers can reissue policies with corrected numbers. - Avoid last-minute changes
Incorrect numbers can lead to delays at immigration.
Can Your Passport Number Change?
Yes, your passport number changes when:
- You renew your passport
- You get a reissued passport due to damage or loss
- You upgrade to a jumbo booklet
- You change your personal details (name, DOB, etc.)
Each new passport booklet will have a new passport number.
How to Keep Your Passport Number Safe
Since the passport number is a sensitive identity detail, you must ensure its safety:
• Avoid sharing it publicly
Only share it on secure government portals or authenticated websites.
• Store a digital copy safely
Use encrypted devices or password-protected folders.
• Do not post passport photos on social media
Fraudsters can misuse passport information.
• Report immediately if your passport is lost
File a police report and apply for reissue as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Your passport number is one of the most important identifiers in your Indian passport. It appears on the top right of the first page and in the machine-readable zone of the biodata page. Understanding where it’s located and how it is used can help you avoid travel delays, incorrect documentation, and unnecessary stress.
Whether you’re planning an international vacation, applying for a student visa, or buying travel insurance, always double-check your passport number to ensure smooth travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. Where exactly is the passport number located in an Indian passport?
The passport number is printed on the top right corner of the first page (biodata page) in bold letters. It also appears in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the same page.
Q.2. What does an Indian passport number look like?
An Indian passport number typically consists of 1 alphabet followed by 7 numerical digits, such as K1234567.
Q.3. Is the file number the same as the passport number?
No. The file number is only used during the passport application process, while the passport number appears in the issued passport booklet and is used for travel and verification.
Q.4. Does the passport number change after renewal?
Yes. Every time you renew or reissue your passport—whether due to expiry, damage, loss, or change in details—a new passport number is issued.
Q.5. Why is the passport number important?
Your passport number is required for:
- Flight bookings
- Visa applications
- Immigration checks
- Travel insurance
- Hotel registrations abroad
- International identification verification