Passport Verification Record (PVR): The Indian government has taken a big step toward digital governance by making Passport Verification Records (PVRs) available on DigiLocker. This move allows citizens to access verified digital copies of their passport verification documents, eliminating the need for paperwork and speeding up verification for travel, jobs, and compliance checks.
Developed jointly by the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this new service is part of India’s ongoing effort to provide citizen-centric and paperless services. Once a passport verification is complete, the PVR automatically appears in the user’s DigiLocker account under the ‘Issued Documents’ section, making it instantly accessible from both web and mobile platforms.
Secure and Authentic Digital Records
Every PVR issued on DigiLocker is directly fetched from official databases, ensuring authenticity and security. The digital documents come with built-in security features that prevent tampering, giving confidence to employers, travel agencies, and government authorities who rely on these documents for verification. By moving to digital formats, the government also addresses the long-standing problem of forged or altered verification papers, improving trust in the verification process.
Consent-Based Sharing for Convenience
A key feature of the digital PVR is consent-based sharing. Users can choose when and with whom to share their verification records. This removes the need for multiple attested physical copies and simplifies routine procedures, such as job applications, international travel, and financial compliance checks. Citizens no longer have to repeatedly provide proof of identity or background, as digital records can be shared securely with authorized agencies in just a few clicks.
Boost to Paperless Governance
The initiative aligns perfectly with India’s Digital India programme, promoting environmentally responsible governance and reducing manual paperwork. By digitizing verification records, the government expects faster processing, lower storage requirements, and more reliable services for citizens.
Strengthening India’s Digital Infrastructure
The inclusion of PVRs in DigiLocker strengthens India’s growing digital public infrastructure, which already includes platforms like Aadhaar and UPI. Officials say the addition will improve inter-agency coordination, reduce verification delays, and further build trust in digital governance systems. This initiative marks another step in India’s journey toward a fully digital, paperless government, making essential services more accessible and convenient for millions of citizens.
