Where to find the passport book number in an Indian passport?
If you have traveled abroad or are planning to do so, then it is very important for you to have a passport. A passport is an identity document that proves your true identity abroad. Whether you are from India or any other country, it is almost impossible to travel abroad without a passport.
Many people are very eager to get their passport. For this, they have to visit the passport office, submit documents and then after checking everything, they get the passport. Once you get this passport, you are free to go anywhere abroad. But it is very important to understand all this properly.
What is a passport book number?
Now let us talk about the important thing called passport book number. It is a special number, which is also called ‘Inventory Control Number’ in some places. This number is given by the government while making a passport. But remember one thing – not all countries have this number in their passports. Some countries have this number, while some do not.
Bank Timings of Indian Overseas Bank
Does an Indian passport have a passport book number?
Now comes the main question – Where is the passport book number in an Indian passport? The answer is very simple. An Indian passport does not have a passport book number! Yes, it is true. So if you are looking for this number in your Indian passport, then don’t waste your time, because it is not there.
For example, if you are filling the DS-160 form for a US visa, then there is a mention of the passport book number. But for an Indian passport, you only have to select the option “Does Not Apply”. Because there is no such number in your passport.
Don’t confuse passport number with passport book number
Many times people confuse passport number with passport book number. But understand that these two are different. Passport number is the main number of your passport, which is present on every passport. In an Indian passport, this number is clearly written on the first page. But passport book number is a different thing and is not present in an Indian passport.
In short…
Do not try to find the passport book number in an Indian passport, because it is not there. If you are asked for this number while filling out a form, just say ‘No’ or ‘Not Applicable’. It is very important to be well informed about passports, so that your travel will be pleasant and hassle-free.
If you have any other questions about passports, be sure to ask me. I will try to explain it to you in simple terms!
FAQ
1. Does an Indian passport have a PBN?
No, Indian passports do not have a passport book number. It’s not included in the design, unlike some other countries’ passports.
2. What to fill in DS-160 for PBN?
For Indian passports, select “Does Not Apply” in the DS-160 form since there’s no passport book number.
3. Is passport number same as PBN?
No, they are different. The passport number is your unique ID on the passport, while the book number is a separate control number, absent in Indian passports.
4. Why doesn’t India use a PBN?
Indian passports follow a simpler format without this extra identifier, relying solely on the passport number for identification.
5. How to avoid confusion with passport numbers?
Always double-check forms and know that Indian passports only have a passport number, not a book number, to avoid errors.