No more police verification: How to get an e-passport thru required documents, fees, online application

The Bangladesh government has officially removed police verification from the e-passport application process.

In an 18 February 2025 circular, the Security Services Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that e-passports will now be issued based solely on the information available in the National Identity Card (NID). For minors and expatriate Bangladeshis, the birth registration certificate (BRC) registered online will serve as the primary verification document. This update aims to streamline passport issuance and reduce processing time.

Let's take a look at the overall application procedure for obtaining an e-passport without police clearance.

Essential documents for e-passport application

Primary Documents Based on Age Category

Applicants below 18 years: BRC in English, registered online.

Applicants aged 18 to 20 years: Either a NID card or an online-registered BRC in English.

Applicants above 20 years: A NID card is mandatory. However, those residing abroad can submit an online-registered BRC issued by Bangladesh Missions.

For minors: Both parents' NID cards must be provided.

Proof of residence: A recent utility bill (gas, electricity, or water) of the applicant's residential address.

For adoptees or legal guardianship cases: An official order from the Department of Protective Services, Ministry of Home Affairs.

For marital status verification: Marriage certificate or Nikahnama for married applicants; in case of divorce, a Talaqnama must be submitted if applicable.

Additional documents for various professionals

Technical or skilled professionals (e.g., drivers, engineers, doctors): A relevant vocational or professional certification.

Students: A certificate from the head of the educational institution, the latest educational qualification certificate, or a valid student ID card.

Private sector employees: An official employment certificate issued by the respective institution.

Government employees: Any one of the following official documents, as published on the issuing authority's website:

• Government Order (GO)
• No Objection Certificate (NOC)
• Employment Certificate
• Post-Retirement Leave (PRL) Order
• Pension Book

Farmers and agricultural workers: A copy of their land title deed as proof of agricultural engagement.

Business owners: A copy of a valid Trade License for their business establishment.

Mandatory Attachments at the Time of Application Submission
Along with the primary and profession-specific documents, applicants must also submit:

• A printed summary of the application form, including the scheduled time for biometric registration.
• A printed copy of the fully completed online application form.
• Receipt of passport fee payment as proof of submission.
• For children below six years, a recent passport-sized photograph taken in a lab with a gray background is required.
• For applicants above six years, no separate photograph is required. Most importantly, there is no requirement to have any of the above documents attested for submission.

Step-by-step guide to applying for an e-passport

Filling out the online application form

To initiate the e-passport application process, access the official website at www.epassport.gov.bd using an internet browser. Select the 'Apply Online' tab, where the first step involves determining the designated e-passport issuing office. This is done by choosing the relevant district and police station from the drop-down menu, after which the affiliated passport office will be automatically assigned.

For applicants seeking to identify the nearest e-passport office separately, the necessary information can be found at this link:
https://dip.gov.bd/site/page/4d4ea063-50df-46ee-a326-492d8ef2dbb0/-.

Following the selection of the passport office, an account must be created on the e-passport online registration portal. This requires entering an email address, NID card or BRC, and a mobile number, followed by setting a unique password. Once the account has been successfully created, future logins can be performed using either the email or mobile number and the designated password.

All information provided in the form must match exactly with the details on the applicant's NID card. Once the required mandatory fields are completed, the system will prompt for passport fee payment. If the payment is made online, the receipt number will be automatically linked to the application.

The next step involves scheduling an appointment for biometric registration. A date can be selected from the available slots displayed on the screen.

At the final stage, after submission, a summary of the completed application, including the scheduled biometric appointment, will be displayed. A printed copy of both the summary and the submitted online registration form must be attached to other required documents before proceeding with the next steps.

E-passport fee payment options

The Department of Passports and Immigration has approved multiple payment methods for e-passport processing fees. The available options include:

• Debit and Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express
• Mobile Financial Services (MFS): bKash, Nagad, Rocket, UPay, DMoney, OK Wallet, and MBL Rainbow
• Authorized Banks:
• Bank Asia, BRAC Bank, Eastern Bank, City Bank, United Commercial Bank, Arab-Bangladesh Bank, Dutch-Bangla Bank, and Midland Bank.

E-passport fee structure and processing time

The fee for an e-passport varies depending on the number of pages, validity period, and delivery speed. Applications are categorized into Regular, Express, and Super Express services:

Super Express Service: The fastest option, delivering the passport within 2 working days from the date of biometric registration.

Express Service: Processing takes a minimum of 7 working days which extends to a maximum of 10 days from the date of biometric registration.

Regular Service: The most extended timeframe, with a processing period of at least 15 working days or 21 days from the date of biometric registration.

E-Passport with 48 Pages (5-Year Validity)

• Regular Service: BDT 4,025
• Express Service: BDT 6,325
• Super Express Service: BDT 8,625

E-Passport with 64 Pages (5-Year Validity)

• Regular Service: BDT 6,325
• Express Service: BDT 8,625
• Super Express Service: BDT 12,075

E-Passport with 48 Pages (10-Year Validity)

• Regular Service: BDT 5,750
• Express Service: BDT 8,050
• Super Express Service: BDT 10,350

E-Passport with 64 Pages (10-Year Validity)

• Regular Service: BDT 8,050
• Express Service: BDT 10,350
• Super Express Service: BDT 13,800

Document submission and biometric registration

Applicants must visit the designated e-passport service center on the scheduled date, bringing all required documents. During this visit, the biometric data, including photographs and fingerprints, will be collected. To ensure smooth processing, candidates must wear colored clothing when having their photograph taken at the passport center.

Upon completing the biometric process, a delivery slip will be issued, specifying the estimated date of passport collection. This slip serves as proof of biometric registration and must be kept safely for submission on the day of passport collection.

Checking E-passport application status

From the day of biometric registration until the estimated passport collection date, applicants can track their application status online. For this, visit:
https://www.epassport.gov.bd/authorization/application-status-

A 13-digit application ID will be provided on the distribution slip. Applicants must use this Application ID or the OID (Online Registration ID) found in the application form to check the current progress of their e-passport.

Collection of e-passport without police verification

Previously, police verification was required after biometric registration. However, under the new regulations, this step has been eliminated. Once the e-passport is ready for collection, a notification will be sent to the mobile number and email address provided in the application form.

To collect the passport, applicants must visit the designated passport issuing office on the specified date, bringing along the original delivery slip and NID card.

Verdict

The online application process for Bangladesh's e-passport is easy and user-friendly. From February 18, 2025, the removal of the requirement for police verification has streamlined the e-passport application process, offering a more efficient and accessible approach for all. Applicants now only need to provide their NID card or BRC, removing the traditional requirement for police clearance. The process includes completing an online application, submitting necessary documents, and attending bio-enrollment at the designated passport office. Applicants can track their application status and collect their passports upon notification, making the overall experience faster.