PVS operates a “green, amber, red” system to establish the validity of a passport. Private sector clients make enquiries via a call centre. If a passport is validated we can confirm that the passport exists, matches IPS records, has not been reported lost/stolen, and we have no concerns over its issue. If a passport is not validated, it may be because the passport is either expired or cancelled (e.g. due to a change of name). A “not validated – retain if possible” response means that the document is fraudulent.
In the event of an attempted fraud, our staff will direct customers to a member of the IPS Fraud Team who can further assist.
