
Bags packed, itinerary ready, tickets booked for the next international flight! What else?
Have you checked your passport validity?
Your passport is the most important document for international travel. If it has expired or is about to expire, you should reissue it before your trip. A damaged or lost passport also needs to be reissued.
The good news is that you can complete most of the process online. In this article, we will explain how to reissue a passport in India.
Reissue a Passport Online in India: Meaning
In India, passport reissue is usually processed as a passport reissue. This means you receive a new passport booklet instead of extending the validity of your existing passport.
You need to apply for a passport reissue in the following situations:
- Your passport has expired.
- Your passport is about to expire.
- All the pages in your passport have been used.
- Your passport is lost.
- Your passport is damaged.
- You want to change personal details
Passport Validity in India
The validity of an Indian passport depends on the applicant's age.
| Applicant | Passport Validity |
|---|---|
| Adults (18 years and above) | 10 years |
| Minors (Below 18 years) | 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier |
| Minors (15 - 18 years, optional) | Up to 10 years (on request and applicable fee) |
Important Things to Know
- Apply for a passport reissue if your passport is expiring within the next 6 to 12 months.
- Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of travel.
- Airlines can also deny boarding if your passport does not meet the 6-month validity requirement.
- If your passport has no blank pages left, you must apply for a passport reissue, even if it is still valid.
- You can apply for a passport reissue up to 1 year before the expiry date or within 3 years after it has expired.
How to Reissue a Passport Online in India?
Follow these simple steps to reissue your passport online:
- 1.Log in to the Passport Seva Portal . Register first if you are a new user.
- 2.Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport." Then choose "Re-issue of Passport."
- 3.Fill in the application form with the required details and submit it.
- 4.Pay the application fee online to book your appointment.
- 5.Schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
- 6.Visit the selected centre with your old passport, required documents, and appointment receipt or confirmation SMS.
- 7.Complete document verification and biometrics. Your photograph and fingerprints will be captured, and your application will be processed.
Documents Required to Reissue a Passport Online in India
The documents required depend on the reason for your application. However, the following documents are commonly asked for.
Old Passport
Carry your original passport along with a self-attested photocopy of the first and last pages.
Address Proof
You can submit any one of the following:
- Aadhaar Card
- Utility Bill
- Bank Passbook
- Voter ID
- Rent Agreement (if applicable)
Identity Proof
You can use any valid government-issued identity proof, such as:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
Proof of Date of Birth
If your date of birth is not clearly mentioned in your old passport, you may need to submit:
- Birth Certificate
- School Leaving Certificate
- PAN Card (where applicable)
Documents for Change in Personal Details
If you are updating your name, address, date of birth, or spouse's name, submit the relevant supporting documents, such as:
- Marriage Certificate
- Gazette Notification
- Address Proof
- Court Order (if applicable)
Additional Documents for Lost or Damaged Passport
If your passport is lost or damaged, you may also need:
- Copy of the lost passport (if available)
- FIR or Police Report (for lost passport)
- Damaged passport (if applicable)
- Self-declaration or other supporting documents, as required
Note: Document requirements vary depending on the reason for reissue and applicant category.
Passport Re-issue Fees in India
The passport reissue fee in India depends on the passport booklet, the applicant's age, and the type of service selected. Since passport reissue is processed as a passport reissue, the following fee structure applies:
Normal Passport Fees
| Passport Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| 36-page booklet (Adults) | Rs 2,500 |
| 60-page booklet (Adults) | Rs 3,500 |
| Minors (Below 18 years) | Rs 1,750 |
Tatkaal Passport Fees
| Passport Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| 36-page booklet (Adults) | Rs 5,000 |
| 60-page booklet (Adults) | Rs 6,000 |
| Minors (Below 18 years) | Rs 4,250 |
Fees for Lost or Damaged Passport
| Passport Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| 36-page booklet | Rs 5,000 |
| 60-page booklet | Rs 6,000 |
Important Points to Remember:
- Passport fees must be paid online while booking your appointment on the Passport Seva Portal.
- Payment can be made using UPI, debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- A 10% fee concession is available only for fresh passport applications of children up to 8 years of age and senior citizens above 60 years. This concession does not apply to passport reissue.
Standard Processing Time for Passport Reissue
The time taken to renew a passport depends on the type of application and whether police verification is required.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Normal | 15 - 30 days |
| Tatkaal | 1 - 7 working days |
Common Reasons for Passport Reissue Delays
Your passport reissue application can get delayed for several reasons. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Incorrect Information: Errors in your application form, such as your name, date of birth, or address, can delay the process.
- Missing Documents: Not submitting the required documents or uploading unclear copies can lead to delays.
- Police Verification: If police verification is required, your passport will be processed only after the verification is completed.
- High Number of Applications: Processing can take longer during peak seasons due to a large number of applications at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs).
- Pending Verification: Any mismatch in your documents or application details can result in additional verification and increase the processing time.
Tips for a Smooth Passport Reissue Process
Follow these simple tips to avoid delays and make the process hassle-free:
- Apply early, especially if your passport is expiring within the next 6 - 12 months.
- Keep all required documents ready before filling out the application.
- Enter your details carefully to avoid mistakes in the application form.
- Pay the fee and book your appointment as early as possible.
- Carry the original documents along with self-attested photocopies to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Track your application status regularly through the Passport Seva Portal.
- Attend the police verification on time, if it is required.
Conclusion
To conclude, the steps to reissue a passport in India are simple and convenient. You just need to visit the Passport Seva Portal and proceed with the required steps to renew a passport online.
Make sure you keep the required documents ready, pay the application fee, and book your appointment on time. Applying early can help you avoid delays and ensure your passport is ready before your travel plans.
FAQs
Visit the Passport Seva Portal and log in. Fill out the passport reissue form, pay the fee, and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Yes. You can fill out the form, pay the fee, and book your appointment online. You still need to visit the PSK for document verification and biometrics.
You should reissue a passport in India if your passport has expired, is about to expire, is lost or damaged, has no blank pages left, or you want to update your personal details.
Yes. You can apply for a passport reissue before your passport expires. It is best to apply if your passport will expire within the next 6 to 12 months.
It depends on your application. Police verification is required in some cases, such as a change of address or other specific situations.
You can check your application status on the Passport Seva Portal. Enter your File Number and Date of Birth to see the latest update.
Yes. You can apply for a passport reissue even after your passport has expired. However, it is better to apply before the expiry date to avoid travel-related problems.