Indian Passport Renewal: Everything You Must Know

Is your Indian passport due for renewal? You're in the right place! This guide aims to clarify the India passport renewal process, making it a breeze for you. Whether you're renewing your passport for the first time or have done it before, we aim to offer you clear, step-by-step guidance to ensure a smooth experience.

The thought of going through bureaucratic procedures can be overwhelming. But worry not! With our easy-to-follow instructions, we’ll help you understand everything from the eligibility criteria to the final steps of the process. Let's dive into the details of renewing your passport!

Eligibility criteria for renewing Indian passport

A valid passport is essential for international travel. Sooner or later, you must renew your Indian passport. Here's what you need to know about the eligibility criteria for passport renewal and seeking passport services in India:

• Validity period: Indian passports are typically issued with a 10-year validity period. However, the validity is five years for children up to the age of 15. Note that the re-issuance of the passport after this period involves the issuance of a new passport, not just an extension of the existing one.

• Re-issuance requirements: There are several scenarios in which you would need to seek re-issuance of your passport:

Change in personal details: If there's a change in any entry printed on the passport, such as a change in name or address.

Insufficient pages: A re-issuance is required if your passport runs out of pages for visa stamps.

Lost or damaged passport: In cases where the passport is lost or significantly damaged, a new passport must be issued.

• Timing for renewal: Apply for a new passport one year before the expiry of your current passport. Renewing before the expiry ensures no gap in having a valid passport, which is crucial for uninterrupted travel and identification purposes.

Documents required for Indian passport renewal

Renewing your Indian passport requires gathering specific documents to ensure your application is processed smoothly. These documents vary depending on the nature of your renewal – whether it's a standard renewal, for a minor, or due to a lost or damaged passport. Understanding what you need before starting the application process can save you time and effort.

General list of documents:

• Old passport - The original and a self-attested photocopy of the first and last two pages.

• Proof of address - Recent utility bills, Aadhaar card, or bank statements.

• Passport-sized photographs - They must be recent with a white background.

• Birth certificate or marriage certificate.

• Proof of nationality.

For minors:

• Birth certificate.

• Photocopies of parent's passports - If parents hold a valid passport.

• Address proof document in the name of parents.

In case of lost or stolen passport:

• A copy of the First Information Report filed with the police.

Remember to check the latest guidelines and requirements on the official Passport Seva website or the Indian consulate website relevant to your area, as the required documents may vary slightly based on your specific circumstances and location.

How to apply for an India passport renewal

Renewing your Indian passport involves an online or in-person application process. If you value convenience, know that the Indian government offers a platform where you can complete the application and schedule an appointment on the official Passport Seva website. Here's a breakdown of how to renew your Indian passport.

Apply for passport renewal via e-Form

This is ideal for those who prefer completing forms offline. It’s the best option if you don’t have a steady internet connection. This method involves downloading and filling out an electronic form and then uploading it to the Passport Seva Portal.

1. First, register on the Passport Seva Portal and log in. Then, download the e-Form for fresh or reissue of the passport.

2. Complete the form, click 'Validate & Save' to generate an XML file, and upload this XML file (not the PDF form) to the system.

3. Schedule an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and pay the fee online through a credit or debit card, Internet Banking, or SBI Bank Challan.

4. Attend the appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (passport service center) with all required original documents​​.

Apply for a passport via online form submission

This method is convenient for those comfortable with completing the form online without needing to download the application document.

1. Register on the Passport Seva Portal and then log in. Click on the relevant link for a new or reissue of the passport and fill in the details directly online.

2. After completing the form, submit it online.

3. Like the e-Form process, schedule your appointment and pay the fee online.

4. Go to the PSK for your appointment with all the necessary documents

Apply for passport in person

This is an alternative for those who might not have access to online resources or prefer a more traditional approach.

1. Download the application form from the Passport Seva Portal or purchase it from the District Passport Cell (DPC) for a nominal fee.

2. Fill out the form and submit it with self-attested photocopies of supporting documents at the DPC counter.

3. Have your documents verified by an official. Then, pay the India passport fees via Demand Draft (DD), with your details written on the back.

4. Collect the acknowledgment letter containing your File Number, which helps track your application status later​.

Renewal for minors

Minors also need a valid Indian passport to travel internationally. Keep an eye on the passport validity since it’s shorter than the regular passports. When the document is close to expiring, children undergo the same application process as adults. The difference here is some extra documents they must submit.

Renewing an Indian passport abroad

If you are an Indian citizen living outside India and need to renew your passport, the process differs slightly from doing it within the country. In such cases, contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate in your current country of residence.

These diplomatic offices provide specific guidelines and procedures tailored to the region and can assist with the necessary forms, required documentation, and appointment scheduling. They’re your primary resource for passport renewal while abroad, ensuring you receive accurate and up-to-date information about your location.

Cost for passport renewal in India

The Indian passport renewal costs vary depending on the type of service you require. Below is a detailed list of fees associated with different passport renewal services:

• Fresh passport/re-issue with 36 pages for the exhaustion of visa pages (10-years validity): application fee - Rs. 1,500; additional Tatkaal fee - Rs. 2,000.

• Fresh passport/re-issue with 60 pages for the exhaustion of visa pages (10-years validity): application fee - Rs. 2,000; additional Tatkaal fee - Rs. 2,000.

• Fresh passport/re-issue for minors (below 18 years of age) with 36 pages (5 years validity or till the minor attains the age of 18, whichever is earlier): application fee - Rs. 1,000; additional Tatkaal fee - Rs. 2,000.

• Replacement of passport (36 pages) in place of lost, damaged, or stolen passport: application fee - Rs. 3,000; additional Tatkaal fee - Rs. 2,000.

• Replacement of passport (60 pages) in place of lost, damaged, or stolen passport: application fee - Rs. 3,500; additional Tatkaal fee - Rs. 2,000.

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Application fee - Rs. 500; no additional Tatkaal Fee.

• Replacement of passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR/change in personal particulars (10-year validity): application fee - Rs. 1,500; additional Tatkaal fee - Rs. 2,000.

• Replacement of passport (60 pages) for deletion of ECR/Change in personal particulars (10-year validity): application fee - Rs. 2,000; additional Tatkaal fee - Rs. 2,000.

• Replacement of passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR/change in personal particulars for minors (below 18 years of age, of 5 years validity or till the minor attains the age of 18, whichever is earlier): application fee - Rs. 1,000; additional Tatkaal fee - Rs. 2,000.

Tatkaal is an expedited service that incurs an additional fee over the standard application charge, ensuring faster processing and dispatch of the passport. The fees listed are non-refundable, and the Tatkaal service is available for those who need their passport renewed urgently.

Tracking your India passport renewal status

The processing time depends on your situation and the workload of the passport office. However, it’s quick and easy to check your India passport status! All you need to do is access the Passport Seva Portal and log in using your file number (the application reference number you received when submitting your application) and date of birth.

Things to do after receiving your renewed passport: Police verification

The India passport renewal includes a particular step: police verification, a security measure implemented to verify the applicant’s identity and address. This process typically involves a visit from a police officer to the address provided in the passport application. The officer verifies details like the applicant's name, age, and address. This verification ensures that the information provided to the passport office is accurate and that the applicant has no criminal record​​.

The police verification process generally begins once the passport authority informs the local police station. However, applicants can also initiate the process via the Passport Seva website. The steps include:

1. The passport office assigns the task to the local police station.

2. Police personnel conduct physical verification to confirm the applicant's residence.

3. Confirmation details are forwarded to higher authorities for final approval.

In case of discrepancies, an 'adverse' police verification report is filed; otherwise, a 'clear' report is submitted to the passport office, which then proceeds with the application process​​.

Exemptions from police verification

Certain cases are exempt from police verification:

• For passport renewal: If the renewal application is submitted before the current passport expires, police verification might not be needed.

• For employees of the Government of India: Those who provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) as per Annexure G or submit an Identity Certificate as per Annexure A are typically exempt from pre-police verification​​.

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