Renewing a passport in India has now become an easy, streamlined and a straightforward process, thanks to the Ministry of External Affair’s digital initiative.

If your passport is close to expiring or you’ve run out of the visa pages, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to renew your passport in India:

Passport Renewal Eligibility 

A passport is typically renewed if: 

1. Your current passport is either going to expire soon, or it has already expired.

2. Has less than 2-4 visa pages left.

3. Is damaged, making the information hard to read.

4. Is lost or stolen (a separate application is needed here).

5. Record a change of name, marital status, etc. 
   

Documents Required 

The Passport Seva Kendra website has a ‘Document Advisor’ for passport renewal depending on the type of renewal of the passport (regular / tatkaal) and the applicant’s age (child/adult), different sets of documents are required. Below are the most generic set of documents required: 

• Current Passport: Original and a photocopies of the first two and last pages, any observation pages and the ECR/Non-ECR page.  y.
• Passport Size Photographs: Generally two recent photographs as per specified standards.
• Proof of Address: Identity proofs like Aadhaar, or any other utility bill or Bank statements.]
• Proof of Identity: PAN Card, voter photo ID card or any other photo ID, issued by the Government of India.
• Additional Documents: If applying for change of personal details such as name change then documents like Marriage Certificate, divorce decree, or a gazette notification if your name has changed.

Note: All copies must be self-attested

Types of Passport Renewal

• Normal Passport Renewal: The standard timelines involved in normal passport renewal is 10-15 days.

• Tatkal Renewal: For urgent cases, the usual timeline involved is 2-3 days, with additional fees and additional documentation verification.

How to Apply for Renewal

• Check the Passport Seva Website

1. Go to the official Passport Seva website: passportindia.gov.in.

• Register or Log In

1. If a person is a new user, then he can register on the portal.

2. And if you are a registered user, then just log on by using your details.

• Fill up the Application Form

1. Click on "Apply for Passport" then click on "Renewal of Passport."

2. Fill up the application form properly.

3. Download the form if needed, and save the progress to avoid data loss.

• Pay the Fees

1. Pay the mandatory fee after you complete the form. The fee will vary depending on the type of passport it is normal or tatkal and the period it will be valid for one year, five years, or ten years.

2. You can pay online using Net Banking, Credit / Debit Card or UPI.

• Book an Appointment

1. Once the payment is successful you will be able to book a date at the closest Passport Seva Kendra or Passport Seva Laghu Kendra.

• Visit Passport Seva Kendra

1. On the date and time provided, report at the Passport Seva Kendra carrying all the forms and documents with you.

2. Submission of application and documents at the counter

3. Biometric Data includes fingerprints and photographs captured at Passport Seva Kendra.

• Track Your Application

1. On successful submission, track on the Passport Seva website using application number or via SMS updates.

• Fees for Passport Renewal

Note: Please refer the official Passport Seva Kendra’s website for latest fees

Important Points to Recall

• Processing Time Passport renewal processing time differs; normal applications take 10 - 15 working days while tatkal applications take 1-3 working days

• The Tatkal scheme exists for those needing passports urgently and costs a supplementary charge for speedy processing.

• Passport Validity: Ensure that your passport has a validity of at least six months in case of international travel.

• Keep your Application Reference Number (ARN) handy for tracking and inquiries

• Police Verification may be required based on your case and location, especially if you’ve changed your address.

• Once your passport is processed, you will typically receive it via Speed Post within 3-7 working days after approval.

Conclusion

Renewal of a passport is an important job that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Use these steps and make sure that you have all the renewal documents.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is purely for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, reliability and completeness of the content presented, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, for the same. 

We expressly disclaim any and all liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from or in connection with the use of or reliance on this information. This includes, but is not limited to, any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damage.

Further, we reserve the right to make changes to the content at any time without prior notice. For specific advice tailored to your situation, we request you to get in touch with us.