Applying for Indian passport used to be a complicated process in the past and mostly done with the help of agents. But, things have changed in past few years with good process and technology. You do not need an agent anymore and can do it everything on your own. We cover the entire process end to end and also have user experiences too.
Indian Passport Renewal vs Re-Issue
“Renewal and Re-issue are used interchangeably by many. But, there is subtle difference. The term renewal is used, if you have a passport with Short Validity Passport (SVP) and you are applying for extending the same. In that case, you will still be getting a new book. Unlike, Re-issue relates to exhaustion of pages or passport reaching the end of 10 year validity. The term renewal and re-issue are used interchangeably in the below article for easy understanding. The process is same, so nothing to worry.
When can you Renew or Re-issue Indian Passport ?
You can renew or re-issue your Indian passport up to 1 year before the expiration of the passport. If you are a student, you can get re-issue of your passport within two years of expiry by selecting reason ” Validity expired within 3 years/ Due to expire”. You can also renew or get re-issue of passport, if you meet any of the below :
- Your personal details changed like name, martial status, etc.
- Your passport expired already within last 3 years or before
- Your passport pages are completely full and no pages left
- Your passport is damaged or you lost the same.
Passport Document Advisor : Indian Passport Website has a document advisor, that clearly tells the required documents, you should enter your details, to get the list of documents required before you begin to process, so that you do not end up in panic after registering. You can access it at Passport India Document Advisor
Below is the step by step guide to get Indian Passport re-issue or renewed.
Step 1 : Register Online Account at Passport Website
Since the paper based forms are eliminated, you need to fill Indian passport application online. Below are the details.
- The very first step is to register yourself with the Passport Website. All you need to do is go to Passport Seva Website and click on ” New User Registration”.
- You will be asked to fill basic details and email ID. This will be used to login and fill the passport application form. You can choose the passport office based on where you currently live now.
- The second thing is to activate your account using the email you get and login.
- After you login, you will see an option called “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport”. Click on that and enter details.
- Can Submit Passport Application Anywhere : Since June 2018, as per new guidance, you can apply for passport anywhere in India. You do not have to do it in the same state of your residence. There is a dropdown in the account creation page, you are free to choose the location where you are
Step 2 : Fill Passport Application Online
After you activate your account and login, you will be presented with two options to fill out application form, the online system will show as Alternative 1 and Alternative 2 . It does not matter what you use, both work the same.
- Alternative 1 : Using Online form to fill the application online. You will need internet.
- Alternative 2 : Using PDF form. You download the form, fill it out and then upload it.
The recommended option is to use the Alternative 2 with PDF form as some details may not be readily available with us and we have to save info, etc. I also prefer the PDF form option as it is very detailed and clear. Either case, it is the same. You will need the below details to complete the form.
- Your current address details and other details that are already in your previous passport.
- You need to enter Emergency Contact Details like Name, phone number and email.
- If you are changing any details like adding Spouse info, their info as per document
If you are using the PDF form option, you will need to fill all the mandatory fill and then hit validate and Save, it will ask you to save a file (XML file) and give it a name.
You need to upload that file in the section where you just downloaded the PDF form. All the details will be automatically created, you need to verify before saving as you cannot change the details after this step. Of course, you can change them when you are at passport office, if anything wrong.
Step 3 : Pay and Book a Slot or Walk –in, Print Application Receipt :
Once your application is created, next step is to check for available slots and then pay for it. There is an option on the website home page to check the slots as well or you can go to Check Appointment Availability. Anyways, once your application is submitted. you need to select it, for that see below.
- You will have an option on the left saying ” View Saved / Submitted Applications “. Select the application by clicking on radio button. Then you will show options with links to them. You need to click on Pay and Schedule Appointment.
- This will give option for payment, either online or pay with challan. Usually, it is easy to do it online way. Selected Online Payment
- Then you will have option to select the Passport Service Kendra and the time slot. It will show the available time slots options.
- You can select the same and then you will go for payment page. Where you can select your payment option. I used NetBanking and it was seamless.
If you are eligible for walk-in, you can cancel the appointment and then carry that cancellation page, along with the payment receipt page, you will be allowed to walk-in directly during the respective hours.
Once payment is complete, you will have to print the application receipt and carry that with you on the appointment day. It will have a bar code as well, ensure that is clearly printed and it has the payment confirmation info on it. If you find something wrong in the details, make a note, then you can tell the same at passport service kendra.
Step 4 : Documents List for Passport Re-issue or Renewal
You have a nice step by step guide to help you identify the list of documents that you need for your passport renewal. If you go to the home page and click on Document Advisor for renewal / re-issue , you will get a form to select options. Based on options it will show the list of documents that you need. These are the documents you will need. NO Additional documents are required. In fact, I called the customer support as well and they said the same list and my experience at Passport Seva Kendra says the same. You do NOT require additional documents. Do NOT listen to others.
Indian Passport Renewal Documents Checklist
Below are the typical documents that you need to carry to the passport office, depending on your situation.
- You must print out the online form that you printed out with the Application Reference number ( ARN ) and carry with you. It is mandatory to have this document with you.
- Original Old Passport that is expiring or expired
- Same Address as in your Old Passport :
- You do NOT need anything other than photo copy of your passport first page, last page and the page with ECNR info. You will do self-attestation ( your own signature)
- You may carry current address proof like a utility bill or Bank statement or Voter card, etc… see below for some of those documents.
- Change in Address – Different one from your Old passport address
- Just like above, first, last and ECNR page photo copy with self attestation
- Address proof of change in address – Any one of the below is acceptable.
- Any one of the Utility bills like Water, Telephone, Electricity Bills – You need at least for 2 months of which one should be of current year and other should be of previous year.
- Proof of gas connection. If you are submitting utility gas bill, PSK will ask for two of those from past two months. Make sure you carry two of them. This was shared by our reader Karthik.
- Ration Card with address .
- Bank Statement for 1 year, Passbook of the bank account with address on it.
- Any of the cards like Aadhar card, Voter ID, etc.
- Add Spouse Name, Change
- If you would like to add your spouse name, carry original and photo copy of your marriage certificate. It is required. You need a photo copy that needs to be self attested.
- If you plan to change any details like names, etc, you need to carry original with photo copy signed by you.
There may be other set of documents that you may be asked from the website, if some exceptions for your case. That’s why always check passportwebsite.
Step 5 : Go to Passport Office (PSK) for Appointment
If you have got a slot, go at that exact time or 15 min before, no need to go there and wait outside. If you are eligible for walk in, you can do that. The process at PSK is very straightforward and they have clear steps for the process. For process at PSK, read Process at a Passport Seva Kendra and some key pointers .
Indian Passport Renewal Experiences
Below are real experiences shared by our readers A G Bhat, in Bangalore and Mrinal from Mumbai. Thanks to them for sharing his experience. Also, we have many other experiences in the comments, do check them out.
Passport Re-issue Experience at Mumbai
I had my Indian Passport renewal today in Mumbai(Andheri PSK) as my passport was expiring within 1yr. Got appointment for 9.15AM IST and was asked to report at 9am. (Under Regular processing) . Process was very smooth and straightforward and I was complete in 1hr time (primarily due to preparation and early slot).
Passport Re-issue Process at Mumbai
1. I had actually downloaded the PDF first and filled it and kept so that any trials errors needed were done on that.
2. I was having minor difficulty uploading it probably because i renamed etc. However I used the filled PDF as entry for Online application (Which also can be saved and filled over multiple attempts like for any college /visa application).
3. The form was submitted.
4. I have just moved back from US so I wrote my current Indian address which was also in my Aadhaar card . Mentioned US address for previous in last 1yr stay without state or county.
5. I had even uploaded PDF copy of all documents though not sure if it was any help today.
6. Paid online and booked appointment
Documents Required On Passport Appointment Day
1. Originals: Passport(old), Aadhaar (both top and bottom part: for Address proof and ECNR), 10th Marks card (for ECNR)
2. Copy of first 2 pages, last 2 pages and Page number 2 of passport which would either not mention anything or ECR. ( I had not taken page 2 and was asked to take photocopy at Passport Seva Kendra)
3. Copy of 10th marks card and Aadhar both top and bottom part. ( Had not taken copy of top part and had to take at PSK.)
Process at PSK for Passport Re-issue
At the PSK try to reach early for your reporting time. The entry is not based on sequence number assigned but based on your arrival for your reporting time. Once you enter, the originals, photocopy and application receipt are checked once and after all documents are confirmed you are asked to wait till they generate token number. After token number is generated you are asked to go inside and wait for 1st step in A counter.
At the A counter documents are scanned, photo taken, biometrics verified and signatures taken. Also they check if you want to enroll in Mobile Seva(Sms updates for Rs 40). If yes you pay in cash exact amount. Once done you are asked to goto B counter.
At B Verification Officer (VO) validates the entries again and puts his ticks & sign in the application. Once B is complete, one proceeds to C counter for Granting Officers approval who again verifies documents and stamps both the old passport ( Cancel & returned) and approval stamp for application,
Once that is done you are asked to proceed to exit counter where you are given acknowledgement receipt and asked to fill feedback form. The acknowledgement ideally mentions your passport approved post police verification.
Passport Renewal Experience at Bangalore
My passport had expired three months back. I read the articles in this site and understood the procedure to be followed. After understanding the same clearly, I applied online and selected the slot at Bengaluru (Lalbhag) PSK. I applied on a Saturday and slot was available for very next Monday. However, I opted for a slot on Wednesday which I got. So there was no necessity for me to cancel the same and go for “walk in”. On Wednesday, my time was at 10.45 AM and I went there exactly at 10.30AM.
The process at PSK was exactly the same the Hyderabad PSK explained in this site. Courteous people, proper guidance at every stage, no confusion at all and no hassles. After successfully finishing the entire process I came out from PSK at 11.15AM, in just 30 minutes for whole process. I gave my feedback as “Excellent” for the service but I feel that this is too less a grade. World class experience indeed. Thanks to the vision of the External Affairs Department of Govt of India. And my thanks to all concerned, from Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister to TCS and every one in the PSK.
Along with my wife also had applied for re issue of her Passport. We both selected the same slot and went inside together and we both came out together. She could not believe that such things can happen in our country.
Common FAQs
In the past, there were few things that were not clear. Now, with online process and outsourcing the process is fully online and no need for agent. You can do everything on your own.
It usually takes anywhere from 10 days or so to 30 days. In many cases with the new system, many were able to get passport within 10 days. But, if there are some delays in police verification or other things, it can take time.
If for some reason, there are delays, you can reach out to Regional Passport Officer and take it from there. You can check RPO Process to Speed up Indian Passport Processing
If you have passed 10th, then you are Non-ECR category. You can read complete details at ECR vs. ECNR(non-ECR) Indian passport Differences
Also, if you are an NRI, not living in India and plan to renew passport during your visit to India, check out Process for NRI to renew passport in India
Sir already l took the Passport from Kerala(Thiruvananthapuram).But Now am staying at Rajkot (Gujarat)As Priest of a Church.Can I renew my passport in Rajkot? what should I do for that? Please Help with a good direction—–
Thank You.
My passport validity expired Nov2014. so far i am not used to fly.Now i want to renew it and address also to be changed. Is it passible?.
sir
My old pass post photo was black and white , while travelling back to India immigration office advised me to go for color photo it was 1999. When i have given my pass port for renewal due to color photo fixation they have made one mistake of instead of typing my DOB as 26-9-1950 typed as 26-04-1950. Correction was made by pen in the paper as 26-09-1950 and signed by concerned officer.
My request is , now is it necessary to change my pass port, if so kindly tell me the procedure.
Thanks with regards
chrao
Hi,
My passport is getting expired on 18th May 2015 and now I am planning to go Qatar.
As per UAE Visa minimum 6 months validity is required and now I am planning to go for renewal, can some one tell me whether again the police verification is going to happen or not.. the reason is if police verification is there means it might be delay for another 10 days… so can some one guide me on that.
Address on the passport is different but in the same town.
Sir,
I have applied my passport for reissue on 23.10.2014. i have not received yet. please let me know my passport status.I have already contacted customer service more than 10 times but i had not got any further clarity on the status .my acknowledge no:HY5078021981914
date of birth 25.061966.
my mobile no.9440705766
Sir I renew my passport my old passport address is Chennai now iam shifted in kerala now my new passport address in kerala and also I have uae visa but in that visa have my old passport number now new passport have any problem to go abroad
my passport hase bean expired date 08/07/2014
give me sugessions,regarding passport renewal & documents
my passport has been expired on 16/4/2012.now i need to renew my passport.will there be any difficult to get a new fresh passport.any formalities i have to undergo.
My passport going to expire on 19.04.2015 i wanna to renewal my passport what i can be process to issue new passport
Dear sir,
My passport is going to expired on 26-2-2015 needs to be plz renewed my passport
thanks u
i am in NZ now with spouse Her passport expire dt is 01/08/2015 . what should be renewal procedure if i need to do so
Dear Sir,
My passport will expire on 4/3/15, it was issued frome Kerala but right now i reside in Bangalore. Is it possible to renew the passport from Bangalore itself than going back to Kerala? If so, what is the procedure?
Hello Sir,
My Passport Date of Expiry is 11-05-2014 so i need police verification now!
Got my passport renewed(reissued) in July 2013 from Kolkata RPO. In June 2014 I shifted to Bangalore . In July 2014 I received a letter from RPO Kol asking for post police verification to which I replied mentioning my problems. But now again I received an e mail asking to get the police verification. Is it mandatory as I understand that now for renewal police verification is not required.
Hello Sir,
Please note, I got my passport (No. L2069378) renewed(reissued) in July 2013 from Kolkata RPO. In June 2014, I shifted to Bangalore . In July 2014 I received a letter from RPO Kolkata, asking for post police verification to which I replied via post,mentioning that while I was in Kolkata, no Police Verification happened & the passport was still sent across to me & that currently I had shifted to Bangalore hence police verification may not be possible.
But now again I received an email from your department, asking to get the post-police verification.
Pleas clarify if this is mandatory as I understand that now for police verification for Passport renewal is not required.
This has become a recurring issue , please let me know how to get this resolved & close out the verification, if applicable.
sir my passport date expiry :- 23/11/2013, passport no E7076628. renewal and change of address.
Sir, I have applied for Passport renewal as suggested by you and have got reporting time of 10.00 am on 18th Feb at Passport Seva Kendra Parel, would there be long queues? Should I reach there 1 or 2 hours early?
Sir,my pass port validity on 09/02/2014 i have only 4 days expiring my pass port . can i renew my passport
Hi,
Does it required to submit original old passport too.
Or i can keep old passport till i will get the new passport ?
Sir my passport was expired on 07/01/2013.
What do I need to do.
Sir my pass port police enqary not clear how to solution plz help me
PLZ SUBMITT CORRECT DOCS TO POLICE PPL .IN INDIA ,POLICE EXPECT SOME GIFTS IN THE FORM OF MONEY ,GIVE IT ,WHICH WILL YIELD U A PASSPORT!
ITS TRUE!!!!!
My passport is going to be expired on 16.03.2015. Needs to be renewed. What is Procedure for Renewal. Please i need Emergency of my passport because my working VISA ready now.
My passport expires on the Feb 10 2015 how renewal the passport
thanking you
Dear Mr /Mrs, my passport expire 25/08/2015 how many months before renewal my passport what kind of need to documents please your answer very helpful my abroad visit
I need to apply for a new passport, since im out of pages… kindly share the link or the procedure…
Hello Sir,
I lost my passport in railway station of Delhi. how can apply for re-issue, plz suggest me
do every passport seva kendra entertain walk-in candidate for normal application submission plz reply asap.
Maine pasport abudhabi se renew kiya tha 1 yrs ago mai 2 mnth before india ayea company change krne ko mera ab visa nh apply ho rha mai unmatriculation hu 9th pass new pasport mei ECR stamp nh hai mai kya kru plz advice me.thnx
For applying for re-issue of expired passport of 8 years old Who has to self attest the photo-copy (parents or child) and In whose name Registration has to be made on passport portal ( Child or Parent).
mera pasport 2012 mein exp hogeya..ab renu liye kya korna porega.
I had recently renewed my passport from passport office Thane, Mumbai.
But the passport was sent to me from Passport Office Delhi.
Any info if all the passports will be sent from New Delhi now onwards irrespective of where we submit the application?
Applying for re passport
I m deported from Malaysiya
I have a handwritten India passport issued in US by the U.S. based Indian consulate. I am in process for Saudi immigration and they require a computerized digital printed passport. Currently I am staying in Hyderbad and due to this reason would need to re-issue my passport.
My current handwritten passport is valid till 2017.
Can anyone please guide? Also if I have to re-issue can I apply in tatkal given the fact that my passport was issued in US and I am applying for a reissue from here in India.
Any guidance is appreciated. Thanks!
hi,
my passport has got surname blank as i dont have one.
given name is my name with husband name, now the problem is i want the surname to be husband name and given name as my name only. what should i do please help me asap
thank you
You can change the name , address or anything . But only thing you have to do is log in to our passportindia.gov.in site check all the details and take all original copies to the nearest or regional passport office (not passport seva kendra).
My pasport expiry on 24.2.2015, what documents required.
check this: http://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/docAdvisor/attachmentAdvisorInp
and enter your details and it will advise what documents to carry.
Its a easy process
I HAVE HAND WRITTEN PPT VALID TILL 2019.
I understand same has to be reissued.
kindly advice do i have to visit same psk in delhi which issued the original passport or can go to other psk on delhi.
also advice what reason i should give while filling e form for reissuance as could not find the right option.
Old paspord renewal stedas
I am having valid PP expires on 23 March 2016. Last two days before quit my job came from Muscat.
Now I am waiting for the visa to join new job in Muscat
My PP is hand written , is there any problem if I travel in the hand written PP.or I have to renew my PP.
VISA will be issued in my handritten PP. Pls clarify me.
All hand-written passports will expire by 24th November, 2015.
should be renewed before Nov 2015. for quick renewal you can apply under tatkal.
i already have a passport how long will it take to get new passport after i apply for name change after my marriage
My passport expires on 1Feb2015 Let me know the
procedure
Thanks
i have a slight change in dob by typing mistake.
so what documents I need to bring for passport verification?
I have a doubt
If a passport expired more then 30 yrs before.
Now that same passport will be renewal / re issue again.
It is possible that the passport officer will be renewal / re issue..
Plz help me to clear my doubt
my passport expired 13 years ago. My address is changed. state is changed. I need renewal. what are requirements to get renewal. I need within 7 days to visit AUS for 7 days. please help me.
dear sir, my passport have got expired 13 yrs ago. Now my address and state changed. I need renewal for visiting AUS. I want renewal within next 7 days. I request you, please suggest me. How is it possible? The way of renewal pl ?
I am from Rajasthan and nw working here in Goa.. My passport is goin to expire in march 2015. Is there any online process or through which i can renew my passport. Coz nxt 4 months i wil be very busy cant go out of goa..
Sir
My passport expired on 2012, can I apply renewal or new passport.
Dear Sir,
Please provide me a details for renewal of my old password in Chennai (Adambakkam – 88). or any online link.
Thanks
Regards,
Sm Shiva
98943-50860
Sir,
My passport expired on 08.10.2014
Can I apply renewal
Sir,
My passport expired on 2013,can i apply renewal or new passport
sir my passport date expiry :- 2010, what is the process is it renewal or apply to new one passport
my passport no G 3470797 isued on 08/06/2007 issued by regional passport office bangalore expired on 07/06/2012. pl instruct us the guidelines to be followed to renew the same.also pl let me know whether i can apply for going to usa to visit usa on tour in 2015 now itself.
sir my passport date expiry :- 16/7/2008, passport no A 579 6803. renewal or apply to new one passport
My passport expired on 1984 can i renewal or apply to new one passport.
Hi,
My passport is getting expired on 10th May 2015 and now I am planning to go Dubai.
As per UAE Visa minimum 6 months validity is required and now I am planning to go for renewal, can some one tell me whether again the police verification is going to happen or not.. the reason is if police verification is there means it might be delay for another 10 days… so can some one guide me on that.
Address on the passport is different but in the same town.
Dear Sir,
My passport is going to be expired on 25-05-2015. Needs to be renewed.
Thanks,
Ravindra Dhanraj Gandhi
Do I need to pay online to apply reissue?
I’m out of pages my passport is full .
It is valid till 2016
Pls help me ?
Hi there.
My passport is out of pages. It’s full now.
Can I walk in and apply new passport ?
Do I need an appointment ?
Pls help me