Passport Renewal Process: Step-By-Step Guide To Renewing Your Passport In India

In India, a passport is a vital travel document issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. For adults, a passport remains valid for ten years from the date of issue. For minors, the passport validity is five years or until they turn 18, whichever comes first.

Renewing your passport before it expires is essential. If you are wondering - how many days in advance you need to renew our Indian passport, you may apply for passport renewal online up to a year before its expiry and up to three years post expiry.

If your address remains the same, police verification will not be required during renewal. Many countries require that passports be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

An expired or soon-to-expire passport can lead to travel disruptions, including denied entry to the destination country. To avoid such issues, apply for renewal well in advance. This ensures uninterrupted travel plans and compliance with international entry requirements.

Here are a few circumstances which require passport renewal:

• In India, adults should renew their passports every ten years. Minors need renewal every five years or upon turning 18, whichever comes first.

• Renew your passport if it is damaged, lost, or stolen. Update it after a name change due to marriage or divorce.

• Change of address also requires renewal.

• Moreover, the passport renewal cost varies for adults and minors. For adults, a 36-page passport costs ₹1,500; a 60-page passport costs ₹2,000. For minors, a 36-page passport costs ₹1,000.

-**Mandatory Documents Required for Passport Renewal:

-Old Passport: Original and copies of the passport of first and last two pages, copies should be self-attested. A self-attested copy of the Emigration Check Required (ECR)/Non-ECR page.

-Proof of Address: Documents like an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or utility bills.

-Optional Documents Required for Passport Renewal (if applicable):

Marriage Certificate: It is required to update marital status.

Divorce Order: Divorce Order/Decree or Death Certificate of first spouse's name

Name Change Certificate: Necessary if altering your name.

Ensure all documents are latest and accurately reflect your personal information.

-Documents Required for Renewal of Minor Passport

-When renewing a minor's passport in India, ensure you have the following documents:

-Mandatory Documents Required for Renewal of Minor Passport:

-Old Passport: Original and copies of the passport of first and last two pages, including any observation pages copies should be self-attested.

-Birth Certificate: Proof of the minor's date of birth.

-Proof of Address: Documents like an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or utility bills in the name of the parent(s).

-Parents' Passports: Original and self-attested copies of both parents' passports, if available.

-Optional Documents Required for Renewal of Minor Passport (if applicable):

-Annexure D: A declaration by both parents or guardians, especially if one parent is unavailable.

-Annexure C: It is required if one parent has not given consent for the passport application.

-Death Certificate: If one parent is deceased, provide the death certificate.

-Divorce Decree and Custody Proof: If parents are divorced, submit the court's custody order.

Ensure all documents are current and show the minor's personal information accurately.

If you are wondering about- ”how do I renew my passport online,” then you must know that renewing your Indian passport online is easy. It is designed for user convenience. Follow these steps to ensure a successful passport renewal process:**

-Creating an Account

Begin by visiting the official Passport Seva portal. Click on "New User Registration" to initiate the registration. Provide accurate personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, and residential address.

Ensure you enter a valid email address and mobile number, as these will be used for communication and verification purposes. After completing the registration, log in to your account to proceed with the passport renewal process.

-Filling the Renewal Form

Once logged in, select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport." Opt to fill out the application form online. Enter your personal details, such as name, gender, and date of birth, and ensure they match your existing passport. Provide accurate contact information while filling in the details during passport renewal online. Ensure your current residential address and emergency contact details are correct. Double-check all entries for accuracy to prevent processing delays. After completing the form, save and review it before final submission.

-Uploading Supporting Documents Required for Passport Renewal

After submitting the application form, upload the necessary documents required for passport renewal. Mandatory documents are as follows:**

-Old Passport: Copies (self-attested) of the first and last two pages of the passport, including the ECR/Non-ECR page.

-Proof of Address: Documents like an Aadhaar card, voter ID, or utility bills.

-Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate or school leaving certificate.

Acceptable file formats typically include PDF and JPEG, with a maximum size of 1 MB per file. Use a high-resolution scanner to capture clear images and verify that all text is readable before uploading.

-Selecting the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

After filling in the details for passport renewal online, next, choose a convenient Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), or Regional Passport Office (RPO) for your appointment. The online portal will display available centres based on your location. Select the one that best suits you to proceed with scheduling an appointment.

Choosing a PSK near your residence can reduce travel time and simplify the verification process. Keep in mind that appointment availability may vary by location; popular centres might have longer wait times.

-Scheduling the Appointment

After selecting the PSK, schedule your appointment by choosing a suitable date and time from the available slots. Appointments are subject to availability, so it is advisable to book early.

Confirm your appointment details and note the Application Reference Number (ARN) for future reference. Planning ahead and booking your appointment well in advance can help you avoid last-minute rushes and ensure a smoother experience.

-Payment of Fees

Proceed to pay the passport renewal cost online. The fee structure is as follows:**

-Adults (10-year validity): ₹1,500 for a 36-page booklet; ₹2,000 for a 60-page booklet.

-Minors (5-year validity or until 18 years old): ₹1,000 for a 36-page booklet.

-Tatkaal Service (expedited processing): An additional ₹2,000 over the regular application fee.

You may make the payments via credit/debit card, internet banking or any other acceptable mode. After successful payment, a confirmation receipt will be generated. Ensure you save and print this receipt, as it serves as proof of payment and may be required during your appointment.

-Attend the Verification Appointment

Visit the PSO, POPSK, or RPO on the day of your appointment with all the necessary documents for verification.

-Also Read: Passport Online and Offline Application Process

While the online passport renewal process is prevalent, certain situations necessitate offline renewal. Applicants lacking internet access or facing technical challenges may opt for the offline method.

Additionally, complex cases, such as discrepancies in information or specific legal considerations, might require in-person assistance.

-Steps for Offline Passport Renewal Process

-Obtain the Application Form: You can download the form from the official Passport Seva website or collect it from designated centres like District Passport Cells (DPCs) or Speed Post Centers (SPCs).

-Complete the Form: Fill in your personal details accurately. Ensure all information matches your existing passport.

-Gather Required Documents: Prepare necessary documents, such as proof of identity, address, and date of birth. Ensure all passport verification documents are current and valid.

-Submit the Application: Visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) to submit your application and documents.

-Pay the Applicable Fees: Make the payment as per the prescribed passport renewal cost, which varies based on the type of application.

-Attend the Verification Appointment: Be present for the scheduled appointment, where officials will verify your documents and capture biometric data.

Visiting a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is a necessary step in the passport renewal process. You can expect the following during your appointment.

Document Verification

Upon arrival, present your appointment receipt and original documents required for passport renewal. A Citizen Service Executive (CSE) will scan and upload your passport verification documents into the system. Ensure all documents are current and they have your personal information to facilitate a smooth verification process.

Biometric Data Capture

After document verification, the CSE will capture your photograph and fingerprints. The biometric data is essential for identity verification and they store it securely in the passport database. Ensure you follow any instructions provided to capture clear and accurate biometric information.

Passport Officer Interaction

Following biometric data capture, you will meet with a Verification Officer (VO) who will review your application and supporting documents. The VO may ask questions to confirm the information provided. Answer all queries truthfully and provide any additional information if requested. After the VO's assessment, a Granting Officer (GO) will make the final decision on your passport application.

Upon approval, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt summarising your application status.

Police verification is a necessary step in the passport renewal process. Local police officers visit your residence to verify the details provided in your application to ensure authenticity and prevent identity fraud.

Maintaining accurate and up-to-date address proof is essential for a hassle-free verification experience. Ensure your address proof documents are current and match the information in your application to facilitate a smooth verification process.

To track your passport application status online, follow these steps:

• Visit the Official Passport Seva Website: Go to the Passport Seva
  website.

• Access the Status Tracking Page: On the Home Page, click on the Track Application Status" link.

• Enter Application Details: Select the application type (e.g., Passport/PCC/IC/GEP) and enter your File Number and Date of Birth.

• Submit and View Status: Click the "Track Status" button to view your application status.

• This service provides real-time updates on your passport application's progress.

Avoid these common mistakes during the passport renewal process to avoid delay.

Procrastination: Start the passport renewal process at least six months before your passport's expiration to avoid travel disruptions.

Incomplete Application: Ensure all required fields are accurately filled to prevent processing delays.

Incorrect Photo Specifications: Submit a recent photo that meets official guidelines to avoid rejection.

Missing Signature: Sign your application as required; an unsigned form can lead to rejection.

Insufficient Payment: Verify and include the correct renewal fee to prevent application delays.

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Is it possible to add extra pages to my existing passport?

No, additional pages cannot be added to an existing passport booklet. If your passport pages are exhausted, you need to apply for a reissue of the passport under the 'Passport pages exhausted' category.

What should I do if my passport is damaged but not expired?

If your passport is damaged, you should apply for a reissue, regardless of its validity. This ensures the integrity of your travel document.

Will my passport number change upon the passport renewal process?

Yes, when you renew your Indian passport, the new passport will have a different number from the previous one. This change is standard procedure to enhance security.

Can I change my passport from a 36-page booklet to a 60-page booklet during the passport renewal process?

Yes, frequent travellers can opt for a 60-page booklet during renewal. The fee for a jumbo passport is higher than the regular one.