A passport is one of the most important identification documents for a person traveling abroad. Passports in India are only valid for 10 years. In order to continue to get the benefits of a passport, individuals must renew their passport before 10 years or after its validity expires. Passports are widely accepted as proof of identity, address and age. Having a passport is extremely useful as it comes at many times in an individual’s life.
There are Passport Seva Kendras in some cities where people can apply to renew their passport. While the form can also be completed and submitted online on the official website, after submitting the application you will need to visit the Seva Kendra Passport. You must make an appointment online, then come to the center (kendra) on the scheduled date with the required documents for renewing your passport.
When do I have to renew Your passport?
You should keep in mind that there is a difference between renewing and reissuing a passport. In the case of passport renewal, the passport authority will issue you with your existing passport as a renewed passport. When you apply for a new passport, you will receive a new passport.
As mentioned before, you can renew your passport when it expires. On the other hand, passports are re-issued in the following cases:
1. When the passport is lost
2. Passport stolen
3. Your passport is damaged
4. Exhausted page
5. Change personal information
Apply online for the passport renewal
The first step of applying for an online passport renewal requires the applicant to have a passport account on the official Passport Seva website.
One can create an account by following the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: First you need to apply for passport renewal on the Passport Seva website.
Step 2: If you are already registered on the site, you can log in using the “Login current user” link on this portal
Step 3: If you are not an existing user, you will need to create an account by clicking “Register a new user now” on passport Seva portal.
Step 4: Next, select the nearest passport office based on your address.
Step 5: Provide basic details including name, date of birth, etc. and create a login ID and password.
Step 6: You will receive an email with an activation link. Activate the account using the link in the email.
Step 7: Once you’ve logged into your passport account, click to the “Request New Passport / Passport Reissue” tab. Complete the passport renewal application.
Step 8: After creating an account, you will need to complete an online form.
Step 9: Click on the “Request for a new passport / passport renewal” link and complete the form.
Step 10: Once the form has been completed, click `Verify` to save a copy of the form.
Step 11: You will need to upload the completed form and click “Submit”. All information entered should be verified before submitting the form to avoid errors.
Step 12: Book your appointment date convenient to you and make payments online or offline.
Step 13: Click “Print Application Receipt”. After that you may have to. Approach your nearby passport Seva Kendra with documents.
The process of passport renewal in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and other cities in India at respective passport seva Kendra remains same.
Documents required to Renew Passport
When a person applies for a passport renewal certain document must be submitted with the application.
The Passport Seva Kendra page has a “Document Advisor” for passport renewal. Depending on the type of passport to be renewed (regular/tatkal) as well as the age of the applicant (minor/adult).
General Documents for Passport Renewal are as follows:
1. Old Original Passport
2. Copies of the first and last two pages of your passport.
3. Self-authenticating copy of the Migration Test Request (ECR) / NonECR page.
4. Self-certified copy of the observation page, if applicable, made by the passport issuing authority.
5. Self-attested copy of the valid renewal page, if applicable, regarding the Short Valid Passport (SVP)
6. Proof of documents that rule out a short-term passport (SVP) cause
Also Read : How to apply for Singapore Visa?
The following table lists all fees applicable for passport renewal
- Renew passports; includes additional booklets due to the end of the visa page (36 pages) valid for 10 years -Rs 1,500
- Renew passport; includes additional booklets due to the end of the visa page (60 pages) valid for 10 years – Rs 2000
- Renew passports for minors (under 18 years old) valid for 5 years or until the minor reaches 18 years old (36 pages)- Rs 2000
How to check passport renewal status?
You can easily track your passport renewal status on the Passport Seva portal. Simply enter details like your application type, case number and date of birth into this portal. Then click `Track Status’. Whether on vacation or on business, a passport is essential. Therefore, if your passport has expired, proceed to renew it online as soon as possible. Also, keep in mind all the details to renew your passport online.
FAQ’s :
1. How long does the Passport Renewal process take in India?
The processing time for Passport Renewal in India typically ranges from a few weeks to a month, depending on various factors such as application completeness and government processing times.
2. Can I renew my passport online, or is it mandatory to visit the Passport Office?
Yes, the online renewal process is available for eligible applicants. However, certain cases may require a visit to the Passport Office for further verification.
3. Is police verification necessary for passport renewal?
While not mandatory for all renewals, police verification may be required based on individual cases and government discretion. Ensure all details in your application are accurate to minimize verification delays.
4. Can I track the status of my passport renewal application online?
Yes, the Passport Seva website provides a tracking facility. Use your application reference number to monitor the status of your renewal application and stay informed about the progress.
5. What should I do if there is a mistake in my renewed passport?
If you notice any errors in your renewed passport, promptly contact the Passport Office and follow their instructions for correction. Timely action ensures the issuance of a corrected passport.
