How to Get a Duplicate Passport in India?

A passport is an important document which should be updated before it expires. If you lose it, report immediately to the nearest police station and Indian Mission. A duplicate passport has a different process for damaged or lost passports. To get a duplicate passport, it is crucial to gather all necessary documents and follow the guidelines provided by the authorities.

Staying informed about the procedure can help avoid delays and ensure a smooth re-issuance process. This article will explain all the information you need to comprehend while applying for a duplicate passport. So, let's have a look at it.

If someone wants to get a duplicate passport in case of unprecedented cases or if it's lost, they can easily take the online or offline route to avail the same. But beforehand, one must know the documents required to apply for the same.

Here’s the process on how to apply for a duplicate passport. Visit the Passport Seva official website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to apply for a duplicate passport online.

Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva portal.

Step 2: Create a new account by entering all the necessary information, and then you will get a link to activate the Passport Seva account.

Step 3: Fill out the online form for a duplicate passport.

Step 4: Before submitting the form, check the details again.

Step 5: You will get an acknowledgement. Use it to track your passport application status through the Passport Seva website.

To file for a duplicate passport through an offline route one can follow the below procedure -

Step 1: Download the e-form under the Forms and Affidavits section.

Step 2: Then select whether you want a fresh passport or a reissue of an Indian passport.

Step 3: Download and print out the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) along with the e-form.

Step 4: Fill the form with the required details such as old passport booklet number, date of birth, age, address, name, cause of reissuance of the Indian passport.

Step 5: Submit the form with documents like address proof, identity proof and old passport booklet to the passport office.

A passport is a valuable document. It is proof of citizenship and identity overseas. You need to take all measures to keep it safe and protected. If your passport is lost or stolen, it can be used for criminal purposes or to steal your identity. Here are some tips to keep your passport protected.

●      Always remember where it is stored

●      Keep it in a dry place

●      Never allow anyone to use it

●      Do not alter it for any other purpose

●      Always store a photocopy of your passport page

●      Keep a record of your original or duplicate passport number and expiry date

Immediately report to the Passport Office or Indian Mission and the nearest Police Station if you lose your passport. They will guide you through obtaining a replacement or reissue of a duplicate passport.

The process to apply for the reissue of a passport is the same for lost and damaged passports. Following are a few cases where you can apply for a duplicate passport:

Damaged Passport:

Damaged passports are categorised into two types:

• A partially damaged passport in which the holder's name, photo, and passport number are intact or can be recognised.

• Damaged passport where the details are not recoverable at all.

You can apply for reissue through the Tatkaal scheme if your passport is partially damaged. On the other hand, if it is completely damaged, you cannot reissue it under the Tatkaal scheme as you have to report to Passport Seva Kendra to get it.

Loss of Passport:

If you lost your passport in India, file a report at the police station and also at the passport office. If you live abroad, contact the Indian Mission immediately. Apply for reissue by filling out the passport application form at the Passport Seva Kendra and submitting the necessary documents.

Online payment is compulsory to reserve a time slot for PSK. You can pay for such an appointment in any one of the following ways.

• Wallet Payment (State Bank of India)

• Internet Banking

• Credit/Debit Card 

• SBI Bank Challan

Reissuing a passport may take 7 working days, whereas police verification is optional. If police verification is needed, it may take 30 working days.

You can submit your applications using the normal scheme or the Tatkaal scheme. However, the duplicate passport fees for the latter one are high. It takes around 30 days before dispatching the application. You can call on 1800 258 1800 for any queries or visit the Passport Seva portal.