What is the Passport Renewal Process in India?

A passport is an official document that facilitates travel for various purposes, such as business or education, thereby confirming the identity and nationality of its holder. Knowing how to renew a passport in India and valid key documents is essential for an optimal travel experience.

An Indian passport is valid for 10 years from the issue date and must be renewed afterwards. After expiry, renewal may be initiated for three years or up to one year. The passport renewal process should be conducted at least nine months before expiry, while renewal within six months is possible. Still, it may result in potential delays, affecting travel plans.

So, scroll down to learn about the process of online passport renewal. This article will also discuss other aspects, such as the required documents and the processing time.

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Can I Renew My Passport If Already Expired?
When to Renew Indian Passport?
Documents Required for Passport Renewal
Apply for Passport Renewal Online in India
Apply for Passport Renewal Offline in India
Renewal of Short Validity Passport (SVP)
Schedule an Appointment for Passport Renewal
Track Passport Renewal Status
Fees for Passport Renewal
Processing Time
Difference Between Passport Renewal and Re-Issue
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Renew My Passport If Already Expired?

Yes, you can renew your passport if it has already expired. The process of renewing a passport can be done after 3 years of expiry. But if you don’t apply before 3 years, you'll need to apply for a new passport, which involves the same application process as getting a new passport for the first time, and police verification is needed in this process.

When to Renew Indian Passport?

The table below elaborates on when to renew an Indian passport:

Category	Time of Application for Passport Renewal
Adults	You can apply for passport renewal up to 1 year before its expiry or up to 3 years after its expiry. Remember, if your passport has expired for more than 5 years, you need to re-apply using the same process as the first time.
Minors (below 4 years of age)	After the end of validity of 5 years or till they attain 18 years (whichever comes earlier) can apply for re-issue. Minors between the age limit of 15-18 years can also apply for a 10-year validity passport.

Documents Required for Passport Renewal

Here is the list of documents needed for passport renewal:

For Adults:

Old passport
No Objection Certificate or NOC
An intimation letter
Self-attested copies of the following:
- The first and last two pages of your passport
- Validity extension page w.r.t. the short validity passport or SVP
- Non-ECR/ECR page
- Page of observation issued by the passport issuing authority

For Minor Applicants:

You must bring a current 4.5 X 3.5 cm passport-size photograph wiht a white background.
You can submit proof of the current residential address in the parent's name.
Parents can attest the documents on behalf of a minor.

Moreover, note that the documentation process will differ based on the type of passport renewal (normal or tatkal passport) and an applicant's age (adult or minor).

How to Apply for Passport Renewal Online in India?

You can quickly complete a passport renewal application form online by following the process given below:

1. Visit the Official Passport Seva Website to Register

2. Login and Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of a Passport

After logging in, choose the "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport" link according to your requirements and click on "Click here to fill out the application form", and select "Re-issue of Passport".

3. Fill Out the Form Accurately and Submit It

Complete the form, including your personal information, previous passport details, and local address and contact details, for police verification. Then, submit it.

4. Pay and Schedule Your Appointment

Once the form is filled out, pay online and book an appointment at your earliest convenience to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

5. Print and Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

Click on the link 'Print Application Receipt' to print the Application Reference Number (ARN)/Appointment Number. Then, on the day of your appointment, visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with all the original documents.

Note: You will get an "Acknowledgment receipt" with a file number, which will help you track your application status on the official website. Remember, if you do not visit Passport Seva Kendra within 90 days of the online submission, you have to resubmit it again.

How to Apply for Passport Renewal Offline in India?

If you choose not to renew your passport online, you still have the option to complete the process offline. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Visit the Official Site and Download the Application Form

Visit Passport Seva's official website and download the e-form by choosing the “Print Application Form” option under the tab of “Form and Affidavits” or collect the application form from the nearest District Passport Cell (DPC) for ₹10.

2. Print and Fill Out the Form

On an A4 sheet, print the form back to back and fill out the application accurately with the relevant details and attach the documents, such as 2 passport-size photos and copies of the required documents.

3. Submit and Pay

Submit the filled-out form with supported documents to your nearest District Passport Cell (DPC) and Pay the fees using a Demand Draft.

4. Receive an Acknowledgement Letter

Get an “Acknowledgement Letter” containing the file number; you can use this number to track the application status.

Ensure you carry all required documents, stay organised, and double-check all the information. And remember not to sign on the photograph. Your documents, such as your Name, Date of Birth, and the date of form submission, should be written behind the Demand Draft.

Steps for Filling the Passport Renewal Application Form

The steps for filling out the passport renewal application form online are relatively simple and can be completed quickly. Just ensure you double-check all the details before submitting your form and keep all the necessary documents.

Log in to the Passport Seva website.
Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.".
Complete the form by entering your address and local phone number for police verification.
Verify all the information and select "Validate.".
Submit the application form.

Steps to Fill an E-Form For Passport Renewal?

Here are the steps to download an E-Form from the Passport Seva Portal and how to fill out the application.

Visit the Passport Seva website and log in.
Choose the "Fresh or Re-issue of passport" and download the e-form.
Fill out the downloaded e-form with the necessary details.
Press the "Validate and Save" button.
Upload the file to the website.

Renewal of Short Validity Passport (SVP)

The Indian passport authority issues a short-validity passport (SVP) for a short time. This passport is issued to students appearing for exams like the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), people who want to travel to India for a short period, such as Non-Resident Indians (NRI), people who do not have a regular passport, and people who have criminal cases against them.

The Assistant Passport Officer has the authority to renew passports with short validity, which can be renewed once every ten years.

The process of renewal of a Short Validity Passport is the same as the process of renewing a regular passport, such as:

Visit the official website of Passport Seva.
Fill out an application form accurately.
Get all the documents which are required, such as (proof of identity and address)
Paying the amount necessary and schedule an appointment.
Print the Application Receipt and visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

How to Schedule an Appointment for Passport Renewal?

Take a look below to book your convenient slot to get your renewed passport:

Log in to the portal with your user ID and password.
Navigate to ‘View Saved and Submitted Application’ and select ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment link.’
Once you schedule an appointment slot, you need to make an online payment for the same. Moreover, the fee will differ depending on the application type (normal /tatkal) and page numbers in your passport booklet. Online payment is available in the following methods:
- SBI Bank Challan
- Credit or Debit Card (Only Visa and MasterCard are acceptable)
- Internet Banking (SBI and other associate banks)
Select the option ‘Print Application Receipt’. This receipt contains the application reference number or appointment number. At present, it is not mandatory to carry the application receipt.

How to Track Your Passport Renewal Status?

You can easily track your status of passport renewal on the Passport Seva portal. Simply enter the details like your application type, file number, and date of birth into this portal. Then, click on ‘Track Status’.

Be it a holiday or a business trip, carrying a passport is a must. Therefore, if your passport's validity has expired, opt for online renewal at the earliest. Moreover, keep in mind the above-mentioned details for online passport renewal and enjoy a hassle-free process.

What Are the Fees and Charges for Passport Renewal?

The following table lists down all applicable charges for passport renewal:

Services	Fees for Application	Additional Fees (Tatkal)
Fresh/Re-issue of passport; inclusive of additional booklets due to the visa page exhaustion (36 pages) with 10 years of validity	₹1,500*	₹2,000*
Fresh/ Re-issue of passport; inclusive of additional booklets due to the visa page exhaustion (60 pages) with 10 years of validity	₹2,000*	₹2,000*
Fresh/Re-issue of passport for a minor (below 18 years) with 5 years validity or till a minor attains 18 years (36 pages)	₹1,000*	₹2,000*

For more convenience, you can also use the passport calculator available on the official website.

Note:

The fee for the passport is non-refundable.
Fees depend on the type of services (Normal/Tatkal) and the applicant's age (minor or adult).
You can pay the fees online via internet banking or credit/debit card.
After payment, you will get a receipt with the Application Reference Number (ARN) to track your application.

How Long Does Passport Renewal Take in India?

Here's a table below to show how much time it takes for the renewal of passport:

Passport Type	Processing Time
Normal	30-60 days
Tatkal	3-7 days

What is the Difference Between Passport Renewal and Re-issue?

You must bear in mind that there is a difference between passport renewal and re-issue of a passport.

Passport Renewal	Re-issue of Passport
The procedure of extending the validity of an existing passport when it is expired is known as Passport Renewal.	On the other hand, a passport reissue is the process of getting a new passport to replace an existing one.
A passport is valid up to 10 years from the date of issue, and renewal can be initiated up to 1 year before expiry or 3 years after expiry. For minors, the passport is valid for up to 5 years or until they turn 18.	A passport can be reissued only when your passport is stolen or lost, has run out of pages, is damaged or wants to change any personal information.
For passport renewal documents are required according to your category, such as your existing passport, address proof, 2 photographs, and the completed application form.	For passport reissue, the required documents include proof of a police report for loss or theft, a marriage certificate for a name change, address proof, and proof of date of birth (DOB).
Renewal is mainly done when you want to extend the validity of your passport.	Passport reissue is mainly done when an update or alteration is needed due to various circumstances.

Passport renewal is necessary to ensure you are ready for foreign travel. The enhanced online process and the introduction of Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) have substantially facilitated the passport renewal process for Indian applicants. With the information provided in this article, you are now prepared to navigate the necessary paperwork for the issue of a passport in India.

You can successfully manage the renewal process by carefully following these procedures, keeping track of application status, and ensuring all relevant documents are in order.

FAQs About Passport Renewal in India

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How many days before we can renew our Indian passports?

Individuals can apply for renewal within 9-12 months before their passport is due to expire.

Do you need a passport agent to renew your passport?

No, you can also opt for an online passport renewal for an easy and transparent process.

Can one just walk-in for the passport renewal?

It is not possible to walk-in and renew a passport. They must get an online appointment, then visit the Passport Seva Kendra and go through the entire procedure.

Is an Aadhaar card sufficient for passport renewal?

No, an Aadhaar card is not enough; it is only address proof. Along with an Aadhar card, you need other required documents for passport renewal, such as an old passport, two photographs, an electricity bill, a No Objection Certificate, etc.

What are the documents required for passport renewal in India?

The documents mainly required for passport renewal in India for Adults are an old passport, a completed passport renewal form, a birth certificate, a PAN card, an Aadhar card, a water or electricity bill for address proof, and 2 passport-size photos. For minors, a white background photograph, proof of current residential address in the parent's name, and parents' attested documents on behalf of a minor are also required.

How long does it take to renew a passport in India?

The passport renewal time for Normal is 30-60 days, and for Tatkal, which is for quicker passport renewal takes 3-7 days

How do I renew my expired passport in India?

You can renew your expired passport in India by following these simple steps:

Get registered through Passport Seva's official website or login.
Select "Re-issue of Passport" and reasons' Normal' or 'Tatkaal' with the no of pages 36 or 60.
Fill out the form with accurate details.
Pay and schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with all the required documents on the scheduled date and time.
Track the status with an acknowledgement file number and
You will receive the passport once the application is approved.

What are the fees for the renewal of a passport in India?

₹1500 is the minimum fee for Normal passport renewal, and ₹2000 is for Tatkaal, for a 36-page booklet.

How long after expiry can I renew my passport?

You can renew your passport after 3 years of expiry and 1 year before expiry.

Is police verification required for passport renewal?

No, police verification is not required if you renew your passport before 1 year of expiry or 3 years after expiry.

Can a passport be renewed online?

Yes, passport renewal can be done online through the Passport Seva official website.

Do I need to return my old passport when renewing in India?

Yes, you must return your old passport when applying for a new one in India.

How many photos do I need to renew my passport in India?

Two coloured photos are required to renew a passport in India.

Who is eligible for a Tatkal passport?

Tatkaal passport is eligible for those Indian citizens who need it urgently for professional or personal reasons, whose documentation is fully completed with the proof of urgency, and the applicant should not have any criminal record.

What happens if my passport expires?

If your passport expires, it will become invalid. You cannot apply for a visa or travel internationally with an expired passport.

Can I renew my passport anywhere in India?

Yes, it is possible to renew your passport anywhere in India, but police verification will be done on your residential website.

Can you renew your passport before it expires?

Yes, you can renew your passport 1 year before expiry or ideally, the best time for renewal is 9 months.

Can I renew my passport in Tatkal?

Yes, you can renew your passport in tatkal for urgent travel plans by opting for the tatkal scheme when you fill out the application form.

Will passport number change after renewal in India?

No, the passport number will not change only the date of validity will change.

How long does the average passport renewal take in India?

As per Government the average time to get your passport renewal is 30-45 days for normal applicants and 3-7 days for tatkaal applicants.

Is a birth certificate necessary for a passport?

No, a birth certificate is not necessary for a passport. You can present alternative documents such as an Aadhar Card, PAN card, or Driving license.

How many ID proofs are required for passport renewal?

You may require ID proof for a passport renewal, including address proof (PAN card, Aadhar card, rent agreement, water bill or electricity bill), date of birth proof (Date of Birth certificate or school leaving certificate), and nationality proof (voter ID card).

Can I go to a passport office without an appointment in India?

Yes, you can, but service will be provided in the passport office without an appointment in India, only in emergency or medical cases.

How do I renew an Indian passport for a minor?

You can renew an Indian passport for minors by following these steps.

First and foremost, register the minor on Passport Seva's official website or log in.
Fill out the form with the required details of the minor.
Pay and schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with the minor on the scheduled date and time with all the required documents.
Get the acknowledgement file number to track.

If parents possess a passport, they must carry originals and self-attested copies to Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). Parents can attest documents for minor applicants.

What to do after a minor passport expires?

A minor's passport is valid for up to 5 years or until they turn 18. When they are between 15 and 18, minors can opt for a full-validity passport lasting 10 years. Once they turn 18, they can apply for passport renewal, which involves the same process as adults.

Is police verification required to renew a minor's passport in India?

No, police verification is not required for minors until they are 18, and the application must be submitted before the expiry date.

Is an Aadhaar card mandatory for the passport renewal of a minor?

Aadhar Card, with a copy of passport certified by their parents, parents must provide documentation of their address for proof, such as a current bank account passbook, utility bills, rent agreement, landline or cell phone bills, or evidence of a gas connection.