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Indian Passport Renewal 2024: A Step-by-Step Guide

Team AckoDec 9, 2024

Are you planning a trip abroad, but your passport is nearing its expiry date? Don't worry!

This is a detailed and comprehensive guide on the Passport Renewal Process in India for 2024, providing step-by-step instructions for both online and offline renewal methods.

In this guide, we will walk you through the passport renewal procedure, the documents required for passport renewal, how to track your passport renewal status, and how long the passport renewal time will take.

Let’s dive into all the details.

passport-renewal-process

Contents

When Should You Renew Your Passport?
How to Renew Your Passport Online?
How to Renew Your Passport Offline?
Documents Required for Passport Renewal in India
How Much Does Passport Renewal Cost?
How Long Does Passport Renewal Take?
Can I Renew My Passport Anywhere in India?
How to Check Passport Renewal Status?
Key Differences: Renewal vs. Reissue
Renewal of Short Validity Passport (SVP)
Expired Passport Renewal Process
What if You Lose Your Passport While Travelling Internationally?

When Should You Renew Your Passport?

Before we get into the passport renewal process, let's talk about when to renew your passport.

In India, passports typically have a validity of 10 years. You can apply to renew your passport anytime, up to a year before its expiry. However, it is advisable to start the process around 9 months prior to the expiry date to avoid any last-minute rush, especially if you have travel plans.

In case you have an expired passport, you can apply for expired passport renewal at any time after the passport has expired, but it is recommended to do so as soon as possible to avoid complications.

How to Renew Your Passport Online?

Did you know you can easily renew your passport online without stepping out of your home? The Indian government has streamlined the process, and now you can complete most of the steps online.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to renew passport online:

Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Portal

Visit the Passport Seva website and register as a new user if you don’t already have an account. You will need to provide basic details like your name, date of birth, and contact information.

Step 2: Login and Apply for Renewal

After registration, log in to your account using your credentials. Select the option ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport’ and choose the ‘Renew Passport’ option.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

Complete the application form with accurate details. Make sure to double-check your personal information. This is a critical part of the passport renewal process, and any mistakes can delay your application.

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

You can pay the passport renewal fee online using available methods like credit/debit cards, net banking, or SBI challan. After payment, a receipt will be generated.

Step 5: Book Your Appointment

After payment, schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). You can choose the time slot that works best for you.

Step 6: Visit PSK for Document Verification

On the scheduled date, visit the Passport Seva Kendra with your documents to carry for passport renewal and the application receipt. Your documents will be verified, and your biometric data will be collected.

Step 7: Track Your Application

Once your application is submitted, you can track your passport renewal status online by visiting the Passport Seva portal and entering your 15-digit application number.

How to Renew Your Passport Offline?

Not everyone prefers applying online, and that’s okay! Here’s how you can renew your passport offline:

Step 1: Download or Get the Application Form

You can either download the passport renewal application form from the Passport Seva website or get it from the District Passport Cell for a nominal fee of Rs. 10.

Step 2: Fill Out the Form

Complete the form and make sure all the details are correct. Then, visit your nearest District Passport Cell with your documents.

Step 3: Submit Documents and Payment

Submit your application form, pay the passport renewal fee using a demand draft, and obtain the acknowledgment letter.

Step 4: Track Your Application

After submission, you will receive a reference number to track your passport renewal application status.

Documents Required for Passport Renewal in India

One of the most crucial parts of the passport renewal procedure is submitting the correct documents. Here’s a list of documents required for passport renewal while submitting the application::

Original passport (for renewal)
Xerox copies of the first two and last two pages of your current passport
Self-attested photocopies of the Emigration Check Required (ECR) or Non-ECR page
Address proof (Aadhaar card, utility bill, etc.)
Self-attested photocopy of the page with any observation made by the Passport Issuing Authority (if applicable)
Xerox copy of the validity extension page (for short-validity passports)

These are the key documents you’ll need to carry, so make sure everything is ready before your appointment.

How Much Does Passport Renewal Cost?

The passport renewal fee in India depends on your age and the number of pages in your passport. Here’s a breakdown:

For adults (10 years validity): Rs. 1,500 for 36 pages and Rs. 2,000 for 60 pages
For minors (below 18 years): Rs. 1,000 for 36 pages
Tatkal Passport: Additional Rs. 2,000 for expedited service

Keep in mind that these fees may change, so always check the official website before making your payment.

How Long Does Passport Renewal Take?

If you’re wondering about the passport renewal time, it generally takes 30 to 60 days for your passport to be processed and delivered. However, if you opt for Tatkal passport renewal, you can get your renewed passport in as little as 3 to 7 days.

Can I Renew My Passport Anywhere in India?

Yes! You can renew your passport anywhere in India, as long as you choose the Passport Seva Kendra or the Regional Passport Office nearest to your location for document verification. The passport renewal procedure is the same across the country, so no matter where you are, you can apply for a passport renewal without any hassle.

How to Check Passport Renewal Status?

Here’s how to track passport renewal status:

Step 1: Log in to the Passport Seva site.
Step 2: Choose the "Track Application Status" option on the homepage.
Step 3: Choose the right application type (Passport/PCC/IC/GEP), enter your file number, and date of birth.
Step 4: Choose the "Track Status" option to check the status of passport renewal.

Key Differences: Renewal vs. Reissue

Criteria	Renewal	Re-issue
When it applies	When your passport expires	In specific cases such as: Lost or stolen passport Damaged passport Exhaustion of pages Changes in personal details (e.g., name, address, or photo updates)

Criteria

Renewal

Re-issue

When it applies

When your passport expires

In specific cases such as:

Lost or stolen passport
Damaged passport
Exhaustion of pages
Changes in personal details (e.g., name, address, or photo updates)

Renewal of Short Validity Passport (SVP)

Renewal of a Short Validity Passport (SVP) becomes necessary when your current passport was issued for a shorter duration than the typical validity period. The passport renewal process for SVP is quite simple. The steps are mentioned below:

If you want to Renew your Short Validity Passport (SVP) in India, you can:

Get an application form from Passport Seva and fill it out.
Get the necessary papers, such as identity proof.
You need to pay the fee and make a booking.
Take a printout of the application form and go to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

The following papers need to be sent in:

Original old passport.
Copies of the passport's first and last two pages.
Signed ECR/Non-ECR page.

Expired Passport Renewal Process

What if your passport has already expired? Can you still renew it? Yes!

The expired passport renewal process is pretty straightforward. Simply follow the steps outlined above and ensure you have all the necessary documents for the passport renewal process. Even if your passport is past its expiry date, you can apply for a renewal at any time.

However, remember that the renewal will be subject to the verification of your identity, so make sure all documents are in order.

What if You Lose Your Passport While Travelling Internationally?

Losing a passport while travelling abroad can be a stressful experience. Not only does it cause inconvenience, but it can also delay or even halt your travel plans. But here’s where travel insurance comes in to save the day.

Having a travel insurance policy with coverage for lost or stolen passports can make a huge difference. Most comprehensive travel insurance plans provide assistance for lost passport replacement while travelling, helping you with:

Emergency Assistance: Many policies offer 24/7 support to help you report the loss and get in touch with the nearest embassy or consulate.
Document Replacement: Travel insurance may cover the costs of replacing your lost passport with a duplicate one.

So, if you’re planning an international trip, don’t forget to add travel insurance to your checklist. It will not only protect your journey but also ensure you’re covered in case of passport loss or theft.

Conclusion

We hope you feel confident about how to renew your passport and be fully prepared for your next international adventure. By following this guide, you’ll easily be able to manage your passport renewal process in India. Stay prepared for your next adventure, and enjoy the journey ahead.

And don’t forget: travel insurance is a must when travelling abroad to safeguard against unexpected events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answer related to most asked questions related to passport renewal process.

1. Can I renew my passport before it expires?

Yes, you can renew your passport up to a year before its expiration.

2. What if my passport is lost or damaged?

In case of a damaged or lost passport, you will need to apply for a reissue instead of renewal.

3. How do I track my passport renewal status?

You can track your passport renewal status by visiting the Passport Seva website and entering your application number.

4. Can I renew my passport online?

Yes, you can renew passport online via the Passport Seva portal.

5. How long is a passport valid for?

A passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance in India. It should be renewed before the expiry date or as soon a possible to keep it active.

6. Can a passport be renewed after it expires?

After a passport has expired, it will have to be re-issued. To avoid this scenario, it is better to apply for renewal up to one year before the expiration of your passport.

7. Can we update passport details online?

Yes, you can update your passport online by using Passport Seva's website to change your address. First, go to the Passport Seva website and click on the "New User Registration" link. Enter the correct details and select the passport office you want to visit.

8. What is the time limit for the renewal of a passport after it expires?

There is no time limit as such, but if your passport has been expired for more than three years, a new police verification process will have to be initiated.

9. Do I need to submit my old passport for the passport renewal process in India?

Yes, you will have to submit your old passport when you apply for the passport renewal process, along with photocopies of self-attested supporting documents.

10. When can I renew my Indian passport before it expires?

You can renew your passport up to one year before it expires. You can’t apply for renewal before this time period.

11. How can I check my passport status by name?

After you have submitted your documents during your Indian passport renewal appointment, a file number for your passport will be issued. You can use this file number along with your date of birth to track passport renewal status.

12. Is there a need for a passport agent for renewal?

You can opt to carry out the passport renewal process on your own. To begin this process, go to the Passport Seva website or the District Passport Cell to get the application form. You will be asked to submit your old passport along with self-attested photocopies of a few supporting documents. Remember to carry all the originals of your supporting documents. If you feel this is a very complicated process, you can always seek the help of a passport agent, who will be able to guide you through the passport renewal process for a fee.

13. For how many years is the passport valid after renewal?

A standard-issue passport in India is valid for 10 years. If you have applied for the renewal of a Short Validity Passport, which is valid for 1–5 years, the validity of your renewed passport will be decided by the authorities.

14. Where can I apply for passport renewal?

There are two ways to apply for Indian passport renewal. You can apply for passport renewal either online through the Passport Seva website or you can head to the District Passport Cell. After filling out the passport renewal application form, you will have to pay and schedule an appointment through the online route. Submit the passport renewal documents, and you will be issued a file number, which you can use to track your application status.

15. What happens if I miss my passport renewal appointment?

You will have to start the passport renewal process again, either through the Passport Seva site or by visiting the District Passport Cell.

16. Can my application form and documents be submitted by someone else during the appointment?

Your physical presence is required at the Passport Seva Kendra in order to process your passport renewal application form. Hence, you can’t send your documents through someone else when applying for passport renewal.

17. Is police verification required for passport renewal?

If the passport renewal application is submitted before or within three years of expiration, police verification is not required.

18. How long after expiry can a passport be renewed?

Renewal is possible for three years after expiration. Your passport will not be renewed after this date; you will need to apply for a new one.

19. What is the passport renewal time limit?

There is no time limit for renewing a passport if it expires. However, there is a chance that the police will check the passport again if it has expired for more than three years.

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Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from secondary sources on the internet and is meant for informational purposes only. It is subject to changes. It is recommended to take the help of an expert before making any related decision.

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