With Indians increasingly looking to the world for work and pleasure, having a passport has become indispensable. And, while a passport is a prerequisite to travelling abroad, it doesn’t guarantee entry into a foreign country. For this, you need the passport stamped with a visa to the country you wish to visit.
Other than travelling abroad, a passport is extremely useful at various points in a person’s life. This document is widely accepted as proof of address, identification and age.
When a passport is issued to an Indian, it is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. This means that the passport needs to be renewed every 10 years for you to be able to continue to use it.
When Can Your Indian Passport be Renewed?
The expiry date of the passport is denoted with an “F” or the term “Final.” The passport cannot be renewed more than 1 year before this expiration date. However, you can apply for re-issuing of your current passport within 3 years of its expiry date. In both the cases, the personal particulars remain the same, plus there is no need for fresh police verification, given that you had a clear police report for the existing passport.
Here’s a look at the process of passport renewal in India.
Online Registration
Go to the official website of Passport Seva and create an account by registering yourself. This will create a login ID and password for you. Log in by addressing a confirmation mail sent to you on your registered email address and click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
Fill Application Form
Similar to the application for a new passport, download the application form, which needs to be filled offline and then uploaded. The details will include your full name, current address and contact number. You’ll also find an online form that needs to be filled. It is always recommended to fill the PDF form since it is clear and detailed.
Schedule Appointment
On the same website, you’ll find the option to “schedule an appointment.” Find your most convenient slot and book it. For your appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), make sure to carry the originals of all the needed documents. Get the list from the official website. The passport renewal application doesn’t require you to pay any fees.
Documents Required for Indian Passport Renewal
- Original existing passport
- Copy of first two or last two pages of the passport (self-attested)
- Copy of the ECR and non-ECR page (self-attested)
For applicants below the age of 16:
- Address proof document in the name of the parent(s)
- In case parents possess passports, self-attested original copies of their passports.
Time Taken for Indian Passport Renewal
In India, a fresh passport or renewed passport can be received within 2-3 weeks from the date of submission of the application form. One can obtain their passport within 1-2 days if they apply for the Tatkal service of passport renewal.
(Note: In the event of an expired or about-to-expire passport, lost passport, exhaustion of pages, stolen passport, damaged or soiled passport, you may need to get the passport reissued.)