Renewal of Passport: Step-by-Step Guide on How To Renew Passport in India

What do you do if your passport has expired or near its expiration date?

The process for renewal or reissue of passport has become extremely convenient and user-friendly in India with the online Passport Seva website portal and even an app. The hassle of running around with physical documents has been reduced to a bare minimum.

How To Renew Passport Online: Procedure for Renewal of Passport

• Visit the Official Portal: Start by visiting the official website of Passport Seva, i.e., www.passportindia.gov.in.
• Register Online: If you're a new user, register on the portal. Existing users can log in using their credentials.
• Fill in the Details: Click on "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport". Fill in the required details accurately.
• Pay and Schedule Appointment: Once done, you can proceed to pay the passport renewal fee online. Post payment, you will be able to schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
• Attend the Appointment: Visit the PSK or POPSK on the scheduled date and time. Remember to carry the required original documents.

What's the Validity of Indian Passport?

The validity of an Indian passport for adults is 10 years, after which it needs to be renewed. For minors (individuals below 18 years of age), the validity is typically 5 years or until they reach 18, after which they need to apply for a new adult passport. If you are travelling to a foreign country, your visa must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival. You may only apply for renewal 1 year before the date on which your passport is expiring.

Documents Required for Renewal of Passport 

• Old Passport: Original previous passport.
• Self-attested copies of the following:

1. 1st and last 2 pages of the passportECR/non-ECR pages.
2. ECR page would apply to those who haven’t officially passed their 10th examination and the non-ECR page would apply to those who have officially passed their 10th board examination.
3. Page of Observation, (if any) excluding the 1st and last page related to any additional information or change made in the bio of the passport holder, such as their name, address, etc. made by the Passport Issuing Authority.
4. Validity Extension Page (if any) in a Short Validity Passport (SVP) Application Reference Number (ARN) received at the time of making online payment.

• Proof of Date of Birth: Birth Certificate, PAN card, Aadhar card, or Driving License.
• Proof of Address: Any one of the following - Aadhaar Card, Water Bill, Telephone (landline or postpaid mobile bill), etc.
• Recent Passport Size Photographs: Usually, two photographs.

In case you are applying for renewal of your SVP, you are required to visit the PSK and fill an application for the same. SVPs are issues in one of the following cases:

• NRIs visiting India for short duration.
• Pending criminal cases.
• Students appearing for IELTS, SATs, TOEFL.
• Passport getting lost in transit. 

How to Track Your Passport Renewal Application

The real-time status of your passport can be tracked through the Passport Seva portal.

Step 1: Click on ‘Track Application Status’
Step 2: Select the appropriate Application Status option
Step 3: Enter your Application Reference Number or File Number along with your date of birth to view the status.

How Long Does It Take To Get Your Passport?

Typically, after successful submission and verification, the renewed passport is dispatched within 30 days. However, the timeline can vary based on individual cases and any discrepancies in the documentation provided.

Passport Renewal Fee

The cost for renewing an Indian passport varies based on several factors including the age of the applicant, number of pages in the passport booklet, and the required service (Tatkaal or normal). Here's a breakdown:

Adults (age 18 years and above):

Normal (36 Pages): ₹1,500
Normal (60 Pages): ₹2,000
Tatkaal (36 Pages): ₹3,500
Tatkaal (60 Pages): ₹4,000

Minors (below 18 years of age):

Normal (36 Pages): ₹1,000
Tatkaal (36 Pages): ₹3,000

Senior Citizens (age 60 years and above):

They typically pay the same fee as adults, but there might be occasional concessions or discounts offered.

Police Clearance Certificate (if required): ₹500

Charges for online transactions: If you're paying online, there might be minimal transaction fees based on your payment method.

Fee for SMS service: This is optional. If you choose to be updated through SMS about your application status, there's a minimal fee of around ₹40.

Note: The fees mentioned above are approximate and subject to change. Always refer to the official passport website or consult the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for the most accurate and up-to-date fee structure. Additionally, while Tatkaal service comes at a higher cost, it ensures quicker processing and delivery of the passport.

While you are not required to submit your original documents, carrying them along with the self-attested copies of the documents is a given. Make sure to be very careful in filling out your details, as if there’s any omission, correction, or addition required later, the process will have to be done again from scratch. Information such as your signature matching across all documents plays a critical too.