How to Renew Your Passport: A Quick and Easy Guide

Realising your passport expires soon often causes instant panic, especially if you have an upcoming international trip planned. The good news is that you can complete the passport renewal process smoothly without unnecessary delays or complicated paperwork when you know the required steps and documents. We have created this quick and easy guide to help you understand the passport renewal process, avoid common mistakes, and renew your passport with confidence so your travel plans stay on track.

Eligibility for Passport Renewal

Before we dive into the process of passport renewal, you must know when you can renew your passport. In India, you can renew your passport if you meet the following criteria:

1. You must be an Indian citizen holding a valid or expired passport

2. Your passport is about to expire

3. You want to update your details in your passport

4. Your passport pages are exhausted

5. Your passport is damaged

If you relate to any of these situations, then you can take part in the passport renewal process.

Online Application Process for Passport Renewal in India

The online passport renewal process is a straightforward process. You can renew your passport via the Passport Seva’s official website. Follow these steps below:

Register Your Account

Your first step is to register yourself on the official Passport Seva Kendra portal. Enter your name, email ID, login ID and password. Then, click on Sign Up.

Log In to Your Account

Once you register yourself in the portal, you have to log in to your account. Enter your recently created login ID and password to enter your profile.

Click on Services

After you log in, a dashboard will appear in front of you. Navigate to the 'Services' section and click on 'Re-issue of Passport'.

Select Your Regional Passport Office (RPO)

For passport renewal online, you need to select your RPO based on your current residence location. If you want to change your RPO from the previous one, you need to create a new login ID at the Passport Seva Kendra website.

Fill in the Form

After you have selected your RPO, you have to accurately fill out the passport renewal form. If you need to update any information, you can do so now.

Initiate Payment Procedure

After you have filled out the form, submit it. You will receive a unique Application Reference Number (ARN). Then, proceed to the payment section of the passport renewal procedure. Pay the fees and schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra.

Visit the Passport Office

After submitting the online form for the passport renewal process, you have to visit the office with your original documents.

Also Read: Tatkal Passport Police Verification Process Explained

Offline Passport Renewal Procedure in India

Although the passport renewal process can be completed online, many people prefer the offline version. So if you are wondering, ‘How to renew my passport offline?’ follow these steps below:

Download Form

For the offline passport renewal process, you have to navigate to the Passport Seva official website and download the passport re-issue PDF form.

Fill in the Form

Fill in the form with your personal details and make sure to double-check before doing so. You can update your personal details, such as your address, in this step.

Purchase a Demand Draft

To pay the fees, you have to submit a demand draft. You can do so from your bank. It works as a secure and guaranteed way to make large payments, such as passport fees.

Collect Documents

Collect all the required documents that you need for the passport update process and head over to your jurisdictional District Passport Cell (DPC).

Documents Required for Passport Renewal

The documents required for passport renewal vary according to the reason for reissue. Let us understand the documents you need to collect:

Reissue for Exhaustion of Pages/ Validity Expired

Renewal of Short-Validity Passport

Lost/Stolen Passport

Also Read: Find Passport Office in Bandra: Contact Number & Address

How to Check Passport Renewal Status?

If you want to track your application for renewal of an Indian passport, you can do so online via the Passport Seva website. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Passport Seva website.

2. Navigate the ‘Services’ section and find the ‘Track Application Status’ option.

3. Select your application type and enter your file number.

4. Enter your date of birth and click on ‘Track Application Status’.

Additional Tips For Passport Renewal

Although the passport renewal process in India is streamlined, you should not forget the following:

1. Check Your Validity: International destinations require your passport to have at least 6 months' validity. Therefore, always start the renewal process beforehand to avoid hassles.

2. Don’t Make Mistakes: According to Passport Seva, you cannot make changes to your application once you have submitted it. Therefore, double-check the information you fill in.

3. Prepare Your Documents: Different passport renewal reasons require different sets of documents. Always check beforehand and prepare these documents before you submit the form.

4. Select Tatkaal Services: You can select the Tatkaal option if you require your passport urgently. However, you have to pay an additional fee to expedite the process.

By following these tips, you can simplify your passport renewal process.

Conclusion

Renewing your Indian passport does not have to be stressful. Just head over to the Passport Seva website and follow the steps mentioned above. However, before submitting your application, make sure to collect the required documents and double-check your form.

Download the Bajaj General app to get affordable travel insurance today!

Frequently asked questions

How many days before a passport should be renewed?

You can renew your passport 12 months before it expires. The sooner you start, the better for you.

What is the passport renewal fee in India?

The application fee starts from ₹750 and can go up to ₹4,250, depending on the type of service you choose. If you opt for Tatkaal services, then it can go up.

Will I get my old passport back after renewal in India?

Yes, you will get your old passport back when you re-issue it. The PSK will punch a hole in it and mark it as cancelled before returning it to you.

How long does a passport renewal take?

Usually, a passport renewal process takes about 30-45 days. However, if you choose the Tatkaal service, you can get it within 1-3 days.

Is a photo required for passport renewal in India?

Yes, you require a passport-sized photo for passport renewal in India.

*Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.