How To Renew Passport?

Renewing your passport in India is a straightforward process that can be done either online or offline, depending on your preference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to renew your passport:

Step 1: Check Passport Expiry Date

Before starting the renewal process, make sure to check the expiry date of your passport. You can apply for a passport renewal if:

Your passport is about to expire, or
It has already expired (up to 3 years after expiry).
You need to update certain details like your address, name, or appearance due to change.

If your passport has expired for more than 3 years, you will need to apply for a new passport (not a renewal), and the process may differ slightly.

Step 2: Collect the Required Documents

Make sure you have the following documents ready for the passport renewal process:

Mandatory Documents:

Proof of Identity (Any one):
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID
- PAN card
- Driving license
Proof of Address (Any one):
- Aadhaar card (if it has the current address)
- Bank passbook or statement (with the current address)
- Utility bills (electricity, water, etc.)
- Rent agreement (if you are renting a house)
- Voter ID or any government-issued documents with the address
Passport Details:
- Old/expired passport (original and photocopy).
Passport-size Photograph:
You will need 2-3 recent passport-sized color photographs that meet the passport photo specifications.
Annexure E:
If there are any changes in personal details (like name, address, etc.), this self-declaration form is required.
Police Verification:
If you have moved to a new address, a police verification may be required.

Step 3: Fill the Passport Renewal Application Form

You can apply for passport renewal either online or offline.

Online Application (Recommended)

Visit the Official Passport Website:
- Go to the Passport Seva website.
Register or Log in:
- If you don’t have an account, click on “Register” to create one.
- If you already have an account, click on “Login” using your credentials.
Fill the Application Form:
- After logging in, select “Apply for a Passport” option.
- Fill in the details such as name, address, date of birth, and other information. If there is any change in personal details, make sure to update them in the form.
- Under the Type of Application, select Reissue Passport (for renewal).
Pay the Application Fee:
- The fee for passport renewal is generally the same as applying for a new passport. It varies based on the validity (36 pages or 60 pages) and the type (normal or tatkal).
  - Normal passport (36 pages, 10 years validity): ₹1,500
  - Tatkal passport (36 pages, 10 years validity): ₹3,500
  - There may be additional charges depending on your location.
Schedule an Appointment:
- After submitting the form and payment, you will be prompted to schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
- Select a date and time that is convenient for you, and then download and print the appointment confirmation.

Offline Application

If you prefer applying offline, visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) and collect the passport renewal application form.
Fill in the application form, attach the required documents, and submit it at the PSK.

Step 4: Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

On the date of your appointment, visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or POPSK with the following:

Printed Application Form: The form you filled online or offline.
Appointment Confirmation: A printed copy of your appointment confirmation.
Original and Photocopies of Documents:
- Old passport (original and photocopy).
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.).
- Proof of address (Aadhaar, utility bills, etc.).
Passport-size Photographs: 2-3 passport-sized photographs according to the prescribed specifications.
Annexure E: If there are changes in personal details.

At the PSK, the following steps will be conducted:

Document Verification: Your documents will be verified by the officials.
Biometric Data Collection: Your photograph, fingerprints, and signature will be captured.
Fee Payment: If you haven’t already paid online, you can do so at the PSK.
Police Verification (if applicable): If there are any changes in your address or other details, the police will conduct a verification.

Step 5: Wait for Police Verification (If Applicable)

Police Verification: In case your address has changed or there is any significant change in details, the police will conduct a verification at your current residence.
If you are renewing your passport under Tatkal services, police verification may be expedited.
Once completed, the police report will be submitted to the passport office for further processing.

Step 6: Track Your Passport Status

Once you have completed all steps, you can track the status of your passport renewal application:

Visit the Passport Seva website.
Log in using your Application Reference Number (ARN) to track the status.

Step 7: Receive Your Passport

After the passport office processes your renewal application and completes the police verification (if required), your renewed passport will be delivered to your address via post.

Processing Time: Generally, the passport renewal process takes about 7-15 working days for normal processing and 1-3 working days for Tatkal service after successful police verification.
You will be notified once your passport is dispatched.

Important Notes

Tatkal Passport: If you need your passport urgently, you can opt for the Tatkal service. However, it comes with an additional fee.
Reissue Due to Loss or Damage: If your passport is lost or damaged, you need to file an FIR with the police and provide a copy along with other necessary documents when applying for reissue.
Police Verification: If you have moved to a new address since your last passport was issued, the police will need to verify your current address.

By following these steps, you can easily renew your passport in India and get it delivered to your address.