Passport Renewal in India: When and How to Re-Issue Your Passport

In India, renewing a passport is officially called a re-issue. You apply for one whenever your passport is expiring, has run out of pages, needs a change in details, or has been lost or damaged.

Common reasons for re-issue

• Your passport has expired or is close to expiry.
• The pages are exhausted.
• You need to change personal details such as your name, address or appearance.
• You want to remove the ECR notation.
• Your passport is damaged, lost or stolen.

When should you apply?

Don’t wait until the last minute. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of travel, and some airlines won’t let you board otherwise. If you have trips planned, check your passport’s expiry date well in advance.

Documents you’ll typically need

• Your current or old passport (original)
• Self-attested copies of the first and last pages, and of any observation or endorsement pages
• Proof of present address, if your address has changed
• Supporting documents for any change in personal details

How to apply for a re-issue

1. Log in to the Passport Seva portal and choose the re-issue application.
2. Select the reason for re-issue and update any changed details.
3. Pay the applicable fee and book an appointment.
4. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra with your old passport and documents.
5. Complete police verification if your case requires it.

When your new passport is issued, the old one is cancelled. It is usually returned to you, which is useful if it holds a valid visa.

Please note: This guide is for general information only. Passport rules, documents and fees can change, so always check the latest requirements on the official Passport Seva website before applying. The Passport Project is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with the Ministry of External Affairs, Passport Seva or any Government body.