A Passport Renewal in India is generally handled as a Re-issue of Passport through the official Passport Seva portal. You do not normally apply for a completely new passport when your existing passport is expiring. Instead, you select the re-issue service and provide details of your existing passport.
Passport re-issue may be required when your passport is approaching expiry, has already expired, its pages are exhausted, or you need to make certain changes to the passport details. The same re-issue process can also apply to several other situations, including changes in personal particulars.
The online application can be completed through Passport Seva, but applicants generally need to visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for document verification and other required formalities.
What Is Passport Renewal?
In common usage, passport renewal means getting a new passport booklet when your existing passport is nearing expiry or has expired.
However, Passport Seva officially treats this service as “Re-issue of Passport.”
For example, if your existing passport has a 10-year validity and is about to expire, you normally select:
Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport → Re-issue
The new passport is issued after the application and verification process is completed.
Passport Seva’s official application system specifically provides a combined Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport service.
When Should You Renew Your Passport?
You do not necessarily need to wait until the passport has completely expired.
Passport holders often apply for re-issue before expiry because many countries, airlines and immigration authorities may require a passport to have sufficient validity remaining for international travel.
A practical approach is to check your passport’s expiry date well in advance if you have upcoming international travel.
You should also consider applying earlier if:
- Your passport is nearing expiry.
- You have international travel planned.
- Your passport has no or very few blank visa pages.
- Your personal details need to be changed.
- Your address needs to be updated.
- Your name needs correction or change.
- Your passport has been damaged.
- Your passport has been lost or stolen.
If the passport has already expired, you can still apply for re-issue, subject to the applicable Passport Seva requirements.
Who Can Apply for Passport Renewal?
A person who already holds or has previously held an Indian passport can generally apply for re-issue when a new passport is required.
Common situations include:
| Situation | Service generally used |
|---|---|
| Passport nearing expiry | Re-issue |
| Passport already expired | Re-issue |
| Pages exhausted | Re-issue |
| Change in personal particulars | Re-issue |
| Change in address | Re-issue |
| Passport damaged | Replacement/Re-issue as applicable |
| Passport lost or stolen | Replacement/Re-issue with additional requirements |
| Passport needs ECR-related change | Re-issue where applicable |
The exact document requirements depend on the reason selected in the application.
Passport Renewal Online: Step-by-Step Process
The Passport Seva online process is relatively straightforward, but the information entered in the form should match your existing passport and supporting documents.
Step 1: Visit the Official Passport Seva Website
Start from the official Passport Seva portal:
The Ministry of External Affairs has specifically warned citizens about fraudulent passport websites and applications that collect personal information or charge additional fees. The official website for passport services is passportindia.gov.in.
Avoid websites that claim to be the official Passport Seva website but use unrelated domain names.
Step 2: Register or Log In
If you already have a Passport Seva account, log in using your existing credentials.
If you are a new user, select Register and create an account.
Passport Seva advises applicants to remember their Login ID and not share their credentials with unauthorised persons.
If you are applying for re-issue through a different Regional Passport Office from the one where your previous passport was issued, Passport Seva states that you may need to create a new login ID. The same email ID can be used for creating the new login in the specified situation.
Step 3: Select the Correct Regional Passport Office
After logging in, select the Regional Passport Office based on your current residential location.
The selected RPO determines the PSK options shown during appointment scheduling.
Passport Seva states that applicants may apply for passport services at PSKs/RPOs across India according to the applicable system and their preference.
Step 4: Select “Re-issue of Passport”
From your Passport Seva dashboard, go to the services section.
Select:
Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport
Then choose the Re-issue of Passport option.
Do not select Fresh Passport if you already have a passport and your application is for renewal/replacement of the existing passport.
Step 5: Select the Reason for Re-Issue
The portal may ask you to specify why you need a re-issue.
Depending on your situation, the reason could relate to:
- Expiry of passport
- Expiry within the applicable period
- Exhaustion of pages
- Change in personal particulars
- Change of address
- Damaged passport
- Lost or stolen passport
- Other applicable circumstances
Select the reason that accurately describes your case.
Do not select a different category simply because it appears easier.
Step 6: Enter Your Existing Passport Details
You will need to provide information from your current or previous passport.
Keep the passport available while completing the form.
Check details such as:
- Passport number
- Date of issue
- Date of expiry
- Place of issue
- Name
- Date of birth
- Other previous passport information requested by the portal
Entering the information carefully can reduce the possibility of delays or clarification requests.
Step 7: Verify Your Personal Details
The application will require personal information.
Check:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Gender
- Father’s name
- Mother’s name
- Spouse details, where applicable
- Residential information
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Employment details
If your personal details have changed since the previous passport was issued, select the appropriate re-issue reason and keep supporting documents ready.
Step 8: Enter Your Current Address
Your present residential address is particularly important.
Enter the address where you currently reside and make sure you have acceptable proof for that address.
Check every part of the address, including:
- House/flat number
- Street
- Locality
- City/town
- District
- State
- PIN code
- Police station information, where requested
If your address has changed since the previous passport, you should not simply retain the old address to avoid additional paperwork.
Step 9: Complete the Previous Passport Section
Because this is a re-issue application, information about your previous passport is important.
Keep the old passport nearby while completing the form.
Check that the details entered correspond with the passport booklet.
If your previous passport is damaged, lost or unavailable, the application process can require additional documentation and declarations.
For a lost passport situation, check the separate Lost Passport What to Do guide.
Step 10: Preview the Application
Before submitting, carefully review the complete form.
Pay particular attention to:
- Name spelling
- Date of birth
- Father’s and mother’s names
- Address
- PIN code
- Mobile number
- Email address
- Previous passport number
- Passport issue date
- Passport expiry date
- Reason for re-issue
- ECR/Non-ECR information
Passport Seva specifically instructs applicants to validate their details carefully before submission because changes cannot be made to the application after it has been submitted.
Step 11: Submit the Application
After checking the information, submit the application.
The system generates an Application Reference Number (ARN).
Save the application/reference details for future use.
You can also save the application during the filling process and resume it later before submission.
Step 12: Pay the Passport Renewal Fee
After submitting the application, use the Pay and Schedule Appointment option.
Passport Seva requires payment of the applicable passport service fee before an appointment can be booked at a Passport Seva Kendra.
The current official fee information lists the following standard re-issue charges:
| Passport type | Application fee | Additional Tatkaal fee |
|---|---|---|
| 36 pages, 10-year validity | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 |
| 60 pages, 10-year validity | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 |
| Minor below 18 years, 36 pages | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 |
The Passport Seva website states that passport application fees were revised with effect from 1 July 2026. Always check the amount displayed by the official portal before payment.
The Tatkaal fee is additional to the normal application fee.
Step 13: Book Your Appointment
After payment, select the appointment option.
You can choose an available PSK/POPSK and appointment date according to the slots shown by the system.
Passport Seva states that the system displays the next available appointment date for the selected PSK/POPSK after the applicable payment and scheduling process.
Save the appointment confirmation.
Passport Seva also states that applicants receive an SMS on their registered mobile number containing the scheduled appointment information.
Step 14: Visit the PSK or POPSK
Visit the selected Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra on the appointment date.
Carry:
- Existing passport
- Original supporting documents
- Required photocopies
- Appointment/application details
- Additional documents applicable to your reason for re-issue
The exact document requirements depend on your individual application.
Do not assume that every passport renewal requires exactly the same documents.
Documents Required for Passport Renewal
The documents required depend on why the passport is being re-issued.
For a straightforward expiry-related re-issue, your existing passport and the documents specified by the official Passport Seva document advisory may be sufficient, but additional documents can be required depending on changes in your circumstances.
Commonly relevant documents may include:
- Existing passport
- Proof of present address, where applicable
- Documents supporting changes in personal particulars
- Documents related to name change, where applicable
- Documents related to address change, where applicable
- Additional declarations or supporting documents for special cases
For a detailed guide, see Passport Documents Required.
Always check the official document advisory for your exact re-issue category before the appointment.
Passport Renewal After Expiry
You can apply for re-issue even when the existing passport has expired.
However, the circumstances surrounding the expiry can affect the documentation and verification process.
For example, there is an important difference between:
- A passport that expired recently
- A passport that has been expired for a longer period
- A passport with changed personal details
- A passport where the applicant’s address has changed
Therefore, do not assume that an expired passport automatically follows exactly the same process as a passport that is still valid.
Enter the correct details and follow the category shown by Passport Seva.
Passport Renewal Before Expiry
You do not have to wait until your passport expires before applying for re-issue.
Applying ahead of time can be particularly useful if you have upcoming international travel.
Before booking flights, check the passport validity requirements of the destination country because immigration and airline requirements can differ.
If your passport is nearing expiry and you expect to travel internationally, leaving the application until the last moment can create unnecessary pressure.
Passport Renewal for Change of Address
If your residential address has changed, the re-issue application can be used for the applicable change.
For example, if your old passport contains an address from your previous residence and you have permanently moved to another address, provide the current address in the application.
Keep acceptable address proof ready.
You should not deliberately retain an outdated address simply because it appears on the existing passport.
For more information, see Passport Address Change.
Passport Renewal After Name Change
If your name has changed, passport re-issue may be required with supporting documentation.
Name changes can occur after:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Court order
- Legal name change
- Other applicable circumstances
The supporting documents depend on the reason and circumstances of the name change.
Do not simply enter a new name in the application without checking the applicable documentary requirements.
You can read the detailed Passport Name Change guide for the relevant process.
Passport Renewal When Pages Are Exhausted
A passport can also be re-issued when the available visa pages have been exhausted.
In such cases, the applicant can apply for re-issue and select the applicable reason.
Passport Seva’s fee schedule specifically includes fresh passport/re-issue applications involving an additional booklet due to exhaustion of visa pages.
If you frequently travel internationally, you may consider whether the 36-page or 60-page passport is more appropriate for your travel needs.
Passport Renewal Under Tatkaal
Tatkaal is an expedited passport service for eligible applicants.
It is important to understand that Tatkaal is not simply a faster version available to every applicant automatically.
Passport Seva advises applicants to check the eligibility criteria and categories that are excluded from the Tatkaal scheme before applying. Tatkaal applicants may also need to submit the applicable undertaking and additional documents.
The Tatkaal fee is paid in addition to the normal application fee.
If you are considering Tatkaal, check your eligibility before submitting the application.
Is Police Verification Required for Passport Renewal?
Police verification is not necessarily identical for every re-issue application.
Whether verification is required and how it is conducted can depend on factors such as the applicant’s circumstances, previous passport records, changes in personal details and the applicable Passport Seva process.
Therefore, applicants should not assume either that police verification is always required or that it is never required.
If police verification is initiated, make sure your address and supporting information are accurate.
For a detailed explanation, see Passport Police Verification.
How Long Does Passport Renewal Take?
There is no single processing time that applies to every passport re-issue application.
The time can depend on:
- Normal or Tatkaal service
- Police verification
- Document verification
- Changes in personal information
- Previous passport records
- Passport office workload
- Any discrepancy in the application
- Special circumstances
A straightforward re-issue application can be processed differently from an application involving a name change, lost passport or other complication.
Therefore, avoid making important travel arrangements based solely on an assumed processing period.
How to Track Passport Renewal Status
After submitting your re-issue application, you can track its progress through the Passport Seva portal.
The official Passport Seva website provides a Track Passport Application facility.
Keep your application/file reference information available when checking the status.
For a step-by-step guide, see Passport Application Status.
What Happens to the Old Passport?
When your passport is re-issued, the old passport is generally dealt with according to the applicable Passport Seva procedure.
Do not throw away your old passport simply because you have received the new one.
An old passport can contain:
- Previous visas
- Entry/exit stamps
- Travel history
- Important immigration information
Keep it safely unless the passport authorities specifically instruct you otherwise.
If you have valid visas in an old passport, check the requirements of the country concerned before travelling.
Common Passport Renewal Mistakes
1. Selecting Fresh Passport Instead of Re-Issue
If you already have a passport, carefully select the re-issue service.
2. Entering Old Address
If your current address is different, enter your current residential details and keep appropriate proof ready.
3. Incorrect Previous Passport Number
Copy the previous passport number carefully.
4. Ignoring Name Differences
If your name differs between documents, do not ignore the discrepancy.
5. Booking an Appointment Without Checking Documents
A successful appointment booking does not mean that all required documents have been verified.
6. Waiting Until the Last Moment
If your passport is nearing expiry and you have upcoming international travel, start the process early.
7. Using Unofficial Websites
Passport Seva has specifically warned against fraudulent websites and mobile applications that collect personal information or charge additional fees.
8. Not Checking the Application Before Submission
Passport Seva states that applicants cannot make changes to the application after submission at that stage.
Passport Renewal Checklist
Before submitting your application, check the following:
- Existing passport is available
- Passport number is correct
- Passport issue date is correct
- Passport expiry date is correct
- Name is correct
- Date of birth is correct
- Current address is correct
- Mobile number is correct
- Email address is correct
- Reason for re-issue is correct
- Supporting documents are ready
- Application has been reviewed
- Application submitted successfully
- ARN/reference details saved
- Correct fee paid
- Appointment booked
- Appointment confirmation saved
- Original documents prepared
- Police verification requirements checked
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The Passport Renewal process in India is handled through the Re-issue of Passport service on the official Passport Seva portal. Applicants can complete the form online, pay the applicable fee and book an appointment before visiting the selected PSK or POPSK with the required documents.
Before applying, check whether you need a simple expiry-related re-issue or whether your application also involves an address change, name change, exhausted pages, damaged passport or another special circumstance. Enter the details carefully because Passport Seva does not allow changes to the submitted application at that stage.
The current standard fee for a 36-page, 10-year passport re-issue is ₹1,500, while the 60-page option costs ₹2,000. Fees were revised from 1 July 2026, so always verify the amount shown on the official portal before making payment.
For related passport services, you can also read Passport Documents Required, Passport Address Change, Passport Name Change and Passport Application Status.
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