Losing your passport or having it damaged can be stressful — especially if you have upcoming travel plans. A passport is not just a travel document; it is an internationally recognized identity proof issued under the Passports Act, 1967.
If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must act quickly and follow the correct legal procedure to avoid delays or complications.
This guide explains what to do, documents required, fees, police reporting rules, and how to prevent rejection during reissue.
First: Understand the Situation
There are two main cases:
1️⃣ Lost or Stolen Passport
- Passport misplaced
- Passport stolen
- Cannot locate passport anywhere
2️⃣ Damaged Passport
- Torn pages
- Water damage
- Passport cover damaged
- Personal details page damaged
- Pages detached
The procedure is slightly different for each case.
If Your Passport Is Lost in India
Step 1: File an FIR Immediately
Visit your nearest police station and file an FIR (First Information Report).
This is mandatory.
Keep:
- FIR copy
- FIR number
- Police station details
Without FIR, your reissue application may be rejected.
Step 2: Apply for Passport Reissue
There is no “duplicate passport” system.
You must apply under:
👉 Reissue of Passport
Reason: Lost passport
While applying online, select:
- Lost passport
Step 3: Required Documents for Lost Passport
You will generally need:
- FIR copy
- Self-attested ID proof
- Address proof
- Old passport copy (if available)
- Affidavit (Annexure format as required)
If you don’t have a copy of your old passport, provide as many details as possible.
If Your Passport Is Lost Abroad
If you lose your passport outside India:
- Report to local police in that country
- Contact nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate
- Apply for Emergency Certificate or reissue
Embassy will guide you through the process.
If Your Passport Is Damaged
There are two types of damage:
Minor Damage
- Slight wear and tear
- Slightly bent cover
- Minor stains
Major Damage
- Torn pages
- Missing pages
- Damaged personal details page
- Illegible information
What To Do for Damaged Passport
Apply for:
👉 Reissue of Passport
Reason: Damaged passport
You must carry:
- Damaged passport
- Self-attested copies
- Supporting documents
If damage is severe, the case may be examined more strictly.
Police Verification in Lost/Damaged Cases
In lost passport cases:
✔ Police verification is almost always required
✔ Background check may be stricter
Repeated loss may trigger detailed scrutiny.
For damaged passport:
- Police verification depends on case
- If no changes in address, it may not be mandatory
Fees for Lost or Damaged Passport
Fees are generally higher than normal reissue.
Tatkal option is available in many cases, but approval depends on document strength and background.
What Happens to the Old Passport?
In Case of Damage
Old passport is cancelled and returned.
In Case of Loss
Old passport number is blacklisted in system to prevent misuse.
Important Things to Remember
1️⃣ Do Not Hide Loss
Never try to say passport is “damaged” if it is actually lost.
False declaration can lead to serious legal issues.
2️⃣ Avoid Delays in FIR
Delay in reporting lost passport may create suspicion.
Report immediately.
3️⃣ Multiple Losses Raise Red Flags
If you lose passport repeatedly:
- Detailed inquiry may be initiated
- Application may face delay
Be cautious.
4️⃣ Travel Plans May Be Affected
Lost passport near travel date can disrupt plans.
Apply early and consider Tatkal if eligible.
How Long Does Reissue Take?
Normal
2–4 weeks (average)
Tatkal
2–7 working days (if approved)
Lost passport cases may take slightly longer due to police verification.
Can You Travel Without Passport If Lost?
No.
You cannot travel internationally without valid passport.
If abroad, Embassy may issue Emergency Certificate for return to India.
How to Prevent Passport Loss
- Store passport in safe place
- Avoid carrying it unnecessarily
- Keep digital copy saved securely
- Do not hand over to unauthorized persons
- Avoid using passport as daily ID proof
Treat passport as a sensitive legal document.
Final Checklist Before Applying for Reissue
✔ FIR filed (if lost)
✔ Correct reason selected online
✔ Old passport copy (if available)
✔ Address proof updated
✔ Honest declaration submitted
✔ Available for police verification
Proper preparation ensures faster approval.
Conclusion
Losing or damaging your passport is stressful but manageable if handled correctly. The key steps are filing FIR (if lost), applying under correct reissue category, and cooperating during police verification.
Always provide truthful information. False declarations or fake documents can lead to rejection or legal trouble.
If you follow proper procedure, your passport can be reissued smoothly.
For more simplified government documentation guides, visit Sarkari Bakery.