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A Step-By-Step Guide To Renewing Your Passport In India

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The passport is a crucial document that not only acts as identity proof and proof of citizenship but also allows one to travel internationally. However, passports have a limited validity period, and when they expire, they must be renewed to continue using them as valid travel documents. If you are a citizen of India and your passport is nearing its expiration date, you may be wondering how to renew it. The passport renewal process can seem overwhelming, but it is not as complicated as it may appear. In this article, we will go through the steps of passport renewal in India, so you can focus on planning your next adventure without any worries. However, do not forget to take international travel insurance to protect yourself against any financial drainage due to mishaps during the trip.

Steps to Renew Indian Passport Online

Visa or renewal of an Indian passport online is a very simple procedure, which can be done in a few easy steps. Here is a guide to help you through the passport renewal process, along with considerations for travel insurance:

Online Renewal Process of Indian Passport

1. Visit the Official Website:

The process of renewing one’s passport has to be begun on the official passport seva site which is passportindia.gov.in.

2. Register or Log In:

If you are a new user then click on the register link and fill in the fields with the required information. If you already have an account then feel free to log in with your username and password.

3. Select Passport Renewal:

Select the renewal passion service from the services that are offered. Make sure that you choose the right category according to your previous passport, i.e. normal or Tatkal.

4. Fill Out the Application Form:

Fill in the details of the online form precisely. Ensure that you give information that you will be required to use to obtain your passport so that there will be no inconsistencies.

5. Upload Documents:

Ensure that you scan and upload the required documents which include your old passports to your new images as well as any other identification documents as may be needed. It should also be certain that the documents are in order as far as the laid down guidelines and parameters are concerned.

6. Pay the Fees:

Obtain the passport and verify the details to be filled in. You can pay the fee for the renewal of your passport using a credit card/ debit card or through net banking. A payment receipt may be useful at some other point, and that is why one should retain it.

7. Schedule an Appointment:

After the payment only make an appointment to visit the nearest PSK or PSLK for submission of the documents.

8. Visit the PSK:

When going for the appointment in the PSK, bring with you all necessary documents, such as the payment receipt. Fill out the application and apply the biometric process.

9. Track Your Application:

You can track the status of your renewal application for the passport on the Passport Seva website using the reference number.

10.Receive Your Passport:

After this process, your new passport will be sent to the registered address. You can also choose to be picked from the PSK office.

How to Renew Your Passport Offline?

Here is how to renew your passport offline:

Step 1: Obtain the Application Form

You have the option of either downloading the passport renewal application form from the Passport Seva website or obtaining it from the District Passport Cell on payment of Rs. 10.

Step 2: Complete the Form

Make sure you complete all the questions on the application form in detail and make sure that these answers are correct. If you complete it, then go to the closest District Passport Cell with the necessary documents.

Step 3: Submit Documents and Payment

You also need to attach your application form and all required documents. Use a demand draft to make the payment for the renewal of your passport and ensure you get the acknowledgement letter this time.

Step 4: Track Your Application

On submission, you will be provided with a tracking number for your application for renewal of your passport.

How to Schedule an Appointment for Passport Renewal?

The next step of “how to renew the passport in India” is to book an appointment slot for you, follow the given steps:

1. Use your user ID and password to enter the Passport Seva website

2. Navigate to the "View Saved and Submitted Application" section and select the "Pay and Schedule Appointment" link

3. Choose a suitable appointment slot and make the required online payment. The fee amount may vary concerning the application type (normal/tatkal) and the number of pages in your passport book

4. You can make the payment online using various methods such as SBI Bank Challan, credit/debit cards (only Visa and MasterCard), or internet banking (SBI and other banks)

5. Select the "Print Application Receipt" option to get the appointment number or the application reference number.

When Can You Apply for Passport Renewal?

The passport renewal process time varies in the case of adults and minors.

1. Adults can put in an application for passport renewal up to a year before their current passport expires

2. Minors who hold a valid passport for either 5 years or until they turn 18 years of age (whichever comes first) can apply for a re-issue of their passport once it expires

3. Additionally, minors between 15 and 18 years of age can apply for a passport with 10-year validity, provided that their current passport has at least one year of validity remaining.

Documents Required for Passport Renewal

To successfully renew your passport in India, you will need to provide the following documents:

A. For Adults:

a. Old passport

b. No Objection Certificate or NOC

c. Intimation letter

d. Self-attested copies of the first and last two pages of your passport, the SVP or short validity passport's validity extension page, the non-ECR/ ECR page, and the passport issuing body's page of observations.

B. For Minor Applicants:

a. A recent 4.5 x 3.5 cm passport photo with a white background

b. Proof of present residency in the parent's name

c. Documents attested by the parents on the minor's behalf.

It's essential to note that the documents required for passport renewal may vary depending on the renewal type and the applicant's age.

What Are the Fees and Charges for Passport Renewal?

The cost to renew one's passport varies based on various factors, such as an applicant's age, the number of pages chosen for inclusion in their booklet, and the scheme chosen. Below is a breakdown of the renewal fee structure of an Indian passport:

Sr. No.	Service Required	Application Fee	Additional Tatkaal Fee
1	New Passport/Re-issue of Passport, along with additional booklet because of visa pages (36 pages) exhaustion of 10 years' validity	Rs.1,500/-*	Rs.2,000/-*
2	New Passport/Re-issue of Passport, along with additional booklet because of visa pages (60 pages) exhaustion of 10 years' validity	Rs.2,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
3	Fresh/Reissue Passport for Minors under 18 Years Old is valid for five years (or until attaining 18th whichever comes earlier), consisting of 36 pages.	Rs.1,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
4	Replacement of passport (36 pages) because of lost, stolen, or damaged passport	Rs.3,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
5	Replacement of passport (60 pages) because of lost, stolen, or damaged passport	Rs.3,500/-	Rs.2,000/-
6	Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)	Rs.500/-	NA
7	Replacement Passport with 36 Pages to Deleting ECR/Change Personal Particulars (10 year validity).	Rs.1,500/-	Rs.2,000/-
8	Replacement Passport with 60 Pages to Deleting ECR/Change Personal Particulars (10 year validity).	Rs.2,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
9	Replacement of Passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR/ Change in personal particulars for Minors (below 18 years of Age), of 5 years validity or till the minor attains the age of 18 whichever is earlier.	Rs.1,000/-	Rs.2,000/-

*This rule also extends to minors aged between 15 to 18 years who desire to obtain a full 10-year validity passport.

Processing Time Taken for Passport Renewal

The time taken to renew a passport in India depends on the kind of service applied for; normal or Tatkal, the documents submitted and accuracy of the same, and the busy influx of the public at the passport office. Here’s a general overview:

1. Normal Passport Renewal:

Normally the time taken to renew a normal passport is about 30 days. However, this can be so due to the kind of situation in different areas as well as the level of operations of the given passport agencies.

2. Tatkal Passport Renewal:

In an emergency, for instance, the Tatkal service cuts across through the whole process in the shortest time possible. Lastly, that too within 1 to 3 days while applying for a renewed passport under the Tatkal scheme, additional documents are cleared without delay and police verification.

3. Police Verification:

It only mentioned that if Police verification is needed, the processing time will be longer. The verification process may range from a few days to one or two weeks, depending on the local police tasks and effectiveness.

4. Document Completeness:

It is unfortunate that if there is a problem, for example, there could be some missing documents or bits of information within an application, it can prolong the process. Correct completion of all necessary documents can also reduce the time it takes for approval:

5. Tracking Status:

Users can check the status of their passport renewal application through the internet by use of a reference number, which shows the stage the application is undergoing on the Passport Seva site.

In summary, applicants who approach renewal optimally expecting longer waits in the first place are likely to have quicker renewal times when they submit complete applications.

What Are the Passport Renewal Rules?

It's essential to note that passport renewal and re-issue are two different processes. Passport renewal involves the passport authority renewing your existing passport, while re-issue entails receiving a fresh passport.

Renewal is only possible when your passport expires, whereas re-issue is necessary for the following circumstances:

1. Stolen passport

2. Lost passport

3. Damaged passport

4. Change in personal information

5. Page exhaustion.

Key Differences: Renewal vs. Reissue

Indian citizens need to understand that passport renewal and reissue require unique steps to meet different requirements. Here are the key differences between passport renewal and reissue:

1. Definition

Renewal: People can use this method for their passport renewal as it applies to passports that will expire soon or have passed their validity period. Users need to submit their current information for their existing passports to match their latest details.

Reissue: To have your passport updated with new information you must apply for a fresh passport instead of keeping your existing one.

2. Eligibility

Renewal: You can apply for renewal if your passport now has or will expire within six months.

Reissue: You can request this service to update your passport details when you maintain its active status.

3. Documents Required

Renewal: To renew your passport you only need to submit your old passport and an updated photo. The renewal office may ask for more documents when your personal details change during the application.

Reissue: You need additional documents to update your personal information that changes beyond regular details. You will need to submit proof of your marriage or legal name change when needed to complete your application.

4. Processing Time

Renewal: Applicants who choose normal service receive their renewed passport in 30 days but Tatkal applications process in 1 to 3 days.

Reissue: Applications process as fast as passport renewals so the actual processing period depends on how complete your application is and what updates you need made.

5. Fees

Renewal: Individuals pay less to renew their passport documents than to request a fresh set of travel papers because the process is generally simpler.

Reissue: Your fees depend on how many modifications you request and between normal and Tatkal service types.

6. Validity Period

Renewal: After you renew your passport, it will stay valid for 10 years, counting from your renewal date.

Reissue: When the reissue happens, we keep ten years of validity, but age-related updates may extend or shorten that period. Applicants can choose the right passport service based on which type of service they need.

How to Track Your Passport Renewal Status?

To track the status of your passport renewal process, follow the steps given below:

1. Visit the official Passport Seva website

2. On the homepage, locate and click on the 'Track Application Status' tab

3. Choose the appropriate application type from the options provided, i.e., Passport/IC/PCC/GEP.

4. Enter your passport's file number and your date of birth

5. Click on the 'Track Status' option, and your passport renewal status will be displayed on the screen.

Expired Passport Renewal Process

The renewal procedure for your expired passport works very smoothly in India. Check that your passport has expired but is not older than ten years. Find your expired passport and add passport photos to get all needed documents such as ID proofs and address verification papers. To renew your passport, you must complete the online application at passportseva.gov.in, then pay and book an appointment at your local Passport Seva Kendra.

Check-in at the PSK using your chosen appointment time and bring your documents for your biometric scan. Once you submit your application you can follow its status through the website. Your recently updated passport will be mailed to your postal address when processing finishes. You can get better safety for your next trip by buying travel insurance before departure.

Conclusion

Renewing a passport in India has become much easier with the online passport renewal process. You can now apply for a passport renewal from the comfort of your home or office without the need to visit a Passport Seva Kendra.

It's important to note that when planning international trips, considering international travel insurance is crucial to ensure you have the necessary coverage for unexpected events.

FAQs

1. What should I do first if my passport is lost while travelling abroad?

You need to report the incident to the police and get their report. You need this document for your application process when requesting a new passport or emergency travel certificate.

2. How can I get a replacement passport if I lose mine while travelling?

Call your nearest Indian embassy or consulate right now. They will help you prove your nationality and help you find ways to arrange a travel document.

3. What documents do I need to apply for a replacement passport?

Start your application process through the form and submit the required documents which include the police report, two photos, and ID documents.

4. Should I have travel insurance when travelling internationally?

You should buy travel insurance with lost passport protection. Having travel insurance helps you pay for both your lost passport replacement and new travel planning expenses.

5. What if I need to renew my passport after losing it while travelling?

Submit your documents according to Passport Seva website rules and complete the renewal procedures when renewing your Indian passport.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

RELATED ARTICLES

Passport Renewal vs. Reissue: The Difference

Tatkal vs Normal Passport Renewal - Know the Differences

What Are The Different Types Of Passports In India?

A Comprehensive Guide to Passport Fees in India

Easy Steps to Get a Passport for Seniors in India

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