How Long Does Passport Renewal Take in India ?
How Long Does Passport Renewal Take in India ?

Planning a trip abroad? An important question to ask: how long does it take to get a renewed passport in India? This is important if your passport is close to expiry. The renewal timeline can change a lot. It depends on the application type and the workload at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Know the passport renewal timeline. This helps you avoid last-minute travel delays. When you travel with loved ones, be sure to get family travel insurance. With good financial protection, you and your family can have a smooth travel experience.
Passport Renewal Timeline: An Overview
Renewing your passport? It's key to know how long it takes for passport renewal. The timeline usually spans 7 to 30 days. This depends on how you apply and verify. Usually, the renewal application for a Tatkal passport is faster than the regular one.
Renewing a normal passport will take longer due to police verification. A Tatkal passport is issued before police verification. A regular passport is handled after that. Passport renewal delays can happen for a wide range of reasons:
1. Regional workload at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
2. Appointment availability
3. Incomplete documentation
It's very important to submit all the proper documents. This helps avoid delays. If your travel plans are set, don’t forget to apply for international travel insurance. Extra financial protection can help you handle surprises that come your way.
How Many Days Does a Passport Renewal Take in India?
If you want to know how long it takes to get a renewed passport, it usually takes 30 to 60 days. However, for Tatkal passports, the timeline is usually 3 to 7 days. You typically get the Police Verification Report at the Regional Passport Office (RPO) within 21 days.
Tatkaal vs Normal Passport Renewal: Time Comparison
The regular passport renewal timeline is longer than the Tatkal passport. For a regular passport, the timeline is usually 30 to 45 days. As for a regular Tatkal passport, the renewal time is between 3 and 7 days. To speed up your Tatkal passport renewal, add your proof of urgency to your documents.
Any wrong information in documents can lead to delays.
If you have planned your travel, you can apply for a regular passport. If you need a passport quickly, submit for Tatkal renewal. No matter what type of passport you have, it's best to get individual travel insurance. Safeguarding your trip abroad can help avoid big money problems.
Factors That Can Delay Passport Renewal
Common factors delaying the passport renewal process include the following:
1. Submitting incorrect or missing documents.
2. Unclear photos or a signature mismatch in the documents.
3. Wrong address, a typo, or mismatched info in the application forms.
4. Police verification delays often happen due to logistics issues in remote areas.
5. Unavailability of applicants is causing police verification delays.
6. Background checks check for any past criminal records or ongoing cases.
Students who need to travel abroad urgently must also obtain student suraksha insurance. In case of any emergency, the insurance will take care of finances while you study. The insurance company will also be readily available to assist in case of passport loss. The company helps with obtaining a duplicate passport or applying for a new one.
Steps in the Passport Renewal Process
Once you know how long a normal passport renewal takes, go ahead and apply. Make sure it completely aligns with your travel plans. You can apply for a passport renewal online as well as offline.
Here's how to apply for passport renewal online:
Step 1
Open the official website of the Passport Seva portal.
Step 2
On the homepage, click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/ Re-issue of Passport.”
Step 3
Click on ‘Renew Passport.’ Then, fill out the application form accurately.
Step 4
Navigate to the fees payment page. Pay your online renewal fees. Save the payment receipt.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Step 6
On the date of appointment, visit PSK with a physical copy of all documents. Submit documents for verification. Apply for biometric data collection.
Step 7
Save your Application Reference Number (ARN) to track the status.
If you face difficulties online, you can still apply for passport renewal offline. Below are all the steps to follow:
Step 1:
Go to the nearest District Passport Cell. There, you can pick up the passport renewal application form or download it from the official website.
Step 2:
Fill out the application form with accurate details. Visit the nearest District Passport Cell.
Step 3:
Attach all the required documents and submit your application. Submit the demand draft. Then, collect the acknowledgement letters.
Step 4:
You will receive the reference number. Use that to track the status of your application.
As you get your passport renewed, you should also apply for international travel insurance.
The insurance covers financial losses from:
1. Baggage loss
2. Medical emergencies
3. Flight delays
4. Document loss
How to Check Your Passport Renewal Status Online?
Follow the steps below to check your passport renewal status online:
Step 1
Visit the official Passport Seva website and log in.
Step 2
Navigate to the Track Application Status.
Step 3
Under the application type, select passport renewal.
Step 4
Enter your file number and date of birth.
Step 5
Click on Track Status.
A passport renewal is, however, different from a reissue. Learn more about the difference in our blog, Passport Renewal vs. Reissue: The Difference.
Tips to Speed Up Your Passport Renewal
You now know how many days a normal passport takes. So, you can apply for renewal on time. Here are some tips to speed up the renewal process:
1. Thoroughly check all your documents before submission. Ensure all documents are valid, up- to-date and the latest.
2. Submit the right photo. For passport renewal, it is important to adhere to the guidelines.
3. Do not wait till the last minute for passport renewal if your plans are ready.
4. Book your appointment early in the day.
5. You should keep the biometric slip safely for tracking status.
6. Always keep checking the portal. If anything is put on hold, re-upload the documents.
When Should You Apply for Passport Renewal?
Apply for a passport renewal at least nine months before it expires. This helps avoid potential delays. Renew your family travel insurance if you have travel plans ready. Start the renewal process about a year before it expires.
Also, you can apply for renewal in case the passport is stolen, lost or damaged. If this happens abroad, you can get help from your individual travel insurance company. The pros will handle the financial details and get a new or duplicate passport.
Conclusion
Now that you know how long it takes for passport renewal, apply accordingly. It's important to submit accurate documents to avoid delays. Also, it's crucial to have enough financial protection for trips. Older adults might want to consider travel insurance for senior citizens tailored to their needs. The insurance protects you from trip disruptions, medical emergencies, and lost documents. Get ready for the trip to ensure you have enough support and comfort.
Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.
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