Passport Renewal - How To Renew Passport Online And Offline?

Passport renewal is required when a passport expires or is about to expire. The passport renewal process involves submitting an application, providing the required documents and completing verification. Knowing how to renew passport helps applicants complete the process smoothly.

Passport Renewal Overview

When should You Renew Your Passport?

The general guidelines for passport renewal in India are:

• Renew your passport at least six months before its expiry date, as this will avoid any last-minute rush or issues, especially if you have upcoming international travel plans.
• To apply for renewal even if the passport has expired, but it is better to renew before expiry to ensure seamless travel.
• The standard validity is 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.

Note: If the standard 10-year passport is expiring or has expired, you must generally apply for a passport re-issue through the Passport Seva portal. The option labelled "Renewal" is primarily relevant for certain Short Validity Passports (SVPs).

Passport Renewal Process Online

Making an online payment is mandatory to book an appointment for passport renewal. You may use net banking, cards, or an offline challan (may take up to 2 days to process). 

Follow the steps mentioned below if you want to know how to renew passport online:

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website.

Step 2: Click on ‘New User Registration’ to create an account or log in using your existing credentials.

Step 3: Select ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport’.

Step 4: Choose the online application form option and enter your personal details, address information, family details and local references.

Step 5: Review the entered information carefully and click ‘Submit’.

Step 6: Go to ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’ and click ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’.

Step 7: Select your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), choose an appointment slot and complete the payment.

Step 8: Download or print the application receipt containing the Application Reference Number (ARN).

You must visit the passport office at your scheduled time with SMS confirmation. Follow the process as per your group number and track the passport renewal status online using your passport login.

Passport Renewal Process Offline

The following are the steps you need to follow to complete the passport renewal process offline:

Step 1: Visit the ‘Download and Print Application Form’ page on the official website of Passport Seva. 

Step 2: Download the appropriate application form.

Step 3: Make sure to print the form double-sided on an A4 sheet.

Step 4: Complete the form with accurate details.

Step 5: Submit the filled form along with the necessary documents at the District Passport Cell. Alternatively, you can obtain the renewal application form directly from there.

Step 6: Once your application, along with the photos and documents, is verified, you will need to pay the fees using a demand draft.

After payment, you will receive an ‘Acknowledgement Letter,’ which typically includes a file number that allows you to track the status of your application online.

Passport Renewal Fee and Charges

The following table showcases the passport renewal fees and charges:

How to Schedule a Passport Renewal Appointment?

To schedule your Indian passport renewal appointment, follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to the Passport Seva portal.

Step 2: Select ‘View Saved and Submitted Application’ and then click on ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’.

Step 3: Choose a time slot that works best for you.

Step 4: Complete the payment using a credit or debit card (Visa/MasterCard), net banking (SBI/associate banks), or SBI Challan.

Step 5: After payment, click on ‘Print Application Receipt’ to obtain your appointment details and application reference number.

On the day of your appointment, visit the Passport Seva Kendra with both original documents and photocopies, and complete the required formalities.

Documents Required for Passport Renewal

The following is a list of documents required for passport renewal:

I. For Adult Applicants

• Original old passport booklet.
• Self-attested photocopies of:
  • First and last two pages of the passport.
  • ECR/Non-ECR page.
  • Observation page, if applicable.
  • Validity extension page (for Short Validity Passports, if applicable).
• Valid proof of current address, if the address has changed.

II. For Government, PSU and Statutory Body Employees Only:

No Objection Certificate (NOC) or Prior Intimation Letter, as applicable.

III. For Minor Applicants

• A current passport-sized photograph (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background
• Proof of the current residential address in the parent’s name
• Parents can attest the documents for a minor

How to Check Passport Renewal Status?

To check the status of your passport renewal, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the official Passport Seva website.

Step 2: On the homepage, click on the 'Track Application Status' option.

Step 3: Select the application type as Passport/PCC/IC/GEP.

Step 4: Enter your passport file number and date of birth.

Step 5: Click on the 'Track Status' button, and your passport renewal status will be shown on the screen.

Difference between Renewal and Reissuance of Passport

Many applicants use the terms passport renewal and passport reissue interchangeably. However, under Passport Seva rules, they are different processes.

The passport renewal process is straightforward when applicants meet the requirements and submit the necessary documents. Following the correct steps for passport renewal can help avoid delays and ensure timely reissue of the passport.
Related Articles:
1. Passport Seva Online Portal - Passport Application made simple
2. Types of Passports in India