Reissue of Passport - How to Apply, Fees & Documents Required

The reissue of passport is necessary if your passport expires, is lost, damaged, or requires updated details. The process includes submitting the documents required for reissue of passport, filling in the application online, paying passport reissue fees and, in some cases, undergoing police verification. 

Key Highlights:

• Where to apply: Through the Passport Seva portal.
• Application process: Fill out the application form, pay fees, and schedule an appointment.
• Required documents: Differ based on reason for reissue, such as expiry, loss, or changes to personal details.
• Fees: Depends on booklet size and choice of service (Normal or Tatkal).
• Police verification: Mandatory in specific cases, like lost passports or address changes.

What is Passport Reissue?

Passport reissue is the process of obtaining a new passport booklet when the existing one has expired, is nearing expiry, is damaged, is lost, or has no blank visa pages.  It is also required if personal details such as name, address, or marital status need to be updated. A new passport number is issued, while your citizenship and identity remain unchanged.

The application for reissue of passport must be submitted through the Passport Seva portal, supported by the required documents. Police verification for passport reissue is typically required when the name or address needs to be updated, if a passport is lost/ stolen or reissue of a passport after three years of expiry of the previous passport.

Difference Between Passport Reissue and Renewal

While both terms are often used interchangeably, they differ depending on the reason for obtaining a new passport booklet:

• Reissue of a passport: A passport is reissued when a new booklet is required due to the exhaustion of pages, damage, theft, loss, addition of pages, or update of particulars. In such cases, you can only apply for a reissue and not a renewal of your passport.
• Renewal of passport: Passport is renewed where the validity period of the passport is to be extended. However, you can also apply for the reissue of your passport in such cases instead of passport renewal. 

When You Need to Reissue Your Passport?

You should apply for the reissue of your passport when:

• Your passport validity period is going to expire or within three years of expiry. 
• You have no blank pages left for visas.
• The passport is lost, stolen, or significantly damaged.
• You need to update personal particulars such as name, marital status, or address.
• A minor’s passport is due for issue at adult validity when they reach 18 years.

Common Reasons for Passport Reissue

Applicants usually request a reissue of a passport for one of the following reasons:

• Expiry of the passport’s validity period.
• Extensive damage (water, tear, or mutilation) that makes the booklet unusable.
• Loss or theft requiring replacement.
• Change of name due to marriage or legal process.
• Change of residential address or addition of spouse’s name.
• Requirement for additional visa pages because of frequent travel.

Types of Passport Reissue Requests

Depending on the situation, passport reissue requests are categorised as:

• Normal reissue: Standard process where the passport validity has expired, or the pages are exhausted.
• Tatkal reissue: Expedited processing for urgent travel, with higher fees and additional documents.
• Lost or stolen passport: Requires an FIR or police report and thorough verification.
• Damaged passport: For passports that are torn, water-damaged, or otherwise unusable.
• Special cases: Changes in name, address, or inclusion of spouse’s name.

Eligibility for Reissue of Passport

You are eligible to apply for the reissue of a passport if:

• Your current passport's validity period is expiring or will expire within a year.
• The passport booklet is damaged, lost, or stolen.
• You have shifted residence and need to update your address.
• Your personal details, such as name, spouse's name, or appearance, need to be updated.
• You require additional visa pages for frequent travel.
• You need to change the status of your passport from ECR to the Non-ECR category.
• When you need to rectify errors in your passport, such as printing errors or incorrect details.

Documents Required for Passport Reissue

Clear documentation avoids unnecessary delays. The passport reissue documents differ by case but commonly include:

For routine reissue (validity expiry or extra pages required):

• Current passport along with self-attested photocopies of the first and last two pages, the ECR/Non-ECR page, and any pages with official remarks. 
• Proof of current address (utility bills, bank statement, Voter ID, Aadhaar or rent agreement). 
• Documents required for Non-ECR category (educational qualification certificate, birth certificate, income tax returns, etc), if applicable.

For lost or stolen passport:

• FIR or police complaint copy.
• Affidavit in the format prescribed by the Passport Seva stating how and where the passport got lost or damaged.
• Proof of address documents, such as utility bills, bank statement, Voter ID, Aadhaar or rent agreement.
• Proof of date of birth, such as birth certificate, transfer or school leaving certificate, PAN card, driving licence or Voter ID.
• Documents required for Non-ECR category (educational qualification certificate, birth certificate, income tax returns, etc), if applicable.

For a damaged passport:

• Current passport along with self-attested photocopies of the first and last two pages, the ECR/Non-ECR page, and any pages with official remarks. 
• Affidavit in the format prescribed by the Passport Seva stating how and where the passport got lost or damaged.
• Proof of address documents, utility bills, bank statement, Voter ID, Aadhaar or rent agreement.
• Proof of date of birth, such as birth certificate, transfer or school leaving certificate, PAN card, driving licence or Voter ID.
• Documents required for Non-ECR category (educational qualification certificate, birth certificate, income tax returns, etc), if applicable.
• FIR or police complaint copy, if damage is to the extent that the passport cannot be recognised.

For change of name/address or other particulars:

• Current passport along with self-attested photocopies of the first and last two pages, the ECR/Non-ECR page, and any pages with official remarks. 
• Marriage certificate, clippings of two local newspapers indicating name change, gazette notification, or deed poll for name changes.
• Proof of new address (utility bills, bank statement, Voter ID, Aadhaar or rent agreement) for address changes.
• Documents required for Non-ECR category (educational qualification certificate, birth certificate, income tax returns, etc), if applicable.

What is the Process for Online Reissue of Passport?

Here is the step-by-step process for the reissue of a passport online:

Step 1: Register and log in to the Passport Seva portal.

Step 2: Under ‘Services’, click on ‘Apply for Reissue of Passport’ and complete the online form or upload the e-form.

Step 3: Upload scanned supporting documents as required for your case.

Step 4: Pay the applicable passport reissue fees online via card, net banking, or UPI.

Step 5: Book and confirm an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).

Step 5: Attend the appointment with originals and self-attested copies; complete biometric capture and in-person verification.

Step 6: Track the application status online and respond promptly if additional documents or clarifications are requested.

Reissue of Passport Fees & Processing Time

The passport reissue fees depend on booklet type and service category:

Normal Passport Reissue: 

• 36 pages: ₹1,500
• 60 pages: ₹2,000

Minor Passport Reissue:

• Normal passport of 36 pages: ₹1,000
• Tatkal passport of 36 pages: ₹3,000

Tatkal Passport Reissue: 

• 36 pages: ₹3,500
• 60 pages: ₹4,000

Click here for the complete list of fees.

The processing time for a reissue of a passport depends on the type of application:

• Normal Applications: 15-30 days, with variability due to police verification.
• Tatkal Applications: 1-7 working days, subject to verification and supporting documents.

Delays commonly occur when police verification is pending or if additional documentation is required.

Passport Reissue for Special Cases

Special-case applications need tailored documentation and sometimes additional clearances:

• Address change only: Provide proof of new residence and the old passport; police verification may be required.
• Name change after marriage/divorce: Submit the marriage certificate, divorce decree, or a notarised affidavit and identity proofs.
• Minor attaining adulthood: Apply for reissue when the minor reaches 18 years to obtain a full 10-year passport.
• Lost or damaged passport: FIR or police report, affidavit and documentary proof required by the PSK; expect additional checks.
• Overseas applicants: Indian citizens abroad should follow the specific reissue process at the relevant Indian consulate.

Reissue of passport is a routine but document-sensitive process covering expiry, damage, loss, or updates to personal details. Prepare the documents required for reissue of passport in advance, choose the correct application type on the Passport Seva portal, and allow time for potential police verification.

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