A passport is your gateway to the world. Without a valid passport, traveling abroad for leisure, business, or education is impossible. Therefore, maintaining the validity of your passport is crucial. If your Indian passport has expired or is about to expire, don’t worry! Renewing it is a straightforward process. This blog will guide you through the steps of how to renew expired passport in India, in an easy language that even students can understand.
What is Passport Renewal?
Passport renewal means extending the validity of your existing passport. In India, a standard passport is valid for ten years. After this period, it needs to be renewed to continue being used for international travel.
When Should You Renew Your Passport?
You should apply for passport renewal:
- Up to one year before it expires.
- Up to three years after it has expired.
- Ideally, apply for renewal at least nine months before the expiry date to avoid any last-minute issues.
Why is it Important to Renew Your Passport?
- Traveling Abroad: A valid passport is necessary for international travel.
- Identification: Passports also serve as a valid form of identification, along with your driving license, voter ID, Aadhaar card, and PAN card.
How To Renew Expired Passport In India?
There are two ways to renew your passport in India: online and offline. Here’s a step-by-step guide for both methods.
Online Passport Renewal
The online process is convenient and can be completed quickly. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Website
- Go to the Passport Seva website
.
Step 2: Register or Log In
- New User: If you are a new user, click on the “New User Registration” tab. Fill in the required details, including your name, date of birth, email address, and create a login ID and password.
- Existing User: If you already have an account, click on the “Existing User Login” tab and log in using your credentials.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
- Click on the “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport” option.
- Choose the type of application (Normal/Tatkaal) and the type of booklet (36 pages/60 pages).
- Fill in the required details such as your name, address, family details, emergency contact, and details of your previous passport.
- Agree to the self-declaration and submit the form.
Step 4: Pay the Fees and Schedule an Appointment
- After submitting the form, pay the required passport renewal fees.
- Book an appointment at your closest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Passport Office.
| Age | Required Scheme | No. of Pages | Fees (INR) |
| Below 15 Years | Normal | 36/60 | 1000 |
| Below 15 Years | Tatkaal | 36/60 | 3000 |
| 15-18 Years (5 years) | Normal | 36/60 | 1000 |
| 15-18 Years (5 years) | Tatkaal | 36/60 | 3000 |
| 15-18 Years (10 years) | Normal | 36/60 | 1500/2000 |
| 15-18 Years (10 years) | Tatkaal | 36/60 | 3500/4000 |
| 18+ Years | Normal | 36/60 | 1500/2000 |
| 18+ Years | Tatkaal | 36/60 | 3500/4000 |
Step 5: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
- On the appointment date, visit the PSK with all the required documents (both originals and photocopies).
- Complete the biometric and verification process at the PSK.
Offline Passport Renewal
If you prefer to renew your passport offline, follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the Application Form
- Visit the Passport Seva website and download the application form by choosing the “Print Application Form” option under the “Forms and Affidavits” tab.
- Print the form on an A4 sheet.
Step 2: Fill Out the Form
Fill out the form with your personal details, address, and details of your previous passport.
Step 3: Submit the Form
Submit the filled form at the District Passport Cell along with photocopies of the required documents.
Step 4: Pay the Fees
Pay the fees using a Demand Draft.
Step 5: Track Your Application
After submitting the form, you will receive an “Acknowledgement Letter” with a file number. Use this file number to track the status of your application online.
List Of Documents Required for Passport Renewal
Here’s a list of documents you will need while submitting your application:
- Your original passport.
- Photocopies that you sign yourself of the passport’s first two and last two pages.
- Self-attested copy of the ECR (Emigration Check Required)/Non-ECR page.
- Self-attested copy of any page with notes from the Passport Issuing Authority.
- Self-attested copy of the validity extension page, if applicable.
- Proof of your present address, if it is different from the one in your old passport.
- Recent passport-size photograph with a white background (for children below 4 years).
How to Check Passport Renewal Status?
You can easily track the status of your passport renewal application online. Here’s how:
- Log in to the Passport Seva website.
- Click on the “Track Application Status” option.
- Enter your application type, file number, and date of birth.
- Click on the “Track Status” button to see the status of your application.
How Long Does the Renewal Process Take?
The processing time for passport renewal depends on the type of application:
- Normal Scheme: 30 to 60 days.
- Tatkaal Scheme: 3 to 7 days.
Renewal vs Re-issue of Passport
Renewal and re-issue of passports are different processes:
- Renewal: Extending the validity of an existing passport.
- Re-issue: Issuing a new passport under certain circumstances such as:
- Your passport is no longer valid or will soon expire.
- You misplaced your passport.
- Your passport got stolen.
- You want to update your personal information in the passport.
- You’ve used up all the pages in your passport.
- Your passport is in bad shape.
Example
Let’s say Ananya’s passport is about to expire in 10 months. She plans to travel to the UK for her studies next year. To avoid any last-minute hassle, she decides to renew her passport now.
She visits the Passport Seva website, registers as a new user, fills out the online application form, pays the fees, and schedules an appointment at her nearest PSK. On the appointment date, she visits the PSK with all the required documents.
Within a month, she receives her renewed passport, ensuring her travel plans remain on track.
Conclusion
How to renew expired passport in India? Renewing an expired passport in India is a simple and straightforward process. Whether you choose to do it online or offline, following the steps mentioned in this guide will ensure a hassle-free experience.
Remember to keep all your documents ready and apply for renewal well before your travel plans to avoid any last-minute issues. With a renewed passport in hand, you can continue to explore the world without any worries. Safe travels!
