Renewing your passport is essential if you want to continue travelling abroad. Whether your passport is about to expire or has already expired, understanding the passport renewal process can save you time and effort. This guide offers detailed information on how to renew your passport online, the necessary documents, processing time, charges, and tips for tracking your application status. With international travel insurance often linked to passport validity, staying updated with your passport's status ensures hassle-free travel planning.
Step-by-step passport renewal process online
Here’s an essential guide to renewing your passport online.
1. Register on the Passport Seva portal
- Visit the official Passport Seva website.
- Click on "New User Registration."
- Fill in the required details and create a login ID.
2. Fill out the passport renewal application form
- Log in using your credentials.
- Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport."
- Complete the passport renewal form with accurate details.
3. Upload supporting documents
- Scan and upload the necessary documents needed to renew your passport. Ensure all documents are clear and legible.
4. Pay the passport renewal fees
- Choose the appropriate payment option (online banking, credit/debit card, or SBI Bank Challan).
- Pay the required fees for the passport renewal application.
5. Schedule an appointment
- Schedule an appointment post the payment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
6. Print the application receipt
- Print the Application Reference Number (ARN) receipt. This will be needed for passport renewal tracking.
Appointment scheduling for passport renewal
Here’s how you can schedule your passport renewal.
1. Select the appointment date
- Log in to the Passport Seva Portal.
- Click on "View Saved/Submitted Applications."
- Select your application and choose "Schedule Appointment."
2. Choose the PSK/RPO
- Select the most convenient Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office based on location.
3. Confirm the appointment
- Select the available date and time for the appointment.
- Confirm the appointment and print the appointment confirmation receipt.
Essential passport renewal rules
Here are some essential passport renewal rules you should be aware of.
1. Application timing
- Apply for passport renewal at least one year before the expiry date.
- You can renew an expired passport within three years of its expiry date.
2. Passport validity
- The renewed passport will typically be valid for ten years for adults and five years for minors.
3. Document requirements
- Ensure all passport renewal documents are up-to-date and match your passport renewal application details.
The best time to apply for passport renewal
Thinking of the best time to renew your passport? Here are some suggestions.
1. Early renewal
It is advisable to renew an expired passport when it has one year or less remaining validity. This helps avoid last-minute issues that could affect travel plans.
2. Peak travel seasons
Avoid applying during peak travel seasons (summer and year-end holidays) to prevent delays.
Essential documents needed to renew passport online
Here are some necessary documents you will need to renew passport online.
1. Proof of identity
Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or PAN Card.
2. Proof of address
Utility bills, bank statements, or rent agreements.
3. Old passport
Original old passport and a copy of the first and last two pages. This includes the ECR/Non-ECR page and the observation page, if any.
4. Passport size photographs
Recent passport-sized photographs based on the specifications mentioned on the Passport Seva website.
Passport renewal time
Here’s the essential information on the passport renewal processing time.
1. Normal processing
The passport renewal time usually takes around 30 days.
2. Tatkal processing
Tatkal processing can expedite the process, typically taking 7-10 days.
Charges for passport renewal
Here’s the essential information on the passport renewal charges.
1. Normal application
Standard charges for passport renewal for expired passports are approximately INR 1,500 for a 36-page booklet and INR 2,000 for a 60-page booklet.
2. Tatkal application
Tatkal processing fees are higher, around INR 3,500 for a 36-page booklet and INR 4,000 for a 60-page booklet.
Tips to track passport renewal status
Here are some tips for passport renewal tracking.
1. Online tracking
- Visit the Passport Seva Portal and login.
- Use the "Track Application Status" feature with your ARN to monitor progress.
2. SMS service
- Register for SMS updates during the application submission to receive status updates.
3. Customer care
- Contact the Passport Seva customer care for any queries or concerns regarding your application status.
Renewing your passport in India is straightforward if you follow the steps and ensure all required documents are in order. From completing the passport renewal online application to scheduling an appointment and submitting the passport renewal documents, each step is crucial for timely processing. Understanding the passport renewal rules and preparing in advance will help you avoid delays and ensure your passport renewal process is smooth. Always keep track of your application status and consider securing travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances during travel.
