How to Renew Passport Online in India — Complete Guide

What is Passport Renewal (Re-issue)?

Passport renewal in India is officially called "Re-issue of Passport". You can apply for it online through the Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in) and visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for document verification.

The entire process — from filling the form to booking an appointment — can be done online.

When Should You Renew Your Passport?

You should apply for passport renewal in any of these situations:

1. Expiring soon — Your passport is expiring within the next 1 year (or has less than 6 months validity, which many countries require for entry)
2. Already expired — Your passport has already expired
3. Damaged passport — Pages are torn, cover is damaged, or details are not readable
4. All pages used — No blank pages left for visa stamps
5. Change in personal details — Name change (after marriage, etc.), address change, or correction of details
6. Lost or stolen — Passport has been lost or stolen (requires FIR/police report)

Tip: Many countries require at least 6 months validity on your passport for entry. Plan your renewal well in advance if you have upcoming travel.

Documents Required for Passport Renewal

Mandatory Documents

Additional Documents (if applicable)

• Marriage Certificate — If name changed after marriage
• Deed Poll / Gazette Notification — For other name changes
• FIR Copy — If passport was lost or stolen
• Court Order — If name changed by court order

For Minor Applicants

• Birth Certificate
• Parents' passports (photocopies)
• School ID or Bonafide Certificate

Note: If your address has changed from the old passport, you'll need fresh address proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, utility bill, etc.)

Step-by-Step Online Renewal Process

Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal

1. Go to passportindia.gov.in
2. Click on "New User? Register Now"
3. Enter your details — name, email, date of birth, login ID and password
4. Verify your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox
5. If you already have an account, simply log in

Step 2: Apply Online — Fill the Application Form

1. After logging in, click "Apply for Re-issue of Passport"
2. Select the type of application — choose "Re-issue"
3. Fill in your personal details, family details, and address
4. Upload a recent passport-size photo (as per specifications)
5. Review all details carefully before submitting

Step 3: Pay the Fee Online

1. After submitting the form, you'll be redirected to the payment page
2. Pay via credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, or SBI challan
3. Save the payment receipt for your records

Step 4: Book an Appointment

1. After payment, click "Schedule Appointment"
2. Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)
3. Select a date and time slot
4. Download and print the appointment confirmation

Step 5: Visit the PSK/POPSK

1. Reach the PSK/POPSK on the appointed date and time
2. Carry all original documents along with photocopies
3. Carry the printed appointment confirmation and application receipt
4. Your documents will be verified, biometrics (photo, fingerprints) will be captured
5. You'll receive an acknowledgment receipt

Step 6: Police Verification (if required)

1. Police verification may or may not be needed (see section below)
2. If required, a police officer will visit your address
3. Keep your documents ready at home

Step 7: Receive Your New Passport

1. Once everything is verified, your new passport will be dispatched via Speed Post
2. Track using the file number on the Passport Seva portal

Passport Renewal Fees

Normal (Tatkal Nahi) Application

Tatkal Application

Note: Tatkal fee = Normal fee + ₹2,000 tatkal surcharge. Fees are the same for adults and minors.

Additional Charges

• If applying at a POPSK (Post Office Passport Seva Kendra), there is no extra charge — fees remain the same
• SMS tracking charges: Included in the fee
• Payment can be made online or via SBI bank challan

PSK vs POPSK — Where to Go?

Tip: If you need tatkal renewal, you must book at a PSK, not a POPSK.

Police Verification — When Is It Required?

Police verification is NOT always required for passport renewal. Here's when it is needed:

Police Verification Required:

• Change of address to a different police station jurisdiction
• Change in personal details (name, spouse name, etc.)
• Lost or damaged passport (replacement)
• If there's any adverse police report on record

Police Verification NOT Required:

• Simple renewal with same address and no changes in details
• Re-issue due to expiry (with same details and address)
• Additional booklet pages needed

When police verification is not needed, your passport may be issued within 1–3 days of your PSK visit.

Processing Time

Note: Processing time starts after your PSK/POPSK appointment. Tatkal applications are processed on priority but still depend on police verification timelines.

How to Track Passport Renewal Status

Method 1: Online via Passport Seva Portal

1. Go to passportindia.gov.in
2. Click on "Track Application Status"
3. Select "Passport/PCC/IC/GEP"
4. Enter your File Number (from your application receipt)
5. Enter your Date of Birth
6. Click Submit to see the current status

Method 2: Via mPassport Seva App

1. Download mPassport Seva app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store
2. Open the app and go to "Track Application Status"
3. Enter your File Number and Date of Birth
4. View your status instantly

Method 3: Via SMS

• SMS STATUS space FILE NUMBER to 9704100100
• Example: STATUS AB1234567890123

Method 4: Call the Helpline

• Call 1800-258-1800 (toll-free) for passport-related queries

Important Tips for Passport Renewal

• Apply early — Don't wait till your passport expires. You can apply up to 1 year before expiry
• Keep photocopies of all documents (old passport pages, Aadhaar, etc.)
• Reach PSK on time — Late arrival may lead to your appointment being cancelled
• Dress code — Avoid wearing white clothes for the photo (background is white)
• ECR/ECNR — If you're a graduate (10th pass or above), you can apply for ECNR (Emigration Check Not Required) stamp during renewal
• Address mismatch? Update your Aadhaar address first, then apply for renewal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I renew my passport online without visiting a PSK?

No. You can fill the form and pay fees online, but you must visit a PSK or POPSK in person for document verification and biometric capture. There is no fully online process.

Q2: My passport expired 5 years ago. Can I still renew it?

Yes. Even if your passport has been expired for a long time, you can apply for re-issue. You'll need to submit the old expired passport along with your application.

Q3: Do I need to submit my old passport during renewal?

Yes. You must carry the original old passport to the PSK. It will be returned to you after cancellation (punched/stamped as cancelled).

Q4: How long is the renewed passport valid for?

A renewed passport is valid for 10 years from the date of issue (for adults). For minors under 18, it is valid for 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier.

Q5: Can I change my address during passport renewal?

Yes. You can update your address during the re-issue process. Just provide valid address proof for the new address. Police verification will be required for the new address.

Q6: What is the difference between renewal and re-issue?

There is no difference — "renewal" is the common term, but officially the process is called "Re-issue of Passport" on the Passport Seva portal.

Q7: Can I apply for tatkal passport renewal at a POPSK?

No. Tatkal services are only available at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), not at Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).

Q8: What if I lost my passport? Can I still renew?

Yes, but you'll need to file an FIR at your local police station first. Submit the FIR copy along with your re-issue application. Police verification will be mandatory.