How to Get your Passport Reissued in India?

A passport is a document that gives you hassle- free access to travel internationally till the date it is valid. There may be instances where you need to reissue your passport in a few years under normal circumstances. This is a general process which is carried out by every passport owner for various reasons such as expiration of passport, loss of passport, insufficient pages on the passport etc. 

In this blog, we will understand what a reissue of a passport is and how to apply for reissue of passport.

What is Passport Reissue?

The process of issuing a new passport with the existing passport number refers to reissuing of the passport. The passport number remains the same on your new passport. This process is not the same as renewal of passport as in renewal of passport, you get a new passport number. The existing one terminates. You can visit the nearest passport office to apply for reissue of passport or you can opt for an online application as well.

When is it Necessary to Get Your Passport Reissued?

Under the following conditions, one must get their passport reissued to enjoy international trips without any last moment inconvenience.

• Expiry more than 3 years ago: Any passport that has crossed a time period of 3 years is no longer considered valid for travel. If your passport is older than 3 years, get it reissued as soon as possible to avoid hassles. The right time to get it reissued is usually one year before the expiry date.
• Exhaustion of visa pages: To secure the visa entry/ exit stamps during your next trip, always make sure you have a satisfactory amount of pages. If you are running out of visa pages, apply for reissue of passport. 
• Lost passport: If you have misplaced your passport, apply for reissue of passport promptly to avoid any identity theft and fraudulent use of it.
• Damaged passport: If your passport is torn, water-damaged or is damaged in any way, replace the same as it may lead to serious trouble at the immigration checkpoint.
• Change of signature: In case of some major revamps in your appearance and your signature from the day you were issued your passport, consider reissuing your passport to evade from irrelevant circumstances.
• Change of name: Incase of marriage or divorce or for any other reason, if the name of passport holder changes on official documents, it arises a need for passport reissue. 

Steps to Reissue Your Passport 

Following is a step-to-step guide on how to apply for reissue of passport online

Step 1: Visit the passport seva website and register yourself. Login to the portal and choose ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport’

Step 2: Fill in the form with accurate information and all the required documents and click on ‘submit’.

Step 3: Click on ‘Pay and Schedule appointment’ to submit the form by paying a fee through internet banking or debit/ credit card.

Step 4: Schedule an appointment with the nearby Passport Seva Kendra and visit with all the documents to submit your application.

Step 5: To track the status of your application, visit the mobile application of Passport Seva.

Documents You Need to Reissue Your Passport

To get it reissued, there are some documents you need 

• Passport size photograph- Keep at least 2-3 passport size photographs handy with you.
• Old passport- Carry the original passport that you want to reissue.
• Current address proof- Your Aadhaar card, rental agreement or utility bill can act as a proof of your current address.
• Identity proof- Aadhar card, PAN card or voter ID card is considered as your authentic identity proof.
• Court order (If applicable)- If there is a change in name for any other reason than marriage, you need to carry a copy of the court order. In case of name change due to marriage, carry your marriage certificate with you.

Fees Charged for Reissue of Passport

There is an official fee structure you must follow while you apply for the reissue of your passport. 

You can also find the structure on the Passport Seva website.

Is Police Verification Required for Reissue of Passport?

Whether police verification is needed for a passport reissue depends on your specific situation.

• Changing Personal Details: If you’re updating details like your name or address, the Passport Office will require police verification to confirm the accuracy of the new information.
• Renewal After Expiry: If you’re renewing your passport because it has expired or because the booklet is full, police verification might not be needed before reissue. Instead, the verification may occur after you receive the new passport.

Police verification is typically required for changes in personal information but may not be necessary for a simple renewal or when the passport is expired.

Difference between Passport Reissue and Passport Renewal

Reissuing a passport is essential for addressing significant changes or issues like expiration, damage, or loss. By understanding the process, required documents, and fees, you can ensure a smooth reissue. For most cases, police verification is needed for personal detail changes, but not always for renewals. Stay informed to avoid travel disruptions.