If your Indian passport is close to expiry, has already expired, or needs an update, you can renew it through the official Passport Seva Portal. The process is mostly online, with a single in-person visit for biometrics. This guide walks you through everything you need to know in 2026, including fees, documents, processing time, and what to do if your passport expired several years ago.
A renewed passport is also the first step to planning international travel safely. Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months from your date of entry, and travel insurance providers verify passport validity at the time of policy issuance.
Why You Need to Renew Your Passport
There are four common reasons for renewing an Indian passport:
Expiry: Adult passports are valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Minor passports (under 18) are valid for 5 years or until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier.
Personal detail change: If your name has changed after marriage, divorce, or by deed poll, you can renew the passport to reflect the new details.
Used pages: If all visa pages in your passport are used up, you can apply for a fresh booklet.
Approaching travel: Many countries demand at least six months of validity beyond your travel date, so it is wise to renew at least 9 to 12 months before expiry.
Note: If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a reissue (not a renewal). The two processes have different rules. See the comparison table later in this guide.
Who is Eligible for Passport Renewal in India
You can apply for renewal of your Indian passport if:
Your current passport is about to expire within the next 12 months.
Your passport has already expired (there is no penalty for late renewal in India).
You need to update personal details such as name, address, marital status, or appearance.
All visa pages in your booklet have been used up.
Step-by-Step Passport Renewal Process in India
Here is the complete passport renewal procedure as of 2026.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Keep all documents ready before you begin the online application. Original copies are needed at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) appointment.
Original passport that is being renewed.
Self-attested photocopies of the first two pages and last two pages of the existing passport, plus the ECR or non-ECR page if applicable.
Address proof such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, recent utility bill, rent agreement, or bank passbook with photograph.
Proof of date of birth such as birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or PAN card.
Marriage certificate, if you are applying for a name change after marriage.
Annexure E (self-declaration), if the passport is damaged.
You do not need to carry physical photographs. Photos and biometrics are captured at the Passport Seva Kendra during your appointment.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Visit the official Passport Seva Portal at https://www.passportindia.gov.in and follow these steps:
Click on 'Register/Login'. New users should select 'New User Registration' and create an account using a valid email ID.
After logging in, click on 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport'.
Select 'Reissue of Passport' as the application type.
Fill in the form carefully. Ensure all details match your existing passport unless you are applying for a change.
Submit the form and proceed to the payment page.
Step 3: Pay the Renewal Fee
Payment must be completed online to confirm your appointment slot. Accepted modes are:
Debit card or credit card.
Net banking (most major banks supported).
UPI.
SBI bank challan (offline payment at SBI branches).
Note: The fee is non-refundable once paid, even if the application is later cancelled.
Step 4: Book the PSK or POPSK Appointment
After payment, you will be directed to schedule an appointment at:
A Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in your chosen city, or
A Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for a more local option.
Important: Under the current Passport Seva system, you can choose any Passport Seva Kendra in India, regardless of your address. This is helpful if you are away from your registered address.
Step 5: Visit the PSK with Original Documents
On the day of your appointment:
Carry the printed Application Receipt (ARN) along with all original documents and self-attested photocopies.
Reach the PSK at least 15 minutes before your slot for security checks.
At the counter, your documents will be verified and your biometrics (fingerprints, photograph, signature) will be captured.
Step 6: Police Verification (If Applicable)
Police verification is not always required for renewal. It is generally skipped if:
Your previous police verification was clear, and
There is no change in your personal details or address.
Police verification is required if:
There is an address change.
Your passport expired several years ago.
There is a change in name or other personal details.
This is a special case flagged by the passport officer.
Step 7: Track Your Application
Once submitted, you can track the status of your application through the Passport Seva Portal under the 'Track Application Status' section. You will need:
Your File Number or Application Reference Number (ARN).
Your date of birth.
You will also receive SMS updates at each stage.
Step 8: Receive Your Renewed Passport
After successful processing, your new passport is dispatched by Speed Post to your registered address. You can also track the consignment using the Speed Post tracking number sent to you by SMS.
Passport Renewal Fees and Charges in India
Below are the fees applicable for passport renewal as of 2026. Indian passport fees are categorised by age (Adult vs Minor) and booklet size (36 pages or 60 pages).
Application Type | Pages | Normal Fee (Rs.) | Tatkal Fee (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|---|
Adult (18 years and above) | 36 | 1,500 | 3,500 |
Adult (18 years and above) | 60 | 2,000 | 4,000 |
Minor (below 18 years), 5-year validity | 36 | 1,000 | 3,000 |
Replacement of damaged passport | 36 / 60 | 3,000 / 3,500 | 5,000 / 5,500 |
Replacement of lost passport | 36 / 60 | 3,000 / 3,500 | 5,000 / 5,500 |
Note: India does not have a separate senior citizen fee category. Citizens aged 60 and above pay the same fee as other adults but are eligible for senior citizen priority appointment slots at the PSK. Always verify the latest fees on the official Passport Seva Portal before payment.
Latest Updates in 2026 You Should Know
A few changes have been introduced to the passport system that are worth noting before you apply:
e-Passport rollout: India has begun issuing chip-enabled e-Passports with biometric data stored digitally for added security. Most reissues from 2024 onwards are e-Passports.
Birth certificate is mandatory for children born on or after 1 October 2023: If you are renewing a minor's passport for a child born after this date, only a birth certificate is accepted as proof of date of birth.
Privacy improvements: Parents' names and full residential address are no longer printed on new passports.
DigiLocker support: You can submit Aadhaar, PAN, and other documents through DigiLocker, reducing physical paperwork.
How to Renew an Expired Passport in India
This is one of the most common questions asked by Indian travellers. The good news: there is no penalty for renewing an expired passport in India, no matter how long it has been expired.
Renewal After 1 to 3 Years of Expiry
If your passport expired within the last three years, the renewal process is the same as a normal renewal. Police verification may not be required if your previous record is clear.
Renewal After 10 Years of Expiry
If your passport has been expired for several years (including 5, 10, or more years), you can still apply for renewal through the same Reissue of Passport application. However, the following points apply:
Police verification is mandatory in most cases.
You may be asked to submit additional documents to verify continuous Indian residency.
Processing time may be longer than a regular renewal.
There is no fine or late fee, only the standard reissue fee applies.
If you require an urgent passport for travel, the Tatkal scheme is available even for long-expired passports, subject to additional verification.
Tatkal Passport Renewal Scheme
If you need your renewed passport urgently, the Tatkal scheme offers faster processing for an additional fee.
Processing time: Usually 1 to 3 working days from the date of biometric capture, subject to clear records.
Additional fee: Rs. 2,000 over and above the normal fee.
Eligibility: Most adult Indian citizens are eligible. However, Tatkal is not available for major changes such as a complete change of name or applicants with adverse police verification.
Documents: In addition to standard documents, three additional proofs from the official Tatkal accepted list are required.
Documents Required for Passport Renewal
Here is a quick checklist of the documents needed for a typical adult passport renewal in India:
Original existing passport along with self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages.
Address proof (any one): Aadhaar card, voter ID, electricity bill, water bill, registered rent agreement, or bank passbook with photo.
Date of birth proof: birth certificate, school leaving certificate, PAN card, or Aadhaar card.
Marriage certificate, if applying for a post-marriage name change.
Annexure E for replacement of a damaged passport (self-declaration).
Annexure J or marriage certificate for a spousal name change.
How to Check Passport Renewal Status Online
After submitting your application, you can check the status anytime online:
Visit the Passport Seva Portal.
Click on 'Track Application Status'.
Enter your File Number or ARN (Application Reference Number).
Enter your date of birth.
Click 'Track Status' to view the current stage.
You will see status updates such as 'Application Received', 'Under Review', 'Police Verification Initiated', 'Printing in Progress', 'Dispatched', and 'Delivered'.
Passport Renewal vs Reissue: What is the Difference?
The terms 'renewal' and 'reissue' are often used interchangeably, but there are some practical distinctions. The Passport Seva Portal officially uses 'Reissue of Passport' for both.
Aspect | Passport Renewal | Passport Reissue |
|---|---|---|
When to apply | Passport has expired or is about to expire | Passport is lost, damaged, or details need to be changed |
Personal detail changes | Minor or no changes | Allowed (name, address, etc.) |
Police verification | Often not required | Usually required |
Validity issued | Fresh 10 years (5 for minors) | Fresh 10 years (5 for minors) |
Application form | Same Reissue of Passport form | Same Reissue of Passport form |
Tips for a Smooth Passport Renewal
Apply at least 9 to 12 months before your passport expiry date if you have planned travel.
Cross-check every detail in the form against your existing passport before submission.
Carry both originals and photocopies of every document to your PSK appointment.
Use DigiLocker to upload Aadhaar, PAN, and other documents to save time.
If you face any issue, the Passport Seva helpline is available at 1800-258-1800 (toll-free).
What to Do if Your Passport is Lost or Stolen Abroad
Losing your Indian passport while travelling abroad can be stressful. Take these steps quickly:
File a police report at the local police station and obtain a copy.
Contact the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate.
Submit a copy of the police report, copies of the lost passport, ID proof, and travel tickets.
Apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC) to return to India, or a fresh passport if time permits.
Inform your airline and travel insurance provider as soon as possible.
Pair Your Renewed Passport with Travel Insurance
Once your passport is renewed and you are ready to travel, the next essential step is buying travel insurance . A travel insurance policy protects you against medical emergencies abroad, trip cancellations, baggage loss, passport loss, and other unforeseen events. Many Schengen and other visa applications also require proof of travel insurance.
Zurich Kotak Travel Insurance offers worldwide coverage with cashless hospitalisation, 24x7 assistance, and policies that can be bought online in minutes. Get a quote today and travel with peace of mind.
Conclusion
Renewing your Indian passport in 2026 is a structured online process that ends with a single PSK visit for biometrics. The key to a smooth experience is starting early, keeping all documents ready, and double-checking the application form. With the introduction of e-Passports and DigiLocker integration, the process is faster and more secure than ever.
Once your passport is renewed, do not forget to secure your trip with travel insurance. It covers medical emergencies, baggage loss, and trip cancellations, and gives you peace of mind wherever you travel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I renew my passport anywhere in India?
Yes. The current Passport Seva system allows you to choose any Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) across India, regardless of your registered address. This is useful if you are studying or working in a different city.
How many days does passport renewal take in India?
Under the normal scheme, passport renewal usually takes 30 to 45 working days from the date of application, including police verification. Tatkal applications are processed within 1 to 3 working days, subject to clear records.
Can I renew my passport before it expires?
Yes. You can apply for renewal up to one year before the expiry date. Early renewal is recommended if you have international travel planned, since many countries require at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates.
Can a passport be renewed after it expires?
Yes. There is no penalty for renewing an expired Indian passport in India, regardless of how long it has been expired. However, passports that have been expired for many years may require police verification and additional documentation.
Does the passport number change after renewal?
Yes, in most cases the passport number changes after renewal because a fresh booklet is issued. However, the old passport remains linked in the records. It is advisable to carry your old passport along with the new one if it contains valid visas.
Is police verification required for passport renewal?
Police verification is not always required. It is generally skipped if your previous police verification was clear and there are no changes in personal details. It is mandatory in cases of address change, long-expired passports, or change in name.
Do I need to submit my old passport for renewal?
Yes. The original old passport must be submitted at the PSK during your appointment. It is cancelled and returned to you with the new passport for record-keeping. If your old passport contains valid visas, it must be kept safely as a reference.
Can I renew my passport online?
The application, fee payment, and appointment booking are completed online through the Passport Seva Portal. However, you must visit the PSK or POPSK in person for biometric capture and document verification.
What if my passport is lost or damaged?
If your passport is lost or damaged, you must apply for a reissue (not a renewal). You will need to file a police report (in case of loss), submit Annexure E (in case of damage), and provide additional supporting documents. The fee is also higher than a normal renewal.
How long after expiry can a passport be renewed?
There is no time limit. You can renew an Indian passport at any time after expiry, even if it has been expired for several years. However, late renewals usually require police verification and may take longer to process.
