Full guide
Renew or Re-issue a Passport: the complete guide
This guide helps Indian citizens in India who already hold a passport and need a new one, whether it is expiring, full, outdated or lost. India calls every one of these cases a re-issue, and the paperwork changes depending on your reason.
Who needs this
Apply for a re-issue if your passport has expired or will expire within the next year, if its pages are full, if your name, address or another detail has changed, or if it has been lost or damaged. Many countries refuse entry if your passport has less than six months left, so renew well before travel.
You can tick more than one reason in the same form, for example expiry together with a change of address.
Documents explained
Old passport. Carry the original along with self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages, the ECR or Non-ECR page and any observation page. It will be cancelled and handed back to you.
Proof of present address. Needed if you have moved or if the address in your passport is no longer correct. Aadhaar, a recent utility bill, a bank passbook with photo or a rent agreement will usually do.
Proof of name change. After marriage, a marriage certificate is normally enough to add or change a spouse’s name or surname. Other name changes need a deed and a gazette notification.
Lost or damaged passport. Fill in Annexure F, a declaration describing what happened. For a lost passport, attach a copy of the police complaint. For a damaged one, bring the damaged passport itself. A copy of the old passport, if you have one, speeds things up.
For minors. Annexure D signed by both parents, or Annexure C where one parent has not consented, plus the parents’ passports.
For Tatkaal. Aadhaar and further identity proofs from the Tatkaal list. Check the portal’s document advisor, as the list is updated from time to time.
Step-by-step process
- Log in to the Passport Seva portal or the mPassport Seva app.
- Pick the re-issue option and tick every reason that applies.
- For a lost passport, file a police complaint first and keep the report number.
- Fill in the form, choose Normal or Tatkaal and the page count, and pay online.
- Book a slot at a Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office PSK and attend with all originals.
- Police verification may follow. A straightforward renewal with no changes and a clean record often needs none, while a new address or a lost passport usually does.
- Track the status and receive the new passport by Speed Post.
Fees and timelines
Fees revised from 1 July 2026:
| Case | Normal | Tatkaal (total) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult re-issue, 36 pages | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Adult re-issue, 60 pages | ₹3,500 | ₹6,000 |
| Adult lost/damaged, 36 pages | ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
| Adult lost/damaged, 60 pages | ₹6,000 | ₹8,500 |
| Minor re-issue | ₹1,750 | ₹4,250 |
| Minor lost/damaged | ₹4,250 | ₹6,750 |
The 10 percent discount for young children and senior citizens applies only to fresh passports, not re-issues. A simple renewal often arrives within one to four weeks. Lost passport cases take longer because the office must confirm the old one is not misused.
Common problems and fixes
Old passport has a different address. That is fine. Give your current address and carry proof of it; the new passport will show the new address.
Valid visa in the old passport. The old passport is returned to you cancelled. You can usually travel with both together while the visa is valid, but check with the country concerned.
Lost passport found later. Once you report it lost it is cancelled, so you cannot use it again. Surrender it at the passport office.
Name spelt differently from the old passport. Treat this as a change of particulars and bring documents that support the correct spelling.
Frequently asked questions
How early can I renew?
You can apply before expiry, and many people renew when about a year remains, since some countries need six months of validity.
Will I get the same passport number?
No. Every re-issue gets a new passport number.
Do I need police verification again?
Not always. It depends on whether your details or address have changed and on the officer’s assessment.
Can I change from 36 to 60 pages?
Yes, adults can choose either size during re-issue. Minors receive 36 pages.