A passport is a crucial document when it comes to international travel. Thus, you need to possess it while travelling abroad. However, there are several occasions on which you might need to apply for a duplicate passport. If you are looking for how to go about the process, this article has the answer. Read ahead for an overview of different aspects associated with a duplicate passport or a passport reissue process. read more
When can you apply for a duplicate passport or passport reissue?
Usually, one can apply for a duplicate passport or passport reissue in case of the following.
- The current passport validity has expired or is about to expire.
- The pages of the passport are exhausted.
- The passport is lost.
- The passport is damaged within or beyond recognition.
- There are changes to be incorporated into the existing details of the passport.
How to apply for a duplicate passport offline : Duplicate Passport in India: How to apply & Documents Required
You can apply for a duplicate passport offline at the Passport Seva Kendra office or the PSK website. You should fill in a hard copy of the form and submit it in person.
How to apply duplicate passport online
Here’s how you can apply for a duplicate passport online.
Step 1: Go to the PSK website and select the appropriate option for passport application from the following.
- Diplomatic passport
- Ordinary passport
- Surrender Certificate
- Identity certificate
- Police clearance certificate
Step 2: After selection, the website directs you to the appropriate form stating the steps for applying for the duplicate passport.
Step 3: Log in or register on the website.
Step 4: In case of a new account, a link shall be shared for the activation.
Step 5: You can complete the form online and provide all the necessary details.
Step 6: Cross-check all the information before submission.
Step 7: After submitting the form, you will receive an acknowledgement through which you can track the status of your passport application on PSK.
Documents required for a reissue of passport
Various documents may be required depending on the circumstances of applying for a duplicate passport. Fewer documents are necessary if the application is because of expiring validity or exhausted passport pages. You can also apply for tatkal in this case. However, suppose the passport is completely damaged and beyond recognition, and the passport number and other details are also unavailable; you must fill out a regular duplicate passport application form and provide the needed documents for a reissue. Generally, the documents required for a reissue are as follows.
1. Address proof of present residence.
● Telephone bill
● Passport copy of spouse
● Parent’s passport copy
● Gas bill
● Certificate from employer
● Aadhaar Card
● Water bill
● Election Photo ID card
● Registered rent agreement
● Income Tax assessment order
2. Date of birth certificate of the applicant
● Secondary school leaving certificate from the last school attended or a recognised educational institution
● Birth certificate provided by a municipal authority or an official entity
● Literate or semi-literate applicants: Affidavit endorsed by a notary stating the place and date of birth (Annexure ‘A’)
3. An Affidavit communicating details about the lost passport (Annexure ‘F’)
4. A No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the specified format (Annexure ‘M’)
5. The original police report
6. Passport size photographs
7. If available, the photocopy of the passport’s first and last two pages (self-attested). Also include the ECR/Non-ECR page of the old passport.
8. Original emergency certificate
9. In certain situations, there might be a need for intervention from the Indian Mission/Post.
Duplicate passport fees
Applicable charges/fees need to be paid for a duplicate passport depending on the passport type, the reason for reapplication, the applicant’s age, the number of pages required in the passport, and the type of application (regular or tatkal).
| Reason for reissue of passport | No. of pages required | Regular application (approx) | Tatkal application (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Validity expired/Pages exhausted of passport | 36 | INR 1,500 | INR 3,500 |
| Validity expired/Pages exhausted of passport | 60 | INR 2,000 | INR 4,000 |
| Damage/theft of passport | 36 | INR 3,000 | INR 3,500 |
| Damage/theft of passport | 60 | INR 3,500 | INR 5,500 |
Types of payment accepted on PSK website
Online payment is compulsory if you want to reserve a time slot for PSK. The payment for such an appointment can be done in any one of the following ways.
● Wallet Payment (State Bank of India)
● Internet Banking
● Credit/Debit Card
● SBI Bank Challan
Processing time for duplicate passport
If police verification is not required, the reissue of a passport may take up to 7 working days. However, when police verification is needed, processing the request may take up to 30 working days. In India, the option for duplicate passport download is unavailable, so you must wait for the hard copy to arrive at the given address.
Protecting your duplicate passport
Passport is a valuable document. It is proof of citizenship and identity overseas. You need to take all measures to keep it safe and protected. If your passport is lost or stolen, it can be used for criminal purposes or to steal your identity. Here are some tips to keep your passport protected.
● Always remember where it is stored
● Keep it in a dry place
● Never allow anyone to use it
● Do not alter it for any other purpose
● Always store a photocopy of your passport page
● Keep a record of your original or duplicate passport number, and expiry date
Immediately report to the Passport Office or Indian Mission and the nearest Police Station, in case you lose your passport. They will guide you through obtaining a replacement or reissue of a duplicate passport.
Note: Prioritizing safety, you should consider securing comprehensive and affordable travel insurance like Acko International Travel Insurance to protect against unexpected incidents and hospital expenses in foreign countries. To gain a detailed overview of our offerings, please refer to our – Travel Insurance online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here’s a list of common questions and answers related to a duplicate passport.
In which circumstances can you apply for a duplicate or reissue of your passport?
Usually, you can apply for a duplicate passport in the following cases.
- Lost passport
- Damaged passport
- Emergencies
How to apply for a reissue or duplicate passport?
A duplicate passport cannot be issued, but you may get a fresh passport with a different number and new validity. You can apply for a duplicate passport in the following ways.
- Please fill up the hard copy of the passport application and submit it to the PSK office.
- Apply online through the PSK website.
What is the procedure for applying for the reissue of a passport online?
- Log in to your existing account or create a new one if you do not have one.
- Fill in the online form by choosing the “reissue of passport” option.
- Select the appropriate option among these – validity lapsed within three years/about to lapse, passport pages exhausted, validity expired beyond three years, passport lost, modification in existing personal details or passport damaged.
- Fill in the form, attach the necessary documents and check all the details before submission.
- Once you submit the form, you will get an acknowledgement that can be used as a reference to check the status of your application.
Which documents are required for applying for a duplicate passport?
In most cases, you will need these documents to apply for a reissue of the passport. The exact list might vary from case to case.
- Aadhaar card
- Passport-size photographs
- Police First Information Report (FIR)
What is the fee to be paid to reissue the passport?
The fee varies depending on the number of pages required in the passport and normal/tatkal application. It may range between INR 1,500 to INR 5,500.
Is it compulsory to have a photocopy of the old passport to apply for a reissue?
It is not necessary to have a photocopy of the old passport. However, it is essential to provide other details like the passport number, dates of issue and expiry of the passport and place of issue. If these details are also unavailable, please get in touch with the PSK for help.
What to do if the passport is damaged or lost and you must travel abroad urgently?
You can apply for the reissue of your passport under the tatkal scheme if your previous passport is not severely damaged and the primary details like passport number, name and dates of issue/expiry are visible. However, if it is beyond recognition, the conclusive authority for issuing the passport, even under the tatkal scheme, lies with the PSK.
What should be done when the passport is lost or damaged before applying for a duplicate passport?
It is necessary to immediately raise a complaint at the nearest police station about the loss/damage to the passport and inform the passport office. If you are in a foreign country, notify the Indian mission immediately.
Will the reissued passport have the same number as the old passport?
No, the new passport will have a different number. A reissued or duplicate passport can never have the same number as the old passport.
