Losing a passport is never easy. Whether it gets misplaced, stolen, or lost during travel, the situation can cause stress and inconvenience. For Indian citizens, the good news is that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has a clear process to help you replace your lost passport. However, the process involves some key steps: filing an FIR, completing the correct forms, and booking an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).

This guide will walk you through each step in detail so you can handle the situation with confidence.

Step 1: Filing an FIR for a Lost Passport

The First Information Report (FIR) is the most important document when your passport goes missing.

  • Where to File:
    • At the nearest police station in the area where the passport was lost.
    • If abroad, report to the local police and obtain a copy of the police report, then inform the Indian Embassy or Consulate.
  • Why It Is Important:
    • It legally documents that your passport is lost.
    • Prevents misuse of your passport for unlawful activities.
    • Required when applying for a reissue under the “Lost Passport” category.
  • Tips:
    • Provide details such as your passport number (if available), date of issue, and place of issue.
    • Keep multiple copies of the FIR for future use.

Step 2: Filling the Passport Application Form

Once you have your FIR, the next step is to apply for a duplicate/reissued passport.

  • Forms to Fill:
    • Reissue Application Form on the Passport Seva Portal.
    • Select “Reissue of Passport” and choose “Lost Passport” as the reason.
  • Documents Required:
    • Original copy of the FIR/police report.
    • Proof of current address (Aadhaar card, voter ID, utility bill, etc.).
    • Proof of identity (PAN card, Aadhaar card, etc.).
    • Self-declaration/affidavit regarding the loss.
    • Passport-size photographs (if not uploaded online).
  • Important Note:
    • You cannot apply under Tatkaal Scheme if your passport is lost. Only the normal process is allowed.

Step 3: Booking an Appointment

After filling the application online, you must schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).

  • How to Book:
    • Log in to the Passport Seva website.
    • Pay the required fee (₹3,000 for a 36-page booklet; ₹3,500 for a 60-page booklet).
    • Select the PSK location and book a slot for document submission and verification.
  • What Happens at the Appointment:
    • Document verification (FIR, proof of identity, proof of address).
    • Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be collected.
    • Your case will be forwarded for police verification.

Step 4: Police Verification

Since the passport is reported lost, police verification is mandatory.

  • Process:
    • A police officer will visit your residence to verify your address and confirm details.
    • Once verification is cleared, the passport office processes the reissue.
  • Timeline:
    • In most cases, the new passport is issued within 15–25 working days after police verification.

Step 5: Receiving Your New Passport

  • The reissued passport will be dispatched via Speed Post to your registered address.
  • You will receive SMS/email updates about the status of your application.
  • The old passport (if later found) becomes invalid and must be surrendered.

Key Fees for Lost Passport Replacement

Service TypePassport BookletFee (₹)
Reissue of lost passport36 pages3,000
Reissue of lost passport60 pages3,500
Police Verification ChargesAs applicableExtra

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I travel while my replacement is being processed?
No. You must wait until the new passport is issued. If abroad, you can request an Emergency Certificate for returning to India.

Q2: Can I apply for a Tatkaal passport if mine is lost?
No. Lost passports cannot be reissued under the Tatkaal scheme.

Q3: Do I need to file an FIR if my passport was stolen inside my house?
Yes. Regardless of where it was lost, filing an FIR is mandatory.

Q4: What happens if I find my passport after getting a duplicate?
It becomes invalid once reported. You must only use the new passport.

FIR, Forms, and Appointments: A Guide to Replacing a Lost Indian Passport

Losing an Indian passport can be a stressful experience, whether you are at home or abroad. The replacement process, officially known as Re-issue of Passport in Lieu of Lost/Damaged Passport, requires a specific set of actions involving legal reporting, official forms, and a mandatory appointment.

Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the three critical pillars of the replacement process: the FIR (First Information Report), the necessary Forms, and the Appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Indian Mission/Post.

1. The FIR/Police Report: The Crucial First Step

The very first action you must take is to officially report the loss.1 This is mandatory for two reasons: legal compliance and protection against identity fraud.

A. If Lost in India:

  • File an FIR (First Information Report): Immediately file an FIR at the police station closest to where the loss occurred.2 If the police refuse to file a full FIR for a lost document (which sometimes happens), they may instead issue a Lost Article Report or a Police Complaint Report.
  • e-FIR/Online Report: Many state police departments now offer a dedicated online service to report the loss of documents, which generates an official digital report. This document is generally accepted at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
  • Obtain the Original Document: Ensure you receive the original/attested copy of the FIR or the Lost Article Report/Police Complaint Report. This will be a mandatory document for your application.

B. If Lost Abroad:

  • Report to Local Police: Report the loss or theft to the local police authority in the country where the incident occurred and obtain a Police Report (or its local equivalent).3
  • Report to Indian Mission/Post: You should also inform the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate about the loss immediately.

2. The Forms: Online Application and Mandatory Affidavit

The replacement process requires you to submit an online application and provide a crucial sworn affidavit regarding the loss.

A. The Online Application (Form DS-11 Equivalent):

  1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in).4
  2. Register/Login: Register a new account or log in to your existing one.
  3. Select Service: Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
  4. Select Category: Choose the service type as ‘Re-issue of Passport’ and the reason for Re-issue as ‘Lost Passport.’ You will be required to fill in details of the lost passport, including the number (if available), date of issue, and place of issue.
  5. ARN Generation: Once completed and submitted, the system will generate an Application Reference Number (ARN).5 Print the application form, which will contain this ARN.

B. The Mandatory Affidavit (Annexure ‘F’):

  • You must provide an Annexure ‘F’ affidavit.6 This is a crucial self-declaration/sworn affidavit stating the circumstances of the passport’s loss or damage.7
  • The specimen for Annexure ‘F’ is available on the Passport Seva website and must be typed, printed, and signed by the applicant.8 It often needs to be notarized or attested as per the PSK/Mission guidelines.

C. Other Documents Required:

  • Original FIR/Police Report.
  • Printout of the Online Application Form with ARN.
  • Annexure ‘F’ (Sworn Affidavit).9
  • Proof of Present Address (Aadhaar, Electricity Bill, etc.).10
  • Proof of Date of Birth (Birth Certificate, Aadhaar, etc.).11
  • Photocopy of the lost passport (if available) – highly recommended, but not mandatory if details can be furnished from memory.
  • Two recent passport-size photographs (usually 4.5 cm×3.5 cm).

3. The Appointment: Payment and Submission

After submitting the online form and gathering the required documents, you must book an appointment to physically submit your application.

A. Payment:

  • After generating the ARN, you must immediately Pay and Schedule Appointment via the portal.12 Prior online payment of the applicable passport fee is mandatory to book a slot.
  • The fees for a passport re-issue in lieu of a lost passport are generally higher than a regular re-issue.

B. Scheduling the Appointment:

  • Select the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) from the available locations.13
  • Select the desired date and time from the available slots. The system will display the earliest available appointment date.
  • Print the Appointment Receipt containing the ARN.

C. Submission Day:

  • Visit the PSK/POPSK at the scheduled time with the Appointment Receipt and all required original documents, along with self-attested photocopies.
  • The officials will verify your identity, documents, and biometrics. The application will be accepted and forwarded for processing, which will include a background check (Police Verification).

Note on Tatkaal (Urgent) Applications:

  • In cases of urgent travel (such as medical emergency or death in the family), you may be able to apply under the Tatkaal scheme for a faster issuance.
  • However, Tatkaal is not always available for lost/stolen passports, as these cases require special clearance and mandatory police verification. The decision rests solely with the Passport Officer.14

Disclaimer

This article is meant for informational purposes only. Rules, fees, and processes may change as per government policy. Always verify details on the official Passport Seva website or consult the Regional Passport Office.

Conclusion

Replacing a lost Indian passport involves three critical steps: filing an FIR, filling the reissue application form, and booking an appointment at a PSK/RPO. While the process can seem lengthy, it is designed to protect you against identity theft and misuse of your passport. By acting quickly, keeping your documents ready, and cooperating with police verification, you can ensure a smooth reissue process.