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People who are planning to travel abroad, mandatorily need a passport as one cannot step out of India or enter any foreign country without this extremely crucial document. Moreover, it isn't mandatory that one must apply for a passport exclusively when he/she has a plan of traveling abroad. Passport is also an important identity and address proof, and each citizen is entitled to irrespective of their plans for overseas trips. Most importantly, one may apply for a passport at any time and procure one upon completing the required formalities and also by providing the relevant documents.
Passport does not guarantee a person's entry into any country; however, it is a prerequisite for overseas travel. Indian passports are typically valid for ten years and all passport holders must renew the document before the expiry date if they wish to continue availing its benefits.
Indians are given the option to renew their passports through online and offline modes. Let us help you understand how both of these modes work. In order to apply for the renewal of your passport online, follow these steps:
The initial step in applying for passport renewal through the online portal requires the applicant to have an account in the Passport Seva portal. If you don't have an account already, here's how you can create one:
Visit the official website of Passport Seva at www.passportindia.gov.in/.
The left side panel of the page contains an option to log in - existing users can just login using their ID and password.
New users should register by clicking on 'New User? Register Now' box.
The website will ask for specific information and then you may create a username and password.
An activation mail will be sent to your email ID which will help you activate your Passport Seva account.
After successfully creating the account, follow these steps to make a passport renewal application:
Log in to your Passport Seva account.
Click on the link that says ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport’ and select the Renewal option.
Fill out the form by providing the required information - this can either be done and submitted online, or it can be downloaded, filled out and uploaded back for submission.
Verify all the details in the form before submission.
Once you have filled in and submitted the form, you must pay the required fee and then book a time and date slot to visit the PSK for further procedures.
Once the appointment is scheduled, you must go to the passport office on the scheduled date and time of appointment. You should report a little early and get a token and a group number. Wait for your turn. As your number is called, proceed and complete the process. Your documents will be verified, and your passport validity will be updated.
When you apply for the renewal of your passport, you have to submit a few documents along with the application form. The ‘Document Advisor’ in the Passport Seva Web Portal has comprehensive information on the documents required for the renewal of passport. As you enter your relevant details, the Advisor will generate a list of the required documents. These are some of the required documents:
The old Passport in original
Self-attested copies of both the first and last two pages of the old passport.
Self-attested copies of the page containing the ECR/Non-ECR information.
Self-attested copy of the page of observation, if any observation has been made by the Passport Issuing Authority.
Self-attested copy of the validity extension page, if it contains any record.
For renewal of SVP passports, proof is required that will eliminate the cause of a short validity passport issuance earlier.
A passport is renewed when the validity of the existing passport expires. However, you should apply for reissuing your passport if it has already expired, or it got lost or stolen or damaged, or if the pages are exhausted or if you wish to make any changes to your personal details.
Usually, if there are pages available then the existing passport is returned as the renewed passport with the validity extended to ten more years. However, if you apply for reissuing your passport, a new passport is printed for you.
Short Validity Passports can be renewed and converted into normal passports through a very simple process. The passport holder has to visit the Passport Seva Kendra and file an application.
Short Validity Passports (SVP) are meant for cases like the following:
Students who are appearing for exams such as SAT, TOEFL, etc.
Non-delivery of passport, especially if it is lost in transit
For applicants with a pending criminal case in court
More information on Short Validity Passports (SVP)
If you have a Short Validity Passport, you need not do anything for renewing it.
The validity of renewed SVP is dependent on the discretion of the Assistant Passport Officer. However, it cannot be more than 10 years.