Many travellers realise too late that their passport is close to expiry or running out of pages. Since most countries need six months of validity, an old passport can stop a holiday or visa application. Renewing in time, called reissue, is simple when planned early.
When should you renew your passport?
- When it will expire within the next year
- When validity is less than six months before an international trip
- When the pages are full or nearly full
- When the passport is damaged, wet or torn
- When you change your name, address or other personal details
Step 1: Apply for reissue online
Log in to the Passport Seva portal, choose Reissue of Passport and select the reason, such as expiry, exhaustion of pages or change in particulars. Fill the form carefully and pay the fee.
Step 2: Book your appointment
Book a slot at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra. Carry your old passport, address proof if your address has changed, and the appointment receipt.
Step 3: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra
Your documents, photo and fingerprints are taken. In many reissue cases where details have not changed, police verification may be done after the passport is issued, which speeds up the process.
Old visas in your old passport
Your old passport is cancelled and returned to you. If it carries a valid visa, such as a long term US visa, many countries allow you to travel with both the old and new passports. Check the rules of that country before travel.
Renewing a minor's passport
Passports for minors usually have shorter validity and need fresh documents and the consent of both parents. Plan these renewals well before family holidays.
Mark your passport expiry date in your phone calendar a year in advance. It is the easiest way to never miss a trip.
Documents to carry for reissue
- Your current or old passport in original
- Self attested copies of the first and last pages
- Proof of present address if it has changed
- Documents supporting any change in name, such as a marriage certificate
- Printed appointment receipt
Changing your name or address
If you married and want to add or change a surname, or you moved to a new city, mention it in the reissue form and carry the supporting documents. A change of address may trigger police verification at the new address, so plan more time before you travel.
Lost or damaged passport
If your passport is lost or stolen, file a police report first and then apply for reissue with the report. For a damaged passport, apply for reissue even if it is still valid, as airlines and immigration counters can refuse a passport that is torn, wet or has missing pages.
Plan any reissue well before visa applications, since most embassies need your new passport number on the visa form and in your bookings.
Ready to travel again?
Once your new passport arrives, let us plan your next trip. Explore our international tour packages or read about common visa rejection reasons before applying for a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I renew my passport before it expires?
Yes. You can apply for reissue within a year of expiry or earlier if the pages are full or details need correction.
2. Do I need police verification for passport renewal?
In many reissue cases without changes in details, police verification is done after issue. The passport office decides based on your case.
3. Is my US visa valid in my old passport?
A valid visa in a cancelled passport can often be used with the new passport. Check the rules of the issuing country.
4. How long does passport renewal take?
Normal reissue usually takes a few weeks. Tatkaal reissue is faster for urgent travel.