How to Renew Your Indian Passport (Re-issue)
Renew or re-issue your Indian passport before it expires through Passport Seva — when to apply, exactly which documents you need (much less than a fresh application), and how the PSK visit differs.
- Last verified
- 21 June 2026
- Official site
- passportindia.gov.in ↗
Renewing an Indian passport (officially called Re-issue) is significantly simpler than a fresh application. Most details carry over from the old passport, the PSK appointment is shorter, and police verification is frequently skipped if your previous verification was clean and your address hasn't changed.
The most important documents are your original old passport and an address proof if you've moved. The PSK retains a photocopy of the personal-details page of the old passport, then returns the cancelled old passport along with the new one by Speed Post.
You can apply up to 1 year before expiry — most countries require at least 6 months remaining validity for travel, so don't wait until the last minute.
Eligibility
- You hold an Indian passport that has expired or is about to expire (apply up to 1 year before expiry, or any time after).
- You want to renew with the same particulars (name, DOB, place of birth) or change one of them.
- Your old passport is intact (lost / damaged passports follow a different flow).
Required documents
Old passport
Original old passport — both for verification at the PSK and for the new passport printing process.
Address proof (if address changed)
Aadhaar with current address, electricity / water bill, bank passbook, rent agreement, or any accepted proof.
Self-attested copy of old passport
Photocopy of the personal details page and ECR / non-ECR page. Self-attest each copy.
Annexure if changing particulars
Annexures vary based on what is being changed (e.g., name change for marriage). Check the Passport Seva accepted documents page for the exact annexure list.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Log in to Passport Seva
Use your existing account or register a new one at passportindia.gov.in.
passportindia.gov.in ↗ - 2
Choose 'Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport'
Select Re-issue. Pick the right reason: change in existing particulars, expiry within / beyond 3 years, exhaustion of pages, etc.
- 3
Fill the application
Many fields are pre-filled from your old passport. Verify each one before submitting.
- 4
Schedule a PSK / POPSK appointment
Choose the PSK that covers your jurisdiction. Re-issue appointments are usually available sooner than fresh ones.
- 5
Pay the fee
Pay online via card, net banking, or UPI.
- 6
Visit the PSK with old passport + originals
Carry the original old passport, all originals being used as proofs, and one self-attested photocopy of each. The PSK retains a copy of the old passport's personal page.
- 7
Police verification (if applicable)
Re-issues often don't require fresh police verification, especially if the old passport had clean verification and address hasn't changed. Verification is triggered when address changes or specific conditions apply.
- 8
Track the new passport
Track with the File Number. The new passport is dispatched by Speed Post and your old passport is returned to you (cancelled) along with the new one.
Official website
Always confirm critical details here
passportindia.gov.in
Common mistakes
- Applying for 'Fresh Passport' instead of 'Re-issue' — choosing the wrong category causes rejection.
- Letting the passport expire before applying — you can apply up to 1 year before expiry, so don't wait.
- Not bringing the old passport to the PSK — the original is mandatory for re-issue.
- Changing address on the form but not carrying a fresh address proof for the new address.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for renewal?▾
You can apply up to 1 year before expiry. Many countries also require passports to have at least 6 months validity at the time of travel — plan accordingly.
Will I get a new passport number?▾
Yes. A re-issued passport carries a new passport number. The old passport is cancelled and returned to you with the new one.
Do I need police verification again?▾
Not necessarily. If your last passport had clean police verification and your address is unchanged, the system often skips fresh verification.
What if my passport is damaged or lost?▾
Use the 'Lost / Damaged Passport' application path instead — it requires an FIR copy and additional annexures.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Government portals, document requirements, and fees can change without notice. Always verify the latest requirements on the official website before you apply. Last verified on 21 June 2026.