Difference between Passport Renewal and Re-issue

There has always been a lot of confusion regarding passport renewal and passport reissuance. Passport renewal and re-issuance are different from each other even though many confuse it to be the same. Given below is a detailed explanation of the difference between passport renewal and re-issue.

• Passport renewal- Renewal of passport happens in cases where the passport was issued only for a short period of time/short validity that’s anywhere between 1 to 5 years and now needs to be extended to a validity of 10 years like the regular Indian passport. It is necessary to carry your old passport when you want to get your passport renewed. The number on the passport will remain the same, only the validity will be changed in the passport. The changes will be made to the existing/old passport and will be returned as a renewed passport.
• Passport re-issue-A passport is reissue when the passport holder requires an entirely new passport. When a passport is re-issued, a new booklet with a new passport is issued to the passport holder. Passport re-issuance is usually confused with passport renewal. A passport is re-issued in the following cases:
  • Expired passport
  • Passport on the verge of expiration
  • Lost passport
  • Stolen passport
  • Exhaustion of pages in current passport
  • Damaged passport
  • Soiled passport
  • Change in personal details in the passport (except for validity)

Procedure for Re-issue of Passport

Getting your passport reissue is quite easy. One has to visit the Passport Seva Kendra and make an application. There is a certain amount that needs to be paid as a fee at the office. One can also apply for re-issuance of passport online. Given below is the detailed explanation of the online procedure that has to be followed in order to get your passport re-issued:

Registering online

• Login with your username and password if you have already registered on the official Passport Seva website.
• Register online if you are a new user.
• Select the passport office closest to you while registering.
• The registration will require you to provide personal details such as your name and date of birth.
• Create a login ID and password.
• You will be asked to select a hint question and answer while registering.
• An email will be sent to your email address.
• Activate your account by using the link present in the email.

Filling in the application form

• Log in to the Passport Seva website using your User ID and password.
• Choose the option “Apply for fresh passport/re-issue of passport” once you login to your passport account.
• The website will provide you with two options for filling in the form. You can either download the form or fill it up online.
• Choose an option and fill in your present address.
• You’ll be asked to provide two local references.
• Provide details of the references including their full name, phone number and address.
• If you are filling in the online form, select the ‘submit’ option as soon as you fill in the details.
• If you are using a PDF form, you must upload the document from the same page from where you downloaded it.

Making payments

• Choose the option “view saved/submitted applications” once you submit your application online.
• Choose the option “Pay and schedule appointment”. Online payments are mandatory to book appointments.
• The applicant can pay online using any of the below mentioned modes:
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • SBI challan
  • Internet banking

For Tatkal applications, one can pay fee under the normal category in cash at the passport office.

Booking an Appointment

• Choose the option “Schedule appointment” once you make the payment.
• If your payment hasn’t been processed, choose the option “Track Payment Status” to track the status of your payment.
• Once the status displays the message “Success”, you can proceed to book an appointment.
• Select a convenient slot and a passport office that’s closest to you.
• Your appointment will be scheduled as soon as you confirm the slot.

Documents Required

The documents required for re-issue of passport depends on the reason for re-issuance of passport. Given below is a list of documents that needs to be submitted while applying for passport re-issuance based on the reason:

Exhaustion of Pages

• Original Passport.
• Self-attested copy of the first two and last two pages.
• Self attested copy of the ECR/Non-ECR page.
• Self attested copy of the page of observation, if any, made by Passport Issuing Authority.
• Self attested copy of the validity extension page, if any, in respect of short validity passport.

Validity Due to Expire

• Original old Passport.
• Self attested copy of the first two and last two pages.
• Self attested copy of the ECR/Non-ECR page.
• Self attested copy of the page of observation, if any, made by Passport Issuing Authority.
• Self attested copy of the validity extension page, if any, in respect of short validity passport.

Validity Expired

• Original old Passport.
• Self attested copy of the first two and last two pages.
• Self attested copy of the ECR/Non-ECR page.
• Self attested copy of the page of observation, if any, made by Passport Issuing Authority.
• Self attested copy of the validity extension page, if any, in respect of short validity passport.

Lost or Stolen Passport

• Affidavit stating how and where the Passport got lost or stolen
• Police report in original
• Self attested copy of the first two and last two pages.
• Self attested copy of the ECR/Non-ECR page.
• Proof of birth.
• Proof of address

Damaged Passport

• Original old Passport.
• Self attested copy of the first two and last two pages.
• Self attested copy of the ECR/Non-ECR page.
• Self attested copy of the page of observation, if any, made by Passport Issuing Authority.
• Self attested copy of the validity extension page in case of short validity passport.
• Affidavit stating how and where the Passport got damaged.
• Proof of date of birth.
• For illiterate or semi-literate, an affidavit sworn before a Magistrate/Notary stating date/place of birth.

Change in Existing Personal Particulars

• Original old Passport.
• Self attested copy of the first two and last two pages.
• Self attested copy of the ECR/Non-ECR page.
• Self attested copy of the page of observation, if any, made by Passport Issuing Authority.
• Self attested copy of the validity extension page, if any, in respect of short validity passport.
• Any one of the following:
  • Attested copy of marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages
  • A joint affidavit from wife and husband along with a photograph together.
  • Affidavit as per Annexure K
  • Self attested photocopy of the spouse’s Passport

Procedure for Renewal of Passport

The procedure for renewal of passport is similar to that of passport re-issuance except that the applicant has to choose the option and form for renewal instead of re-issue. Given below is a list of documents that you need to submit in order to get your passport renewed:

• Original old Passport.
• Self attested copy of the first two and last two pages.
• Self attested copy of the ECR/Non-ECR page.
• Self attested copy of the page of observation, if any, made by Passport Issuing Authority.
• Self attested copy of the validity extension page, if any, in respect of short validity passport.
• Proof of documents which eliminate the cause of issuance of Short Validity Passport (SVP)