What To Do If Your Passport Is Lost In India

If your passport is lost in India, you must immediately report the loss and apply for a passport reissue. A lost passport cannot be replaced with a duplicate copy—instead, a new passport is issued after verification.

Immediate steps you should take:

1. File a police complaint: File an FIR at the nearest police station immediately.

2. Visit the Passport Seva portal: Select the option for "Reissue of Passport."

3. Fill out the application: Complete the online passport application form carefully.

4. Upload and Pay: Upload the documents required for passport and pay the reissue fee.

5. Book an appointment: Schedule a visit to your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

6. Verification: Attend the appointment with original documents.

7. Processing: Wait for police verification and passport printing.

Once verification is complete, the new passport will be dispatched to your registered address.

What Is Considered A Damaged Passport?

A passport is considered damaged when its physical condition affects its usability or authenticity. You must apply for a passport renewal process (under the reissue category) if the damage is significant.

Examples of damaged passports include:

• Torn or missing pages

• Passport booklet detached from the cover

• Water damage or blurred information

• Passport number or personal details become unreadable

• Unauthorized markings or heavy stains

Documents Required For Lost Passport Reissue

To apply for a reissue after losing your passport, you will generally need the following documents:

• FIR or police complaint copy (Mandatory)

• Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Voter ID)

• Proof of address

• Passport size photographs

• Annexure F (A specific affidavit for a lost passport)

In some cases, additional documents may be requested depending on your passport history and verification status.

Documents Required For Damaged Passport Replacement

If your passport is damaged, you must submit the physical damaged booklet along with supporting paperwork.

Typical documents include:

• Original damaged passport

• Identity proof

• Address proof

• Passport reissue application form

• Passport size photos

The Passport Seva office will inspect the booklet to determine whether it qualifies as "Minor" or "Major" damage, which can affect the processing flow.

How To Apply For Passport Reissue Online

You can manage the entire application for a reissue through the official Passport Seva website.

Step-by-step process:

1. Visit the Passport Seva portal and register or log in.

2. Select “Apply for Fresh Passport / Reissue.”

3. Choose the reason: Lost / Damaged passport.

4. Fill out the application form with your current details.

5. Pay the passport fee online.

6. Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.

Tatkaal Passport For Lost Passport Cases

If you urgently need a replacement, you may be able to apply under the Tatkaal passport processing scheme.

Tatkaal allows for much faster issuance, often within a few days after the document verification at the PSK. However, be aware that some lost passport cases—especially those involving complex circumstances—may still require a full police verification before the passport is issued.