What Is Passport Reissue

Passport reissue refers to the issuance of a new passport when an existing one is no longer valid or requires specific updates. Many people confuse the passport renewal process with passport reissue, but in India, renewal is officially handled under the "Reissue" category.

Unlike a simple extension, a reissue results in a brand-new passport booklet with a new passport number and a fresh validity period.

When Passport Reissue Is Required

A passport reissue is mandatory in several specific situations to ensure your travel document remains legally valid and functional:

• Expiration: Your current passport validity has expired or is about to expire.

• Exhaustion of Pages: There is no more space for visas or entry/exit stamps.

• Damage or Loss: The booklet is physically compromised or has been misplaced. If your passport is lost, you must follow the lost passport recovery guide before applying for a reissue.

• Personal Detail Changes: Significant changes in your name, appearance, or parents' names.

• Address Change: Updating your current residential address for official records.

Documents Required For Passport Reissue

The documentation required for a reissue is generally simpler than a fresh application since your details are already in the system. Typically, you will need:

• Old Passport: The original booklet (which will be cancelled and returned to you).

• Identity Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID.

• Address Proof: Utility bills, bank statements, or a rent agreement.

• Photographs: Recent passport-size photos (though these are often captured digitally at the PSK).

Additional documents, such as marriage certificates or gazette notifications, may be required if you are changing personal details.

How To Apply For Passport Reissue Online

The application process is digitized through the Passport Seva system for efficiency.

Follow these steps:

1. Register on the official Passport Seva portal.

2. Select the "Apply for Reissue of Passport" option.

3. Fill out the application form online with updated information.

4. Upload the necessary supporting documents.

5. Pay the fee online to enable appointment booking.

6. Book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

7. Visit the office on the scheduled date for biometric capture and document verification.

Passport Reissue Fees and Tatkaal Processing

The cost of reissuing a passport depends on the service speed and the size of the booklet you choose:

• Normal Category: A standard 36-page passport with 10-year validity usually costs ₹1,500.

• Jumbo Booklet: A 60-page booklet for frequent travelers costs ₹2,000.

• Tatkaal Service: Applicants who need an urgent reissue can use the Tatkaal service for an additional fee of ₹2,000, allowing for priority processing.

Passport Reissue Processing Time

The processing time for a passport reissue usually ranges between 7 and 30 days. This timeline depends heavily on the workload of the Regional Passport Office and whether your specific case requires the passport police verification process before approval.