Obtaining a passport is crucial for individuals across various domains, serving as a primary identification and nationality verification document. Besides, it facilitates travel for tourism, business, or education purposes. Understanding the process of renewing a passport online is essential to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Eligibility and validity:
Indian passports are typically valid for ten years from the date of issue. Renewal becomes necessary either after the expiry of this period or within one year prior to expiry. However, it's advisable to initiate the renewal process at least a few months before the expiration date to avoid any inconvenience.
For minors (individuals under 18 years), passports are valid for five years until they reach adulthood. Additionally, minors aged 15 to 18 can obtain a full-validity passport lasting approximately ten years.
Online Renewal Process:
Renewing a passport from the comfort of one's home is now possible through online platforms. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the Passport Seva website or click on this link: (https://www.passportindia.gov.in/)
- Register as a new user or log in if already registered.
- Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport."
- Fill out the application form as prompted.
- Provide the necessary personal, family, and address details.
- Verify and submit the form.
- Pay the renewal fee and schedule an appointment.
Appointment Scheduling:
To schedule an appointment after form submission:
- Log in to the Passport Seva portal.
- Select "View Saved and Submitted Application," then "Pay and Schedule Appointment."
- Choose a payment method and select a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for an appointment.
- Verify your selection and choose a convenient slot.
- Confirm the appointment by paying the fee.
Required Documents:
Essential documents for passport renewal include:
- Original passport
- Application receipt and relevant pages' self-attested copies
- Address proof and other specific documents as per jurisdiction.
Upload these documents to the website before visiting the Passport Seva Kendra for further processing.
Tracking Application Status:
To track the status of a passport renewal application:
- Log in to the Passport Seva portal.
- Select "Track application status."
- Provide the application type, file number, and birth date details.
- Click on "Track application status" to monitor progress.
- Processing times vary based on the chosen scheme, with normal processing taking 30–60 days and tatkal processing taking 3–7 days, with an additional fee.
Fee Structure:
- For a 36-page passport valid for ten years: ₹1500.
- For a 60-page passport valid for ten years: ₹2000.
- For minors or those below 18 years, passport issuance fees range from ₹1000 to ₹2000, depending on the page count.
Renewing a passport online offers convenience and efficiency, ensuring individuals can navigate the process with ease. By following the outlined steps and providing the necessary documents, applicants can streamline their passport renewal experience, saving time and effort.