Quick Answer: India has no passport "renewal" - officially you apply for a re-issue on the same Passport Seva portal. Log in, choose Re-issue, pay the fee (₹2,500 for a normal 36-page booklet since 1 July 2026), and book a Passport Seva Kendra appointment. You can apply up to a year before expiry.
In India, when an individual wants to "renew" their passport, they mean re-issuing it. The term 'renewal' has no specific meaning in the process of obtaining a passport. The concerned person should use the same Passport Seva site that the Ministry of External Affairs recognizes, select the "Re-issue" option, and apply for a passport.
Overview: Passport Re-issue at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What it is | Re-issue of an Indian passport (the correct term for "renewal") |
| Issuing authority | Passport Seva, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) |
| Who it is for | Holders whose booklet is near expiry, expired, full, damaged, or has changed details |
| Fee (normal, 36-page) | ₹2,500 (since 1 July 2026) |
| Mode | Online application + one in-person visit |
| Processing time | About 7 working days (normal); 1-3 days (Tatkal) |
Latest update (July 2026): Passport fees rose on 1 July 2026 under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026 - the first full revision in nearly 14 years. A normal 36-page re-issue now costs ₹2,500 (up from ₹1,500), and the Tatkal fee is ₹5,000. You can see the full revised charges in our guide to the 2026 passport fee changes.
Is It "Renewal" or "Re-issue"?
At this stage, we consider it to be a reissue. Instead of having a process for renewal, as is the case in most other countries, such as the extension of the passport validity in the case of renewal, India has no such process. Whenever you are in a situation where your passport is about to expire, is reaching the full amount of pages, is damaged or has changes in the passport details, you need to apply for reissue with the new passport issued to you with a different number and the old number being canceled.
When Can You Re-issue Your Passport?
You can apply for renewal anytime until one year before your passport expires or after it has expired. There is no penalty for applying after your passport expiration date; just that you cannot use your expired passport to travel. Here are the reasons why your passport may need renewing:
- Passport is about to expire or has already expired.
- All visa pages are full.
- Change of name, address, date of birth, or marital status.
- The booklet is lost, stolen, or damaged.
Many travelers submit the required forms beforehand since various states are known to deny entrance when the passport does not have at least six months of validity left.
What Documents Do You Need for a Passport Re-issue?
When requesting a new passport from the same place of residence, current passport delivery is mandatory alongside a document verifying one's new address. This checklist could differ from one application condition to another so be sure to look into the understanding carefully before heading out.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Original current passport | Proof of your existing passport |
| Self-attested copy of first two and last two pages | Booklet record |
| Proof of present address (Aadhaar, utility bill, bank statement) | Address verification |
| Proof of date of birth (if requested) | Identity confirmation |
| Change-of-name proof (marriage certificate or gazette notification) | Records the changed detail |
For the complete, reason-wise list, see our passport documents checklist for 2026.
How Do You Re-issue Your Passport Online, Step by Step?
The application is submitted online on the Passport Seva portal. You must then visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) where you submit the original documents. The procedure is given as follows:
- Register or log in on the Passport Seva portal.
- Click "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport" and open the re-issue form.
- Select Re-issue and pick your reason (expiry, change in details, damaged, and so on).
- Fill your details, then choose Normal or Tatkal.
- Click "Pay and Schedule Appointment" and pay the fee online.
- Book a slot at your nearest PSK or POPSK.
- Save or print the Application Receipt showing your Application Reference Number (ARN).
- Visit the Kendra on your date with all original documents.
- Track your status online; the new passport arrives by Speed Post.
What Are the Passport Re-issue Fees in 2026?
Regular 36-page reissue will cost ₹2,500 effective from 1 July 2026 and 60-page passport will be priced at ₹3,500. For Tatkal, additional fees will apply for the service. The charge mentioned above applies even in case of reissue as well as for the first-time passport.
| Passport type | Normal | Tatkal |
|---|---|---|
| 36-page (10-year validity) | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 |
| 60-page (10-year validity) | ₹3,500 | ₹6,000 |
| Lost or damaged (36-page) | ₹5,000 | N/A |
Before making the payment, verify the total amount to be paid as per your application requirements by checking the official Passport Seva fee calculator. If you wish to obtain your passport as soon as possible, refer to our Tatkal passport guide for details on the procedure under the Tatkal scheme.
How Long Does a Passport Re-issue Take?
If your address has not changed, it will take about a week for your passport to be renewed. In most cases, it takes about a day to apply for the passport, a day or two for an appointment or approval, and finally between one and three days of delivery. In a Tatkal scheme, the process takes just one to three working days following the verification of your documents. The entire process will be delayed in case a police verification is involved or the address has changed.
Do You Need Police Verification Again for a Re-issue?
Not in all cases. If it is a simple re-issue of the passport at the same place without any amendments having been made in respects of the particulars, police verification may be either carried out in full or not at all carried out prior to the passport renewal. In case the applicant changes his name or address, and the old passport is lost, damaged or a negative police report is received, the process of re-verification will be mandatory prior to the passport issuance. If you are required to acquire a police clearance certificate, the steps are covered in our police clearance certificate guide.
Where to Apply and How to Get Help
The Passport Seva website administered by the government via the Ministry of External Affairs handles the re-issue of passports. In case of any issues regarding filling out forms or booking appointments, the user can connect with the passport re-issue help desk to provide adequate support.
Read more: browse more government ID card guides for related passport, Aadhaar and PAN help.
