Lost Passport Process for Indians: A Revolutionised, Tech-Driven Affair
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The Indian government recognised the need for a better process to replace lost passports for Indians and initiated the Passport Seva Project in 2010. Thanks to the new system, you can do most of the work for lost passport renewal online, and you don’t have to worry about long wait times in government offices like you would have in the past.
What Does it Mean to Lose a Passport?
Step 1: How to Report a Lost Passport
Visit Local Police Station
- Head to your local police station immediately.
- File an official complaint and obtain an FIR (First Information Report).
Essential Document for Renewal
- The FIR is crucial for lost passport renewal.
- Passport office requires this official document for processing.
Co-operate with Police
- Provide details of your case to the police.
- Co-operate until an official FIR stating the passport is lost or stolen is issued.
Different Protocols in Some Countries
- Be aware that different countries may have varied protocols.
- You might need to visit multiple police stations or government offices for resolution.
Contact Indian Mission if Needed
- If you are facing difficulties or confusion, contact the nearest Indian Mission.
- Inquire about the specific procedure for reporting a lost passport in your situation.
Keep a Copy of FIR
- Retain a copy of the FIR for future reference.
- This document is vital for lost passport reporting and renewal.
Make Photocopies
- Create photocopies of your passport.
- Note down the passport number for reference in future reissue applications.
Step 2: Applying for Reissue of a Lost Passport
Visit Passport Seva Portal
- Access the Passport Seva portal for lost passport renewal.
Fill Form and Pay Fees
- Complete the online form and pay the required fees.
- Fees are INR 2,000 for a normal application and INR 4,000 for Tatkal (fast-tracked) processing.
Schedule Appointment
- Schedule an appointment for lost passport renewal online.
- Alternatively, visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Re-issue Process
- Understand that the term is “re-issue” as you will receive a new passport with a new number.
- Have passport details or any relevant photos or photocopies for the online renewal application.
Create Passport Seva Portal Account
- If not registered, create an account on the Passport Seva portal.
- Existing users can log in, and forgot password option is available if needed.
Apply Online
- On the dashboard, click on “Apply for a fresh passport/re-issue of passport.”
- Choose between submitting the form online or downloading for offline filling and uploading.
Form Details
- Enter personal details carefully, including name, family members’ names, address, and lost passport details.
- Verify all details before submission as changes are not allowed.
Payment Options
- Pay the application fees online, even if submitting directly at the passport office.
Appointment Confirmation
- Once the form is submitted and fees paid, book an appointment.
- Receive an Appointment Number/Application Reference Number (ARN) via SMS.
Proof of Appointment
- Carry the SMS appointment confirmation as proof; no printed receipt is required.
Step 3: Your Appointment at the Passport Office or PSK
Take all the original documents required for lost passport renewal with a few self-attested copies when you go to your appointment at the relevant Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
- Passport-sized photographs
- Police FIR
- Proof of identification and address – Aadhaar Card, Driving License, PAN card, Voter ID Card.
- Secondary address proof – Family Card, rental agreement, electricity bill, bank account passbooks, employer certificate on company letterhead
- Proof of Age – Birth certificate, life insurance policy, school leaving certificate
While submitting, all photocopies of proofs of identification, address, and age must be self-attested by the applicant or their legal guardian (for minors). The primary reason for visiting the Passport Office or PSK in the lost passport process is to verify your original documents and confirm your identity. You will also be required to submit your biometric details, including face mapping and fingerprints, for the process to replace lost passports.
Step 4: Documents and Police Verification
- Wait for Appointment: Wait until staff calls you in for the appointment at the Passport Office or Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Solo Appointment:Attend the appointment alone; minors and seniors may have guardians accompany them.
- Document Verification: Passport Office or PSK personnel verify your documents and may ask questions.
- Biometric Data Collection: Provide biometric data, including fingerprints, retina scans, and live photographs.
- Verification Confirmation: Receive SMS and/or email confirming acceptance or rejection of the passport re-issue application.
- Rejection Reasons: If rejected, reasons are provided, and a fresh application can be submitted.
- Application Acceptance: If accepted, wait for the next step: police verification.
- Police Verification Process: A police officer visits your registered address to verify your residence and identity.
- Cooperation during Verification: Be present at your address during the police visit; answer questions and cooperate.
- Informing Authorities:If not available, inform someone to communicate with the officer about your arrival.
- Smooth Verification Facilitation: Facilitate a smooth verification by ensuring someone is present at your address.
- Final Step: Upon successful police verification, your new passport will be delivered.
Lost passport abroad? Don’t panic! Our services guide you through the recovery process.
In a Nutshell
Here are the steps to report and reapply for a lost passport:
Report the Loss and Obtain FIR
- Visit the local police station immediately to file an official complaint and obtain an FIR (First Information Report).
- The FIR is essential for lost passport renewal and should be retained for future reference.
Apply for Reissue on the Passport Seva Portal:
- Access the Passport Seva portal for lost passport renewal, fill out the online form, and pay the required fees.
- Schedule an appointment online or visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Understand the term “re-issue”, as you will receive a new passport with a new number.
Prepare for Appointment:
- Gather original documents and self-attested copies, including passport-sized photographs, police FIR, proof of identification and address, secondary address proof, and proof of age.
- Attend the appointment alone at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) with minors or seniors accompanied by guardians.
Document Verification and Biometrics:
- Passport Office or PSK personnel verify your documents and may ask questions.
- Provide biometric data, including fingerprints, retina scans, and live photographs.
Police Verification and Final Steps:
- Wait for SMS and/or email confirmation of accepting or rejecting the passport re-issue application.
- If rejected, reasons are provided, and a fresh application can be submitted.
- Upon acceptance, wait for police verification, where a police officer visits your registered address to verify your residence and identity.
- Facilitate a smooth verification by ensuring someone is present at your address.
- Upon successful verification, your new passport will be delivered.
Renewal vs. Reissue of Passport
| Aspect | Passport Renewal | Passport Reissue |
| Eligibility | A passport nearing its expiration date or expired | Valid or expired passport |
| Validity Period | Renew passport within one year of expiration | Reissue can be done anytime |
| Name/Personal Details | No major changes in name/details | Major changes in name/details require reissue |
| Address Change | Address change within the same jurisdiction possible | Address change within/outside jurisdiction possible |
| Additional Pages | No additional pages are provided | Additional pages can be added (if there are not enough pages) |
| Passport Condition | The passport should be in a reasonable condition | A damaged passport can be reissued with the necessary steps |
| Documents Required | Fewer documents are required | More documents might be required for significant changes |
| Police Verification | Not typically required | It may be required based on the case |
| Application Form | Renewal Form | Reissue Form |
| Fees | Generally lower fees | Fees might vary based on the reason for reissue |
| Processing Time | Usually quicker processing | Processing time can vary |
Unfamiliar Territory: What to do if Passport is Lost Abroad?
For those who have lost their passport abroad, the process is similar. Here are the steps:
- Visit Local Police Station:Report the lost passport at a local police station abroad.
- Obtain Police Report: Receive a police report detailing the loss, which is essential for further procedures.
- Visit the Indian Mission or High Commission:Take the police report to the nearest Indian Mission or High Commission in the country.
- Confirm Nationality:Verify your nationality with the mission, providing the necessary identification.
- Emergency Certificate (EC): Receive an Emergency Certificate (EC) allowing your return to India.
- Passport Re-issue Abroad:Follow instructions from the Indian Mission or High Commission for a passport re-issue.
- Locate Indian Mission Abroad:Visit the Ministry of External Affairs website for a list of Indian Missions abroad.
- Contact Information:Obtain contact details and the address of the relevant mission for assistance.
- Financial Assistance:If lacking funds for travel, seek assistance from the mission.
Tips for NRIs and Travelers
- Local Identification: Obtain identification in the country of residence to facilitate local travel.
- Use of State Driving License: In the US, a state driving license allows domestic travel for non-citizens.
- Secure Passport During Travel:Safeguard your passport during travel, keeping it in a secure bag.
- Lock Passport in Hotel Room:If left in the hotel room, ensure the passport is securely locked.
- Beware of Pickpockets: Be cautious of pickpockets and avoid leaving passport bags in communal storage.
- Ensure Passport Safety:Take extra care to avoid the inconvenience of the lost passport process, especially during short trips.
Note for NRI Travelers
Also Read: How to Apply for Passport Online from India
Wrapping Up The Process
- Report the passport loss promptly to initiate the renewal process without delay.
- Gather all necessary documents for lost passport renewal, including the police FIR.
- Act swiftly with the right information and documents for a speedy passport reissue.
- Submit the reissue request with correct details for quick approval.
- Complete the police verification process to finalise the renewal.
- Once your request is approved, you just have to complete the police verification, and you’ll have a new passport faster than you could have imagined.
Key Takeaways
- Initiate the lost passport renewal process by promptly reporting the loss at the local police station, obtaining an FIR, following specific steps on the Passport Seva portal, attending an appointment at the Passport Office or PSK with required documents, and completing police verification for expedited reissue.
- Renewal is for passports nearing expiration, while reissue applies to valid or expired passports, with renewal having simpler requirements and quicker processing.
- For lost passports abroad, report to local police, obtain a report, visit the nearest Indian Mission, verify nationality, get an Emergency Certificate, follow instructions for re-issue, and ensure local identification for NRIs and travellers while taking precautions against loss.
- To expedite the lost passport renewal process, promptly report the loss, gather required documents, submit a reissue request with correct details, and complete police verification for a new passport in as little as two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whichever country you are in, you will first have to report the loss of your passport to a local police station. If you are abroad, you can take the police report and visit the nearest Indian Mission or High Commission to receive an Emergency Certificate or a reissue of your passport. In India, you must get an FIR, apply for a reissue of your passport and schedule an appointment with a Passport Office or PSK near you.
The cost for a lost passport renewal online application remains the same in all countries. However, the duration and procedure are determined by the Indian Mission/Consulate or High Commission in that country. The Ministry of External Affairs has Indian Missions set up worldwide and will go above and beyond to help any Indian citizen.
Once you get an FIR, start the lost passport process immediately. You can submit the reissue application online and book an appointment with the nearest Passport Office or PSK. Your application will be processed within 30-45 days for normal applications and 4 days for Tatkal applications. If and when it is approved, police verification will be initiated, and your passport will be delivered to you as the final step in the lost passport process.
When you apply online for a reissue of your passport, you can pay the normal fees of ₹2,000 or submit a tatkal application, which costs ₹4,000. The difference is due to the time it takes to process it. Normal applications can take 30-45 days, while a Tatkal application is usually processed within four working days.
Once your passport is reissued after a lost passport process, you can use it just like you would use a normal passport. Unless you need to change details on the passport, this will be your passport until it expires.
