How to Get a Duplicate Passport in India?
A passport is an important document which should be updated before it expires. If you lose it, report immediately to the nearest police station and Indian Mission. A duplicate passport has a different process for damaged or lost passports. To get a duplicate passport, it is crucial to gather all necessary documents and follow the guidelines provided by the authorities.
Staying informed about the procedure can help avoid delays and ensure a smooth re-issuance process. This article will explain all the information you need to comprehend while applying for a duplicate passport. So, let's have a look at it.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Passport in India?
If someone wants to get a duplicate passport in case of unprecedented cases or if it's lost, they can easily take the online or offline route to avail the same. But beforehand, one must know the documents required to apply for the same.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Passport Online?
Here’s the process on how to apply for a duplicate passport. Visit the Passport Seva official website of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, to apply for a duplicate passport online.
Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva portal.
Step 2: Create a new account by entering all the necessary information, and then you will get a link to activate the Passport Seva account.
Step 3: Fill out the online form for a duplicate passport.
Step 4: Before submitting the form, check the details again.
Step 5: You will get an acknowledgement. Use it to track your passport application status through the Passport Seva website.
How to Apply for a Duplicate Passport Offline?
To file for a duplicate passport through an offline route one can follow the below procedure -
Step 1: Download the e-form under the Forms and Affidavits section.
Step 2: Then select whether you want a fresh passport or a reissue of an Indian passport.
Step 3: Download and print out the Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) along with the e-form.
Step 4: Fill the form with the required details such as old passport booklet number, date of birth, age, address, name, cause of reissuance of the Indian passport.
Step 5: Submit the form with documents like address proof, identity proof and old passport booklet to the passport office.
Documents Required to Apply for Duplicate Passport in India
| Category | Details |
| Affidavit | Details on how the passport got lost or damaged (Annexure ‘L’) |
| NOC | No Objection Certificate (Annexure ‘M’) Prior Information Letter (Annexure ‘N’) |
| Proof of Current Address | Certification from employer Telephone bill Income tax assessment order Water bill<br>- Gas connection Aadhaar card Election Photo ID card Passport copy of spouse Registered rent agreement |
| FIR Report | FIR report |
| Proof of Date of Birth | Certificate of secondary school Birth certificate by the municipal authority |
| Old Passport Pages | Photocopy of ECR and non-ECR pages of the old passport (last and first pages) |
| Photograph Size | Passport size photographs |
You should also submit the application form along with the details mentioned in your old passport, such as the passport number, place of issue, date of issue, and expiry date.
Fees Required for Duplicate Passport Application
In case of a lost passport, one can also apply for a duplicate passport. The table below represents the fee structure of the application procedure.
| Category | Application Fee | Additional Tatkal Fee |
| Reissue or fresh passport (36 pages) with 10-year validity | ₹ 1,500 | ₹ 2,000 |
| Reissue or fresh passport (60 pages) with 10-year validity | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
| Reissue or fresh passport (36 pages) for minors with a validity of 5 years or until one attains the age of 18 years | ₹ 1,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (36 pages) when lost, stolen or damaged | ₹ 3,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (60 pages) when lost, stolen or damaged | ₹ 3,500 | ₹ 2,000 |
| Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | ₹ 500 | NA |
| Passport replacement (36 pages with , 10-year validity) to change personal details or delete the ECR | ₹ 1,500 | ₹ 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (60 pages with , 10-year validity) to change personal details or delete the ECR | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
| Passport replacement (36 pages, 5-year validity) to change personal details for minors or delete the ECR. | ₹ 1,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
How to Protect Your Duplicate Passport?
A passport is a valuable document. It is proof of citizenship and identity overseas. You need to take all measures to keep it safe and protected. If your passport is lost or stolen, it can be used for criminal purposes or to steal your identity. Here are some tips to keep your passport protected.
● Always remember where it is stored
● Keep it in a dry place
● Never allow anyone to use it
● Do not alter it for any other purpose
● Always store a photocopy of your passport page
● Keep a record of your original or duplicate passport number and expiry date
Immediately report to the Passport Office or Indian Mission and the nearest Police Station if you lose your passport. They will guide you through obtaining a replacement or reissue of a duplicate passport.
When Can One Apply for a Duplicate Passport?
The process to apply for the reissue of a passport is the same for lost and damaged passports. Following are a few cases where you can apply for a duplicate passport:
Damaged Passport:
Damaged passports are categorised into two types:
A partially damaged passport in which the holder's name, photo, and passport number are intact or can be recognised.
Damaged passport where the details are not recoverable at all.
You can apply for reissue through the Tatkaal scheme if your passport is partially damaged. On the other hand, if it is completely damaged, you cannot reissue it under the Tatkaal scheme as you have to report to Passport Seva Kendra to get it.
Loss of Passport:
If you lost your passport in India, file a report at the police station and also at the passport office. If you live abroad, contact the Indian Mission immediately. Apply for reissue by filling out the passport application form at the Passport Seva Kendra and submitting the necessary documents.
Types of Payment Accepted on the PSK Website
Online payment is compulsory to reserve a time slot for PSK. You can pay for such an appointment in any one of the following ways.
Wallet Payment (State Bank of India)
Internet Banking
Credit/Debit Card
SBI Bank Challan
Reissuing a passport may take 7 working days, whereas police verification is optional. If police verification is needed, it may take 30 working days.
You can submit your applications using the normal scheme or the Tatkaal scheme. However, the duplicate passport fees for the latter one are high. It takes around 30 days before dispatching the application. You can call on 1800 258 1800 for any queries or visit the Passport Seva portal.
FAQs about Duplicate Passport
How long does it take to reissue a lost passport in India?
The application procedure accompanied with the dispatching of a duplicate passport may take upto 30 days. While when applied with tatkal mode the procedure generally wraps up within 15 days.
Is reissue and renewal of passport the same thing?
In case of renewal, changes will be made to your existing passport. On the other hand, a passport is reissued when you completely need a new passport.
Can you get a new passport without the old one?
Yes. If you want to renew your passport card and a valid passport book, submit all your documents.
How long is the passport reissue process?
The passport reissue process typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the applicant's location and the type of service chosen.
How to check if a passport is original or duplicate?
Verify the passport's authenticity by checking the MRZ, holograms, UV features and contacting the issuing authority.
How to get a copy of a passport online?
You cannot obtain a copy of your passport online; you must apply through the official passport office or embassy for a replacement.
Will I get the same passport number after reissue?
No, a reissued passport will have a new number that is different from the previous one.
How to get a duplicate passport?
Apply for a duplicate passport through the official passport office or embassy, submitting required documents and fees.
What happens to the old passport after reissue?
The old passport is usually cancelled and returned to you with a stamp indicating no longer valid.
What is the procedure for a duplicate passport?
You must submit an application form, identity proof, a police report (if lost), and applicable fees to the passport office.
What questions will they ask in passport verification?
Questions typically include personal details, address verification, and the purpose of passport reissue or application.
How to check if a passport is original or duplicate?
Verify the MRZ, holograms, and UV features, and cross-check with the issuing authority to ensure authenticity.
What is the fastest way to replace a lost passport?
Apply for Tatkal or expedited service at the passport office or embassy for the quickest replacement.
How quickly can I get a replacement passport?
With expedited service, a replacement passport can be obtained in as little as 1-7 business days.
How long does it take to reissue a lost passport?
Reissuing a lost passport generally takes 2-4 weeks; expedited services may shorten this time.
Is police verification required to reissue the passport?
Yes, police verification is often required for passport reissue to confirm the applicant's address and identity.
What questions does a passport ask?
Passport applications ask for personal details, contact information, address history, and travel plans.
What documents do police ask for passport verification?
Police typically ask for proof of identity, address proof, and any documents supporting the passport application.