It happens. We all know someone who has accidentally misplaced their passport and needs to get a new one quickly. So what do you do? This article will teach you how to get a new passport in India, as well as the common scams that are out there so that you can avoid them.
Documents Needed for the Application Process for an Indian Passport
If you have lost your passport, here is what you need to do in order to apply for a new one:
- Go to the Indian Embassy or Consulate nearest you and present all of the following documents:
- Certified copy of your original passport
- A photocopy of your identification card
- Proof of citizenship (a copy of your driver’s license, voter’s ID, or birth certificate)
- Proof of residence (a utility bill, bank statement, or rental agreement)
- If applying for a child’s passport, also provide proof of parental custody (a court order or police report).
- If applying for a new passport on behalf of someone else (such as a child), you will also need to provide proof of your relationship to the person being processed for the Indian passport. This can be either a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or adoption decree
- Pay the applicable fees. Passport loss fees vary depending on the type of passport you are applying for and the country where you are applying.
How to Apply For the Passport Again?
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of losing or damaging your Indian Passport, prompt action is crucial. For a lost passport, report the incident to the nearest Police Station and Passport office. If you’re an Indian national abroad, report the loss to the local Police Station, contact the Indian Embassy, and apply for a re-issue, adhering to the specified documentation.
What is a Damaged Passport?
Passports are categorized as damaged based on the extent of harm. There are two types of damaged passports – one where the passport number, name, and photo remain readable, and the other where the Indian passport is damaged beyond recognition.
What to do if you lost or Damaged your Passport?
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Report to the Local Police Station:
- Contact the nearest police station to report the loss or damage and obtain a copy of the First Information Report (FIR).
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Gather Required Documentation:
- Assemble necessary documents including the previous passport (if available), FIR copy, proof of identity, and address.
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Apply for a New Passport:
- Submit an application for a new Indian passport online or at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), paying the requisite fees.
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Attend Passport Interview:
- Schedule and attend a passport interview to confirm identity and validate the information provided.
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Wait for Passport Issuance:
- Track the application status online as yourI ndian passport is processed and issued.
How to Apply for a Duplicate or New Passport in Case of Loss or Damage?
In cases of lost or damaged passports, a Indian passportwith a different number and fresh validity is issued. Apply under the ‘re-issue’ category, citing the reason as Lost/Damaged passport. No duplicate passports are issued.
Fees and Charges for Applying for Lost or Damaged Passports
To replace a lost, damaged, or stolen passport, applicants incur a fee. The fee for a 36-page passport is Rs. 3,000, and for a 60-page passport, it is Rs. 3,500. Additional charges of Rs. 2,000 apply for Tatkaal scheme applications.
Note that these fees are subject to change, so refer to the current fee schedule before applying.
What Should You Do if Your Passport Gets Stolen or Lost?
If you lose your Indian passport, there are a few things you can do to get a new one in India. Here’s what to do if your passport is stolen or lost:
- Report the theft or loss to the embassy or consulate where you lost your passport. They will likely need to gather some documentation, such as a police report or photo ID, in order to process a new Indian passport.
- If you cannot report the theft or loss immediately, you can still try to get a new passport by filling out an application form and providing some documentation of your identity. You can find more information about applying for a passport online or at the embassy or consulate where you lost your original passport.
Cost of Application Process for a New Indian Passport
If you have lost your passport, there are a few things to keep in mind before trying to get a new one. The cost of applying for a new Indian passport varies depending on where you live, but the average cost is around $120. Here are the costs specific to India:
- In Delhi, the application fee is ₹2,000
- In Mumbai, the application fee is ₹3,000
- In Chennai, the application fee is ₹2,000
- In Kolkata, the application fee is ₹1,500
- In Bangalore, the application fee is ₹2,000
- In Hyderabad, the application fee is ₹2,000
- In Ahmedabad, the application fee is ₹1,500
- In any other city in India, the application fee ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹3,000.
Application Fees for Lost Indian Passport
| Reason for Re-issue | Number of pages | Normal | Tatkal |
| Replacement of passport due to loss/damage/theft | 36 | Rs. 3, 000 | Rs. 5, 000 |
| Replacement of passport due to loss/damage/theft | 60 | Rs. 3, 500 | Rs. 5,500 |
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Passport Renewed
The cost of getting a passport renewed in India varies depending on the country you are living in, but it is usually not too expensive. In some cases, you may even be able to apply for a new passport without having to go through the hassle of traveling to an embassy or consulate. The cost of getting a new Indian passport will vary depending on your nationality and where you are located. However, the average cost is between $40 and $60. You will also need to pay an application fee and receive your new passport within 10 working days.
How Long Does It Take To Apply for a Lost Passport?
Police verification may be involved in passport lost procedures. It usually takes between 7 and 1 month to make a duplicate Indian passport. Tatkal duplicate passports, however, can be obtained in 2-4 days. Police verification also determines how long it takes.
Tatkal System for Passport Replacement
The Tatkal system allows Indian citizens to apply for a new passport at designated passport issuing offices (DPOs) instead of having to go through the regular passport application process in India. The following are the steps you need to take in order to replace your Indian passport:
- Obtain a copy of your current passport photo page
- Complete the application Form A4 (available from DPOs)
- Make an appointment at the DPO
- Bring your original citizenship certificate, old passport, recent photograph, and two photocopies of application Form A4 with you to the appointment
- Pay the requisite fees at the DPO
- Collect your new passport within 10 working days.
Conclusion
If you have misplaced your passport while in India, there is no need to panic. There are a few steps you can take to get a replacement as quickly as possible. Firstly, search for an embassy or consulate of the country that issued your passport. If you are unable to locate one nearby, your next option would be to explore the possibility of obtaining a new passport in India through the Indian government. If all else fails and your passport has been stolen, then the only option remaining is to apply for a new one through the police department. Bear these tips in mind if you misplace your Indian passport so that you can initiate the process of obtaining a replacement without delay.
FAQs: Indian Passport
What do I do if I have lost my passport?
If you've lost your passport, report the loss to the nearest police station and the Passport office immediately. Apply for a reissue, providing the necessary documentation.
How long does it take to reissue a lost passport?
The processing time for reissuing a lost passport can vary. It is advisable to check the status online after the application and interview.
Is it bad if I lost my passport?
Losing a passport is an inconvenience, but prompt reporting and reissuance can mitigate potential complications. Take immediate steps to address the situation.
How can I reissue my passport?
To reissue a lost passport, report the loss, gather required documents, apply online or at a Passport Seva Kendra, attend a passport interview, and track the application status.
How much does it cost to reissue a passport?
The cost for reissuing a lost, damaged, or stolen passport is Rs. 3,000 for a 36-page passport and Rs. 3,500 for a 60-page passport. Additional fees of Rs. 2,000 apply for Tatkaal scheme applications.
Can I apply for new passport instead of reissue?
In cases of lost or damaged passports, a new passport is issued with a different number and fresh validity. Apply under the 're-issue' category, citing the reason as Lost/Damaged passport. No duplicate passports are issued.
