A passport is an important document that every citizen of India needs to travel outside the country for several reasons such as education, tourism, business purposes, career, family visits, and several other reasons.
Overview:
It is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India to all its legal citizens. Globalization is one of the main reasons for the increased demand for a Passport and its related services. A passport is also used as identity proof at home and in foreign countries as the holder’s permanent address is mentioned. Hence, if you ever move into a new home, you must change the permanent address on the Passport and all the other official documents. You can easily change the permanent address on your Passport at the specially-made portal Passport Seva. It is mainly used for passport delivery and other related services. It was created by the Ministry of External Affairs of India and the famous IT consulting company Tata Service Consultancy (TCS).
Documents Required for Change Address in Passport
Certain documents are required for passport address change. They are listed below:
- Original old Passport.
- Self-attested copies of the validity extension page, if any, in respect of a short validity passport.
- Copy of online application
- Self-attested copies of the Passport’s first two and last two pages
- Issuing Authority
- Self-attested copies of the page of observation, if any, made by Passport.
- Copy of challan or payment receipt
- Self-attested copy of the ECR/ Non-ECR page
- New address proof – It could be anything from the following:
- Electricity bill
- Aadhar card
- Telephone bill
- Voter ID card
- Gas bill
- A registered Rental Agreement
- Water bill
- Income Tax Returns
- Photo passbook of an existing bank account. The bank can be either a scheduled private-sector Indian bank, a scheduled public-sector bank, or a regional rural bank only.
- Copy of spouse’s Passport (first and last page including family details). The new address should match the address mentioned in the spouse’s Passport.
- Certificate from the current employer on letterhead.
- Passport copy of the applicant’s parents in case of minors (the first and the last page of the Passport including family details)
- Retired Government Officials: Pension Payment Orders must be submitted by a Retired Government Official along with the documents listed above.
- For Government Body/ Public Sector Undertaking/ Statutory Body: The applicant must submit a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or a Prior Intimation Letter (PI) as mentioned in Annexure M and Annexure N, respectively, along with other documents listed above.
- For Minors: The minor applicants must submit a declaration affirming the particulars mentioned in their passport application as prescribed in Annexure H and the above documents.
Procedure for Change Address in Passport
You have to re-issue the Passport to change the address on it. You can change the Passport in the offline and online modes.
Online mode – Passport Address Change
Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva online portal and log into your account by clicking on the Existing user. Login. If you are not an existing user, then click on New user. Register Now and enter the said details and click on Register. An account activation mail is sent to your registered mail ID. Click on that link, and your account is activated.
Step 2: After logging into your account, click on the Apply for Fresh Passport/ Re-issue of Passport tab out of the several tabs listed on the screen.
Step 3: An application form is generated on the screen after you click on the Apply for Fresh Passport/ Re-issue of Passport tab. Fill in all the required details carefully. For example, you would have to fill in the details such as the new permanent address of themselves and their spouse, the reference of two locals for the police verification, and many more.
Step 4: Once these details are filled in and submitted; the details cannot change. Therefore, check the details thoroughly after you have filled out the form to avoid any mistakes.
Step 5: Click on the View Saved/ Submitted Application tab to schedule an appointment at the nearest Regional Passport Office or Passport Seva Kendra. You would also have to select a time slot that is convenient for you.
Step 6: Pay the designated amount to schedule an appointment at the nearest Regional Passport Office or Passport Seva Kendra. You can pay the amount through several modes.
| Payment Mode | Providers that are accepted | Applicable Charges |
| Credit Cards | VISA/ MasterCard | 1.5% + service tax |
| Internet Banking | SBI and SBI Associate Banks | No charge |
| Debit Cards | VISA/ MasterCard | 1.5% + service tax |
| SBI Challan | The appropriate fee should be deposited at the nearest SBI branch after 3 hours of generating the challan and must not exceed 85 days to do so | No charge |
Step 7: You can easily use debit cards, credit cards, and online banking for payment. If it is not accessible, you can easily print the SBI Challan and submit it to the bank’s nearest branch. However, it may take at least two days to process the payment.
Step 8 Click on the Print Application Receipt tab after completing the application process. The receipt contains all the essential details along with the Application Reference Number.
Once the application has been submitted, and an appointment has been scheduled, the applicant has to visit the Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office. You must have proof of the appointment in the SMS sent to you when the appointment is approved. If you miss the appointment, you would have to apply for the appointment all over again, which can be a little hassle.
Offline mode
Step 1: Visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.
Step 2: Get the application form and fill it out carefully. Avoid rewriting and overwriting, as doing that can make your application invalid.
Step 3: Pay the required fee for changing the permanent address and issuing a new Passport.
Step 4: An appointment is scheduled for you to collect the new Passport from the Passport Seva Kendra on a particular day at a particular time, once the application is approved.
Reasons for Change Address in Passport
If your residential address has changed or you are moving, you must update your passport. Update your address by applying for a new passport. Through this procedure, you will receive a new passport with your current address and a new identification number.
How to Update your Address Online in your Passport?
To update passport address online through the Passport Seva portal, follow these steps:
- Registration:
-
- Go to the Passport Seva website.
- Select “New User Registration.”
- Fill in your details and choose the nearest passport office.
- Enter the CAPTCHA characters and click “Register.”
- Use your registered login ID to access the portal.
- Application Submission:
- On the applicant home page, click “Apply for New Passport or Reissue of Passport.”
- Choose the option “Go here to fill out the application form online.”
- Enter information like application type, and passport booklet type, and click “Next.”
- Saved/Submitted Applications:
- Click “See Saved/Submitted Applications.”
- Payment and Appointment:
- Proceed to “Pay and Schedule Appointment.”
- Choose online payment (credit/debit card, internet banking), or use the Challan Payment option.
- Click “Next.”
- PSK Site Selection:
- Select a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) site.
- Print the application receipt.
- Visit PSK:
- Visit the chosen Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office as per the scheduled appointment.
- Bring original documents and the application receipt. If you have the SMS confirmation, you don’t need to carry the receipt.
- Adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines, including using the Aarogya Setu app, wearing a mask, using sanitizer, and maintaining social distancing.
- Appointment Confirmation:
- After appointment approval, you’ll receive an SMS confirmation.
- Missing the appointment means reapplying, so ensure you attend.
Note that government guidelines related to COVID-19 must be followed during your visit to the passport office. Adhering to safety measures is crucial to ensure a smooth application process.
How to Update Your Address Online in an Indian Passport?
Before beginning the procedures you must follow to update the address in your passport online, it is crucial to bear in mind that you must have a couple of your documents on hand for when you visit your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). The list of necessary documents is provided in detail on the Passport Seva portal.
To apply for the passport to be issued again, a certain amount must be paid. The age of the applicant and the justification for the renewal, among other factors, affect it differently. By visiting the Passport Seva website, you may determine the precise cost of your application.
Fees for Passport Address Change
Re-issue is the only way you can change your permanent address. Hence, the charges of changing your passport address are the same as re-issuing the Passport.
| Age of the applicant | Passport Validity | No. of Pages | Normal Charge | Tatkal Charge |
| Less than 15 years | 10 years or till the holder reaches 18 years of age | 36 | Rs. 1000 | Rs. 3000 |
| 15-18 years | 5 years or till the holder reaches 18 years of age | 36 | R. 1000 | Rs. 3000 |
| 15-18 years | 10 years | 36 | Rs. 1500 | Rs. 3500 |
| 15-18 years | 10 years | 60 | Rs. 2000 | Rs. 4000 |
| 18 years and Above | 10 years | 36 | Rs. 1500 | Rs. 2000 |
| 18 years and Above | 10 years | 60 | Rs. 2000 | Rs. 4000 |
Is it Mandatory to Change the Address on an Indian Passport?
No, updating the address on an Indian passport is not required. Nonetheless, you can use an updated passport as identification of your address. When using your passport as a means of proving your identity, address, or date of birth while travelling, the address on it must be current in order to reflect your actual address. If not, you can keep using an older address in your passport and just provide the necessary documentation for address verification when it comes time to renew it.
Steps to Track Passport Application Status on the Passport Seva Portal
- Step 1: First, go to the Passport Seva website
- Step 2: From the list of options on the right side of the home screen, choose the ‘Track Application Status’ button
- Step 3: After being redirected, you must choose the passport type that you applied for
- Step 4: At this point, enter your application’s ‘File Number,’ which is a distinct 15-digit number
- Step 5: Click the ‘Track Status’ button after entering your birthdate
- Step 6: The status of your passport application ought to be visible to you on your screen.
Steps to Check Passport Status Online via the mPassport Seva Mobile App
- Step 1: Install the mPassport Seva app on your device by downloading the appropriate version for iOS or Android
- Step 2: Fill out your name, email address, and date of birth to finish the registration process
- Step 3: The app has a feature called ‘Status Tracker’
- Step4: You can add the File Number and your birthdate to the status tracker within it
- Step 5: The status of your passport application will be displayed by the app.
Track Passport Application Status via National Call Centre
- Step 1: Dial the National Call Center at 1800-258-1800 (toll-free)
- Step 2: An automated interactive voice response or an executive will be your connection
- Step 3: Give your file number and enquire about the status of your passport application.
Track Passport Application Status via the Helpdesk
- Step 1: Go to the Passport Seva Kendra or PSK in your area
- Step 2: Locate the counter for information
- Step 3: Find out how your recently submitted passport application is progressing.
How to Check Passport Dispatch and Delivery Status?
- Step 1: Get your 13-digit tracking ID by going to the Passport Seva portal
- Step 2: Visit ‘India Post’s’ official website
- Step 3: Select the ‘Track Consignment’ section
- Step 4: Enter the code that appears on your screen and fill in the tracking ID under ‘Consignment Number’
- Step 5: To check the status of your passport dispatch and delivery, click ‘Track Now.’
FAQs
How can I change my address in passport?
To change your address in your passport visit the official website of the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Passport Seva Portal (PSP) and register an account.
What documents required for passport address change?
The documents required for passport address change include proof of current address, such as utility bills, bank statements, or rental agreements. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of your old address, such as an old passport or a document showing your previous address. Other supporting documents may also be required, depending on the specific circumstances.
Is Aadhaar card enough for passport address change?
Aadhaar card alone is not sufficient for passport address change. While Aadhaar card can be used as proof of address, you will still need to provide additional documents to support the change of address in your passport application.
Is police verification required for change of address in Indian passport?
Police verification may or may not be required for a change of address in an Indian passport. The decision to conduct police verification depends on various factors, including the applicant's age, the type of passport application, and the discretion of the passport authorities.
Can I change address in passport online?
Yes, you can change your address in your passport online. The Passport Seva Portal (PSP) allows applicants to submit their address change requests online and book an appointment for document verification and biometric data collection at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
How many days it will take to change address in passport?
The time taken to change the address in a passport can vary. Generally, it takes around 1-3 weeks for the address change process to be completed, including document verification, police verification (if required), and the issuance of the updated passport.
Is it compulsory to change address in passport?
It is not compulsory to change the address in your passport unless you have moved to a new permanent address. However, it is recommended to keep your passport information up to date to avoid any inconvenience during travel or for official purposes.
What is permanent address in passport?
The permanent address in a passport refers to the applicant's permanent residence or the address where they usually reside. It is the address that is considered the applicant's primary place of residence.
Will passport validity change after address change?
Changing the address in your passport does not affect the validity of the passport. The validity of the passport remains the same, and the address change is reflected in the updated passport booklet.
Conclusion
For any further queries, you can visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office. Or you can also get in touch with Vakilsearch for help.
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