How to Renew a Passport in India – Complete Online Process

“Arre bhaiya, shaadi toh fix ho gayi, lekin passport expire ho gaya!”

This was Rahul's reality. Just 2 weeks before his destination wedding in Mauritius, he discovered his passport had expired. Panic set in. If only he knew how to renew passport on time, the stress could have been avoided.

Do not be like Rahul. Whether you are planning a trip, applying for a visa, or even attending an international conference, your passport is your golden ticket. This blog walks you through how to renew your passport in the most entertaining and informative way.

Kya Aapka Passport Bhi Expire Ho Gaya?

Yes, this is real life. Passports are valid for adults only for 10 years. For minors under 18, it's usually 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever is earlier. Imagine discovering just days before your trip that yours has expired!

Knowing how to renew a passport can save you from drama. And no, you don’t have to visit the Ministry of Magic 

like Harry Potter. This is real-world Indian jugaad with government processes.

Passport Validity by Age Group

Tayyar Ho Jao: Yeh Hai Step-by-Step Guide

Learning how to renew a passport is easier than memorising Bollywood lyrics. All you need is a little attention to detail.

Read More - How to Apply for an International Driving License

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before starting, check if you’re actually eligible. Here’s the math:

• Is the passport expired or about to expire within 1 year? 
  
  
• No major changes in personal details? 
  
  
• No criminal records or police complaints? 

Suppose you tick all three boxes, congratulations! You’re eligible.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

“Aadhaar card toh sab kuch nahi kar sakta,” says Meena aunty from Delhi. And she is right! You’ll need a bunch of documents.

Table: Required Documents for Renewal

Yeh paperwork ka chakkar hai, magar tension nahi lene ka!

Step 3: Create an Account on the Official Portal

You’ll need to register using the Passport Seva Portal.

Process:

1. Go to passportindia.gov.in
   
   
2. Click Register Now
   
   
3. Choose the Passport Office nearest to your city.
   
   
4. Fill in all details and verify with your email.
   
   

Even your 10-year-old cousin can do this!

Step 4: Fill out the Application Form

Once you’re in the portal:

• Choose ‘Apply for Fresh / Reissue’
  
  
• Select ‘Reissue’ and reason as ‘Expiry’
  
  
• Fill in personal details, contact info and document details
  
  
• Submit and generate Application Reference Number (ARN)
  
  

This part is like online shopping. Fill. Submit. Pay.

Step 5: Pay & Schedule Appointment

Pay the fee online using the card, net banking or UPI.

Table: Passport Renewal Fees in India (as of 2025)

Rahul paid ₹3,500 for Tatkaal to get his ticket in 3 working days. It was worth every rupee before the baraat left him behind!

Jaldi Karo, Time Nikal Raha Hai, Appointment Book Karo!

Choose the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK). Slot availability can vary, especially in peak seasons like May and December.

Select your preferred date and time. Download the appointment confirmation receipt and print it. Without this, entry is not allowed at PSK.

Step 6: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra

At the centre, carry:

• Appointment receipt
  
  
• Self-attested copies of documents
  
  
• Original documents
  
  

Here’s what happens inside:

1. Token generation
   
   
2. Document verification
   
   
3. Photograph and biometrics
   
   
4. Final approval by the officer
   
   

Timing Tip: Go 15 minutes early and carry a pen (yes, they still ask for it).

Paperwork ka chakravyuh toh Arjun bhi nahi tod paya, lekin tu tod dega!

Step 7: Track Application Status

After the visit, you can track the status online:

• Visit Track Status
  
  
• Enter ARN and Date of Birth
  
  

The system will show statuses like:

• Application under review
  
  
• Police verification initiated
  
  
• Passport printed
  
  
• Dispatched via speed post
  
  

Numerical Insight: Average Renewal Timelines

So if Meena aunty has a USA trip in 10 days, Tatkaal is her safest bet.

Also Read - How to Check Passport Status

Step 8: Receive Your Passport

India Post delivers your new passport right to your home.

Tip: Keep your original ID proof ready during delivery.

If you are not home, you may have to collect it from the post office within 7 days.

Jashn Manao, Naya Passport Aagaya!

Once it arrives, check for:

• Name spelling
  
  
• Address correctness
  
  
• Validity date
  
  

If something’s wrong, apply for a reprint. Do not wait till your next trip.

How to Renew a Passport: Quick Recap

“Khaali passport se safar nahi hota, valid passport se hota hai!”

Final Thoughts: Apna Passport Always Ready Rakho

In India, where spontaneous plans are the norm, renewing your passport is as essential as keeping your phone charged. With this step-by-step breakdown on how to renew a passport, even the most paperwork-phobic person can glide through the process.

So, whether you're on a beach holiday in Bali or a business trip to Berlin, your passport should never be the reason your dreams get delayed.

Toh ab wait kis baat ka? Jaao, renew karao, aur duniya ghoom ke aao!

FAQS on How to Renew a Passport

Q1. Can I renew my passport after expiry?
 Yes. Even if it has expired for years, it can be renewed. But after 3 years, extra documents may be needed.

Q2. Is police verification required again?
 Not always. If no changes in address or personal info, verification may be skipped.

Q3. Can I change my surname during renewal?
 Yes, but you must submit supporting documents like a marriage certificate or a gazette notification.

Q4. Has the old passport been returned?
 Yes. The old passport is returned with a “Cancelled” stamp. It still holds visa records.

Q5. Can I apply without internet access?
 You can take help from Common Service Centres in your area for assisted applications.

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About the Author

LoansJagat Team

‘Simplify Finance for Everyone.’ This is the common goal of our team, as we try to explain any topic with relatable examples. From personal to business finance, managing EMIs to becoming debt-free, we do extensive research on each and every parameter, so you don’t have to. Scroll up and have a look at what 15+ years of experience in the BFSI sector looks like.