Steps to follow for quick renewal of your Indian passport-Read

Indian passports can be renewed one year ahead of the due expiry or until three years after expiry, failing which a new application will have to be made. In case of urgency, you can choose the ‘Tatkal’ passport renewal option to receive a renewed passport quicker than the stipulated duration

Passport renewal can be a tedious process, especially when you are preparing for an unexpected business trip or a last-minute vacation. It is important to be aware of the passport renewal process in order to have stress-free travel plans.

Indian passports can be renewed one year ahead of the due expiry or until three years after expiry, failing which a new application will have to be made. In case of urgency, you can choose the ‘Tatkal’ passport renewal option to receive a renewed passport quicker than the stipulated duration.

The following are the details regarding the passport renewal method:

Step 1 – Firstly, make sure that your name, birth date, address, names of your mother and father are aligned across all the identity proofs you submit at the passport office. Usually, PAN and Aadhar cards are submitted as identity and address proofs respectively.

Additionally, look into the ‘mseva’ passport website where they have mentioned the required supporting documents in case of any name change or address change. Also, make sure that you are aware of your pin code and your applicable local police office.

Step 2 – Next, fill up the application form available on the mseva website. Be mindful of choosing the right regional passport office that aligns with your address before submitting your application form.

Step 3 – Once you submit your application form, schedule your slot for a passport interview. Depending on the regional passport office you choose, the interview slots will be indicated on their schedule.

Step 4– Once you have booked your interview slot, complete the payment of Rs.1,500. For the ‘Tatkal’ process you will need to pay an additional amount of Rs.2,000. Once the payment is made, a confirmation message will be sent to your registered email ID and phone number.

Step 5 – On the day of your interview, make sure you have all the necessary photo copies , two copies of each document, with you. Remember to get photo copies of both the front and back sides of your all your documents.

Step 6 – At the passport office, no one is allowed to accompany you unless you are a minor or a senior citizen. The initial set of counters validate your passport and identity proofs. In case of Tatkal, you need to fill another form outlining which proofs you are submitting, after which a token will be given to you.

Step 7 – Once your token is generated, there are three counters A, B, and C, where A validates your form on the system, takes your photo and fingerprints, following which the B and C counters verify the details submitted against the proof.

Step 7 – Once the process is completed, you will receive an SMS and email confirming the same. Your local police station will also be notified, following which an officer will contact you for police verification.

Step 8 – Once the police verification is done, your passport will be sent to your address through India Post.