Generally, if you are an Indian national, then you must know that your passport holds only ten-year validity. If you want to continue the benefits of your passport, then you have to renew your passport it before the expiration date. You can also renew the passport after the validity. Passport renewal is a mandatory process, and you should not ignore it. It is because a passport plays a crucial role as identity proof. It works as a proof of residence identity and, of course, the age. Throughout your life, a passport comes into the picture on various occasions and is very important.
When the validity goes beyond ten years, the passport needs renewal. If you are facing any passport renewal issues, then you need to look no further as this guide has got your back. A passport is an officially issued document that helps you keep a tab of all your travel history internationally. Even if your passport is not expiring, you need to renew it if it has minimum pages and you end up traveling to different locations. Furthermore, you need to know that you cannot travel anywhere or get a visa with an expired passport. Hence you must visit passport Seva Kendra to learn more about the details.
The primary difference between passport renewal and reissue of the passport
When you hear the term reissue of passport renewal, all you would think is that they are both the same terms. Well, you need to know that they come with some differences. You must not get confused while applying for renewal or reissues.
Basics about passport reissue
When your passport runs out of pages, you have to reissue it. Reissue means getting a new passport. Even though your passport will feature the same expiry date, it will have added pages. You can say it is like your carry-forward extended bookkeeping.
Documents required for passport renewal
It is crucial for you to carry some mandatory documents for your passport renewal process.
- You must have a printed online form featuring your application reference number.
- Don’t forget to carry your original passport, which is either expired or is likely to expire soon.
- It is vital to carry some address proof, including water utility or electricity bill.
- If you have a ration card, you need to carry that.
- Must carry your bank statement, and it should be at least one year old.
All the documents must be in matching your address in the passport that you have submitted for the process. You can keep the photocopy of your old passport if there is some mismatch. You should carry the photocopy of the first and the last page of your passport and ensure that the ECRN information is mentioned. Whatever documents that you carry to the passport, Seva Kendra must be attested to. For example, if you are attaching your spouse’s details, you can attach the original photocopy of the marriage certificate. Don’t forget to keep original documents besides the extra photocopy.
If you are applying on behalf of minor applicants, then you need to ensure that you carry the specific size of photograph that is mentioned on the web portal. Ensure that the passport-size picture features a white background. In the parent’s name, you have to submit the residential address as proof. On behalf of the minor child, you have to attest to the documents. Furthermore, you must know that the documentation process will be different compared to adults.
Steps to follow for passport renewal
You need to follow some mandatory steps for passport renewal so that there are no issues ahead.
Step 1 Click on the official site
On the passport Seva website. You have to create your account for passport renewal.
- Then, choose the option for new registration.
- Choose the passport office based on your residential address.
- You have to enter your details like your name and email address. Once you do that, you can create your own login ID and password. Click on the option to register after submitting the captcha.
- Once the registration is complete, you will get an email for activation. All you need to do is click on the mail link, and the activation process will be started.
You are now good to go for the passport renewal online once the registration is complete. You can renew your current passport or even apply for a fresh passport.
Step 2 enter your details on the passport application
- To enter the applications, you can download the renewal form, and after filling it out, you can offline submit it.
- You can enter the details directly if you choose online mode.
- Submit the required details with the address proof.
Step 3 book a slot to get the appointment
You can consider these factors and understand how to book your slot for the passport renewal:
- To log in using your login Id and password.
- You can check the saved or the submitted application and then click on the schedule and pay appointment option.
- You can make an online appointment easily once you choose the scheduled appointment slot. Furthermore, the fees are likely to depend on the type of application you choose, including standard or tatkal. It also depends on the page numbers in your passport.
- An online payment option is available. Make the payment online using the different options available. You can also use Internet banking to pay for your passport application. All types of cards are unacceptable. Only visas and MasterCard are accepted.
- Lastly, you need to print the receipt of your application. The application receipt will feature your application reference number. The appointment number is significant. Currently, it is not compulsory to carry the receipt as mobile application notification works.
How to track your passport renewal status?
It is straightforward to track the passport renewal status. All you need to do is enter the details, including file number, application type, or even the date of birth, in the official portal. Then, click on the track application option once all the application details are entered. Don’t forget to carry your passport no matter where you go for holiday or work. You must opt for the option to renew your passport as soon as possible if your passport validity is due. Furthermore, you can enjoy a hassle-free application process provided you follow all the details mentioned here.
Why should you renew your passport without any delay?
No doubt you should ignore some things but not your passport. When it comes to passport renewal, you have to be very alert and get it renewed from time to time. There are different benefits of renewing your passport, and some of them are mentioned here.
Benefits of timely passport renewal
Passport offices get backed up during the start of the year
Suppose you are at the end of the year, so it is very natural for you to make new resolutions or travel plans. If you are looking forward to traveling abroad, then ensure that your passport is renewed in time. There are several passports coming in for renewals during the year-end, so the passport offices are also backed up. Hence renew your passport as quickly as you can.
Use your passport as ID proof
Whenever you apply for anything, you surely need some ID proof in your hand. So instead of just looking here and there for your birth certificate or any other ID proof, you can just present your passport. You can use your passport as your ID proof, no doubt, but it must be valid undoubtedly.
Renewal helps you get the lost passport
Whenever it comes to passports, of course, you will start searching wherever you can. Once you find your passport ensure that you renew it without any delays. You can connect with the embassy, provided you are traveling abroad, and your passport is lost. If you want to travel there, the embassy will also issue emergency certificates for you so you can be stress-free. If you are in India, you can report the same to the police station. Ideally, it is suggested that you apply for re-issuance of the passport at the Passport Seva Kendra.
Most countries need at least six months of validity
Travel whenever you want with an updated passport
You can travel wherever you want with an updated passport. Often you might forget that your passport validity is generally only ten years. When you renew your passport early, you can have a valid one for at least six months to one year of your planned trip dates.
Stay safe from the ever-changing rules
Whether you are applying for a new passport or getting it renewed, you must be aware that the rules are ever-changing across the world. As per the new ministry of external affairs rules, passport rules have changed. Thanks to the new rules, you can easily apply for a passport now.
Make trip planning easy
You can make your travel stress-free provided your passport is valid. At the same time, you would end up saving a lot of energy and time by going through the entire renewal process. A valid passport also makes it easy for you to complete your airport check-in process and custom security checks.
Renew your passport as quickly as you can and plan your trips seamlessly. You might end up spending extra money if your passport is not renewed on time.
