NRI passport renewal guide: How NRIs can renew Indian passport from within India & abroad

NRI passport renewal guide: You can apply for renewal in various scenarios, such as when your passport pages are exhausted, it's expired or damaged, or you need to update details like your address or name.

NRI passport guide: Notably, each passport has a distinct booklet number, and each renewal or reissue results in a new booklet number.

NRI passport renewal guide: Indian passports come with a standard ten-year validity. Whether you're an Indian resident or a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), it's crucial to renew your passport upon its expiration. This ET guide provides a concise overview of the passport renewal process for NRIs, outlining the key steps involved.
NRI Passport Renewal vs. Reissue
The procedures for passport renewal and reissue are fundamentally similar.

For instance, in the event of a lost passport, it's necessary to file a First Information Report (FIR) before proceeding with renewal or reissue.
You can apply for renewal in various scenarios, such as when your passport pages are exhausted, it's expired or damaged, or you need to update details like your address or name. In both cases, a new passport with a fresh passport number is issued. Notably, each passport has a distinct booklet number, and each renewal or reissue results in a new booklet number.

• Visit the Passport Seva website and log in.
• Select 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport.'
• Choose your state and district for application submission.
• Indicate 'Reissue of Passport,' application type (Normal/Tatkaal), type of passport booklet (36 pages/60 pages), and proceed.
• Specify the reason for renewal or reissuance and furnish required details.
• Opt for your preferred payment mode and make the payment.
• Select the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in your district and schedule an appointment

• Print the application form, payment receipts, and essential documents.
• Visit the appointed Passport Seva Kendra at the scheduled time with all the required documents.
• PSK staff will capture your photographs, biometrics, and verify your documents.

• The necessity of police verification is determined by the information provided. It might be required before or after passport issuance, or in some cases, not at all.

Documents Needed for NRI Passport Renewal in India:
NRIs should carry originals and photocopies of the following documents:

• Passport (Valid/Expired)
• Educational qualification certificates
• Permanent address proof in India
• Overseas address proof
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Spouse's passport (for name endorsement)
• Travel tickets (for Tatkaal applications)
• Supporting documents for detail updates

NRI Passport Renewal from Overseas:
For NRIs unable to visit India for an extended period, the NRI passport renewal process can be accomplished from their foreign residence. Here's the process:
Step 1: Apply at VFS Global

• Locate consular jurisdiction centers in or near your place of residence.
• Book an appointment for passport renewal, usually coordinated by foreign travel ministries in collaboration with VFS Global, a visa facilitation entity.

• Complete the VFS Order form and gather the necessary documents.
• Document requirements may vary, potentially including proof of employment, overseas accommodation evidence, etc.
• Some documents may require notarization when renewing the Indian passport from abroad.

• Pay the renewal fee, which varies based on the country where you apply for renewal.
• Typically, passport renewal payments overseas are made in cash at VFS centers.

Processing Time:
The processing duration for passport renewal varies depending on the city or country of application and the need for police clearance. Generally, it takes approximately three to eight weeks to obtain the renewed Indian passport.