Passport Renewal vs Passport Reissue: Key Differences, Process & Documents

A passport is an important document that is used for travel and identification purposes. It is mandatory to update the information in your passport.

If your passport is lost, damaged, has expired, is nearing expiry, has exhausted its pages, or requires changes to personal details, you need to apply for a passport reissue. Although many people use the term "passport renewal," the Passport Seva Portal processes these cases as a passport reissue for ordinary Indian passports.

In this blog, we will explore the difference between a passport renewal and a passport reissue, the required documents, and how to book an appointment.

Difference Between Passport Renewal & Passport Reissue

Here is the detailed information for passport renewal and passport reissue.

Passport Renewal

The term passport renewal is commonly used when a passport is about to expire. However, for ordinary Indian passports, the Passport Seva Portal processes such cases under the passport reissue category. If your passport is nearing expiry or has already expired, you should apply for a passport reissue to receive a new passport booklet with fresh validity.

Note: A reissued passport is issued with a New passport number.

Passport Reissue

A passport reissue is a process by which an individual gets a new passport in place of their old passport for the following purposes. 

• If the passport has expired.
• If your passport validity is near the date of expiry.
• For a lost or damaged passport.
• If the number of pages in your passport is exhausted.
• Passport with torn pages.
• For changing any personal details in the passport.

Application Process for Passport Renewal vs Passport Reissue

Here is the application process to apply for a passport renewal and a passport reissue.

Application Process for the Passport Renewal

1. Go to the official Passport Seva portal.
2. Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport" on the Passport Seva Portal.
3. Fill out the online application form with all the correct documents.
4. Upload the required documents, wherever applicable, and carry the original documents to the Passport Seva Kendra for verification.
5. Book an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra.
6. Pay the required fees for the Passport renewal application.
7. Go to the Schedules Passport Seva Kendra for submission of biometrics and documents.
8. Wait for the passport application process. You will get your passport delivered within the due date.

Documents Required for the Passport Renewal Application

Here is the list of documents that you will need to submit for passport renewal.

• Original Indian passport.
• Self-attested copies of the first and last pages of the passport.
• Proof of current address (if applicable).
• Supporting documents for any requested changes (if applicable).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC).
• Employer certificate, only for specific government or public sector employees.

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Application Process for the Passport Reissue

To apply for the passport reissue application, you need to follow the steps mentioned below.

1. Go to the official Passport Seva portal.
2. Click on the reissue of Passport option.
3. Fill out the application form with all the correct details.
4. Upload all the supporting documents for passport reissue.
5. Book an appointment with the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.
6. Pay the required fees for the passport reissue application.
7. Go to the scheduled appointment date and submit your biometrics and documents with a printed passport renewal application.
8. Wait for the processing of the passport reissue.

Documents Required for Passport Reissue

Here is the list of documents mentioned below that you need to submit when applying for a passport reissue application.

• You need to submit your old passport for the reissue application.
• An affidavit for the loss of a passport.
• A valid police report.
• Photocopies of the first and last two pages of the passport, along with the ECR and observation page of the passport.
• You need to submit an affidavit showing a damaged or torn passport.
• Proof of address, such as an Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Driving Licence, bank statement, utility bill, or other accepted address proof.
• Identity proof, if required, along with any additional documents applicable to your specific reason for passport reissue.

Process to Book an Appointment for Passport Reissue

Here are the simple and easy steps mentioned to book your Indian passport reissue appointment.

1. Fill out the passport reissue application with all the supporting documents and correct information.
2. Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra, online by clicking on the "schedule appointment ' option.
3. Pay the required fees for the application, and after the successful payment, you will get a success message pop-up.
4. Select a date and time for an appointment.
5. Choose the nearest Passport Seva office for your appointment.
6. Go to the appointment date with documents and a printed application form.

Final Thoughts

To keep your passport valid and updated for identification and travel purposes, you need a passport renewal and a passport reissue.

Although the term passport renewal is widely used, ordinary Indian passports that are nearing expiry or have already expired are generally processed as a passport reissue through the Passport Seva Portal. A passport reissue is also required for lost, damaged, exhausted, or updated passports. Choosing the correct application type and submitting the required documents helps ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.

You can also make the application process safer and simpler by using the Visament website. We provide you with a smooth application process that helps the applicants get their passports renewed or reissued, reducing the chances of errors and rejection.