Indian Passport Renewal Process for Lost or Damaged Passports

For NRIs living abroad, losing your passport or having it damaged can be very stressful. You need to go through the entire process of renewal to make a new one. There is a standard process set by the Indian consulates that you can follow. In India, you can easily visit the Passport Seva Kendra, but in foreign countries, it can be a little stressful. Don't worry, we are here for the solution to your Indian passport renewal process.

In this blog, we have provided the steps that you can follow for easy passport renewal applications. We have also mentioned some preventive measures you can take to save your passport from damage or loss. 

What to Do If Your Passport is Lost?

In case your Indian passport is lost, here are the necessary steps that you should take immediately after you realise

1. File a Police Report

• The first step is to visit the local police station and report the loss of your passport.
• Kindly ask for a certified copy of your police report, as it will be required as one of the supporting documents for the renewal process. 

2. Notify your Indian Consulate

• Contact your jurisdiction's consulate or the Indian Embassy to notify them about your lost passport. They will provide you with additional assistance as per your case. 

Calculating the Damage of a Damaged Passport

Here is how you can evaluate the extent of the damage in your passport:

• If the critical details in your passport are illegible and you are not able to read them properly, then renewal is compulsory.
• If the chip in your e-passport is non-functional, then you have to renew your passport.
• I there is minor wear and tear in your passport, then immediate renewal is not required, but you need to consider it before your next travel.

Steps for the Indian Passport Renewal Process

1. Fill out the Indian Passport Renewal Application

• Visit the Passport Seva Portal and create your login by using the credentials.
• Complete the passport renewal application form and select the Lost or Damaged Passports in the reason section. 
• Double-verify all the details and information you have provided in the form.

2. Book Your Appointment

• Schedule your appointment with the Indian Consulate present in your region's jurisdiction. 
• If you can prove the urgency of your travel, then the slots for Tatkal (expedited) passport renewal are also available.

3. Pay the Indian Passport Renewal Applicable Fees

• The fees for the renewal of lost or damaged passports are more than the standard renewal of an Indian passport.
• Fees for lost passport renewals: $150-$250 (depends on specific circumstances)
• Fees for damaged passport renewals: $150-$200
• You can make the payment online by using the Passport Seva Portal.

4. Visit the Indian Consulate 

On the day of your appointment, you need to follow the given instructions:

• Arrive with all the necessary original documents and their photocopies.
• Submit your application and include the required supporting documents.
• If it is required, then provide your biometrics as well.
• Attend a small interview to explain the situation of your lost or damaged Indian passport.

5. Track your Indian Passport Renewal Online Application 

You can track a passport application by using the reference number provided to you.

Common Reasons that Can Cause Passport Damage

Here are a few of the reasons that can cause damage to your passports:

• Exposure to water
• Torn cover or pages of the passport
• Text not readable due to wear and tear of the passport

Required Documents for Lost or Damaged Passport Renewal

For the smooth processing of your Indian passport renewal, here are the documents that you need to gather:

1. For the cases of Lost Passports:

• A certified copy of your police report.
• Photocopies of your lost passport, if they are available.

2. For the cases of Damaged Passports:

• Your damaged passport, if it is retrievable

3. List of standard documents for both: 

• Any proof of your legal status in the US. It can be a visa, green card, or I-94.
• Proof of your US address, such as a lease agreement, utility bill, driver's license, etc.
• An Affidavit of loss or damage.
• Your two recent passport-sized photographs meet all requirements. Size should be 2x2 inches.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

 Here are a few tips for the smooth application process of passport renewal:

1. Documentation:

• For your records, always keep multiple copies of all the submitted documents.
• Make sure that your police report has all the details about the loss of your passport.

2. Accuracy:

• Make sure that you avoid the mistakes and inconsistencies in your Passport renewal application.
• Cross-check the information you have provided in all of your supporting documents.

3. Planning: 

• Regularly check the availability of appointment slots to book your appointment.
• Keep your backup plan prepared in case of delays, especially during the peak travel seasons. 

How to Avoid Future Damage or Loss?

Here are some of the preventive measures that you can take to save your passport from damage or loss:

• You can use a cover made of protective material for your passport. It can save it from wear and tear. 
• Always keep your passport in a safe and dry place.
• Keep physical and digital copies of your passport in case of emergency situations.

Why Choose Visament?

The Indian passport renewal process can be complex for applicants because you need to provide the documents appropriate to your circumstances. The reason for renewal should be correct, and the details need to be accurate. In case of loss or damage, you have to provide enough proof to start the renewal process. For such applications, it is always a good idea to seek some assistance from the experts. 

At Visament, we have a team of professionals who have been working in this field for many years, and they have a combined experience of 30+years. They can fill out your application for passport renewal and review all the documents submitted by you. We provide fast approvals on these applications, and our customer support is available 24/7 for our clients.