When Should You Apply for Indian Passport Renewal?

An Indian passport is an important document that is required for travel purposes. However, it is essential to renew the Indian passport on time, which most of the Indian passport holders forget. 

The best time for an Indian passport renewal is 1 year before its expiry. However, individuals also apply for 6-9 months to avoid last-minute hassle and travel disruption. 

In this blog, we will see when you should apply for an Indian passport renewal, along with the processing time, fees, and passport status. 

When to Renew an Indian Passport? 

An Indian passport holder should apply for passport renewal before 1 year of its expiry. This will help in the smooth application process for passport renewal. 

If you apply before 1 year of expiry, then it will be a smooth transfer without losing the validity of your Indian passport. 

Indian passport renewal at the correct time will help you with easy future travel plans without any delays and complications. 

Most of the countries require a passport with a minimum of 6 months' validity. 

When Should You Apply for the Indian Passport Renewal Application? 

The Ministry of External Affairs has issued guidelines for the Indian passport renewal. In this, they have provided the actual time for the Indian passport renewal for adults and minors. 

For minors: They need to apply for passport renewal after 5 years or before turning 18 years old, whichever comes first. 

For the minors who are between 15 and 18 years old can apply for a new passport with 10-year validity.

For adults: They need to renew their Indian passport before one year of expiring.

Also Want to Know About Strongest Passport in the World Check Now!

Why Apply for a Passport Renewal Application Before Expiry?

Applying for a passport renewal application before expiry helps you in the hassle-free process. 

Here are some of the points that explain why you should apply for an Indian passport renewal before expiry. 

• It is also advisable by the Ministry of External Affairs(MEA) to apply for passport renewal before expiry. 
• This will help you to avoid getting unnecessary disruptions at the time of travel. 
• Renewing your Indian passport a little early also reduces the time for your old passport. 
• Apply for the renewal application on time to avoid last-minute processing. 

What are the Indian Passport Renewal Fees? 

For the Indian passport renewal, you need to pay the required amount of fees, which are given below in the table. 

Along with this, you also need to pay additional fees for the correction, name change, and address update in your Indian passport application. 

Note: Fees may also change as per the new government rules. 

What are the Documents Required for an Indian Passport Renewal? 

Here are some of the documents given below that you need to submit for the Passport renewal in India. 

Mandatory documents for the Indian Passport Renewal Application

• Old passport copy
• Two passport-sized photos with a plain white background. 
• A Valid proof of address 
• Proof of Indian origin. 

Documents for Marriage, Divorce, or Separation cases

• To add any spouse's name to the passport:
  • Marriage certificate 
  • Joint Declaration signed by both husband and wife. 
• Deleting spouse's name
  • Divorce degree
• To change the spouse's name
  • Divorce order 
  • Death certificate
  • Re-marriage certificate
• To change any surname due to marriage or divorce
  • Joint photo declaration by both 
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce certificate

Documents for Minor 

• Both parents signed consent forms 
• Present the proof of address of the minor. 
• Self-attested copies of the passport. 

Also Want to Know About Tatkal vs Normal Passport Renewal? Check Now!

What is the Indian Passport Renewal Processing Time? 

The processing time for the Indian passport application depends on the type of application that you have selected. 

For the Regular Passport application: You need to wait for about 7-21 working days for the processing. 

For Tatkaal or Urgent application: through the Tatkaal process, you will get your renewed Indian passport in 1-3 working days. 

For the Update in the Indian passport application or the renewal of an Indian passport, they will take a long processing time due to the verification of documents, police verification requirements, and the type of change, minor vs major. 

Methods to Speed Up Your Passport Renewal Application

Here are some of the ways through which you can get your Indian passport application processed quickly. 

• Provide all the correct information and supporting documents for the smooth application process. 
• Double-check your application before submitting. 
• If you need your Indian passport urgently, then select the Tatkaal service. 
• Book an appointment for your Indian passport application at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) on a non-peak day to avoid any hassle and delays. 

How to Track an Indian Passport Renewal Application Status? 

To check the passport renewal status, you need to follow the steps given below:

1. Go to the Official Passport Seva Portal. 
2. Use your credentials and log in to your account. 
3. Click on the "Track Application Status" option. 
4. Enter your Application Reference Number (ARN) and Date of birth. 
5. Now click on "Get Status", and you will get the real-time updates of your Indian passport renewal application. 

Other Methods to Check Passport Status 

Through SMS Alerts: You can check the Indian passport application status via SMS by paying a small fee, and get all the real-time updates for your application. 

By Calling: The Ministry of External Affairs has introduced a toll-free number helpline for applicants to solve their queries related to passport application by calling 1800-258-1800. 

Here are some of the common terms given below, which you can see at the time of checking the Indian passport status. 

• Under Process: It means that your application is currently under process by the authorities. 
• Dispatched: Your Indian passport has been dispatched and will be delivered to your registered address.
• Pending Verification: Your application is still under verification and needs clearance from the authorities and police. 

Final Thoughts 

Renewing an Indian passport is essential at the right time. Filing to do so leads to travel disruption. An Indian passport holder should apply for a passport renewal application before one year of the expiry of the passport. If you are looking for an urgent passport renewal, then you can also choose the Tatkaal service. 

Get expert assistance by choosing the Visament website for a smooth application process. We handle all your documentation, providing you with an error-free and smooth application process. Here we have a team of experts and highly professional agents who know all the processes and assist you in every step of the application. 

For more details, you can contact our agents by going to the Visament website, where we provide you with an instant solution to all your queries and issues.