Passport renewals for NRIs: A step-by-step guide to renewing your Indian passport from within the country and abroad

Indian passports have a standard validity of ten years. Regardless of whether you are residing in India or abroad as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI), you must renew your passport when it expires.This guide outlines the Indian passport renewal process for NRIs and the key steps involved.

Renewal vs. Reissue:

Whether you want to renew or reissue your passport, you must follow essentially the same procedures. For example, if you lose your passport, you must first file a First Information Report (FIR) before proceeding with the renewal or reissue process.

You can apply for renewal in various situations, including when you exhaust the pages in your passport, it has expired or is damaged, or you wish to update information such as your address or name. In both cases, you will receive a new passport with a new passport number. It's important to note that each passport essentially has a booklet number, and each renewal or reissue results in a new booklet number.

Passport Renewal Process for NRIs from within India:

1. Fill Out the Passport Application Form

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• Visit the Passport Seva website and log in with your credentials.
• Select 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport.'
• Choose the state and district where you intend to submit your application.
• Select 'Reissue of Passport,' application type (Normal/Tatkaal), type of passport booklet (36 pages/60 pages), and click 'Next.'
• Specify the reason for passport renewal or reissuance and provide other required details.
• Choose your preferred payment mode and make the payment.
• Select the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in your district and book an appointment.

2: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra

• Print the application form, payment receipts, and other necessary documents.
• Visit the Passport Seva Kendra at the appointed time, bringing all required documents.
• PSK executives will take your photographs, biometrics, and verify your documents.

3: Complete Police Verification
The need for police verification is determined by the information you provide. Police verification may be needed before passport issuance, after passport issuance, or sometimes not at all.

Documents required for NRI Passport Renewal in India

NRIs must carry the original and photocopies of the following documents:

• Passport (Valid/Expired)
• Education qualification certificates
• Permanent address proof in India
• Overseas address proof
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Spouse's passport (for endorsing the spouse's name on your passport)
• Travel tickets (for Tatkaal applications)
• Supporting documents for changes in details

NRI Passport Renewal from Overseas

For NRIs who cannot visit India for an extended period, the NRI passport renewal process can be completed from their country of residence. Here's how:

Step 1: Apply at VFS Global

• Identify the consular jurisdiction centers in or near your city of residence.
• Book an appointment for passport renewal, typically facilitated by foreign travel ministries in association with VFS Global, a visa facilitation entity.

Step 2: Fill Out the Form and Submit Documents

• Complete the VFS Order form and assemble the required documents.
• The list of documents may vary and be more extensive, including proof of employment, overseas accommodation proof, etc.
• Some documents may need to be notarized when renewing your Indian passport from overseas.

Step 3: Pay the Passport Renewal Fee
Pay the passport renewal fee, which varies based on the country where you apply for renewal.
Typically, payments for Indian passport renewal overseas are made in cash at VFS centers.

Processing Time

The processing time for passport renewal can vary depending on the city or country where you apply and whether police clearance is required. It usually takes approximately three to eight weeks to receive your renewed Indian passport.