Lost your passport in India or abroad? Get a replacement quickly!

A passport is an essential travel document for Indian citizens. It is your gateway to exploring the world, but losing or damaging this essential identification can be a stressful ordeal. Imagine the inconvenience of being stranded in a foreign land without a valid passport or the frustration of dealing with bureaucratic hurdles at home.

To prevent such situations, it is important to understand what steps to take if you lose your passport in India or abroad.

What is a damaged passport?

A passport is considered damaged if it has suffered physical deterioration that affects its usability. The extent of damage can vary greatly. Damaged passports generally fall into two categories:

1. Type 1: Partially damaged passport
   In this case, your passport is still partially usable. Key details such as passport number, holder name, and photo remain intact and legible. Despite damage, your passport may be accepted for travel or other official purposes, but it is recommended that you replace it as soon as possible.
2. Type 2: Severely damaged passport
   Passports in this category have suffered serious damage that renders them unrecognizable or unusable. Your passport number, name, or photo may be obscured, torn, or missing altogether. In these cases, you must obtain a new passport immediately.

What should I do if my passport is lost or damaged?

Losing or damaging your passport can be a stressful experience, but knowing the right steps can help make the process go smoothly.

If your passport is lost or damaged in India:

1. Report a loss:
   Immediately file a police report at the nearest police station. Obtain a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) as it is essential for the passport replacement process.
2. Contact Passport Seva Kendra.
   In India, inform your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) about your lost or damaged passport.
3. Application for reissue:
   Submit your passport replacement application online at the Passport Seva website.
4. Document collection:
   Prepare required documents including FIR, identity proof, address, date of birth, etc.
5. Attend your appointment:
   Make an appointment at PSK for biometrics and document verification.

If you lose your passport abroad:

1. Report it to your local police:
   Notify local police authorities about your lost passport and obtain a police report.
2. Contact the Indian Embassy/Consulate:
   Contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate immediately. We can help you with an Emergency Certificate (EC) for your return trip to India.
3. Application for reissue:
   After returning to India, follow the same passport replacement process as described above.

By following these steps and gathering the necessary documents, you can expedite the process of obtaining a new passport.

How do I apply for a duplicate or new passport if it is lost or damaged?

Duplicate passports will not be issued. If your passport is lost or damaged, you must apply for a new passport. To apply for a new passport, you must select the ‘Reissue’ option on the passport application form and enter the reason as ‘Lost’ or ‘Damage’. The new passport will have a different passport number and start with a new validity period.

A copy of your existing passport is not required, but it is helpful to provide details of your existing passport, including passport number, issue date, expiration date, and place of issue. If you are unable to provide this information, you should contact the relevant Indian mission or post for assistance.

By providing accurate details of your previous passport, we can simplify the application process and obtain your new passport quickly.

Documents and fees required for passport reissue

To successfully replace a lost or damaged passport, you must provide certain documentation and pay the applicable fee. Understanding these requirements is important to ensure a smooth application process.

The specific documents required for passport reissue may vary depending on individual circumstances. However, some common documents include:

1. proof of identity: Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID card, driving license, etc.
2. address proof: Ration card, utility bills (electricity, water, gas), bank statement, spouse’s passport, etc.
3. birth date certificate: Birth certificate, school/university graduation certificate, PAN card, etc.
4. passport photo: According to specified dimensions.
5. police report: If your passport is lost or stolen.
6. Old passport (if available): It is recommended that you submit your old passport even if it is damaged.

memo: It is important to carry original documents and self-certified copies for verification purposes.

Passport replacement for a lost, damaged or stolen passport

If your passport is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can apply for a reissue by paying a fee. The fee amount depends on your passport type (36 or 60 pages) and whether you choose regular or Tatkal processing.

1. 36 page passport: ₹3,000
2. 60 page passport: ₹3,500
3. immediate processing: Additional ₹2,000

memo:These fees are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, see: Passport Ceva website.

Don’t let a lost or damaged passport ruin your travel plans

Losing or damaging your passport can be a stressful ordeal. Understanding the passport reissuance process can help minimize inconvenience. Gather all required documents, adhere to fee structure and follow prescribed procedures.

To avoid last-minute hassle, we recommend protecting your passport by making a digital copy and keeping it safe. For more information and latest updates, please visit the official website. Passport Ceva website.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)