How to Reissue Indian Passport — Lost or Damaged

If your Indian passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must apply for a passport reissue (not a fresh passport). This guide covers the complete process including FIR/police complaint, documents required, online application, fees, and the tatkal option for urgent needs.

Lost Passport vs Damaged Passport — Key Differences

Step 1: File a Police Complaint (For Lost/Stolen Passport)

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must file a police complaint before applying for reissue.

How to File:

1. Visit the nearest police station and file an FIR (First Information Report) or a General Diary (GD) entry reporting the loss
2. Mention in the FIR:
   • Your passport number, date and place of issue
   • Approximate date, time, and place of loss
   • Circumstances of the loss/theft
3. Get a certified copy of the FIR — you will need to upload this with your application
4. Alternative: Some states allow filing an online FIR at the state police website

Important: You should also report the loss to the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) and to the nearest police station immediately.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

For Lost Passport Reissue:

• FIR copy / Police complaint copy
• Self-declaration letter (stating when, where, and how the passport was lost)
• Aadhaar card
• PAN card (if available)
• Voter ID or other government photo ID
• Address proof (Aadhaar, utility bill, bank statement)
• Date of birth proof (birth certificate, Class 10 marksheet)
• 2 recent passport-size photos (white background, 2"×2")
• Previous passport details (number, issue date) — if available
• Annexure-F (filled by the applicant)

For Damaged Passport Reissue:

• The damaged passport (original) — must be submitted
• Aadhaar card
• Address proof
• Date of birth proof
• 2 recent passport-size photos
• Self-declaration letter explaining the damage

Step 3: Apply Online on Passport Seva Portal

1. Visit https://www.passportindia.gov.in/
2. Register/Login with your credentials
3. Click "Apply for Re-issue of Passport"
4. Select the reason:
   • "Lost Passport" — if passport is lost or stolen
   • "Damaged Passport" — if passport is physically damaged
5. Fill in the application form:
   • Personal details, family details, address
   • Previous passport details (enter whatever you remember)
   • Emergency contact
6. Upload documents — FIR copy, self-declaration, ID proofs
7. Pay the fee online (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI)
8. Schedule an appointment at the nearest PSK or POPSK

Step 4: Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

On your appointment date:

1. Arrive at the PSK with original documents and printout of the application receipt
2. Go through the counters:
   • Counter A: Document verification
   • Counter B: Biometrics (photo, fingerprint, signature)
   • Counter C: Final verification by granting officer
3. Collect your acknowledgement receipt

Step 5: Police Verification

For lost passport reissue, police verification is mandatory:

• A police officer will visit your residence address to verify details
• Keep original documents ready at home
• This usually happens within 1-3 weeks after PSK visit
• The passport is issued only after police verification is completed

For damaged passport reissue, police verification may or may not be required depending on the RPO's decision.

Fees for Passport Reissue

Note: Fees are subject to change. Verify current fees at https://passportindia.gov.in/. Fees for lost passport are higher due to additional verification requirements.

Tatkal (Urgent) Passport Reissue

If you need the passport urgently:

1. Select "Tatkal" while filling the online application
2. Pay the additional tatkal fee
3. Tatkal appointments are given within 1-3 days (subject to availability)
4. Processing is faster but police verification timeline remains the same for lost passports
5. For damaged passport with tatkal, you may receive it within 1-2 weeks

Tatkal does not skip police verification — it only speeds up the PSK processing.

Processing Time

Times depend on police verification speed in your area.

Track Your Application

1. Visit https://www.passportindia.gov.in/
2. Click "Track Application Status"
3. Select "Passport/PCC/IC/GEP"
4. Enter your File Number (from the acknowledgement receipt)
5. Enter your Date of Birth
6. Click "Track Status"

Important Tips

1. File the FIR immediately when you realize your passport is lost — delays may raise suspicion during verification
2. Save a photocopy of your passport — keep a photo of the first and last page in your phone/email for emergencies
3. Don't apply for fresh passport — always apply for "reissue" when replacing a lost/damaged passport. Fresh applications for people who previously held passports get flagged
4. Police verification address — apply from the address where you currently reside, as police will visit that address
5. Inform your bank/employer — if passport was used as ID/address proof elsewhere, inform them about the loss

Frequently Asked Questions

Is FIR mandatory for lost passport reissue?

Yes, an FIR or police complaint is mandatory for lost or stolen passport reissue. You cannot proceed without it.

Can I apply for passport reissue online?

Yes, the entire application is done online at passportindia.gov.in. You only visit the PSK for document verification and biometrics.

What if I don't remember my old passport number?

You can still apply. Fill in whatever details you remember. The passport office can trace your old passport using your name, date of birth, and other details.

How much does it cost to reissue a lost passport?

₹3,000 for 36 pages and ₹3,500 for 60 pages under normal processing. Tatkal is ₹5,000 and ₹5,500 respectively.

Can I get tatkal reissue for a lost passport?

Yes, but tatkal only speeds up PSK processing. Police verification still takes its normal time (1-3 weeks), so the overall timeline may not reduce significantly.

My passport was damaged by water. Can I still use it?

No. A water-damaged passport where details are illegible or the lamination is peeling is considered invalid. You must apply for reissue.

Do I need to surrender the damaged passport?

Yes, you must submit the original damaged passport at the PSK during your appointment.

If your passport reissue application was rejected, see our Passport Reissue Rejection Fix guide for solutions.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Ministry of External Affairs or any government body. Information is provided for educational purposes. Always verify current fees and processes on passportindia.gov.in.