Reissue vs Renewal of Passport: Key Differences Explained

If you’re planning an international trip, it’s crucial to check whether your passport is still valid. If it has expired, should you apply for a passport renewal or a passport reissue? Understanding the difference between passport renewal and reissue is essential. Although reissue and renewal of passports may seem similar, they represent different processes with specific requirements and conditions.

Passport renewal is required to extend the validity of your current passport. Conversely, a passport reissue is necessary if your passport has been lost or damaged or if you need to update its details. In this blog, we’ll clarify the distinctions between passport renewal and reissue, helping you choose the correct procedure based on your situation.

Passport Renewal

Passport renewal is the process undertaken when a passport’s validity needs to be extended. Typically, this is required when a minor reaches the age of 18 years or their first passport has reached the restricted time, that is, 5 years from the date of issue, whichever comes first.

In the case of adults, a passport is generally valid for 10 years from the date of issue and can be renewed upon expiration. The renewal process primarily involves extending the passport’s validity without making significant changes to its existing data.

Requirements

To renew a passport, you must present your current passport. The number of your existing passport remains unchanged, and the only modification is the extension of its validity period. It is worth noting that this process is primarily concerned with the passport’s expiration and not with any other alterations.

Procedure

Renewing a passport is a straightforward procedure. Applicants can visit the Passport Seva Kendra in person or opt for an online request. The application involves paying a predetermined fee. The process generally involves:

1. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra website.
2. Register for an account.
3. Log in using your credentials.
4. Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport”.
5. Complete the application form with your details, including your address and contact information, for police verification.
6. Upload the necessary documents.
7. Click “validate” and submit the form.
8. On the “view saved/submitted applications” screen, click “pay and schedule appointment.”
9. Choose a payment method, such as credit/debit card, internet banking, or SBI Bank Challan.
10. Schedule an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
11. Print the application receipt, which includes your application reference number or appointment number.

Passport Reissue

Passport reissue refers to the process of issuing a new passport when certain conditions apply. This process is distinct from renewal as it involves the issuance of an entirely new passport booklet. Reissue is necessary under various circumstances, such as:

1. Online Application Process
   1. Access the Passport Seva Website: Log in or sign up on the official Passport Seva portale.
   2. Select the Reissue Option: Choose ”reissue of passport” and provide the necessary information.
   3. Upload Required Documents: Follow the provided guidelines to upload the necessary documents.
   4. Make the Payment: Complete the payment using the available online payment options.
   5. Book an Appointment: Select a suitable time slot to visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Passport Office for document verification.
2. Offline Application Process
   1. Obtain the Application Form: You can download the passport reissue form from the official website or collect it from the nearest passport office.
   2. Complete the Form: Fill in the form with accurate and up-to-date details.
   3. Attach Supporting Documents: Attach all required documents according to the checklist provided.
   4. Submit the Application: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra or Passport Office to submit the form and documents.
   5. Pay the Fee: Make the payment at the designated counter.

Requirements

In contrast to renewal, a reissue requires a different set of documents depending on the reason for the reissue. For instance:

1. Original Passport: The current passport must be submitted if its pages have been exhausted or if it has expired.
2. Affidavit and FIR: If the passport is lost or stolen, an affidavit and FIR report are required.
3. Damaged Passport Affidavit: An affidavit detailing how and where the passport was damaged.
4. Proof of Age, Address, and Identity: Documents such as birth certificate, Aadhaar card, and PAN card.

Procedure

The process for reissuing a passport includes several steps:

1. Submit Application: Submit the completed application form, which can be done online or in person.
2. Book Appointment: You can schedule a time slot to visit the Passport Seva Kendra by visiting the Passport Seva Kendra website, selecting “schedule appointment”, and choosing a suitable time and date.
3. Payment: After making the payment, a confirmation message will appear.
4. Appointment Confirmation: Confirm the slot and visit the nearest passport office on the scheduled date.

Difference Between Passport Renewal and Reissue

The following are the differences between the reissue and renewal of passports:

Navigate Your Passport Process with Ease—Renew or Reissue Today!

Understanding the distinctions between passport renewal and reissue is essential for managing your passport effectively. Passport renewal focuses on extending the validity of an existing passport, while passport reissue concerns issuing a new passport under various circumstances. By knowing these differences, you can complete the process more efficiently and ensure that you meet all the requirements for your specific situation.

For further assistance, visit the Passport Seva Kendra or their official website for detailed guidelines and procedures tailored to your needs.

Stay Prepared

1. Keep Documents Handy: Ensure all required documents are ready before applying.
2. Book Appointments Early: Avoid last-minute rushes by scheduling appointments well in advance.
3. Check Validity Regularly: Regularly check your passport’s validity to avoid issues.

Understanding these differences can save time and prevent complications. Whether you need a renewal or a reissue, knowing the right process ensures the smooth handling of your passport requirements.

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