
Travelling with a damaged passport can be stressful and inconvenient, and it is important to know what to do in this situation. If your Indian passport is damaged, it is recommended to apply for a new one instead of attempting to repair it. The first step is to report the damage to the nearest police station and obtain a copy of the FIR (First Information Report). Then, collect the necessary documents, including your previous passport, the FIR, proof of identity, and evidence of address. If your previous passport is unavailable, other forms of identification, such as a birth certificate, may be presented. The next step is to apply for a new passport online or in person at your local Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). It is important to note that duplicate passports are not issued, and a new passport will have a different passport number and fresh validity. The application process includes completing the application, paying the associated fees, and providing the required documents. An interview may also be required to confirm your identity and verify the information provided. The processing time for a new passport can vary, and it is recommended to check the status of your application online. In urgent cases, such as a life-threatening illness or death in the family, an Emergency Certificate (EC) can be obtained from the Indian Embassy or Consulate to return to India.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can I travel internationally with a damaged Indian passport? | No |
What constitutes a damaged passport? | Significant tears, water damage, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole punch, or other injuries. |
What should I do if my passport is damaged and I need to travel urgently? | If your passport is not damaged beyond recognition (i.e. the passport number, name, and photo are legible), you can apply for a reissue of your passport under the Tatkaal scheme. |
What documents are required to apply for a reissue of a passport? | Proof of Present Address, Proof of Date of Birth, Affidavit stating how and where the passport got lost/damaged (Annexure 'F'), Police report in original, Self-attested photocopy of first two and last two pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page of the old passport, if available. |
What You'll Learn
- What to do if your Indian passport is damaged and you need to travel urgently?
- How to report a lost or damaged Indian passport?
- How to apply for a reissue of an Indian passport?
- What is the processing time for a reissue of an Indian passport?
- What to do if your Indian passport is damaged and you need to travel to the US?
What to do if your Indian passport is damaged and you need to travel urgently
If your Indian passport is damaged and you need to travel urgently, the first thing you should do is assess the extent of the damage. If your passport is damaged beyond recognition, with the passport number, your name, and your photo unreadable or washed out, you cannot apply for re-issuance under the Tatkaal scheme. In this case, you will need to apply for a new passport by following the standard procedure, which may take some time.
However, if your passport is only slightly damaged and the passport number, your name, and your photo are still legible, you can apply for re-issuance of your passport under the Tatkaal scheme. The Tatkaal scheme allows for expedited passport re-issuance in urgent cases. You can book an appointment with the nearest Regional Passport Office (RPO) and opt for the Tatkaal option. Make sure to carry all the necessary documents, including proof of address, an Aadhar card, and a birth certificate.
If you are abroad and your Indian passport is damaged, you should immediately report it to the nearest police station and the Indian Mission or Passport Office. You may need to obtain a police report, which will be required when applying for a replacement passport. Contact the respective Indian Mission or Post, as they can generally issue an Emergency Certificate (EC) for returning to India after verifying your Indian nationality, origin, and particulars.
Once you have reported your passport as lost or stolen, it becomes invalid and cannot be used for international travel. To renew it, you will need to apply in person by attending a pre-arranged appointment. If you need an emergency replacement and there are no appointments available, send an email to the nearest embassy or consulate. Please note that applicants are subject to screening, and electronics are not allowed during the appointment.
To receive a replacement passport, you will need to bring the following documents to your appointment:
- A completed but unsigned Form DS-11 Passport renewal form.
- For damaged passports, a signed written statement explaining how and when your passport was damaged.
- A copy of the police report.
- Evidence of identity or citizenship.
- If you are under 16, your parents must also be present with the required documents.
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How to report a lost or damaged Indian passport
If your Indian passport is lost or damaged, it is important to act quickly to protect yourself from identity theft and to ensure you can still travel. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do:
Report the loss or damage:
- If your passport is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the local Indian Police Station and obtain a police report. You can also file an FIR (First Information Report) with a copy of your passport at the nearest police station.
- If you are abroad, report the loss or theft to the nearest Police Station and the Indian Mission or the Passport Office.
- For damaged passports, you will need to provide a signed written statement explaining how and when your passport was damaged.
Apply for a replacement passport:
- You will need to apply for a "re-issue" of your passport. This can be done online through the official Passport Seva website or in person at the nearest Regional Passport Office (RPO).
- If applying online, log in to your registered ID and opt for the 'Tatkal' tab to receive your passport within a maximum of 14 days.
- If applying in person, book an appointment at the nearest RPO and bring all the required documents.
Gather the required documents:
- The documents required for a re-issued passport include proof of present address, proof of date of birth, and an affidavit stating how and where the passport was lost/damaged (Annexure 'F').
- If your passport was lost or stolen, you will need a police report in addition to the above documents.
- If your old passport is available, provide a self-attested photocopy of the first two and last two pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page.
- If you are an Indian citizen living abroad, you may also need to provide previous passport details such as the passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, and place of issue.
Pay the fees and schedule an appointment:
- After submitting your application, you will need to pay a processing fee, which is Rs. 1,500 for lost passports, plus any additional charges for expediting the process.
- Schedule an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or RPO, choosing a location, date, and time that are convenient for you.
Finalize the process:
- Attend your appointment and provide all the required documents.
- If your application is approved, you will receive a new passport with a different passport number and fresh validity.
It is important to note that duplicate passports are not issued, and your new passport will have a different passport number. Additionally, if you have a valid Indian visa in your lost/stolen passport, you must apply for an exit visa from the Foreigner's Regional Registration Office (FRRO) before leaving India. This process can take up to 7-10 business days, and you cannot leave the country without this visa.
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How to apply for a reissue of an Indian passport
If your Indian passport is damaged, you may be able to travel with it if the passport number is legible and your name and photo are intact. However, if your passport is damaged beyond recognition, you will not be able to apply for a reissue under the Tatkaal scheme.
- Visit the VFS Global website and read the "Step-by-Step Guide" thoroughly.
- Apply online for the reissue of your passport on the government of India website. You will need to provide your personal details, including your previous passport details, such as the passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, and place of issue.
- Print the application submitted online, along with any relevant receipts.
- Submit a physical copy of the application, along with the required documents and fees, to VFS Global by postal mail or in person. The required documents may include proof of present address, proof of date of birth, and a self-attested photocopy of the first two and last two pages of your old passport, if available.
- If you are applying from outside India, you may need to submit additional documents, such as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) and an affidavit stating how and when your passport was damaged.
- The normal processing time for a reissue of an Indian passport is about three weeks. However, if a Police Verification Report (PVR) is not clear or pending, the processing time may be longer, approximately 30 days or more.
- Once your application is approved, you will be issued a new passport with a different passport number and a validity of 10 years.
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What is the processing time for a reissue of an Indian passport?
The processing time for a reissue of an Indian passport depends on several factors, including your location and the type of service you opt for. Generally, the standard processing time can range from 1 to 3 weeks. However, it's important to note that this timeframe may vary depending on the specific circumstances and requirements of your application.
If you need your passport reissued urgently, you can opt for the Tatkaal or urgent service, which typically takes 1 to 3 working days. This service is designed for emergency situations and may require prior approval from the Consulate. It is not available for applications sent by mail, expired passports, or those that require clearance from the original Passport Issuing Authority.
To initiate the reissue process, you can apply online through the Passport Seva website or through an offline method. The online process involves registering on the Passport Seva portal, completing the application form, scheduling an appointment, and submitting the necessary documents. For offline applications, you need to download the relevant forms from the Passport Seva website, complete them, and submit them along with the required documents to the nearest Passport Office.
It's important to ensure that your passport is in good condition and that you allow adequate time for the reissue process, especially if your travel plans are not urgent. By staying informed about the requirements and procedures, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.
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What to do if your Indian passport is damaged and you need to travel to the US
If your Indian passport is damaged and you need to travel to the US, the first thing you should do is visit the passportindia website and register yourself. You will need to select 'reissue' and mention the reason as 'damage'. You will then need to complete the process on the VFS website, where you will pay the fees and choose your delivery options.
You will need to provide a number of documents, including a signed written statement explaining how and when your passport was damaged. Many of these documents will need to be notarised, so check with your company as many will have notaries who can do this for free. You will also need to provide two recent photographs, so ensure that you have these ready.
If you are in the US on a visa, you will need to report the loss of your passport to the US Embassy/Consulate which issued your Visa, and you will need to get a new visa the next time you travel internationally. If your passport is damaged, you must get a new visa as soon as possible.
If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for an Emergency Certificate (EC). This will allow you to return to India, but you will then need to apply for a new passport to travel back.
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Frequently asked questions
No, if your passport is damaged, it is invalid and cannot be used for international travel.
A damaged passport is classified based on the extent of the damage. If the passport number, name, or photo are not legible, it is considered damaged beyond recognition. If the passport has not been damaged beyond recognition, you can apply for a reissue under the Tatkaal scheme.
If your passport is damaged, you will need to apply for a reissue. If you need to travel urgently, you can apply for a reissue under the Tatkaal scheme, provided your passport has not been damaged beyond recognition.