Guide
Documents required for passport renewal (re-issue) in India
- Always
- Old passport and copies of key pages
- Address proof
- Only if your address changed
- When
- Up to 10 years before expiry
Renewing an Indian passport is a re-issue, and it needs far less than a fresh one. Here is what Passport Seva's own document advisor asks for.
A real moment
“Your passport expires in five months, and the airline will not let you board with less than six. You have a PSK slot on Friday and one evening to get ready.”
For a passport renewal, bring your old passport with self-attested copies of its first two and last two pages, the ECR page and any observation page. Bring address proof only if your address has changed. You can renew up to 10 years before expiry, and fresh police verification starts if it expired more than three years ago.
The checklist
What to have ready
Last checked against the official sources on 1 October 2026
Everyone
- Your old passportThe original, with self-attested copies of its first two and last two pages, the ECR or non-ECR page, any observation page and any validity extension page.
- Originals, plus one set of self-attested copiesOf every document you bring.
Only if they apply
- Proof of present addressFrom Passport Seva's list.Only if your address is different from the old passport
- Proof of non-ECR statusA document showing you qualify for a non-ECR category.Only if you are claiming non-ECR
- A recent photoPassport size, 4.5 x 3.5 cm, on a white background.Only if the applicant is under 4
- Three documents from the Tatkaal list, and the Tatkaal undertakingYour old passport counts as one. Names and dates must match across them.Only if you apply under Tatkaal
Scan each paper once and DigiSafe ticks it off, shows what is still missing, and sends the lot as one PDF or one link.
Tick these off in DigiSafeFrom Passport Seva's document advisor
When you need address proof
The Tatkaal extras
Always
Old passport and copies of key pages
Address proof
Only if your address changed
When
Up to 10 years before expiry
Police check
Fresh if expired over 3 years ago
Renewal is a re-issue
In India, renewing an expired or expiring passport is a re-issue. Passport Seva's document advisor asks for the old passport and self-attested copies of its first two and last two pages, including the ECR or non-ECR page and any observation page.
Address proof only if it changed
If your address is the same as in the old passport, you do not need new address proof. If it has changed, bring one proof of present address from Passport Seva's list.
When to renew, and police checks
You can apply for a re-issue up to 10 years before your passport expires. Passport Seva says fresh police verification is started if the passport expired more than three years ago, and the passport office decides in each case.
Tatkaal
For a Tatkaal re-issue, adults add three documents from the Tatkaal list, and minors two; the last passport counts as one. You also fill the Tatkaal undertaking. Tatkaal is not available for some re-issues, such as lost or stolen passports or a change of name.
Step by step
- 1
Check whether your address has changed since the old passport.
- 2
Apply for a re-issue on Passport Seva and book a PSK slot.
- 3
Scan the old passport's first two and last two pages into DigiSafe.
- 4
Add the ECR page and any observation page.
- 5
Print one set of copies and sign each.
- 6
Bring the old passport, the originals and the copies.
Questions people ask
What documents are required for passport renewal?+
Your old passport with self-attested copies of its first two and last two pages, the ECR or non-ECR page and any observation page. Add address proof only if your address has changed.
Is police verification needed for passport renewal?+
Passport Seva says fresh police verification is started if the passport expired more than three years ago. The passport office decides in each case.
How early can I renew my passport?+
Up to 10 years before it expires.
Can I renew my passport under Tatkaal?+
Usually, with three documents from the Tatkaal list (the old passport counts as one) and the Tatkaal undertaking. It is not available for lost or stolen passports or a change of name.
Where this comes from
Official sources, dated.
Every requirement on this page comes from the official pages listed here, last checked on 1 October 2026. Rules change and offices can ask for more, so check the official page before you go.
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