Passport is an important document and is valid for purposes other than travel as well since it contains information like age, residence, etc. The Indian passport is valid for 10 years since the date of issue.
The Indian passport holder must get his/her passport renewed before or soon after the date of expiration of the passport in order to keep using it. However, a common question that often remains uninformed is: does the passport number change after renewal?
Many Indian passport holders are also unaware about the process of passport number renewal. Where to apply? What is the process for passport number renewal? How does the passport number change after renewal affect your travels? Read below to find more about passport number change after renewal.
Difference between Passport Renewal and Passport Re-Issuance
Many passport holders believe that passport renewal and passport re-issuance are the same thing. But it is not so. The two are different procedures.
Passport renewal: It is done before the expiration date of the passport to extend its validity.
Passport re-issuance: It is done if the passport has expired, been lost, damaged or stolen, etc.
Will my passport number change after renewal?
Passport number is a unique serial number specific to each passport. Passport renewal is done when the initial validity of the passport is between one to five years which can be extended to 10 years after renewal. There is no passport number change after renewal.
Only the validity date is changed. Since passport number renewal does not take place, the existing passport is given to the passport holder. In case of passport re-issuance, a new passport with a passport number renewal is given to the passport holder.
Documents required for passport number renewal
Required documents for passport renewal usually depend upon the kind of passport being renewed (i.e., regular or tatkal) and the age of the child/adult. Following documents are generally required while applying for passport renewal:
- Original old Passport
- Self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of the passport.
- Self-attested copy of the Emigration Check Required (ECR)/Non-ECR page.
- Self-attested copy of the page of observation made by the Passport Issuing Authority (if any).
- Self-attested copy of the validity extension page for Short Validity Passport (SVP) (if required).
- Proof of documents which eliminate the cause of issuance of Short Validity Passport (SVP).
How to apply for passport renewal?
The process for passport renewal is similar to that of passport re-issuance. You can either complete the process online by filling out the online application form or get a print out of the form and submit it to the nearest Passport Seva Office. One can apply for their passport renewal by logging in at the Passport Seva Kendra website
The process of renewal for Short Validity Passport (SVP) is simple. The passport holder needs to visit the Passport Seva Kendra and apply for the renewal of Short Validity Passport.
How much time does it take for passport renewal?
It takes around 7-14 days for Tatkal passport renewal and 30-45 days for regular passport renewal.
How much does Passport Renewal cost?
The application fee for passport renewal for adults is 1500 INR and for minors is 1000 INR.
It is important for all passport holders to acquire all the necessary information regarding passports to avoid any hassles while travelling or planning their trip.
Visa2fly aims to impart all such required knowledge including passport renewal, types of passports, how to apply for passports, etc., to ensure that travellers are able to plan their trip conveniently.
Visa2fly also helps its customers by providing various travel-related services including Visa application and interviews, documentation, hotel bookings, travel itineraries, passport stamping, etc. Connect to learn more!
