How to Renew a Damaged Passport?

Introduction

To avoid immigration issues when traveling abroad, it’s important to keep your passport in good condition at all times. You can obtain a passport from your country’s government to establish your identity and nationality. Your passport allows you to cross international borders without requiring any special permits. Whether your passport has sustained damage from being in or out of your possession, it’s important to get it renewed as soon as possible to avoid issues when you enter another country. 

Also, Read-Apply for student passport

If you’ve recently damaged your passport, then the natural next step is to apply for a renewal, which can also be done if you have no longer an available copy of your birth certificate.  In this guide, we explain how to renew a damaged passport and the process involved in doing so. So that you can continue traveling freely with ease.

What is a Damaged Passport?

Your passport is damaged and needs to be renewed. But what does that mean, exactly? A damaged passport can often be renewed—but not if it’s beyond repair. Whether your passport is repairable or not depends on several factors. First, you need to know if your passport has been damaged or lost. If so, you should immediately contact local authorities and report it as such. Then you will need to get in touch with your nearest embassy/consulate to apply for a new one.

It is important to remember that you cannot travel internationally without a valid passport; therefore, getting in touch with relevant authorities as soon as possible is essential. 

How Much Damage Qualifies For Renewal?

If your passport is damaged, you must know if it can be renewed. A damaged passport has been severely water-damaged, torn, or substantially worn. So what qualifies as severely water-damaged? Well, if there are five or more pages that are unusable and three or more of those pages were completely soaked with water, then it’s likely severe enough. Also, keep in mind that if any part of your picture page is missing, it cannot be renewed.

Documents Required To Renew Your Passport

To renew your passport, you will need proof of Indian citizenship and identity. When you apply for an adult passport, you must present: 

• Passport application form
• Proof of your date of birth
• Original FIR report
• Proof of address
• Self-attested photocopy of the first two and last two pages (including the ECR/Non-ECR page) of your old passport (if available)

Steps to Get a New Passport if you have lost your passport?

Before you apply for passport, check whether your passport is damaged. A damaged passport does not necessarily mean you will need to apply for a new one. If your passport is damaged then you must follow these steps for renewal.

Step 1: Prepare The Necessary Documents

If your passport has been damaged, you will need to first submit documents proving your identity and citizenship. You must prepare these documents before applying for renewal. A birth certificate can be used in place of a passport as long as it’s issued by a government authority. You should also bring any supporting documentation, such as an adoption or marriage certificate.

Step – 2: File an FIR

Second, take your damaged passport to an Indian police station and file an FIR (First Information Report). This document will give you what you need to prove that your passport was stolen or lost. The next step is to fill up your passport application form.

Step -3: Fill Online Application Form

You will have to fill out an online application form. If you are applying for it in person, there will be an option on the form for damaged passports. As soon as you apply for the renewal of your passport, it will be delivered to your address within three working days. And, if your application has been accepted, then all you need to do is to attend a session with one of our representatives who will help you in renewing or replacing it with a new one.

Step -4:  Payment and Appointment Schedule

You can pay for your new passport and schedule an appointment for further formalities. When applying for passport renewal at any passport agency office, you should be aware of their respective hours and days of operation: you will have to go through security checks and may have to wait in lines even when dealing with urgent applications; that is why it is best if you schedule an appointment.