How To Renew Indian Passport Online?

[Gathik]

I am living abroad in the USA and my parents are in India. Both of parents passports need to be renewed and they are aged so it is a hassle for them to get it done themselves.
I was wondering whether there is an option where I can renew the Indian passports online?

If it possible please provide me with the details.

Many Thanks.

 

[Prits]

Hi Gathik, please have a look at the thread How to Renew Expired Passport, where step-by-step instructions have been mentioned on how to apply for your passport online. Although you parents will have to visit the passport office once for the appointment date that you make when you make the application.

 

[Dhruv]

Yes, it is possible to renew Indian passports online, even if you're living abroad and your parents are in India. The Indian government offers an online passport renewal service through the Passport Seva Portal for both Indian citizens residing in India and abroad.

Here’s how you can assist your parents in renewing their passports:
1. Online Passport Renewal for Indian Citizens in India:

• Visit the Passport Seva Portal: Your parents can access the official Passport Seva Portal Passport Seva, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
• Create an Account or Log In: If your parents do not have an account, they will need to create one. If they already have an account, they can log in.
• Fill in the Application Form: They need to complete the online passport renewal application form. Select "Reissue of Passport" and provide details like the previous passport number, address, etc.
• Documents Required:
  • Proof of address (e.g., utility bills, Aadhar card)
  • Old passport details
  • Passport-sized photographs (specific size requirements)
  • Signature or thumb impression (if applicable)
• Payment: The payment for the passport renewal can be done online using credit/debit cards or other available methods.
• Appointment and Submission: After the application is submitted, your parents need to schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). During the appointment, they will need to submit the original documents and biometric details (if required).

Since your parents are aged, there are provisions to request home delivery for the passport, or if mobility is an issue, you can explore special services such as Tatkal if urgent processing is needed.

2. For Indian Citizens Abroad (You as the Sponsor):
If your parents are unable to visit the Passport Seva Kendra themselves, you can help them in the following way:

• Online Application: You can help them fill out the online application form on the Passport Seva Portal from abroad.
• Required Documents: Ensure that they provide the required documents and passport copies.
• Fee Payment: You can make the payment online on behalf of your parents.
• Appointment and Submission: Since your parents are in India, they would still need to visit the local Passport Seva Kendra or post office for document verification, biometric scanning, and other requirements.

In cases of physical difficulties, some regional passport offices may allow additional accommodations for elderly applicants. It’s worth contacting the local Passport Seva Kendra to inquire about special provisions.

3. Tracking the Status:
Once the application is submitted and documents are verified, the processing of the passport will typically take 7-15 working days, depending on the service type. You can track the status of your parents' passport renewal via the Passport Seva Portal by entering the application number or the file number provided at the time of appointment.

Tips:

• Ensure Document Accuracy: Make sure that all documents (address proof, old passport, photos) meet the specifications set by the Passport Seva Portal to avoid delays.
• Check for Senior Citizen Support: Some regions offer special assistance for senior citizens, such as a quicker process or at-home document verification.

By assisting your parents with the online process, you can make their passport renewal easier without them having to navigate the process themselves.

 

[Punit]

Yes, you can renew your parents' Indian passports online even if they are living in India. The process for renewing Indian passports for overseas residents (like you in the USA) can be done through the Indian Passport Seva Portal, which provides an online service for passport renewal. Here are the steps for online renewal and additional details on how you can help your parents:

Steps to Renew Indian Passports Online:

1. Visit the Passport Seva Portal:
   
   • Go to the official Passport Seva Portal: Passport Seva, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
2. Register/Login:
   
   • If you don’t have an account, create one by registering.
   • If you already have an account, simply log in.
3. Fill in the Application Form:
   
   • After logging in, choose "Apply for a Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport".
   • Select the option for "Reissue" (for renewing a passport).
   • Fill out the application form with accurate details about your parents, and submit the form online.
4. Pay Fees:
   
   • After completing the application form, pay the passport renewal fees online. The amount will vary depending on the type of passport (normal or tatkal) and the validity you choose.
   • You can pay the fee through various online payment methods such as credit/debit cards, net banking, or wallets.
5. Choose a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK):
   
   • For Indian nationals living abroad, the passport needs to be processed by the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate. You will need to select the embassy/consulate in the country where your parents reside. If they are in India, they can book an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) nearest to them.
6. Documents Required:
   
   • Proof of Address: Utility bills, bank statements, etc.
   • Current Passport (original and photocopy).
   • Passport-sized photographs (follow guidelines specified on the portal).
   • Any other documents depending on your parents' specific case (such as supporting documents for name changes, if applicable).
7. Biometric Appointment:
   
   • Once the application is submitted and fees are paid, your parents will need to visit the PSK or the Indian Embassy/Consulate (for non-residents) for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photograph) if required.
   • They will receive a token number for the appointment, which they need to take along with the necessary documents.
8. Track the Status:
   
   • After submission and biometric data collection, you can track the status of the passport renewal application through the Passport Seva Portal.
9. Receiving the Passport:
   
   • Once the passport is processed and ready, it will be sent to your parents’ registered address or can be collected from the PSK/Embassy.

Important Notes:

• For NRIs (Non-Resident Indians): Passport renewal for Indian citizens living abroad (like in the USA) can be done through the Indian Consulate or Embassy in the region where you live.
• For Elderly Parents: If your parents are elderly and face difficulties visiting the Passport Seva Kendra in person, you may be able to inquire about special provisions or assistance, including possibly having someone represent them for certain processes. You can reach out to the respective Indian Embassy/Consulate for more details on this.
• Tatkal Passport Service: If your parents need their passports renewed urgently, you can apply for the Tatkal Scheme for expedited processing.

Summary:

• Online Application: Yes, you can help your parents renew their Indian passports online by completing the application on the Passport Seva Portal.
• Embassy/Consulate: For those living abroad, the passport is processed through the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your location.
• Required Documents: Basic documents include the current passport, proof of address, passport-sized photos, and other supporting documents as per your parents' situation.

If you're in the USA, you can handle the application online through the Indian Embassy or Consulate nearest to you, and your parents in India can visit the PSK once they have the appointment.

Let me know if you need more specific guidance on any step!