How to Renew a Damaged Passport in India

A damaged passport can disrupt travel plans and lead to complications during identification processes. Whether your passport is torn, water-damaged, burnt, or mutilated in any way, it is essential to apply for a reissue as early as possible. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has a clear and structured process for renewing a damaged passport, provided the damage is assessed properly and the required documents are submitted.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to renew a damaged passport in India, the documents required, the application process, and key tips to avoid rejection or delays.

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What Is Considered a Damaged Passport?

A passport is considered damaged if:

• The passport booklet is torn or mutilated.

• The laminated portion is broken or photo/signature is not clearly visible.

• The passport has water damage, burn marks, or ink spills.

• Any of the pages have been removed or tampered with.

• The barcode is unreadable or the passport number is affected.

Important: Damage that affects the identity or security features of the passport requires a full reissue, not just a renewal.

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Types of Passport Damage Recognized

1. Minor Damage:

   • Torn cover or internal pages without affecting the critical information.

   • Scratches or wear and tear over time.

2. Major Damage:

   • Damage to personal details or photo page.

   • Passport completely soaked or burnt.

   • Booklet integrity compromised.

Depending on the damage type, the Passport Officer decides whether a normal reissue is sufficient or if additional verification or police clearance is required.

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Can I Renew a Damaged Passport?

Yes, but it is technically a reissue, not a renewal. In case of a damaged passport:

• You must apply under the category: Reissue of Passport – Reason: Damaged Passport.

• You will need to submit additional documents and may have to undergo police verification.

• Tatkal services may not be available for severely damaged passports.

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Documents Required for Reissue of a Damaged Passport

To renew or reissue a damaged passport in India, prepare the following documents:

1. Original Damaged Passport (even if torn or mutilated).

2. Self-attested photocopy of the first two and last two pages of the damaged passport.

3. Proof of Present Address (any one):

   • Aadhaar card with updated address.

   • Electricity bill, water bill, rent agreement.

   • Bank passbook or statement.

4. Proof of Date of Birth:

   • Birth certificate, PAN card, or 10th class certificate.

5. Annexure “L” – Affidavit stating how the passport got damaged.

6. Annexure “E” – Self-declaration for submission under Tatkal, if applicable.

7. Police Verification Certificate (if applying under Tatkal scheme).

8. Passport-sized photographs (if needed, although most PSKs now click photographs on-site).

Note: Annexures must be printed on plain paper and signed. No notarization is typically required.

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Step-by-Step Process to Renew a Damaged Passport

Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal

• Go to https://passportindia.gov.in

• Register yourself or log in with existing credentials.

• Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport”.

Step 2: Fill in Application Form

• Select “Reissue of Passport” as the service.

• Choose the reason as “Damaged Passport”.

• Fill in personal and contact details.

• Upload necessary documents (if applicable).

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Fees can be paid via net banking, UPI, cards, or SBI challan.

Step 4: Book an Appointment at PSK or POPSK

• Choose a convenient date and time at a Passport Seva Kendra.

• Carry your printed appointment receipt and original documents.

Step 5: Visit the PSK for Processing

• Your damaged passport will be assessed by the verification officer.

• If the damage is minor and documents are complete, your application may be approved the same day.

• If the damage is severe or suspicious, additional police verification may be ordered.

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Will Police Verification Be Required?

• For minor damage, no police verification may be needed.

• For major damage, police verification is usually mandatory.

• For Tatkal applications, a Pre-Police Verification Certificate might be required in advance.

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Can I Apply Under Tatkal Scheme for Damaged Passport?

Yes, but only in certain cases:

• The damage must be minor and not involve tampering.

• You must submit all required documents, including Annexure E and possibly a verification certificate from a Gazetted Officer.

• The Passport Officer has the final say on accepting a Tatkal application for a damaged passport.

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Processing Time

Processing time may vary depending on location, workload, and whether police verification is needed.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying for “renewal” instead of “reissue”.

• Submitting incomplete documents or unclear address proof.

• Not explaining the cause of damage in Annexure L.

• Expecting Tatkal service for severely damaged passports.

• Neglecting to bring original documents to the appointment.

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Why Choose SmotPro India Pvt Ltd for Damaged Passport Reissue?

At SmotPro India Pvt Ltd, we understand how stressful a damaged passport can be—especially when you have upcoming travel plans. Our experienced team helps with:

• Assessment of damage and eligibility for Tatkal.

• Preparation and verification of all required documents.

• Fast appointment booking and support at every step.

• Expert assistance for filling out Annexure L and E.

• 24x7 customer support with a dedicated agent.

With offices in Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Vizag, our team ensures that your damaged passport is handled professionally, with speed, accuracy, and zero hassle.

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Need urgent help with a damaged passport?
? Walk into any of our offices in Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Vizag
? Call us for fast and dedicated support – we’re available 24x7.
? Visit SmotPro India Pvt Ltd Website

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