Your passport’s validity controls everything from visa approvals to boarding gates. This page explains typical validity for adults and minors, the best time to renew, what documents to keep ready, and how to avoid last-minute trouble when you’re close to expiry or out of pages. Use the official links at the end to confirm current rules for your exact category before applying.
For most adult applicants, a standard Indian passport is typically valid for ten (10) years. For minors, passports generally carry a shorter validity aligned to age (commonly up to five years or until turning 18, whichever is earlier). Categories and rules can evolve, so always check the official portal for the exact validity that applies to your case.
A valid passport doesn’t guarantee entry; the destination’s rules control admission. Airlines and border officers often check you have a minimum remaining validity (commonly six months) and enough blank pages for visas and entry stamps. Keep an eye on your expiration date as soon as you start planning travel.
Practically, you apply through the portal under Re-issue even when people say “renewal.” Re-issue covers several reasons: expiry/near-expiry, exhausted pages, damage, loss/theft, or changes in particulars (name, spouse name, address, DOB correction, etc.). Select the correct reason in the application to avoid queries.
| Scenario | Bring These | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Expiry / Near Expiry | Old passport, self-attested copies, standard ID/address proofs | Keep originals + photocopies organized by section |
| Exhausted Pages | Old passport, standard KYC | Consider a 60-page booklet to avoid repeated re-issues |
| Damaged | Damaged passport, ID/address proofs | Explain how the damage occurred; additional verification may apply |
| Lost / Stolen | Police report (FIR/DDR), affidavit, any prior passport copy if available, KYC | Report immediately; if abroad, contact nearest Indian Mission/Consulate |
| Change in Particulars | Gazette/marriage/divorce/court order as applicable + updated IDs | All spellings/dates must match across documents |
The safest window is to apply for re-issue six to nine months before your planned travel when your passport is approaching expiry. Many consulates require a specific amount of remaining validity at the time of visa application. If you’re unsure, renew early and keep your itinerary flexible until the new booklet arrives.
• Passport Seva Official Portal — account, forms, appointments, status tracking.
• Official Fee Calculator — confirm slabs just before you pay.
If you’re collecting visas or travel frequently for work/study, consider a 60-page booklet at re-issue. It’s often cheaper and calmer than re-issuing again when pages fill up.
Normal wear (light scuffs) is usually fine. But water damage, detached laminate, torn pages, or unreadable MRZ can trigger re-issue under damaged. Don’t travel with a borderline booklet—renew first.
File a police report immediately. Keep a scanned copy of your last passport and a list of your recent visas if possible. If abroad, contact the nearest Indian Mission for an Emergency Certificate or a re-issue path.
Update Aadhaar/bank/tax records consistently, then apply for re-issue with the relevant documentary proof (marriage certificate, Gazette, court order). Consistency across all IDs is the #1 factor that prevents hold-ups.
Apply 6–9 months before international travel if your passport will be near expiry. Many countries require at least 6 months validity on arrival, and some visas require longer validity at the time of application.
No—minors usually receive shorter validity aligned to age (commonly up to five years or until 18, whichever is earlier). Always confirm your child’s exact category and validity on the Passport Seva Portal.
Some destinations need a full blank page for a visa sticker and entry/exit stamps. If you’re down to 2–3 pages with multiple trips ahead, re-issue now—especially if you’ll apply for a visa soon.
Light scuffs are fine, but water damage, detached laminate, torn pages, or unreadable data can cause problems at borders. Re-issue under “damaged” and carry all required proofs to avoid denial at check-in.
File a police report (FIR/DDR) immediately. If abroad, contact the nearest Indian Mission for an Emergency Certificate or guidance on re-issue. Keep copies of your passport and visas in secure storage to speed things up.
Update your Aadhaar/bank/tax records first so your document trail is consistent. Then apply for re-issue with change in particulars using the relevant proof (marriage certificate, Gazette, court order).