What To Do in Case of Lost/Damaged Indian Passport

When is the Indian Passport Considered Damaged?

Damaged Indian passports are classified according to the extent of damage and the condition they're in. An Indian passport is considered damaged in case of following situations:

• Partial Damage: When the passport number is readable, the name is legible, and the passport photo is intact despite some kind of external water damage or more
• Damaged beyond Recognition: If your passport's data page is torn or unreadable, and your name or other details are not visible or readable. ,

You can apply for a new passport using the re-issue of passport feature with the reason as a damaged passport.

What Happens When Your Passport is Lost or Damaged Abroad?

Without a doubt, your passport is one of the most important documents during your international trips. A passport is essential, from booking flight tickets to applying for a visa. Even afterwards, you must have a valid passport as it is the only acceptable identity proof of your citizenship when abroad. So if there's any damage to your passport or if the passport is lost altogether, then you are in for a lot of trouble.

In case of loss of an Indian passport while travelling abroad, you must:

• Immediately report it to the local police station in that country
• Contact the nearest Indian Mission in that country for guidance or support
• Inform your travel insurance provider so that they can help you with doubts or foreign bureaucracy
• Visit the responsible Indian Post/Mission, where an EC (Emergency Certificate) will be issued to you

This EC will let you return to India after verification of your Indian nationality or particulars has been made. Please note that duplicate Indian passports are not issued if your passport is lost or damaged.

In case of passport damage, you must apply for a new passport via the re-issue of the Indian passport facility. However, there are criteria for passport damage, and steps should be taken accordingly.

What To Do in Case of a Lost or Damaged Passport?

In either case, you need a new passport. As there is no duplicate passport issued, Indians must apply for a new passport under the re-issue of passport segment. There can be two situations when your passport is lost or damaged, both require different actions.

1. Passport Loss or Damage Abroad

   This is a common issue for Indians who are visiting abroad for tourism, study or other reasons. Passport damage or loss abroad is a serious problem as it can affect your stay there. It can land you in trouble where your ID is required, as well as for your safe return to India.
   In case your passport is damaged or lost abroad, you must immediately report to the local police station and contact the Indian Embassy as soon as possible.

   The concerned Indian mission will issue an emergency certificate for temporary use. Once your Indian nationality/particulars/origin has been verified, you will be issued an Emergency Certificate or EC. This EC will enable you to return to India.

   Once you are back in India, you must apply for a re-issue of your passport. This will also require a complete list of necessary documents along with the completed passport application form.

   If you have an international travel insurance policy, you must also notify your insurance provider of the situation. Many travel insurance plans offer coverage for lost passports abroad so that you can get reimbursed for the expenses incurred. They will also help you understand the requirements to get an EC and how to reach the authorities.

2. Passport Loss or Damage in India

   In case you lose your passport in India, you must report to the nearest police station and file an FIR immediately. In case your passport is damaged, you can apply for a new one online or visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.

   You can follow the given instructions in case of passport damage or loss in India:

   Step 1: As soon as you realise your passport has been stolen/lost, contact the local police station. You will need a copy of the First Information Report (FIR) to apply for a new passport later.

   Step 2: Prepare all the necessary documents. You must provide the required documents for a new passport application, including the FIR, ID proof, address proof and a copy of your previous passport. If this copy is unavailable, you will need to provide other identity documents, such as a birth certificate, certificates, etc., which prove your nationality.

   Step 3: You can start a fresh application under the reissue of passport category. You can do so by either visiting the Passport Seva Portal website, through mPassport Seva mobile application or by visiting the nearest Passport Seva Kendra/ Post Office Passport Seva Kendra. For a damaged passport, mention the reason for reissue as 'Lost/Damaged Passport'.

   Step 4: Complete your passport application, submit it and pay the passport application fee as per the service opted. You will also need to make an appointment at the PSK for your passport interview.

   Step 5: On the scheduled date, show up for the passport interview to verify your identity. Once everything is done, wait for the new passports issuance. You can track the status of your passport for any updates.

Fees Required for a Lost/Damaged Passport

In case an Indian passport is damaged or lost, you can apply for a fresh one by paying the specific fee. The fee varies with the number of pages in the booklet, the reason for re-issue, the scheme opted and the validity of the new passport. These are the parameters you must provide:

• Type of service (Fresh or Reissue)
• Reason for Reissue
• Whether or not your passport has expired
• Total number of pages in booklet (36 or 60)
• Scheme required (Normal or Tatkaal)

The following are the fees required if applying for a lost or damaged Indian passport:

Please note that damaged Indian passports may not be issued under the Tatkaal scheme in a few cases.

As you can see, the re-issue cost of a passport application is very high if it has been lost or damaged. It is best to take all precautions to keep your passport safe at all times and protect it from getting damaged.

However, there is not much to be done for situations like theft or vandalism that are beyond anyone's control. However, many travel insurance plans in India offer coverage for passport theft or loss abroad. You can check plans that provide this facility to avoid any extra expenses while on your international trip.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Damaged Indian Passport?

The time taken for the re-issuance of a passport depends on whether a police verification for a passport is needed or not. If your application does not require police verification, then the passport may be reissued within 7 working days. In case a police verification is required, it may take around 30 days to get a fresh passport.

The time taken to get a passport reissued also depends on the scheme opted for. You can get your passport faster under the tatkaal scheme. However, not everyone can opt for this scheme.

If the passport has not been damaged beyond recognition, i.e., the name, passport number and photo are clear and intact, then it is possible to apply for a re-issue of the Indian passport under the tatkaal scheme. Regardless, the final authority for this issuance lies with the passport office/authorities. In case of passports damaged beyond recognition, the tatkaal facility can't be opted for.