Lost or Damaged Passport - Procedure & Fees

• A damaged passport is classified into two types: partially damaged and damaged beyond recognition.
• In case of a lost passport (India), the first thing you should do is contact the nearest police station to report the loss and file an FIR.
• If you lose your passport abroad, immediately report the loss to the local police station of the country and contact the Indian Embassy.
• You can also get an Emergency Certificate to return to India when necessary.

A passport is an official document issued to the citizens of a country to enable them to travel abroad. It serves as an identification document and is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs in India.However, if your passport gets lost or damaged, you should know the correct steps for re-issue/recovery. In this blog, you will learn about what is a damaged passport and the steps you should take if your passport gets damaged or lost.

A damaged passport is classified into two types based on the extent of its damage. They are:

• Partially Damaged: Where the passport number is readable, the name is legible, and the photo is intact.
• Damaged Beyond Recognition: Where the passport has been entirely destroyed.

In case of a damaged or lost passport (India), you should take immediate action and report the loss to the nearest police station and passport office. Here is a step-by-step process to be followed in case of a lost passport (India):

• Step 1: The first thing you should do is contact the nearest police station to report the damaged or lost passport (India). File an FIR (First Information Report) as well.
• Step 2: Next step is to apply for a new passport. To do so, you must collect all the required paperwork. These include a copy of your previous passport (if available), a copy of the FIR, proof of identity, and proof of address.
• Step 3: If your previous passport is not available, you will have to present other identification documents, such as a birth certificate, marksheet, or any other document proving your nationality.

Note : You can now apply for a new passport online or offline at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). Complete the application form, pay the fee, and provide the required paperwork.

• Step 4: You will also need to make a PSK appointment for a passport interview.The interview is conducted to confirm your identity and make sure the data provided by you is accurate.
• Step 5: Your application will be processed and a new passport will be issued to you. You can check the status of your application online.

If you lose your passport abroad, you should immediately report the loss to the local police station of the country where you are travelling. You should also contact the Indian Embassy and apply for a re-issue of the passport.You can also get an Emergency Certificate (EC) to return to India from the Indian Embassy or Consulate during unforeseen circumstances, such as death in the family. An EC will be provided to you after verification of your Indian nationality/origin.

If you have lost or damaged your passport, you can get it replaced by paying a fee. The fee for the replacement of a 36-page passport in lieu of a lost, damaged, or stolen passport is ₹3,000. For a 60-page passport, the fee is ₹3,500.Remember that this fee may be subject to change, so you should check the current fee before applying for a replacement passport.

In case of a lost passport (India), you should report the loss or damage to the nearest police station immediately and inform the Indian Embassy if you lose your passport abroad.
You should not panic and stress in the event of a lost passport (India) as you can easily apply for a new passport after providing the required paperwork. If there is an emergency, you can also get an Emergency Certificate to return to India and then apply for a new passport after your return. Also Read: Lost your Passport while Overseas? Here’s what to do