A passport is one of the most vital identification documents for any Indian citizen. Whether it’s for travel, employment, education, or visa purposes, its integrity is paramount. But what if your passport gets damaged due to water, fire, mishandling, or wear and tear? In such cases, you are required to apply for a duplicate passport. This process is officially termed as applying for a “Re-issue of Passport” due to damage. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to get a duplicate passport in India if your original is damaged, including the documentation, process, fees, and timelines.
Understanding the Term “Damaged Passport”
As per the Ministry of External Affairs, a passport is considered damaged in the following cases:
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The passport is torn, soiled, or mutilated
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The personal details page is illegible
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The passport is physically intact but no longer readable due to water damage or ink smudging
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Partially destroyed due to fire or other accidents
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Any physical alteration that affects the identification of the holder
Important: If your passport is just expired or about to expire but in good condition, do not apply for a duplicate. Instead, go for a normal reissue due to expiry.
Can You Travel with a Damaged Passport?
No. A damaged passport is not a valid travel document. You may be:
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Denied boarding by airlines
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Rejected by immigration authorities
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Refused visa issuance
If your passport is damaged, apply for a reissue immediately.
How to Apply for a Duplicate (Reissued) Passport in Case of Damage
Follow this step-by-step process to apply for a duplicate passport:
Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Portal
Go to the official site: www.passportindia.gov.in
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Create or log in to your account.
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Select “Apply for Fresh Passport / Reissue of Passport”.
Step 2: Choose the Reason for Reissue
In the application, under “Reason for Reissue”, select:
“Damaged Passport”
You’ll be asked whether the damage is minor or major.
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Minor Damage: Passport is readable and photograph is identifiable.
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Major Damage: Passport is completely destroyed, unreadable, or identity is unrecognizable.
Choose accordingly as this affects the required documents and processing.
Step 3: Fill in the Application Form
Provide all the required personal and passport details:
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Name
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Date of Birth
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Passport Number of Damaged Passport
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Issuing Authority and Date of Issue
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Address Details
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Emergency Contact Information
Save and submit the application.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Fee Structure (As of Latest Update):
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Normal Scheme:
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₹1,500 for 36 pages (10-year validity)
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₹2,000 for 60 pages
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Tatkal Scheme (Fast-track processing):
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₹3,500 for 36 pages
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₹4,000 for 60 pages
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Pay via internet banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI.
Step 5: Schedule an Appointment
Choose your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) and schedule an appointment.
Print the application receipt (ARN) and take it to your appointment.
Documents Required for Reissue of Damaged Passport
Prepare the following documents based on the extent of damage:
For Minor Damage (Readable Passport):
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Damaged original passport (mandatory)
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Self-attested copy of the first two and last two pages
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Address proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Utility Bill, etc.)
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Proof of Date of Birth (if applicable)
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2 passport-size photographs (in some PSKs, optional as they take photos on-site)
For Major Damage (Unreadable or Destroyed Passport):
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FIR or police report (optional but recommended)
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Affidavit explaining the cause of damage (Annexure “L”)
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Address proof
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Date of Birth proof
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Identity proof (PAN Card, Aadhaar, etc.)
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Photocopy of damaged passport (if any remains are available)
Note: Carry both originals and photocopies of all documents.
Police Verification Requirement
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Minor Damage: Usually no police verification if the address is unchanged.
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Major Damage: Police verification is typically mandatory.
You will be informed about verification status during your appointment.
Tatkal Option: Can You Get a Duplicate Passport Quickly?
Yes. You can opt for the Tatkal Scheme if:
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You submit Annexure “F” (Verification Certificate from a Gazetted Officer)
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Your documents are complete and match the required norms
Tatkal passports are typically issued within 1-3 working days, making it ideal for emergency travel.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Duplicate Passport?
Normal Application:
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7 to 15 working days (may vary by city and workload)
Tatkal Application:
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1 to 3 working days, subject to eligibility
You can track the status using the Passport Seva App or website using your ARN number.
Precautions to Avoid Passport Damage in the Future
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Use a waterproof passport holder
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Do not laminate your passport
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Avoid folding or rolling it
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Keep it away from heat or fire sources
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Do not write or staple inside your passport
Can You Travel While Waiting for a Duplicate Passport?
No. Once you report your passport as damaged and apply for a reissue, the old passport is considered invalid. You must wait until you receive the new one.
Conclusion
Losing access to your passport due to damage can be stressful, especially when international travel is involved. Fortunately, the Indian passport system has a clear and streamlined process to handle such situations. By following the right steps and preparing the necessary documents, you can quickly obtain a duplicate passport and resume your travel plans without delays.
We at Visa Agents in Bangalore specialize in passport reissue services for lost or damaged passports. Our experienced team is available 24×7 to guide you through every step with fast, professional support anywhere in India.
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