Lost Passport? Here's How to Apply for Reissue in 2026

Losing your passport can be stressful, especially if you have an upcoming international trip or are currently travelling abroad. A passport is one of the most important identity and travel documents issued by the Government of India. If it is lost, stolen, damaged, or misplaced, you should report the loss immediately and apply for a passport reissue through the official Passport Seva Portal.

The good news is that the Passport Seva Programme has made the reissue process much simpler in 2026. Most of the application process can be completed online, including filling out the application form, paying the fee, and booking an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to apply for passport reissue after losing your passport, eligibility, required documents, police verification, application fees, processing time, common mistakes to avoid, and frequently asked questions.

What is Passport Reissue?

A passport reissue is the process of obtaining a new passport when your existing passport has been:

Lost
Stolen
Damaged beyond use
Exhausted (all pages used)
Expired or about to expire
Requires changes in personal particulars such as name, address, date of birth, or spouse details

For a lost passport, the Passport Authority issues a fresh passport after verifying the applicant’s identity and supporting documents.

Passport Reissue 2026 Overview

Particular	Details
Service	Passport Reissue
Issuing Authority	Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India
Application Mode	Online
Official Portal	Passport Seva Portal
Appointment Required	Yes
Police Verification	Usually Required
Applicable For	Lost, Stolen, Damaged, Expired Passport

When Should You Apply for Passport Reissue?

You should apply for a passport reissue if:

Your passport has been lost.
Your passport has been stolen.
Your passport is severely damaged.
Your passport has expired.
Your passport is about to expire.
All visa pages are exhausted.
You need to update personal details.
Your passport has become illegible.

What to Do Immediately After Losing Your Passport?

The first few steps are crucial to protect yourself from identity misuse.

1. File a Police Complaint

Visit the nearest police station and report the loss immediately.

Request a copy of the FIR (First Information Report) or the Lost Property Report, as it may be required during passport processing.

2. Keep Details Ready

If possible, note down:

Passport Number
Date of Issue
Date of Expiry
Place of Issue

If you have a scanned copy of your old passport, it will make the application process easier.

3. Inform Authorities if Abroad

If you lose your passport while travelling outside India, immediately contact:

The nearest Indian Embassy
Indian Consulate
High Commission

They can issue an Emergency Certificate or facilitate passport reissue depending on your situation.

Who Can Apply?

Any Indian citizen whose passport has been:

Lost
Stolen
Damaged
Expired
Exhausted
Requires modification

can apply for passport reissue through the Passport Seva Portal.

Documents Required

The exact documents depend on your individual case. Generally, applicants should keep the following ready:

Identity Proof

Aadhaar Card
PAN Card
Voter ID
Driving Licence

Address Proof

Aadhaar Card
Electricity Bill
Water Bill
Telephone Bill
Bank Passbook
Rent Agreement (where accepted)

Passport Related Documents

Copy of old passport (if available)
FIR or Lost Report
Self-declaration regarding passport loss
Annexure F or other applicable declaration, if required

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Passport Reissue Online

Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal

Visit the official Passport Seva Portal and create a user account if you do not already have one.

Step 2: Login

Step 3: Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue”

Choose the option for Passport Reissue.

Step 4: Select Reason

Choose:

Lost Passport

from the available options.

Step 5: Fill the Application Form

Enter:

Personal Details
Family Details
Address
Previous Passport Information
Emergency Contact
Employment Details

Ensure that every detail matches your supporting documents.

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of the required documents wherever applicable.

Step 7: Pay the Application Fee

Complete the online payment using:

UPI
Debit Card
Credit Card
Net Banking

Step 8: Book Appointment

Select:

Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)

Choose a convenient appointment slot.

Step 9: Visit PSK

Carry:

Original Documents
Appointment Receipt
Supporting Documents

Biometric verification and document verification will be completed during your visit.

Step 10: Police Verification

In most cases involving a lost passport, police verification is conducted before the passport is issued. Cooperate with the local police and provide the requested documents promptly.

Step 11: Passport Dispatch

Once verification is successfully completed and the application is approved, the new passport is printed and dispatched to your registered address through Speed Post.

Passport Reissue Fees

The fee depends on factors such as:

Number of pages (36 or 60)
Normal or Tatkaal service
Applicant’s age
Type of application

Applicants should check the latest fee structure on the official Passport Seva Portal before submitting the application.

Processing Time

The processing time varies depending on:

Police verification
Document verification
Application category
Workload at the Passport Office

Typically:

Normal Application: Around 2–6 weeks, depending on verification.
Tatkaal Application: Faster processing for eligible applicants, subject to document verification and applicable rules.

Police Verification Process

Police verification generally includes:

Address verification
Identity confirmation
Verification of submitted documents
Questions regarding passport loss

Applicants should remain available at the registered address or respond promptly if contacted by the police.

Tips for Faster Approval

Follow these tips to avoid delays:

Report the passport loss immediately.
File the FIR without delay.
Enter accurate information in the application.
Carry original documents.
Attend your appointment on time.
Ensure your address proof is valid and up to date.
Respond quickly to police verification requests.
Track your application regularly.

Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection

Applications may be delayed or rejected due to:

Incorrect application details.
Missing documents.
Incomplete police verification.
Mismatch in personal information.
Failure to produce required identity proof.
Non-availability during police verification.
Submission of forged or incorrect documents.

How to Track Passport Status

You can track your passport application by:

Logging into the Passport Seva Portal.
Selecting Track Application Status.
Entering your file number and date of birth.
Viewing the latest application status.

What If You Find Your Lost Passport Later?

If your passport is found after you have reported it as lost and applied for a reissue, you should not use the recovered passport for travel. Once reported lost, it may be invalid for international travel. Follow the guidance provided by the Passport Authority regarding the recovered document.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I apply online for a lost passport?

Yes. The application for passport reissue can be completed online through the Passport Seva Portal.

Is an FIR mandatory?

Applicants should report the loss to the police and obtain an FIR or Lost Property Report, as required for their case.

Can I get a passport under Tatkaal if it is lost?

Yes, Tatkaal service may be available for eligible applicants. However, passport issuance remains subject to verification and applicable Passport Seva rules.

Will police verification be required?

In most lost passport cases, police verification is generally carried out before the passport is issued.

How long does it take to receive the new passport?

The processing time varies based on verification and the type of application. Normal applications typically take a few weeks, while eligible Tatkaal applications are processed more quickly.

Can I travel using a photocopy of my lost passport?

No. A photocopy is not a valid travel document. You must obtain a valid passport or, if abroad, an emergency travel document issued by the Indian Mission.

Important Safety Tips

Keep both physical and digital copies of your passport in a secure location.
Avoid sharing passport images on social media.
Store scanned copies in encrypted cloud storage.
Inform airlines and travel insurance providers if your passport is lost while travelling.
Always carry emergency contact numbers during international travel.

Conclusion

Losing a passport can be an unsettling experience, but the Passport Seva Portal has streamlined the reissue process in 2026. By reporting the loss promptly, filing a police complaint, preparing the necessary documents, and completing the online application accurately, you can minimise delays and receive your new passport efficiently. Always rely on official government portals for the latest procedures, fees, and appointment availability.