Losing a passport can be stressful, especially if you have upcoming international travel. In India, a lost or stolen passport cannot simply be renewed like a normal expired passport. The applicant has to apply for re-issue of the passport in lieu of the lost or stolen passport and provide the required documents and information to Passport Seva.
In 2026, applicants should also note that passport fees were revised from 1 July 2026. The revised fee structure has increased the charges for replacing lost, damaged or stolen passports, including applications made under Tatkaal.
What Should You Do If Your Passport Is Lost?
If your passport is lost or stolen, the first step is to report the loss to the appropriate authority, particularly the local police. You should then apply for re-issue through the official Passport Seva system.
Passport Seva treats lost/stolen passport cases as a re-issue service, rather than as a fresh passport application.
The new passport will normally have a different passport number from the lost passport.
New Lost Passport Fees 2026
The revised passport fee structure came into effect from 1 July 2026.
For replacement of a lost, damaged or stolen passport, the revised charges are:
| Service | Normal Fee | Tatkaal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 36-page passport | ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 |
| 60-page passport | ₹6,000 | ₹8,500 |
These are the revised fees displayed under the Passport Seva fee structure.
Applicants should check the official Passport Seva fee calculator before payment because the applicable amount can depend on the specific service and category.
Tatkaal Fee for Lost Passport
If you need a replacement urgently, you may be able to apply under the Tatkaal scheme, subject to eligibility and Passport Office approval.
The revised total Tatkaal fees for lost, damaged or stolen passports are:
- 36 pages – ₹7,500
- 60 pages – ₹8,500
Passport Seva states that Tatkaal applicants must pay the entire applicable Tatkaal-category fee while making the online payment.
However, Tatkaal processing is not available to every applicant or every case. The final authority for issuing a passport under Tatkaal rests with the Passport Office.
Lost Passport Replacement Process 2026
The general process is:
Step 1: Report the Passport Loss
Report the lost or stolen passport to the local police and obtain the relevant report or document.
This is particularly important because the passport is an important identity and travel document.
Step 2: Visit the Official Passport Seva Portal
Use the official Passport Seva portal to start the re-issue application.
Step 3: Select Re-Issue of Passport
Select Re-issue of Passport and choose the appropriate reason, such as lost or stolen passport.
Passport Seva’s application system includes lost/stolen and damaged passport cases under passport re-issue services.
Step 4: Complete the Application
Enter your personal information, previous passport details and information regarding the lost passport.
Provide the information carefully and accurately.
Step 5: Upload or Prepare Required Documents
Keep the required documents ready according to the document checklist applicable to your case.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Pay the applicable normal or Tatkaal fee online.
Step 7: Book an Appointment
Choose an available Passport Seva Kendra or other eligible passport service centre.
Step 8: Visit the Passport Centre
Carry the original documents and supporting paperwork to the appointment.
Step 9: Verification
The Passport Office may conduct the prescribed verification before deciding the application.
Step 10: Passport Dispatch
Once the application is approved and the passport is printed, it is dispatched through the prescribed delivery system.
Documents Required for Lost Passport Replacement
The exact documents can vary according to the applicant and circumstances.
Applicants should generally keep documents relating to:
- Identity
- Current address
- Date of birth
- Previous passport
- Police report regarding loss/theft
- Passport details, if available
- Supporting documents required by Passport Seva
If you have a photocopy, scanned copy or photograph of your old passport, keep it available. Information such as the old passport number can make the application process easier.
Passport Seva provides a document-advisory facility where applicants can select the specific re-issue category and check the applicable document requirements.
What If You Do Not Remember Your Old Passport Number?
Not remembering the passport number does not necessarily mean that you cannot apply for replacement.
Applicants should provide as much information about the lost passport as possible and follow the document requirements provided by Passport Seva.
If you have any of the following, keep them ready:
- Old passport photocopy
- Passport scan
- Visa copy
- Previous application records
- Passport-related emails
- Travel documents containing passport details
The Passport Office can require additional information or documents where necessary.
Is a Police Report Mandatory?
For a lost or stolen passport, applicants should report the incident to the police and retain the relevant report.
Passport Seva has a separate Lost/Damaged Passport FAQ and document-advisory process, reflecting that these cases require specific handling rather than the ordinary fresh-passport process.
The exact documents required can depend on the circumstances of the loss.
What Happens to the Old Passport?
Once a passport is reported lost or stolen, it should not be used for travel even if it is later found.
If the old passport is recovered after reporting the loss, the applicant should follow the instructions of the Passport Authority rather than attempting to use the recovered passport.
Can You Apply for Tatkaal After Losing Your Passport?
Tatkaal may be available in eligible lost/damaged passport cases, but it is not automatically available to every applicant.
Passport Seva states that the final authority for issuance under Tatkaal rests with the Passport Office and that certain categories of applicants are excluded from the Tatkaal facility.
Therefore, applicants should check their eligibility before paying the higher Tatkaal fee.
What If the Passport Is Damaged Instead of Lost?
A damaged passport is also handled through the re-issue process.
Passport Seva distinguishes between different types of damage. For example, if a damaged passport remains recognisable, certain applicants may be able to apply under Tatkaal, subject to the applicable rules. If the passport is damaged beyond recognition, Tatkaal may not be available.
Lost Passport vs Expired Passport
These two situations should not be confused.
Expired Passport
If your passport has expired or is approaching expiry, you apply for re-issue because of expiry.
Lost Passport
If your passport has been lost or stolen, you apply for re-issue in lieu of the lost/stolen passport.
The fees and supporting-document requirements can be different.
Lost Passport Fees vs Normal Passport Fees
The revised fee structure makes lost/damaged passport replacement more expensive than an ordinary fresh or re-issued passport.
| Passport Type | Normal Fee |
|---|---|
| Fresh/Re-issue – 36 pages | ₹2,500 |
| Fresh/Re-issue – 60 pages | ₹3,500 |
| Lost/Damaged – 36 pages | ₹5,000 |
| Lost/Damaged – 60 pages | ₹6,000 |
The higher fee applies because lost, stolen and damaged passport cases involve additional processing and verification requirements.
What If You Are Abroad When Your Passport Is Lost?
If your Indian passport is lost or stolen while you are outside India, you should contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible.
Do not wait until your planned return date if you need a travel document urgently.
The Indian mission can guide you regarding the appropriate travel-document or passport-reissue process based on your circumstances.
Can You Travel After Losing Your Passport?
A lost passport cannot be used for international travel.
If you are abroad and have lost your passport, contact the nearest Indian diplomatic mission for assistance.
If you are in India, apply for the appropriate replacement/re-issue through Passport Seva before planning international travel.
How Long Does Lost Passport Replacement Take?
There is no single guaranteed processing time for every lost-passport case.
The timeline can depend on:
- Police verification
- Completeness of documents
- Previous passport records
- Applicant’s circumstances
- Passport Office processing
- Whether Tatkaal is available
- Any additional verification required
Tatkaal can provide faster processing for eligible applicants, but it should not be treated as an unconditional guarantee of immediate passport delivery.
Online Payment for Lost Passport Application
Passport Seva requires online payment for appointment booking at PSKs and POPSKs.
Available online payment methods include:
- Credit/debit card
- Internet banking
- UPI
- SBI Wallet
Passport Seva specifically states that Tatkaal applicants need to pay the entire applicable Tatkaal fee during online payment.
How to Track Your Replacement Passport
After submitting your application, you can track its status through the official Passport Seva tracking facility.
You generally need:
- Application/File number
- Date of birth
Passport Seva provides an online application-status tracking facility.
Important Mistakes to Avoid
When applying for a lost passport replacement, avoid these common mistakes:
Do Not Hide the Loss
Always report the passport as lost or stolen.
Do Not Give Incorrect Information
Details in the application should match your official records.
Do Not Use Unofficial Websites
Passport Seva has warned citizens about fake websites and applications that collect personal information and charge additional fees.
Do Not Pay Agents for Official Fees
Use the official Passport Seva payment system.
Do Not Use a Recovered Passport After Reporting It Lost
Follow the instructions of the Passport Authority if the old passport is subsequently found.
Do Not Ignore Police Documentation
Keep the relevant report or supporting documentation safely.
Lost Passport Rules 2026: Key Points
The most important points to remember are:
- Lost or stolen passports require a re-issue application.
- Passport fees were revised from 1 July 2026.
- Normal replacement fee is ₹5,000 for 36 pages.
- Normal replacement fee is ₹6,000 for 60 pages.
- Tatkaal replacement costs ₹7,500 for 36 pages.
- Tatkaal replacement costs ₹8,500 for 60 pages.
- Tatkaal eligibility is subject to the applicable rules.
- Report the loss and keep the relevant police documentation.
- Check the Passport Seva document requirements for your specific case.
- Use the official Passport Seva portal for application and payment.
- Track the application using the official status-tracking service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I lose my Indian passport?
Report the loss or theft and apply for re-issue of the passport through the official Passport Seva system with the required documents.
What is the new lost passport fee in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the normal fee is ₹5,000 for a 36-page passport and ₹6,000 for a 60-page passport.
What is the Tatkaal fee for a lost passport?
The revised Tatkaal fee is ₹7,500 for 36 pages and ₹8,500 for 60 pages.
Can I apply for Tatkaal after losing my passport?
Tatkaal may be available in eligible cases, but not every applicant is eligible. The Passport Office has the final authority to issue a passport under the Tatkaal scheme.
Do I need a police report for a lost passport?
You should report a lost or stolen passport to the police and retain the relevant documentation for the replacement process.
Can I apply for a lost passport replacement online?
Yes. You can begin the re-issue application through the official Passport Seva portal and then complete the required appointment and verification process.
Can I use my old passport if I find it after reporting it lost?
No. Once a passport has been reported lost or stolen, do not use it for travel. Contact Passport Seva or the Passport Authority for instructions.
Can I apply for a replacement if I don’t have a copy of my old passport?
You should provide as much information about the previous passport as possible and follow the document requirements specified by Passport Seva. Additional information may be requested if necessary.
How can I track my replacement passport?
You can use the Passport Seva application-status tracking facility with your file/application details and date of birth.
Conclusion
The Lost Passport Rules 2026 are particularly important for anyone who has misplaced, lost or had their Indian passport stolen. The correct procedure is to report the loss and apply for re-issue of the passport, rather than applying for a completely new passport as a first-time applicant.
The biggest financial change in 2026 is the revised fee structure effective from 1 July 2026. A replacement passport for a lost, stolen or damaged 36-page passport now costs ₹5,000 under normal service, while the 60-page option costs ₹6,000. If an eligible applicant uses Tatkaal service, the total fees are ₹7,500 and ₹8,500 respectively.
Applicants should also remember that Tatkaal service is subject to eligibility conditions and the final decision rests with the Passport Office.
The safest approach is to report the loss promptly, keep the police documentation and previous passport information available, and submit the re-issue application through the official Passport Seva portal. Applicants should also check the latest document requirements and fee calculator before making payment because passport rules and charges can be updated.
Most importantly, avoid unofficial passport websites and agents requesting unnecessary payments or personal information. The Ministry of External Affairs has specifically warned citizens about fraudulent passport websites and advises applicants to use the official Passport Seva system.
Read More: New Passport Rules 2026: 10 Major Changes You Must Know
