Lost Passport Queries | Damaged Passport Queries

Lost/Damaged Passports

Q1:	What is the definition of damaged passport?
A:	Damaged passport is classified further based on the extent of damage, i.e.: Damaged Passport - Passport number is readable, name is legible and photo is intact Damaged beyond recognition
Q2:	What can I do if I have lost my passport and must travel to India urgently due to an emergency, such as serious illness or death in the family?
A:	Loss of passport should be immediately reported to Indian Mission and the Police Station. You need to contact the respective Indian Mission/Post. Generally, an Emergency Certificate (EC) is issued for returning to India after verification of Indian nationality/origin/particulars.
Q3:	What are my responsibilities when applying for a passport, if my old passport has been lost or damaged?
A:	If abroad, loss of passport should be immediately reported to the nearest Police Station and to the Passport Office, or the Indian Mission. If required, you can apply for “Re–issue” of passport. To check the complete list of documents to be submitted along with the application form, please click on "Documents Required" link on Home page.
Q4:	What is the procedure to apply for duplicate passport in case of lost or damaged passport?
A:	Duplicate passports are not issued. However, a new passport with different passport number may be issued with fresh validity. The applicant has to apply under the ‘re–issue’ category with reason as Lost/Damaged passport.
Q5:	I am an Indian living in Germany. I lost my Indian passport but I don't have photocopy of the same. What should I do?
A:	Photocopy of the old passport is not a mandatory document to be submitted in case of lost/damaged/stolen passport. It should be produced if it is available. But you will be required to produce, the previous passport details like passport number, Date of issue, Date of expiry and place of issue, while filling the passport application form. If you do not have that information, then contact the respective Mission/Post.
Q6:	My passport booklet is damaged. I want to go abroad on urgent basis. What should I do?
A:	In case your passport has not been damaged beyond recognition, i.e. passport number is legible, name is legible and photo is intact, then you can apply for re-issue of passport under the Tatkaal scheme. However, the final authority for the issuance of passport under the Tatkaal scheme lies with the passport office. But, if passport has been damaged beyond recognition, then you cannot apply under the Tatkaal scheme.
Q7:	I lost my passport in the U.S. and have been sent to India on Emergency Certificate. Can I be issued a new passport? If yes, what are the documents needed to get a passport?
A:	In case of lost passport, you need to apply for re-issue of passport. Following documents must be submitted along with the application: Proof of Present Address Proof of Date of Birth Affidavit stating how and where the passport got lost/damaged (Annexure 'F') Police report in original Self-attested photocopy of first two and last two pages, including ECR/Non-ECR page of old passport, if available. Original EC/Seizure Memo Cases may also require confirmation from Indian Mission/Post concerned.