Lost/ Damaged/ Stolen Passport Questions and Answers [FAQs]
If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, immediately report it to the local police to obtain a report, then notify the nearest Indian Mission or Passport Office to initiate a re-issue, as “duplicate” passports are not issued. If traveling urgently, an Emergency Certificate (EC) may be issued.
What is the definition of damaged Passport?
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
What is the procedure to apply for duplicate Passport in case of lost or damaged Passport?
Duplicate Passports are not issued however; a new Passport with different Passport number may be issued with fresh validity. The applicant has to apply in re-issue category with reason as Lost/Damaged Passport.
What do I do if I lose my Passport?
Loss of Passport should be immediately reported to the nearest Police Station and to the Passport Office or Indian Mission, if abroad. 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 Advisor” link on Home page.
I lost my Passport recently. I’ve applied for a duplicate Passport. I want to know if the new Passport will have the same number as my old Passport, or a new number?
Duplicate Passports are not issued, however, a new Passport with different Passport number may be issued with fresh validity.
I recently lost my valid Passport, but do not have the details. Will it be possible for the Passport Office to trace the details from your system and give them to me for filling my application form for a duplicate/new Passport?
You need to visit your nearest Passport Office.
What can I do if I have lost my Passport and have to travel to India urgently due to an emergency like serious illness or death in the family?
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.
I am an Indian living abroad. I lost my Indian Passport but I don’t have photocopy of the same. What should I do?
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 Indian mission/post in that country.
