A passport is a very important document. It should be kept up to date by renewing before it expires. Its loss should be reported immediately to the local police authorities and also to the nearest Indian Embassy / Consulate General.

Indian passports can be renewed any time before one year or six months after the actual date of expiry. If the passport is already ten years old and has finally expired, a new passport will be issued. Final expiry is indicated on the passport by the letter "F" or the word "Final" mentioned after the date of expiry on the passport. Three passport size photographs are to be submitted along with the application duly filled in for issuance of a new passport booklet. In case there is any change in appearance, one of these photographs should be duly attested by a Public Notary. However, if the passport has not expired finally, the same booklet is renewed. The forms for renewal of Indian passports and for issuance of new passport booklets are different and appropriate forms are required to be filled in.