Losing your passport can be stressful, particularly if you have an upcoming international trip or need the document for a visa application.

The good news is that you can apply for a new passport after losing your existing passport. However, you generally do not apply for it as an ordinary “fresh passport”. The application is treated as a re-issue/replacement of a lost passport, and additional documentation is required.

The process normally involves reporting the loss, preparing the required documents, submitting an online application for re-issue and attending an appointment at the designated Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

Passport Seva’s current documentation guidance specifically includes a separate process for passports that have been lost or stolen.

What Should You Do Immediately After Losing Your Passport?

If you discover that your passport is missing, do not simply wait to see whether it turns up.

Start by taking these steps:

1. Search carefully and confirm that the passport is actually missing.
2. Report the loss to the local police and obtain the appropriate police report/FIR.
3. Keep a copy of the police report safely.
4. Collect a copy of your lost passport’s available details.
5. Apply for re-issue through the official Passport Seva process.
6. Prepare the additional documents required for a lost passport case.

Passport Seva’s official documentation for lost passport cases includes the original FIR, Annexure F and self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of the previous passport, if available.

Is a Lost Passport Replaced or Is a Fresh Passport Issued?

This is an important distinction.

If you have previously held an Indian passport and that passport has been lost, you normally apply for re-issue of passport, selecting the applicable reason for the re-issue.

The Passports Rules specifically include a lost passport as a reason for re-issue.

The new passport will be a new passport booklet and passport number rather than simply being a duplicate copy of the lost booklet.

A recent official Passport Office advisory also explains that re-issue means issuing a new passport booklet with a new passport number, while the previous passport is cancelled once the new passport is issued.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a New Passport After Losing Your Passport

Step 1: Report the Lost Passport

The first important step is to report the loss to the police.

You should provide details about:

• When you noticed the passport was missing
• Where you believe it was lost
• Your passport number, if available
• Your personal details
• Any other relevant circumstances

Keep the police report/FIR safely because it forms part of the documentation for the lost passport re-issue process.

Passport Seva’s current checklist for lost passport cases specifies an original FIR as one of the required documents.

Step 2: Collect Details of Your Previous Passport

Try to locate a photocopy, scanned copy or digital record of the lost passport.

Useful information includes:

• Previous passport number
• Date of issue
• Date of expiry
• Place of issue
• First page details
• Last page details
• Details of visas or travel, where relevant

If you have a scanned copy or photocopy, keep it with your application documents.

Passport Seva’s lost passport documentation specifically refers to self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of the previous passport, if available.

Step 3: Register or Log In to Passport Seva

Use the official Passport Seva Online Portal to access passport services.

After logging in, select the service for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.

The current Passport Seva application guide directs applicants to register, log in and select the Fresh Passport/Re-issue service from the services section.

Official Passport Seva Portal

Step 4: Select Re-Issue of Passport

Because you previously had a passport, select Re-issue of Passport rather than treating the application as a normal first-time passport application.

When completing the application, select the appropriate reason relating to the lost passport.

The application must contain the details of your previous/lost passport where requested.

Step 5: Complete the Application Carefully

Enter your personal information exactly and carefully.

Pay particular attention to:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Parents’ details
• Spouse details, where applicable
• Present residential address
• Previous passport details
• Police report information
• Previous travel information, where applicable

Make sure the current residential address is accurate and supported by the required documents.

Passport Seva has specifically advised applicants to carefully verify the current residential address because that address is printed in the passport.

Step 6: Prepare Annexure F

Lost passport applicants may need to submit Annexure F, the declaration for obtaining a passport in lieu of a lost or damaged passport.

The official Annexure F asks the applicant to provide information such as:

• How and when the passport was lost
• When and where the FIR was lodged
• Whether any previous passports were lost or damaged
• Whether the applicant travelled using the lost passport
• Relevant travel details, where applicable
• Other information concerning the passport history

The exact documentation required can depend on the circumstances of the case, so applicants should check the current document adviser and their jurisdictional Passport Office instructions.

Step 7: Pay the Applicable Passport Fee

A lost passport has a different fee structure from a standard fresh passport.

As of the current Passport Seva fee schedule, effective from 1 July 2026, replacement of a lost, damaged or stolen passport is listed as:

Passport Type	Application Fee
36 pages, 5-year validity	₹4,250
36 pages, 10-year validity	₹5,000
60 pages	₹6,000

An additional Tatkaal fee of ₹2,500 is listed separately where Tatkaal service is applicable.

Fees can change, so check the official Passport Seva fee page immediately before making payment.

Step 8: Schedule Your Appointment

After completing the application and payment process, schedule your appointment at the available PSK/POPSK.

Passport Seva’s current application instructions state that the system displays the next available appointment date for the selected PSK/POPSK.

Carry the appointment confirmation and all required original documents and copies to the appointment.

Step 9: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra

Attend your appointment at the scheduled PSK/POPSK.

The passport authorities may verify your application, documents and the circumstances surrounding the loss.

For lost passport cases, carry the relevant documents, including the police report/FIR, Annexure F and available copies of the previous passport.

The Passport Office may request additional information or documents depending on the individual circumstances.

Step 10: Complete Police Verification if Required

Police verification requirements depend on the application and the decision of the Passport Office.

Passport Seva explains that police verification may take place before or after passport issuance depending on the case.

If the authorities request verification, make sure the information provided about your present address and previous residences is accurate.

Documents Required for a Lost Passport Re-Issue

The exact document list can vary depending on your circumstances and jurisdiction.

However, Passport Seva’s current lost-passport checklist identifies the following for lost passport cases:

• Original FIR
• Annexure F
• Self-attested photocopies of the first two and last two pages of the lost passport, if available
• Emergency Certificate, where the passport was lost abroad
• Applicable lost passport fee

You should also carry the other documents applicable to your passport application, such as identity and present-address documents, as specified by Passport Seva.

Original documents and self-attested photocopies may be required at the PSK. Passport Seva advises applicants to carry original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies.

What If You Do Not Have a Copy of Your Lost Passport?

Do not assume that you cannot apply simply because you do not have a photocopy of your old passport.

Passport Seva’s checklist specifically refers to copies of the first two and last two pages if available.

Provide as much information about the lost passport as you can.

If you remember your passport number, include it in the application. If you do not have your passport number or copies, the Passport Office can determine what additional information or documents are required for your case.

Can You Apply for Tatkaal After Losing Your Passport?

This is an area where applicants need to be particularly careful.

Passport Seva’s current Tatkaal information lists lost/stolen passport cases among the categories that are not eligible for Tatkaal.

Therefore, you should not assume that paying the Tatkaal fee will automatically make a lost-passport application eligible for expedited processing.

The eligibility rules and exceptions can depend on the individual case. Always verify the latest Tatkaal eligibility information on the official Passport Seva portal before selecting this option.

What If Your Passport Was Lost While Travelling Abroad?

The procedure can be different if your Indian passport was lost or stolen outside India.

In such a situation, contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible.

Depending on your circumstances and travel requirements, the Indian mission may guide you regarding an Emergency Certificate or passport-related services.

Passport Seva’s current lost-passport checklist specifically mentions an Emergency Certificate when the passport is lost abroad.

If you are abroad, do not rely solely on the normal India-based application process. Contact the relevant Indian diplomatic mission for current instructions.

What Happens to the Lost Passport If You Find It Later?

If you report your passport as lost and subsequently find it, do not simply start using it again without checking its status.

A passport reported lost may be subject to cancellation or other action, and the status of the document needs to be clarified with the passport authorities.

If you have already applied for re-issue, inform the relevant Passport Office if necessary and follow the instructions provided by the authorities.

The safest approach is to treat a reported-lost passport as unusable until its status has been confirmed by the appropriate authority.

How Long Does a Replacement Passport Take After Loss?

There is no single processing time that can be guaranteed for every lost passport case.

The timeline can depend on:

• Police verification
• Circumstances of the loss
• Availability of previous passport records
• Completeness of documentation
• Passport Office processing
• Any additional verification required
• Whether the application encounters an objection or clarification

Passport Seva explains that the Passport Office determines whether police verification is required depending on the nature of the application.

Because lost passport applications can involve additional verification, applicants should avoid making international travel arrangements based on an assumed issuance date.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After Losing Your Passport

1. Not Reporting the Loss

Do not delay reporting the missing passport.

2. Applying as a Fresh Passport Applicant

If you previously held a passport, check whether your application should be submitted as a re-issue rather than a fresh passport.

3. Selecting Tatkaal Without Checking Eligibility

Lost/stolen passport cases have specific Tatkaal restrictions.

4. Providing an Incorrect Address

Your current residential address needs to be accurate and supported by the applicable documentation.

5. Forgetting Annexure F

Annexure F is specifically designed for obtaining a passport in lieu of a lost or damaged passport.

6. Travelling Without Checking the Passport Status

If you have urgent international travel planned, check the actual passport status and do not assume that a replacement will arrive by a particular date.

Tips for a Smoother Lost Passport Application

Keep these points in mind:

• Report the loss promptly.
• Keep the original police report/FIR safely.
• Find a scanned copy of your previous passport if available.
• Note down your previous passport number.
• Complete the application carefully.
• Prepare Annexure F correctly.
• Carry originals and self-attested copies where required.
• Check the current fee before payment.
• Verify Tatkaal eligibility before selecting it.
• Keep your registered mobile number active.
• Track your application after submission.
• Follow any police verification instructions promptly.

ROVEIS Assistance for Lost Passport Applications

Losing a passport can make an already important travel process more complicated.

ROVEIS Travel Company can provide travel and documentation assistance to applicants who need guidance with passport-related procedures, including passport re-issue after loss, document preparation and understanding the application process.

ROVEIS is a travel company and travel assistance provider, not a government department. It does not issue passports, change government records or guarantee passport appointments, police verification, passport issuance or processing times.

For the latest official requirements, fees, eligibility rules and procedures, applicants should always verify the information on the official Passport Seva portal.

---

FAQs

Can I apply for a new passport after losing my old passport?

Yes. If your Indian passport has been lost, you can apply for a re-issue/replacement of passport under the lost passport category, subject to the applicable requirements.

Do I need an FIR if I lose my passport in India?

Passport Seva’s current lost-passport checklist specifies an original FIR as a required document for lost passport cases.

What documents are required for a lost passport?

The current Passport Seva checklist identifies the original FIR, Annexure F and available self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of the lost passport. Other documents applicable to your case may also be required.

Can I apply for Tatkaal if my passport is lost?

Lost/stolen passport cases are currently listed among the categories excluded from the Tatkaal scheme. Therefore, applicants should check the latest official eligibility rules rather than assuming that Tatkaal is available.

How much does it cost to replace a lost passport in India?

The current Passport Seva fee schedule lists ₹4,250 for a 36-page passport with 5-year validity, ₹5,000 for a 36-page passport with 10-year validity and ₹6,000 for a 60-page passport. A separate Tatkaal fee of ₹2,500 is listed where applicable.

What if I lost my passport abroad?

Contact the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate immediately. Depending on your situation, you may be guided regarding an Emergency Certificate or passport-related service. Passport Seva’s lost-passport checklist specifically mentions an Emergency Certificate for passports lost abroad.

Can I apply if I do not have a photocopy of my lost passport?

Yes, the official checklist refers to copies of the first two and last two pages if available. Provide the passport details you have and follow any additional instructions from Passport Seva.

Will my new passport have the same passport number?

A re-issued passport is a new passport booklet with a new passport number; the previous passport is cancelled once the new passport is issued.