Difference Between Passport Reissue And Renewal - Complete Guide

A passport is an important document you need if you want to travel internationally. Keeping it updated with the latest information and in good condition is crucial to ensure smooth and hassle-free international travels. However, over time or due to unforeseen circumstances, your passport may get damaged, lost, or expire. In such situations, renewing or re-issuing the passport may be required. If you are concerned about your passport being lost or misplaced when you are travelling internationally, you have a travel insurance  policy as backup. It provides assistance, financial and otherwise, to get a temporary passport so that your trip continues without major interruptions.* Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy. Many people get confused between the renewal and re-issue process and when they are applicable. Hence, understanding the difference between them is essential.

Understanding the Difference Between Passport Renewal and Reissue

Here is the basic distinction between the two:

Passport Renewal

When your original passport is nearing the end of its validity, you can extend its duration by applying for a passport renewal. During the renewal process, you need to carry your previous passport along with you. After necessary updates to the existing details, a completely new passport is issued, featuring a different passport number. Any existing visas in the old passport remain valid in the new one.

Passport Reissue

If, for any reason, you require an entirely new passport to replace your current one, a passport reissue is the process you need to follow. This can happen when your passport: Has expired or is approaching expiry; Is lost or stolen; Has run out of pages; Is damaged; Is bearing stains; Requires changes in personal information (except for updating its validity). Since the two processes can be somewhat similar, some people may confuse one with the other. The procedure for both can also differ.

Passport Renewal Procedure 

To renew your passport, the following procedure takes place -

1. Opt for the passport renewal option through the official Passport Seva Kendra website. Alternatively, you can also visit a nearby Passport Seva Kendra office.
2. Submit the required details and documents, which can include:

- Original passport - Self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of the passport - Validity extension page - Page of observation created by the Passport Issuing Authority - Address proof - No Objection Certificate - Certificate from a well-known employer.

3. Pay the required fees on time to complete the process.

Passport Re-issue Procedure 

If you want a passport re-issue, here is the process you need to follow-

1. Select the passport re-issue option on the official Passport Seva Kendra website. You can get the required application at a nearby Passport Seva Kendra website as well.
2. Provide the old passport based on the reason for reissue, such as exhaustion of pages.
3. Provide any additional documents required as per the specific case. The necessary documents for passport reissue can include:

- Your original passport - An affidavit detailing the circumstances of the passport loss and an FIR report, if applicable - Self-attested photocopies of the first and last two pages, observation page, ECR page, and the page extending the validity of the old passport - An affidavit describing how and where your passport was destroyed, including damage details, if applicable - Age verification documentation (birth certificate, high school diploma, or equivalent) - Address proof (Aadhar card) - Identification documents (driver's license, voter identification card, etc.).

4. Make the payment on time to complete the procedure.

As one can see from the above procedures, the process of passport renewal and passport re-issue takes time and effort. But what is you lose your passport during your travels?

Benefits of Travel Insurance – Loss of Passport Coverage and More

If you were to lose your passport during your travels, you can reach out to official authorities in that country and get assistance in obtaining a new copy. However, you may have to spend a considerable amount of money in the process. With an international travel insurance plan, you can get reimbursement for those expenses, as specified in the policy wordings, so that your trip budget stays balanced.* Additionally, travel insurance can also provide financial help with other unforeseen situations, such as medical emergencies. In a foreign country, where medical infrastructure and care can be expensive, the finances required to deal with hospitalisation and related procedures can be quite high. Hence, a travel insurance policy can be of immense help.* Along with the above, international travel insurance also provides financial coverage for baggage loss or delay, personal liability, trip delay and curtailments, flight interruption, and more, depending on the plan you choose.* To choose the right plan at the right premium, you can use tools such as the travel insurance premium calculator. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy.   *Standard T&C apply. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.