Step-by-step Guide: How to Change The Address in Your Passport

The Indian passport serves as a vital document, granting its holder the freedom to explore the world. However, life is dynamic, and changes in residence are inevitable. If you have recently changed your place of residence, updating your passport with the new address is crucial. Let’s walk through the step-by-step process of changing your address in your Indian passport.

Understanding the Process

Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand why updating your passport address is necessary. A current and accurate address ensures that official communications and any essential documents, such as renewed passports or visa-related information, reach you at your new residence. If you have changed your address, but have not updated it in your passport, there are chances you might face complications during the renewal of your passport.

Changing Your Passport Address

If you have changed your address recently and want to update the same in your passport, follow these steps:

Document Requirements

The documents needed for a passport-address-change are:

1. Proof of Address: Accepted documents include utility bills, rental agreements, an Aadhaar card, or a voter ID with an updated address.
2. Old Passport: You will need to submit your current passport with the old address.
3. Passport Size Photographs: Keep a few recent passport-sized photographs ready, adhering to the specified guidelines.

The process of changing the address on the passport can be done both online and offline. Let’s take a look at the online process:

1. Visit the Official Passport Seva website
2. Log in or create an account if you don't have one
3. Select 'Apply for a Passport Renewal'/’Reissue of Passport’. Even if your passport is still valid, this is the appropriate option for an address change.
4. Fill in the Application Form. Enter the required details accurately. Make sure to select 'Reissue of Passport' and choose the reason as 'Change in Address.'
5. You need to select the passport booklet type. If you want the process to be normal, select the normal option. If you want the process to be quick, select the Tatkal option.
6. Schedule an appointment before you pay the fees
7. Proceed to pay the requisite fees online. The fees, be it for renewal or changing the address on your existing passport are the same. Here’s the table below:

Age of Applicant	Validity Needed	Normal Charge	Tatkal Charge
Below 15 years of age	All	Rs.1,000	Rs.3,000
15 – 18 years of age	5 years or till the age of 18 years	Rs.1000	Rs.3,000
	10 years for 36-paged passport	Rs.1,500	Rs.3,500
	10 years for 60-paged passport	Rs.2,000	Rs.4,000
18 years of age and above	10 years for 36-paged passport	Rs.1,500	Rs.3,500
	10 years for 60-paged passport	Rs.2,000	Rs.4,000

  After the payment is completed, you need to select the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) where you wish to submit the form. On the day of the appointment, carry a printout of the payment receipt and the application form along with your documents. There is no given timeline for when the process will be complete. You will mostly receive your new passport via post. For the offline process, you need to visit the PSK and get the renewal passport/reissue of passport form. You need to fill it up and submit it along with the documents at the PSK. Fees are also required to be paid there. Just like how the passport application process happens both online and offline, the purchase of travel insurance also offers both modes. You can purchase it before your trip from either the insurer’s website, or you can visit an agent. Also, ensure to fill all forms with proper consideration and deliberation. Avoid putting yourself into situations involving more complexities, such as where you have to find out how to change the address in a passport application form after submission.

Is It Mandatory To Update The Passport Address?

There is no law that states that you are required to update the address in your passport. But a passport is one of the documents which is used as proof of address. For example, if you were to apply for a bank loan, they may require you to present your passport as residential proof. But if there are discrepancies between the addresses, it might cause an issue with your application. So, it is important to always update the information in such documents. With an updated passport, you can enjoy your international trip without any hassles. Since a passport is an important document, losing it during travel can be a harrowing experience. But if you make the effort to use a travel insurance premium calculator and purchase insurance for your trip, you may be able to enjoy peace of mind knowing that the policy provides a temporary provision of the document. Claims are subject to terms and conditions set forth under travel insurance policy.*

Conclusion

Updating the address on your Indian passport is a straightforward yet critical process. In an era where documentation is integral to various aspects of life, ensuring that your passport reflects your current address is paramount. By following the above steps diligently and staying organized with the required documents, you can navigate the process smoothly, ensuring that your passport remains an accurate reflection of your current residence. To ensure that you have financial assistance from financial liabilities during your trip, buy international travel insurance. 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.