RBTL : Passport Application Submission

This blog applies to Indian nationals who wants to renew their passports which are expiring within a year time.

I am providing some finer details about submitting passport renewal application so that you can avoid going back and forth.

If you already have a passport and the expiry date is within 1 year, you can apply for passport renewal.

Know that you can not travel abroad if the expiry date is within 6 months of your travel date.

I submitted my passport renewal application at Pune. I had to stand in line for 2 days and finally I could submit the app with some docs still missing.
Both days I reached passport office at 9 am, office opens at 10 AM and I could get inside the main area only after 12 noon. After that another hour of waiting but under a roof.

Anyway, important details follow here
1. You would find all details on www.passport.gov.in.

2. Online registration is must and that does not mean that you do not need to stand in line for hours. Online registration is must even if you can not read this blog.

3. Do not go to agents, unless you know that they have good amount of expertise about documentation. you can get all details online and strictly follow them and you will be through. If there are missing things, the passport officer will tell you exactly what they need.

4. When applying online apply for a day you are sure you will have all document. Also take another appointment for the next day or next to next day also. This is so that if you have to return back on day 1 you can go again next day. Generally you get appointment after 4-5 days from current date.

5. When filling app form, you can not change details which are automatically filled by the software like name, address, etc. IF you have to change such details, you need to reapply online. But there are fields which are left blank by software and you need to fill those by hands

6. Rental agreement is not accepted as address proof. Original bank statements are accepted as address proof. Attached electricity bills as well.

7. If applying for tatkal passport make sure:
a) Take two copies of Annexure F (verfication certificate) from the officer. Two copied means two copies in original and not xerox.
b) Do take a photo ID of the officer issuing you the certificate. If its an Army officer, you must take a ID proof like Canteen card or mess card. (I got RSI card of the officer). Passport copy of the officer is not accepted. the ID proof has to be related to the officer's job.


I will be applying passport for my wife and kid also. So if there are any hidden points, I will add to this post.