Where to Apply
Within India, you must apply for a first-issue passport or passport renewal in person. You can go to a Regional Passport Office, Speed Post Centre, District Passport Cell or Passport Collection Centre. Outside of India, you will need to contact your nearest embassy or consulate for renewal information.
Documents Needed
For a first-time passport, you will need to show proof of address, proof of date of birth, citizenship documents if you are a naturalized citizen and documentation for special circumstance if applicable (deportation to India, repatriation at government expense, etc.). You will also need a completed application form that can be accessed at http://passport.gov.in/cpv/Forms.htm.
Renewal
Indian passports for adults are valid for 10 years. If you need to renew your passport, you must apply in person or with an authority letter. You will need your old passport, photocopies of the first four and last four pages, a completed application form, any address change, status change or name change information, and any documentation for special circumstances that was needed the first time you applied.
Minors
Children younger than age 15 are granted passports with 5-year validity for a fee of 600 rupees.
Fees
Fresh adult passports with 36 pages cost 1,000 rupees in 2009. Indian citizens who travel often are encouraged to get a 60-page passport for 1,500 rupees. Duplicate passports, in case of loss or theft, cost 2,500 rupees for a 36-page booklet and 3,000 rupees for a 60-page booklet. In case of name change, a fresh passport costs 1,000 rupees.
