Is it necessary to change address in passport?

Most people in India stay confused about these passport address rules. When you shift to a new flat or new city, the first question that comes to mind is “Is it mandatory to change the address in my passport?” It is not compulsory to update your address immediately after moving. But, it is advisable and recommended to reissue your passport with the new address. In this blog, we will tell does address on passport matters for visa application? When you should change your address in passport and how to do it

Is it mandatory to change address in the Indian passport?

No, it is not legally mandatory to update the address in your Indian passport after shifting to a new residence. Your passport remains valid with the old address, and there is no penalty for not updating it. Although not compulsory, updating the address is strongly advised through passport reissue.

Why updating address in passport is important?

• Not accepted as Proof of Address – Old address can be rejected for KYC, banking and government verification
• Police verification issues – Future passport services (renewal, re-issue or PCC) trigger police verification at the address printed on your passport.
  If you no longer live there, verification may be rejected

When address change in passport is not mandatory?

Many people worry about whether changing the passport address is mandatory, but in several situations you don’t need to update it immediately. Your passport stays fully valid even if it still shows your old address.

• If you’re not opening a new bank account, applying for a loan, or completing any KYC process that requires address verification, you can keep using the passport with the existing address without any issues.
• Short-term relocations (around 3–6 months) don’t require you to update the address. The passport only needs the address where you reside, not every temporary place you stay.

How to change address in Indian passport:

If you still want to change your address, you need to apply for passport reissue. You can apply for passport re issue under personal particular change category. the steps to follow are :

• Visit the Passport Seva online portal.
• If you have an account, click “Existing User Login,” enter your user ID and password, and log in.
• If you are a new user, select “New User?” Sign Up Now
• Register and create a login ID and password.
• Select a Passport Seva Kendra in your area.
• You will receive an email at your registered email address with a link to activate your account.
• After you have clicked on the link, log in and select “Apply for a New Passport/Passport Reissue.”
• Fill up the application form and submit it online
• Pay passport fees online
• Schedule appointment for visit to passport seva kendra
• Visit to passport seva kendra for document verification and biometric
• Police verification at the current address given
• Issue of passport and dispatch by post

Does address on passport matters for visa application?

Yes, the address on your passport matters for visa applications. The address on your passport shows your identity at immigration authorities to make you eligible for a visa It finds to be useful as permanent address proof, for background verification, contact details. It helps to streamline the visa application process without any unwanted delay or issue.

Documents required for address change in the passport

The required documents for a passport address change are listed below:

• Old passport
• Passport seva kendra appointment receipt
• Current address proof

Any of the following documents will work as proof of address:

• Photo/Voter ID card from the Election Commission
• The cost of electricity
• Bill Concerning Water
• Number (cellphone/landline)
• Evidence of an LPG Connection
• A legally binding rental agreement
• Order for Income Tax Assessment
• A scheduled private-sector Indian bank, a scheduled public sector bank, or a regional rural bank are the only options for the bank.
• Copy of the spouse’s passport, including the first and final pages of the passport as well as family information. The applicant’s current residence must also match the information on the spouse’s passport.
• In the case of children, a copy of the applicant’s passport (include the first and last pages of the passport as well as family information).

Fees to change address on passport

The cost for updating your address on your passport is same as the fees for reissue of a passport. Depending on the factors such as number of pages in the booklet, its normal or a Tatkal application type, charge will vary.

Condition	Passport renewal Type	Size of the booklet (Pages)	Fees (INR)
Minors (less than 15 years)	Normal	36	1000
	Tatkal	36	3000
Minors (between 15 to 18 yrs)	Normal	36	1000
		60	2000
	Tatkal	36	3500
		60	4000
Adult	Normal	36	1500
		60	2000
	Tatkal	36	3500
		60	4000

Payment Mode to change address in Passport

After successfully submitting the passport application form, go to “View Saved or Submitted Applications.” From there, you can make the payment and schedule an appointment. Remember, you can only book an appointment after completing a successful online payment.
Note –

• The passport fee is non refundable.
• If the application fee is paid but an appointment is not scheduled within one year, the amount will be forfeited.
• In case of multiple payments are done for the same application, the RPO will refund the extra amount

Available payment methods:

• Online through SBI and Associate Banks at no extra charge
• Payments can be made via credit cards (VISA/MasterCard), debit cards (VISA/MasterCard), or internet banking
• You can also pay through SBI Challan

FAQs

Is it necessary to change address in passport after marriage ?

In India, changing the address in your passport after marriage is not mandatory. However, it is advisable to update new address in your passport to ensure identity proof documents up to date .

What to do if current and permanent address is different in my passport?

You are required to give your current address when you apply for passport. This current address is shown in your passport once issued. Police verification also takes place at your current address only.

Validity of Indian Passport

Passport Renewal Process in India

How to change address on passport