A guide to rescheduling passport appointments online

A passport is a necessary instrument which is required to travel outside one’s country. It is the only universally recognised proof of identity and citizenship for an individual; thus, it holds a high value. If you want proof of identity or wish to travel abroad, you should consider getting a passport. However, despite its value, many people often feel that the passport application process is time-consuming and daunting, with many steps and procedures. 

This article aims to guide you through the appointment process, the necessary documents, how to check the availability for an appointment, how to cancel your appointment and how to reschedule your appointment due to any particular reason.

When should you reschedule your passport appointment?

If you have ever scheduled an appointment for a personal interview, these appointments are often scheduled months in advance. However, despite planning for it, certain circumstances might arise that can result in not being able to follow through with the appointment.

In situations like this, the passport office recommends applicants reschedule their appointment for a convenient time rather than cancel it.

How to reschedule your passport appointment?

Applicants who wish to reschedule their passport appointment can choose to do so by visiting the Passport Seva Kendra website. The passport office allows applicants to reschedule their appointment a maximum of 2 times in 12 months.

Here are the steps you can take to reschedule your passport appointment:

• Visit the “Passport Seva Kendra” Website.
• Click on the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” section on the left side of the page.
• Once on the new page, click the “Schedule Appointment” section and select “Reschedule Appointment”.
• A dialogue box should show the number of reschedules or cancellations remaining. Then, choose the convenient available slot for the new passport interview appointment on the next page.
• Once done, you can submit the form for a confirmation message with the new appointment details.
• Download and keep the receipt and the new form for future reference.

Read Also: Stress-free Passport Application: A Guide to Police Station Procedures

How do you check availability for an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra?

If you are looking to schedule a new appointment or reschedule an existing one, you can refer to the Passport Seva Kendra for the nearest available slots. You can check the availability for several nearby Seva Kendra’s and choose whichever is convenient. 

You can follow these steps for reference:

• Visit the Passport Seva Kendra website
• Click on the button for “Appointment Availability Status” on the left side of the page
• Choose your city from the drop-down list 
• Click on the ‘Check Appointment Availability’ button 
• You can then see a list of available appointment slots at various centres in your city. 
• Consider other nearby cities if you cannot find a Seva Kendra with a convenient date. 
• Choose the relevant date and book your appointment to complete your application.

What are the necessary documents to carry to Passport Seva Kendra?

If you are looking to attend a personal interview for your passport, there are several necessary documents which you may need to carry with you. These documents primarily act as proof of identity, residence and non-ECR category.

• Proof of Date of Birth-  Birth certificate, matriculation certificate, Aadhaar card, Voter ID, etc.
• Proof of Residence- Electricity bill, telephone bill, Aadhar card, passport copy of spouse, parents, etc.
• Proof of non-ECR category- Class-X or XII passing certificates, Marriage certificate, income tax return, etc.

How to cancel an appointment with the Passport Seva Kendra?

Although the passport office often asks applicants to reschedule their appointment but not cancel it, there might be certain reasons why an individual might want to cancel their appointment. 

If you are someone who wishes to cancel your appointment for a passport interview, here is how you can do so:

• Visit the Passport Seva Kendra website and click “View Saved/Submitted Applications”.
• Once on the next page, click “Schedule Appointment” and “Cancel Appointment”.

 Read Also :Visa on arrival countries for Indian passport holders in 2024

Conclusion

If you have any urgent commitments or cannot follow through with the appointment, worry not, as you can reschedule the appointment rather than have to cancel the application and redo the entire process. Following the instructions above, you can reschedule your appointment and get the requirements to explore the world. 

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1. Do I need to pay for rescheduling my passport appointment?

Yes, in most cases, rescheduling a passport appointment requires paying a reschedule passport appointment fee. However, the charges depend on factors such as the country’s passport policies and the type of application. In India, applicants can reschedule their passport appointment online through the Passport Seva website, but they may need to pay a rescheduling fee if the request is made multiple times.

2. Can I reschedule my paid passport appointment?

Yes, you can reschedule a paid passport appointment if you are unable to attend on the original date. In India, applicants are usually allowed to reschedule their passport appointment online up to a certain number of times before additional fees apply. It is advisable to check the official Passport Seva website for the latest policies on rescheduling passport appointments in India.

3. Is the passport appointment fee refundable?

No, the passport appointment fee is generally non-refundable. If you cancel your appointment, you won’t get a refund. However, if you need to reschedule a passport appointment, you may be able to do so within the allowed limit without paying extra fees, depending on the rules in your country. In India, the fee paid for a passport appointment is valid for a specific duration, but refunds are not provided.