The Office for Indian Passports
Passports are necessary for two reasons. Passports act as a document of identity that may be required on certain application forms. Passports are also needed to travel in and out of a country, as proof of citizenship and identity.

Every country has a different code and practice when it comes to obtaining and renewing a passport. If you are from India, then you will be issued an Indian Passport. In India, the Consular Passport and Visa Division of the Ministry of External Affairs is responsible for issuing Indian Passports. If you are looking to obtain or renew your Indian Passport, this is where you will start.

There are 33 different locations for passport retrieval in India. Furthermore, there are 160 difference Indian missions abroad where you can also obtain or renew a passport. If you are travelling overseas and lose your passport, it is possible to have another one issued to you through one of these overseas offices.

Different Passport Types and Status
The Indian Passport is written in both English and Hindi and details your name, passport number, nationality, sex, birth details, date of issue, date of expiry and signature. The standard Indian passport is 36 pages and has a navy blue cover. However, you can also opt for a 60 page passport for a little more money. Both are valid for 10 years.

There are also white passports issued to those who work within the Indian government, or maroon passports for Indian diplomats.

The Application for New Indian Passports
If you are applying for a new passport you will need to fill out an application form and attach all the necessary documentation. For new passports, this includes a proof of address (bank statement), proof of date of birth (birth certificate), three color passport photos, and the completed application form. You can find the application form online or at a passport office.

You can apply for a passport at a passport center office, a passport collection center, the speed post centers or district passport cells, which are located all over the country. You should also attach the required fee for your passport.

Renewal and Reissue for Indian Passports
Under the Indian Passport system a renewal is much different than a reissued passport. A renewal passport is a passport that was only issued for a certain amount of time, usually one to five years, that needs to be extended to the full 10 years. This service is free and you will fill out Application Form 2, found on the website or at a passport office.

A reissue passport means that your 10 year passport is about to expire. In this case, you will use the same application process of a new passport, or a lost, stolen or damaged passport.

If you are looking for more information or want to make an enquiry about your Indian passport application, status or renewal, it is best to visit the CPV website sponsored by the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs.