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Re-issue of Passport due to change in appearance - Adults - 36 Pages

A passport may need to be re-issued if there is a significant change in the holder’s appearance to ensure the travel document accurately represents their current identity. This is important for smooth international travel and security checks, as passports are used to verify identity at borders. Updating the passport photo and details helps avoid complications or denial of boarding during travel.

In compliance with the regulations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), only machine-readable passports are accepted for international travel. Therefore, Short Validity Passports or Emergency Passports are no longer issued. In cases of extreme emergency, a one-way Emergency Certificate can be provided to enable Indian nationals to travel to India for urgent situations. For the return journey, travellers must contact the nearest Passport Issuing Authority to obtain a new valid passport.

Note: Old passport shall be cancelled by the High Commission and cannot be used for travel once application for reissue is accepted.

Click Here to know your jurisdiction

Follow the below steps in order to apply

  1. Create an account (Register yourself) on Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. Click Here to register.
  2. Fill the Govt of India's Online Passport Application Form, by following these steps:
    1. Register through the Global Passport Seva Online Portal. (Choose your country of residence, complete the required information and click on "Register" link. Click Here to visit the Global Passport Seva Online Portal.
    2. Login to the Global Passport Seva Online Portal with the Login ID created in the previous step.
    3. Select "Type of Service"
    4. Fill in the required details in the application form and submit.
    5. Click the "Print Application Form" link to print the application details containing Application Reference Number (ARN) and other details.
  3. Book your appointment online at Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. You can choose a convenient date and time to visit the Alankit ICAC for your application submission. Click Here to book your appointment online.  
  4. Ensure that you have your passport, photographs and all other supporting documents, exactly as per the "Documents Checklist" section. 
  5. Visit the Alankit ICAC, as per your jurisdiction. The address and location of the ICAC will be clearly mentioned in the appointment letter. 
  6. Kindly ensure you reach the ICAC 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. 
  7. Submit your application and deposit your fees at Alankit ICAC. You can check the fee for this application under the "Fee Details" section. 
  8. Enroll for Biometrics at Alankit ICAC (if required)
  9. Your application submission process is now complete! You can avail our Courier service to get your passport delivered to your doorstep!
  10. While your application is in process, you can track your application to know the current stage of your application process. Click Here to track your application online. 

Note: Postal applications will not be accepted, you are requested to visit Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC), with prior appointment.

You can refer to the below Step-By-Step diagram to understand and follow the application process.
How to apply at a glance
1 Register on our Website
2 Read our application instructions carefully, and complete the Government of India’s online form as guided.
3 Schedule Appointment
4 Visit Alankit ICAC at your scheduled date & time.
5 Submit Application & deposit Fees.
6 You can Track your Application Status on our website.
7 Collect your processed document(s) or have it delivered to your doorstep.

Postal Applications

Applications submitted through Post or Courier are referred to as "Postal Applications." Applicants choosing to send their documents via Post or Courier must adhere to the following guidelines and requirements for visa applications:

  • The applicants applying for a passport service as a postal application need to submit their completed and signed application form along with the requirements as stated in the "Document Checklist" section.

*Please be advised that for certain services, the applicant's physical presence at the ICAC may be required.

  • The applicants have to send their documents to the designated Indian Consular Application Center (ICAC) by registered mail, ensuring adherence to the specific guidelines for photographs, fees, and jurisdiction.
  • Applicant may choose to have their passport returned via courier using the available services provided by the Indian Consular Application Center. Please ensure the return address is accurate.
  • Be sure to properly seal all documents when submitting by post. Incomplete forms or incorrect fees will delay processing.
  • The status of incomplete applications, along with any identified deficiencies, will be continuously updated in the portal's tracking system at every stage of the process.
  • Enclose only one application per package. Don’t enclose multiple applications in the same package.
  • Your return shipping address must match with the proof of address submitted as part of your application.

How to Apply

Follow the below steps in order to apply

  1. Create an account (Register yourself) on Alankit Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) website. Click Here to register.
  2. Fill the Govt of India's Online Passport Application Form, by following these steps:
    1. Register through the Global Passport Seva Online Portal. (Choose your country of residence, complete the required information and click on "Register" link. Click Here to visit the Global Passport Seva Online Portal.
    2. Login to the Global Passport Seva Online Portal with the Login ID created in the previous step.
    3. Select "Type of Service"
    4. Fill in the required details in the application form and submit.
    5. Click the "Print Application Form" link to print the application details containing Application Reference Number (ARN) and other details.
  3. Once you log in to the Alankit ICAC portal, please navigate to the postal application section and fill in the required details, including:
    • Your complete return address (for delivery of processed documents via courier)
    • Your full name
    • The service you are applying for
    • Any other mandatory fields as indicated
After entering the details, the system will automatically calculate and display the total amount payable for your postal application. Click on ‘Save’ to securely pay the applicable fees online via our integrated payment gateway.

Applicant Instructions for Postal Application Label
Dear Applicant,
To ensure the smooth processing of your postal application, please generate and print your Postal Application Label after submitting your postal application form.
Instructions:
  • Print the label on A4 / A5 paper and ensure it is clearly visible.
  • Cut and paste the label securely on the front side of the postal package.
  • Ensure the barcode is not covered or damaged.
  • Use a reliable courier service to send your package to the address mentioned on the label.

*Please Note: Providing the ARN number and the transaction ID is a mandatory requirement to process the documents. Failure to provide these details may result in rejection of the application.

Document Checklist

  • All documents exactly as mentioned in the “Documents Checklist” section.
  • Affix the proof of fee payment.
  • For Indian passports, applicants opting return posts, original passport should be sent along with applications.
  • Please note that incomplete application forms (post 21 days of submission) will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant. The applicant will have to bear the cost of the postage.

FAQ’s

What happens if there are some documents that I have missed to send?

Once your application is received, an ICAC officer will review the submitted documents. If any documents are missing or incorrect, your application will be marked as incomplete, and you will be notified via email. Your account status will show the application as "on hold." You will have 21 calendar days to submit the required documents.

What is the 21 days Policy on submitting Additional documents asked by the High Commission of India or its Consulates?

Additional Document Requirements: If the High Commission / Consulate requests additional documents, you will be notified of it. You must submit the required documents within 21 calendar days to complete your application. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the High Commission / Consulate halting the processing of your application. Please note that in such cases, no fees will be refunded.

What is the 21 days Policy of Return of incomplete documents after 21 days?

Incomplete Application: if the additional documents / missing documents are not sent within 21 days, Alankit will return your application unprocessed. Consular and ICWF fees will be refunded after deducting postal charges (if applicable). Photocopies will be shredded. Applicants must contact Alankit ICAC directly to retrieve their original documents.

Document Checklist

  1. You are requested to complete the online passport application form through official government portal carefully and accurately. Click here for application form.
  2. After filling the form, you should print it out and ensure you sign below your photograph on the first page as well as on the last page of the form.
  3. It is important that all the details you enter are accurate and clearly visible since no handwritten corrections will be accepted once the form is printed.
  4. If you wish to update your parents’ names in the application, you are kindly asked to attach a copy of their passport or any other official document issued by the Indian government.
  5. You must provide your full name in the application, as initials are no longer accepted by the government.
  6. Please provide accurate contact information, including a valid Indian address, which is necessary for police verification purposes.
  7. You need to submit two recent passport-sized photographs (2 inches by 2 inches), taken within the last six months, which must meet the official specifications for passport photos.
  8. You should submit your current original passport unless it has been lost or damaged.
  9. Additionally, you are required to provide a completed Personal Particular Form along with your application. Click here.
  10. You must also submit proof of your current visa status, such as a valid visa grant notice or visa sticker.
  11. In case you hold a bridging visa, please provide the visa grant notice specifying the category of visa along with a recent VEVO printout not older than 30 days.
  12. Finally, visit an Alankit ICAC Centre in person with all the required documents. Make sure to schedule an appointment in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes early.

Additional Documents Based on Specific Conditions

  1. If your passport expired more than one month before you plan to submit your application, you will need to complete Form I, duly attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public. You should also provide proof of your Australian address (attested) and two copies of Indian photographic identification, such as your driving license, voter ID, or Aadhaar card.
  2. If your current signature differs from the one on your existing passport, you must provide a statutory declaration, attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary, affirming that both signatures belong to you.
  3. If you wish to add, remove, or change your spouse’s name on your passport, please submit supporting documents such as your marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate (if applicable), or a joint photo declaration signed by both spouses.
  4. For changes in the order of your name or splitting of your name, a self-declaration will be required.
  5. Submit copies of both parents' passports (first and last page), also attested by JP or Notary Public (for NSW residents, attestation must be by a Notary Public).
  6. If your appearance has changed significantly (for example, if you have removed or started wearing a turban), you must attach Form J, attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary, along with a current photograph.
  7. If you want to update the address on your passport, please submit a copy of a recent utility bill or other official document as proof of your new address. This must be attested, and please note that if you are not a permanent resident of Australia, Australian addresses are not acceptable for this purpose.
  8. If you are renewing your passport for the first time after turning 18 years old, please include a copy of your educational certificate, such as your 10th-grade pass certificate, to confirm your eligibility.
  9. For a complete change of name or for adding/removing a surname, you will need to provide copies of two Australian national newspapers or an Indian Government Gazette notification showing your name change. In addition, submit at least two official documents (such as school or public records) that verify your new name. Permanent residents may submit Australian government documents, while others must provide documents issued by Indian authorities.
  10. If you are applying for a new passport to replace a lost or damaged one, you will need to submit a police report (FIR) detailing the loss with your full name, date, and place where the passport was lost. A damaged passport must be submitted along with copies of its front and back pages. You must also provide two reference letters from Indian nationals residing in Australia, along with self-attested copies of their passports. Supporting documents that confirm your personal details (name, date of birth, and place of birth) must also be included.

Fees Details

Note: If fingerprint or facial biometrics, or both, are not required for the selected service, the corresponding biometric charges for these services will be deducted from the total fees payable by the applicant.

Service Passport Fee ICWF Fee Alankit Service Fee Total Fee
Re-issue of Passport due to change in appearance - Adults - 36 Pages AUD 60.00 AUD 2.00 AUD 4.53 AUD 66.53

Bank Transfer Charges

An additional A$0.50 applies for payments made via bank transfer, to cover transaction fees.

Disclaimer: The Indian High Commission and Consulates in Australia reserve the right to update fees in accordance with directives from the Indian Government, without prior notice. While efforts are made to publish the latest and correct fees, discrepancies may occur. In such cases, applicants may be required to pay the difference, even after submitting their applications.

FAQ's for Passport Services

  1. When should I apply for a re-issue of my passport due to change in appearance?
    • You should apply for a re-issue if your appearance has significantly changed to the extent that your current passport photo no longer accurately represents you. This ensures smooth identity verification during international travel.
  2. Are short validity or emergency passports available for travel in case of urgent need?
    • No, in line with ICAO regulations, only machine-readable passports are accepted, and short validity or emergency passports are no longer issued. However, in extreme emergencies, you may be issued a one-way Emergency Certificate to travel to India.
  3. What should I do if my current signature is different from the one in my existing passport?
    • You will need to provide a statutory declaration, attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public, confirming that both signatures belong to you.
  4. Is a change in my name or my spouse’s name considered in this process?
    • Yes. If you need to add, remove, or change your spouse’s name or your own surname, you must provide supporting documents such as marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, or joint declarations as applicable.
  5. What if my appearance has changed due to cultural reasons, such as starting or stopping wearing a turban?
    • In such cases, you are required to submit Form J, attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary Public, along with a recent photograph reflecting your current appearance.
  6. Can I update my address on the passport during this process?
    • Yes, you can update your address by submitting an attested copy of a recent utility bill or official document as proof of your new address. However, if you are not a permanent resident, an Australian address will not be accepted.
  7. What if my passport has expired over a month ago?
    • You will need to complete Form I, attested by a Justice of the Peace or Notary, and provide proof of your Australian address and two forms of Indian photographic identification.
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If you are residing in Apply at Contact email
  • Canberra
Alankit ICAC - Canberra
Canberra
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Sydney
Alankit ICAC - Sydney
Sydney
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Adelaide
Alankit ICAC - Adelaide
Adelaide
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Brisbane
Alankit ICAC - Brisbane
Brisbane
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Melbourne
Alankit ICAC - Melbourne
Melbourne
Phone - +61-123456789
  • Perth
Alankit ICAC - Perth
Perth
Phone - +61-123456789