Damaged Passport
A damaged passport refers to a passport that has been damaged due to any circumstance. In the case of a damaged passport, the classification is based on the extent of damage to the passport. The first one is the classification where the passport is not damaged to that extent where it can't be recognised. In this case of damage, one can apply for a passport under the tatkal scheme. In this case, the passport should have a legitimate passport number, passport name, and photo. The second classification is when the passport is damaged to an extent it can't be recognised. In such a case, one cannot apply for a passport online or offline under the tatkal scheme. In this case,a person has to apply for re-issuance of a passport either online or in the nearest passport Seva Kendra.
Additional tip: One should note their passport number, date of expiry, date of issue, place of issue somewhere, or keep additional photocopies.
FAQ
You can apply for a passport under the tatkal scheme based on the extent to which your passport has been damaged. If your passport is damaged beyond recognition, you cannot apply for a passport under the tatkal scheme. If your passport credentials can be recognised, like the passport number, name, and photo, you can apply for a passport under the tatkal scheme.
If you damaged your passport, your initial responsibility is to report your damage to the nearest police station or Indian mission. After an FIR is registered, you have to apply for re-issue of passport either online or in the nearest passport Seva Kendra. This application can either be applied either in the tatkal scheme or normal based on the extent of the damage to your passport.
In such case, one can apply for a passport under the tatkal scheme in case the credentials of the passport are intact, and in case the credentials of the passport are damaged beyond recognition, one can visit the passport officer in the nearest passport Seva Kendra.
No, a photocopy of the old passport is not necessary for the old passport's re-issuance. However, it could boost the process of re-issuance if produced. If a photocopy is not available, the details like passport number, date of expiry must be given. Otherwise, the nearest passport Seva Kendra or Indian mission, should be contacted.
No, in the case of a damaged passport, you need to apply for passport re-issuance.