Passport Officials To Send Reminders For Renewal

Passport Seva Kendras and offices have started sending out alerts reminding those with passports close to expiry to apply for renewal. The new service has been initiated at a directive issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Two SMSes and emails are being sent to passport holders since September 2019. One SMS is sent nine months before the date of expiry of their passport and another before seven months. The message contains passport number, date of expiry and link to apply for online renewal.

Most countries only allow visitors with passports having validity of six months or higher on the date of travel.

An ordinary passport for an adult in India is valid for 10 years from the date of issue and can be renewed for another 10 years. A minor's passport is valid for 5 years or till they turn 18 years old, whichever is earlier.