What If I Lost My Passport in India: What to do and How to Get It Back

Losing a passport inside India is more common than most people think. It can fall from your bag, get left behind in a taxi, or go missing during travel. Once it is gone, your ID, visa record, and travel history also go with it.

Many first-timers do not know the exact steps. They delay filing the report or bring the wrong documents to the passport office. This creates long file holds, especially in cities like Delhi NCR.

In most cases, you need to file a local police FIR, fill Annexure L, show valid identity proof, and apply for reissue. The process depends on how fast you act, how complete your file is, and which Regional Passport Office handles the case.

This blog explains what if I lost my passport in India, where to go first, how to apply step by step, and how to avoid extra delays. All terms are explained in simple words, based on current Passport Seva rules and user experiences.

What Happens If You Lost Your Passport in India

Losing your passport in India is a serious issue. The system marks it as missing and blocks your passport number from any further use. This block stays until all loss reports are verified.

In most cities like Delhi NCR, once flagged, your name enters the passport loss database. This stops all old files, even if your application was half done. Nothing moves until your missing case is cleared.

The passport number becomes inactive in the backend of MEA and RPO systems. You cannot book a new slot or apply again unless the loss is confirmed through official steps.

Many users from metro areas report that police clearance and biometric files get cancelled if the passport is lost in between. In such cases, you must start fresh.

The PSK system changes your file status from active to loss hold. Your Aadhaar card, voter ID, and any old passport copies become the only support until your reissue begins.

Even if your passport had no visa, it is treated as a security item. Once it is missing, the file is flagged and reviewed closely before giving you approval again.

What You Must Do First After Losing Your Passport

Once you confirm your passport is lost, act quickly. Delay adds risk. Lost passports in India trigger police checks, file locks, and reissue delays.

Follow these first steps immediately

• Write down your passport number, issue date, and expiry (if known)
• Note down where and when you last used or saw it
• Prepare identity proof: Aadhaar card, voter ID, or PAN card
• Get a recent passport-size photo (white background, no edits)
• Make a short declaration note: When and how the passport went missing

These details are needed at the police station and later at Passport Seva Kendra. Without them, your FIR or Annexure L may be rejected.

Important:

• Do not wait for days hoping it turns up
• Do not apply for reissue without FIR copy
• Do not skip any proof. PSK officers flag missing files fast

Your file will be marked as lost passport India under MEA records. That status remains till your new application is done.

Go to Police Station and File a Passport Loss Report

If your passport is lost in India, the first thing PSK and RPO will ask is the FIR number. Without this, your file will not move. The system blocks any new passport issue until a passport police complaint is logged with proof.

Go only to the police station that covers the area where your passport was lost. It is not based on your Aadhaar or home address. If you lost your passport at a hotel, airport, office, or while travelling, you must file the FIR at the thana under that exact location.

Officers will ask where the loss happened and whether it falls under their station. If it does not, they will not register your complaint and will direct you to the correct location.

In Delhi NCR, every station follows clear jurisdiction rules. Mention the landmark or PIN code where the passport went missing to avoid delay.

Carry this when you go:

• Aadhaar card or voter ID
• One passport-size photo
• A written declaration that your passport is lost
• Old passport copy (if you have one)

Ask the officer to register an FIR for passport missing. Say where and when it was lost. Mention the last known place.

Once done, get your FIR copy with:

• Police station name
• FIR number clearly printed
• Stamp and signature of SHO or duty officer
• Date of complaint

Keep this FIR copy safe. You will upload this when filing for reissue on the Passport Seva Kendra portal. Also carry this print to the Regional Passport Office if they call you.

Without this stamped FIR copy, your application will stay on hold. The passport system uses the FIR number to trace and close your old file. It confirms you are not misusing or hiding the document.

After this, fill Annexure L, attach the FIR, and move to reissue steps. You need this paper trail before MEA opens your application again.

Apply for a Passport Reissue

Once the police FIR is done and Annexure L is ready, you can apply for a passport reissue in India. This step is only allowed after the lost passport file is logged in the system.

The Ministry of External Affairs allows both damaged passport reapply and lost passport apply again options through the Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office.

If you are in Delhi NCR, you can choose a PSK in Ghaziabad, Gurugram, or South Delhi, depending on where your Aadhaar address or FIR was filed. Most Delhi PSK appointments are available within 3 to 5 working days if you check early morning slots.

Here is what you must carry:

• FIR copy with stamp and file number
• Aadhaar card or other address proof
• Old passport copy, if available
• Annexure L signed and printed
• Passport-size photo (recent, plain background)
• Valid ID (voter ID, PAN, or driving license)

Once uploaded on the MEA portal, your fresh passport slot booking can be done online. If all details match and the police FIR is attached, you will get an acknowledgment sheet with a barcode and reference number.

The passport reissue fee is the same as a normal passport unless you select Tatkal. Regular service may take 7 to 14 days based on PSK queue and RPO clearance.

Inside the PSK, officers check for Aadhaar identity match, signature, and photo clarity. Any mismatch will hold your file. So keep printed and soft copies both.

Once verified, your reissue file moves to the RPO for decision. Most damaged or lost passport cases from Delhi NCR clear faster if the FIR has no criminal flags and Annexure L is complete.

List of Documents You Need for Lost Passport Reissue

To reapply for a lost passport in India, your documents must match across all records. Even one error in name, address, or date can stop the reissue process at the PSK counter. Below is the complete and verified document list that works for both Delhi NCR and all other Indian cities.

1. Aadhaar Card: It is the main identity proof. The name and address on your Aadhaar must match the details in your lost passport record and FIR. If it does not, your reissue application may be put on hold.
2. FIR Copy: File a police report at the station where the passport was lost. The FIR must clearly mention your full name, passport loss detail, and location. Carry a stamped hard copy with visible reference number and officer signature.
3. Passport Reissue Form Printout: After online submission on the Passport Seva portal, download and print your ARN receipt. It should match the information provided in your FIR and Aadhaar.
4. Self-Attested Copy of Lost Passport: If you have a copy of your old passport, attach it. Sign each page. It helps PSK or RPO to verify your previous file number and issue history. This is optional but recommended.
5. Annexure F or Affidavit: Use the official Annexure F format provided by the Ministry of External Affairs. It must be typed, printed clearly, and notarised. If you are not using Annexure F, a notarised affidavit with full loss details is accepted.
6. PAN Card or Voter ID: Keep one extra ID proof ready in case your Aadhaar has an old or mismatched address. PAN or Voter ID is accepted in original and copy form. All copies must be self-attested.
7. Birth Certificate for Minors: If the lost passport belonged to a minor, carry the municipal birth certificate. Also bring an Aadhaar copy of both parents and a signed declaration from them. Joint affidavit is required if only one parent visits the PSK.
8. Two Recent Passport Size Photos: Not all PSKs ask for printed photos, but it is better to carry two recent photos with white background in correct dimensions.

What to Write in the Lost Passport Affidavit

Annexure F is not just a form. It is a legal statement. You need to write exact facts of how your passport got lost, and confirm you have not used it anywhere after the loss. This affidavit goes with your passport reissue form, and the RPO checks every word before moving your file.

Use plain paper or stamp paper as asked by your local Passport Seva Kendra. It must be notarised before submission.

Your lost passport affidavit India format must include the following:

• Your full name and your father’s name
• Old passport number, issue date, and place of issue
• Clear line that your passport is lost and not in use
• Place, date, and how the loss happened
• Statement that the passport will be treated as cancelled
• Confirmation that the new passport request is genuine
• Your signature with current address and Aadhaar number

If you write vague details or skip the passport number, your file gets rejected. Do not print on both sides. Do not forget the notary seal. Any mismatch between your Annexure F and FIR copy will stop the process.

For minors, the affidavit must be signed by one parent or guardian. For adults, the name in Aadhaar and the affidavit must match letter by letter.

Inside Delhi NCR PSKs, officials accept either 10 rupee stamp paper or plain affidavit based on the counter rules.

Your reissue passport statement inside the affidavit must be true, short, and match the exact wording given in MEA rules. No need for long explanations. Just state facts.

This one-page document holds weight. It tells the MEA that you lost your passport and you are taking full responsibility. Keep one extra print with you.

How to Keep Passport Safe and Never Lose It Again

Use a passport cover or a soft zip folder with a clear front. Keep it with your ID proofs, not in pockets or open bags. This reduces bending, tearing, or misplacing it during travel.

Click and save clear photos of your passport. Keep the digital copy in your phone, email, and cloud. Make sure the photo shows the passport number, name, and expiry clearly. This helps during a police report or reissue if ever needed.

Do not carry your passport unless the place demands it. Inside India, most places accept Aadhaar. Keep the passport home unless going to visa office, airport, or foreign embassy.

Avoid keeping it inside your luggage while staying in hotels or trains. Always carry it in a small sling bag or waist pouch. If you live in Delhi NCR or any metro area, use a small file that stays visible and secure.

Never laminate the passport pages. It can damage the chip and make the passport invalid. Also, never staple extra papers on passport pages.