Annexure F is the affidavit you need when your Indian passport is lost, stolen, or damaged. It is not optional. It tells the truth about how the passport got lost or spoiled. You must sign it and submit it along with the reissue application.

This format is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and accepted at every Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and Indian Embassy. It clearly asks for travel details, passport number, place of loss, and confirms that you are not misusing any travel benefits.

You cannot edit the format. It must be word-for-word as per MEA rules. If your form has changes, the officer may reject your file on the spot. The affidavit also declares that you have not claimed any TR/FT concession on the old passport.

Annexure F is not a form for delay. It is a direct proof that helps the passport reissue move forward without query. It shows intent, honesty, and helps the RPO verify that your lost or damaged passport is not misused.

Name and format origin of Annexure F

The term Annexure F comes from a set of official affidavits listed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India for passport services. The word Annexure is commonly used in Indian legal formats to mean an attached declaration added to a main passport file.

In this structure, each annexure has a specific use. Annexure A handles identity, Annexure D deals with single parents, and Annexure F is meant for lost or damaged Indian passports. The letter F does not stand for a word but follows the MEA’s alphabetical sequence (A to K) for standardized affidavits.

The format of Annexure F is not open to changes. It must be printed exactly as released by MEA on the Passport Seva portal. It contains legal declarations under the Passports Act, 1967, confirming passport loss, past travel status, and acknowledgment of no misuse.

This naming system helps streamline passport reissue workflows at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and Regional Passport Office (RPO) levels by directly linking each form to its legal purpose.

Purpose and role of Annexure F in Indian passport services

Annexure F is a compulsory affidavit used when an Indian passport is lost, stolen, or physically damaged beyond recognition. It acts as a legal declaration by the passport holder stating the facts behind the passport loss or damage. This affidavit supports a passport reissue request under the Passports Act, 1967 and is reviewed by the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and the Regional Passport Office (RPO).

The affidavit gives written proof that the old passport is unusable or missing. It also includes personal details, previous travel activity, acknowledgment of non-misuse, and confirmation that no TR or FT concession was claimed on the lost passport. These statements help the passport office assess whether the application qualifies for reissue without delay or special investigation.

The MEA mandates the exact format, and it must be submitted as-is, without edits or self-written content. The signed Annexure F is usually presented along with a police FIR copy, a self-attested photocopy of the damaged passport (if available), and other standard documents. It becomes part of the passport file and stays in MEA records.

Without this affidavit, the reissue application is incomplete and may get rejected or marked for special scrutiny.

History and evolution of Annexure F for Indian passports

The use of Annexure F in Indian passport services began as part of a larger shift toward documented self-declarations under the Passports Act, 1967. Before structured annexures were introduced, many applicants submitted handwritten or non-standard affidavits when reporting passport loss or damage, which led to legal inconsistencies and delays in processing.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) formalized the annexure system in the early 2000s to streamline common affidavit needs. Each annexure addressed a specific user case—Annexure F was created exclusively for cases where the passport is either missing, stolen, or unusable due to physical damage. This replaced earlier formats that varied across Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) and led to rejection or delay due to non-uniform wording.

The official PDF format of Annexure F was later uploaded to the Passport Seva Portal to prevent forgery and ensure consistency across Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and embassies. The content was structured to include travel history declaration, TR/FT benefit disclaimer, and loss confirmation, making it a comprehensive legal document accepted both in India and at Indian missions abroad.

Its usage remains unchanged since standardization. Only minor updates were made to include new passport types and changes in applicant categories.

Structure and content of Annexure F affidavit

Annexure F is a legally formatted affidavit required for passport reissue when the original passport is lost, stolen, or damaged. The content must be printed exactly as released by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). No text can be changed, removed, or added.

The affidavit starts with a declaration by the applicant. It confirms full name, date of birth, passport number, issue date, and issuing authority. This section sets the identity record and links the affidavit to the lost or damaged passport.

The next part of Annexure F confirms the incident—either loss of passport or irreparable damage. It must state how and when the passport went missing or got spoiled. The format uses simple statements to avoid ambiguity. If the passport is stolen, the date of police complaint is added, but FIR is submitted separately.

It then contains a TR/FT concession clause. The applicant must confirm that no travel or foreign transfer benefit was claimed using the lost or damaged passport. This prevents duplicate benefit misuse.

Lastly, the affidavit includes a signature block. The applicant signs in front of a First Class Judicial Magistrate, Executive Magistrate, or Notary Public. The notary seal and stamp are mandatory for the affidavit to be valid.

Annexure F is accepted only when printed on plain white paper, signed in original ink, and notarized properly.

Use of Annexure F in passport reissue services

Annexure F is used when applying for a reissue of an Indian passport that is either lost, stolen, or physically damaged beyond use. It forms part of the supporting papers submitted at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Indian Mission abroad.

The affidavit is mandatory for all categories, including adults, minors, Tatkaal, and normal schemes. The purpose is to provide a formal, legal explanation about the non-availability or unusability of the previous passport. Without it, the file is marked incomplete, and the reissue request cannot proceed.

For lost passports, Annexure F goes with the police complaint or FIR copy. If the document is damaged, it must be submitted with the torn passport pages. In both cases, the affidavit acts as the applicant’s signed claim that the old passport is not in a usable state.

In Tatkaal reissues, this affidavit helps fast-track processing if other required documents (like verification certificates) are in place. However, police clearance is still required after issuance.

Once verified by the document checker at PSK, the original Annexure F is kept in the application file. It is also referred by the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) during final clearance.

Variants and uniformity of Annexure F across India

There is only one official format of Annexure F approved by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This format is uniform across all Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs), Regional Passport Offices (RPOs), and Indian Missions abroad. It cannot be modified, shortened, or replaced with a personal affidavit.

Even though local notaries or agents may offer pre-filled versions, the only valid format is the one published on the Passport Seva Portal or directly circulated by Indian embassies. Any changes in wording or extra statements can lead to application rejection.

Some RPOs may allow typed or printed affidavits on white paper, while others may prefer it handwritten. However, the text must exactly match the official Annexure F wording. All versions must be signed in original ink and attested by a First Class Magistrate, Executive Magistrate, or Notary Public. Photocopies or scanned prints are not accepted.

There is no digital or online submission of Annexure F. It must be carried as a physical document along with the passport reissue file.

Notarization and submission steps for Annexure F

To use Annexure F for a lost or damaged passport, the affidavit must be notarized before submission. This means the applicant has to sign the form in front of a licensed Notary Public, First Class Judicial Magistrate, or Executive Magistrate. Their stamp, full name, registration number, and seal must appear clearly on the final page.

The affidavit must be printed on plain white A4 paper, not on stamp paper. The text must exactly match the official MEA format. No handwritten changes or extra lines are allowed. Typed copies are accepted, but all signatures must be done by hand using blue or black ink.

If the applicant is abroad, Annexure F must be signed in front of the Consular Officer at the nearest Indian Embassy or High Commission. In that case, embassy attestation replaces the notary seal.

During submission at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Indian Mission, the notarized Annexure F is reviewed at Counter A. If complete, it is attached to the main file. The officer will not explain the format, so it must be prepared in advance. Any mistake in wording, missing stamp, or unsigned field leads to rejection or delay.

Review and acceptance of Annexure F in passport issuance

Annexure F is examined and accepted by Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) officials and the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) during the passport reissue process. When submitted at the PSK counter, it is first checked by the Document Verification Officer at Counter A. The officer matches the format with the official MEA-prescribed structure and confirms the seal and signature of the notary or magistrate.

If the affidavit passes the format and authority check, it is moved along with the file to Counter B, where biometric data is recorded. From there, the full application packet, including the original Annexure F, reaches the RPO review stage. This review decides whether the affidavit is legally valid, complete, and supports the reissue claim.

If the RPO finds any mismatch in format, or if the notary stamp is unclear, the file can be put on hold. The applicant then receives a message through SMS or email asking for a fresh affidavit. In such cases, passport issuance is paused until a corrected version is submitted.

In Tatkaal applications, the affidavit helps speed up approval, but only if the rest of the mandatory papers are in place, such as police clearance or verification certificate. In all cases, Annexure F is not optional. Without it, the reissue request is auto-rejected in case of passport loss or damage.

Annexure F is a mandatory legal affidavit prescribed under the Passport Rules, 1980, regulated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India. It applies specifically to passport reissue cases when a passport is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond use. This affidavit serves as the applicant’s formal declaration of truth about the lost or unusable passport.

Legally, the form must be signed in the presence of a magistrate or notary and includes a personal declaration made under oath. Submitting false details in Annexure F is considered perjury under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and may result in legal action. According to RPO protocols, affidavits with incomplete data, modified format, or unsigned areas are not accepted under any circumstances.

The MEA has standardized the format across all states and Indian missions abroad. This prevents forgery, fake declarations, or false reissue attempts. To protect the integrity of public records, passport officers are trained to detect any forged seals, unauthorized signatories, or duplicate submissions.

Ethically, the affidavit reflects the applicant’s accountability and intent. It assures the passport authority that the loss or damage was genuine, not intentional, and that all supporting facts are true. Using Annexure F fraudulently to avoid police verification or hide identity misuse is a punishable offense.

Problems people face with Annexure F while reapplying for passport

Annexure F brings legal clarity, but on the ground, it also creates stress for many users. A major issue is the lack of awareness about the affidavit’s format. People often submit handwritten notes, self-declared letters, or outdated formats, which are rejected instantly at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) counters.

Another gap is with notary errors. In several cities, affidavits are wrongly attested by unauthorized officers or carry unclear seals. The Regional Passport Office (RPO) automatically holds such files until a valid Annexure F is submitted. This delays the passport reissue and adds to user frustration.

In rural areas, people often struggle to find qualified notaries or magistrates to sign the affidavit. There have been reports of people traveling over 50 kilometers just to get the affidavit attested. Incomplete forms, missing date entries, or incorrect personal details also cause rejection during PSK verification.

During Tatkaal passport reissue, the affidavit is crucial. If it is missing or poorly filled, the Tatkaal file cannot be cleared on the same day. Even when submitted online, physical presence with the original Annexure F is still required at the PSK, which many users fail to realize.

Lack of clear instruction on the Passport Seva website has led to confusion. People often rely on cyber cafes or third-party agents, who sometimes use outdated forms. This leads to multiple trips to the PSK and unnecessary delays.

Role and importance of Annexure F in India’s passport system

Annexure F continues to play a critical role in India’s passport reissue framework, especially when the original passport is lost, damaged, or stolen. It acts as a legal safety gate, ensuring that every reissue is backed by a verified and signed self-declaration. This helps protect against misuse, impersonation, or false claims.

Since the format is standardized by the Ministry of External Affairs, it helps maintain consistency across Regional Passport Offices (RPOs), Indian missions abroad, and Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs). The affidavit gives passport officers a documented confirmation that the case involves a real loss or physical damage, which is not fabricated or part of identity fraud.

Annexure F also serves as a legal record. If the lost passport is later recovered and misused, the affidavit proves that the person already declared it void and applied for a new one. This protects both the applicant and the issuing authority from liability.

Despite rising digitalization, Annexure F remains a physical affidavit, showing the government’s continued reliance on in-person legal declarations for sensitive services like passport issuance. Its relevance is still strong in 2025, with no current move to replace or digitize it completely.

The affidavit continues to be referenced in PSK training manuals, RPO file reviews, and even legal proceedings related to passport misuse. It stands as a trusted and required step in India’s broader effort to protect identity systems and international mobility integrity.

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