How Many Times Can We Reschedule Passport Appointment

After booking your passport appointment, the system gives only 2 chances to change the date. If you try to reschedule it for the third time, the Passport Seva portal shows a block. No more changes allowed.

Once the limit is crossed, your application gets locked for rebooking. You cannot pick a new date. You cannot choose another PSK. The portal simply hides the reschedule option from your screen.

To go ahead, you need to cancel the existing file and start fresh. That means filling the same form again, uploading documents, and paying the fee once more.

This rule applies to Tatkal and Normal both. Even if biometric was not done, the file stays blocked.

The system does not reset the count. It does not allow extra changes. Once used twice, your passport file number is frozen for slot change.

This guide explains the passport reschedule limit, what happens after two changes, how to reapply, Tatkal rules, and more in simple step by step detail.

Why people reschedule their passport appointment

Sometimes the passport date clashes with office or train bookings. If the visit is missed, the appointment slip gets blocked, and people shift to the next day or week.

Many applicants realise late that their Aadhaar name has a spelling mistake, or it does not match the passport form. Instead of risking a rejection at PSK, they change the date and fix the details.

Some cities show no slot at the PSK nearby. So people wait for one to open or try other dates. If you cannot visit the assigned centre, the only option is to reschedule before it locks.

Another reason is a change in plan. People apply under Normal but later decide to switch to Tatkal for faster speed. Since biometric is not done yet, they move the date to book a Tatkal slot again.

Every reschedule counts. Even small delays like these can use up both chances fast.

How many times rescheduling is allowed in passport system

Passport Seva allows only two changes after your first booking. This is the fixed reschedule limit for every application. You can shift the date once. Then again. But if you try a third time, the screen shows a block. No slot. No edit. No shift.

Your appointment reference number stays the same, but the reschedule tab vanishes. That means the system has frozen your passport application status. You cannot pick a new date unless you cancel and apply again.

This rule is the same for all centres—Delhi, Mumbai, small PSKs, even RPO slots. It also does not matter if biometric is done or not. If both reschedules are used, the file rebooking is not possible.

You can check how many changes you used right on the appointment screen. It shows your move history. Once used twice, the third change is not allowed. The only option left is to cancel and file a fresh application form.

What happens after second reschedule of passport slot

Once the second change is done, the reschedule limit is reached. After that, the Passport Seva portal blocks the booking screen. The reschedule tab disappears, and no dates show under the PSK list. The screen may show a message like no further changes allowed.

Your passport file number stays active, but the portal puts a lock. It does not matter if biometric is pending or if you missed the last slot. The application is stuck in reschedule lock. The system does not allow fresh booking from the same file.

Sometimes the portal warning message only shows on mobile view. Many users think it is a technical issue, but it is the system limit. Once the file is blocked, slot rebooking is restricted, and the only working step left is full cancellation.

If this lock appears, the application stays blocked. No edits. No new dates. No PSK change.

What to do if you cross passport reschedule limit

Once the second reschedule is used, no more changes are allowed on that file. The Passport Seva system locks the form, and the appointment slip cannot be used. At this point, the only working step is to cancel the file and start a new application form for passport.

You can visit the same portal, fill fresh details, and use the same Aadhaar card, email, and mobile. The system does not block your personal ID, only the old file. A new appointment reference number will be generated after payment.

The full fee must be paid again. Earlier payment receipt does not carry forward. Both Normal and Tatkal options are open again during fresh booking.

The biometric will need to be done again too, since your old slot is no longer valid. Once rebooked, visit your PSK as per the new date.

So if reschedule is not allowed now, cancel and apply again without waiting.

Tips to avoid rescheduling passport appointment again and again

Missing a slot wastes time and uses up your reschedules fast. One small mistake and the file gets blocked. These tips will help avoid that. Follow them before every booking.

• Match Aadhaar card name with passport form
• Choose morning PSK slot to skip long queue
• Print appointment slip before reaching biometric counter
• Check biometric status if you already booked once
• Turn on SMS alert for passport appointment updates
• Keep documents ready before booking on Passport Seva
• Do not pick random PSK without checking distance
• Use one email and mobile per application form
• Avoid booking Tatkal if details are still not ready

These are simple steps but save you from hitting the reschedule limit. A clean file moves faster and reaches dispatch without block.

Can I reschedule Tatkal passport appointment

Tatkal passport allows two reschedules, same as the normal application. The rule does not change for fast-track bookings. But if you shift the date even once, the Tatkal slot may not be available again.

Tatkal PSK timings fill up fast, especially in big cities. In some cases, the slots vanish before 10 AM. If you move it, you may get a longer wait or no date for that week. This defeats the main reason for choosing fast slot booking.

Once the biometric is done, the system blocks all changes. If the Tatkal date is missed or delayed, you must cancel and file again. The new passport file number will be different and the payment must be made again.

So while Tatkal reschedule is allowed, it works only if the new slot is also fast. Delays in choosing may push your delivery back by several days.

Can I reschedule passport appointment after biometric done

No, Once the biometric is done, the system locks the file. The reschedule option is removed from your screen. The portal shows only the current status and date updates. No date change. No PSK shift. Nothing else is editable.

This rule applies to both Normal and Tatkal. Once the biometric is captured at PSK, the passport application file moves to the next stage. The system checks if police verification is required. If yes, the file status moves to under verification. If no, it jumps directly to the printing stage.

You cannot change anything after biometric. Even cancellation does not reset the file. The Ministry of External Affairs system blocks rebooking at this stage. If you miss your biometric day, you will need to cancel before it happens. After biometric, rebooking is not possible.

What if my passport application is under Tatkal and I miss slot

If the Tatkal slot is missed, the system marks it as inactive. Your passport file gets delayed, and the speed promised under Tatkal may not apply anymore.

In rare cases, the file may jump straight to police verification before biometric if no show is recorded. That can lead to confusion during verification, especially if no data was captured at PSK. The portal does not always hold the file.

You cannot reuse the same appointment slip. The file stays locked. Even if you try again, the Tatkal speed is affected due to slot shift. The fast track path is lost.

To continue, you must cancel and resubmit the Tatkal application from start. Use the same Aadhaar and email, but you need a new appointment reference number and fresh payment.

Missing the PSK visit breaks the Tatkal flow. To restore it, rebooking is the only option. No edit, no update. Only a full reset brings it back.

FAQ’s About Passport Reschedule

Can I change PSK after booking

No. The PSK location gets locked with your first booking. The portal does not allow shifting it during reschedule. New file is needed to pick a different centre.

Will I lose fees if I cancel after booking

Yes. Once payment is made and ARN is generated, no refund is issued. Cancellation clears the file, but passport fee is not returned.

Can I shift from normal to Tatkal after booking

Only by cancelling the current form. System does not let you convert Normal to Tatkal directly. Fresh application under Tatkal mode must be submitted.

Is reschedule possible if payment failed

No. Reschedule works only after complete booking. If payment fails, the slot resets. You need to book again from start once payment shows failed.

What if I fall sick on appointment day

You can skip the visit, but the file still counts that as used. Reschedule is allowed again only if one more chance is left. No exception for sickness.

Can I rebook for same day if slot is open

No. Same day rebooking is not allowed by system logic. Even if slot shows, it locks the moment old file is active. Only new application allows that window.

Can I track file after cancelling due to limit

No. Once cancelled, ARN becomes inactive. No portal status shows. To track again, reapply with fresh application form and check new ARN.

Is PSK change possible after biometric

Not allowed. After biometric, all changes are blocked. Even shift from one PSK to another is locked. File enters police or printing stage.

Does auto cancel count in reschedule limit

Yes. Even if slot expires without action, the portal logs it. System treats it like a reschedule use. Be careful before ignoring old slot.

Why slot shows but fails on payment page

If server load is high, booking fails at payment. This is common during Tatkal hour. Refresh and retry, but slot may vanish if PSK booking fills mid-process.

Things to keep in mind before changing passport slot

Changing your passport appointment slot should be the last option, not the first. Each move counts. The system logs every shift. One extra click can lock your passport application file. Use these points before hitting reschedule.

• Check if biometric not scheduled yet
• Pick PSK with less rush in booking window
• Set appointment alert via SMS and email
• Avoid time clash with school, travel, or office
• Do not choose random slot just to block one
• Use reschedule only when no other way is open

Only two changes are allowed on the Passport Seva portal. After that, the appointment reference number locks automatically. If timing is really wrong or PSK is not workable, then take the cancel file step. Fresh form gives full control again.

Do not risk your slot without checking everything twice.