Has your Indian passport expired more than three years ago? Don’t worry — you can still renew it! While the Passport Seva system ideally encourages renewal within one year of expiry (and up to three years without a fresh police verification), applications beyond three years are still accepted under the “Re-Issue of Passport” category. However, passports that have been expired for more than 36 months are reviewed more carefully. You’ll need to provide one extra document and follow certain additional steps to successfully complete your application.
Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide for renewing an Indian passport expired over three years ago — updated for 2025.
Renew 3 years expired Indian Passport
- 🔑 The Key Requirement: The Delay Affidavit
- 📋 Complete Document Checklist for Re-Issue (Expired Over 3 Years)
- 🔍 Procedure for Re-Issue of Passport Expired Over 3 Years
- 💰 Fees and Penalties
- 💡 Expert Tips for a Smooth Passport Re-Issue
- 🕒 Processing Time
- 📚 Official Reference
- 🔖 Summary Checklist
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
- 🧠 Related Reads
🔑 The Key Requirement: The Delay Affidavit
When your passport has been expired for more than three years, you must provide a Sworn Affidavit or Self-Explanatory Letter to explain the delay.
✅ Mandatory Document
You must submit a Sworn Affidavit clearly explaining:
- When your passport expired
- Why you could not renew it within three years
- Assurance that you have not acquired foreign nationality
This affidavit helps the Passport Officer confirm your Indian citizenship continuity and rule out any misuse.
📜 Format and Submission
- The affidavit format may vary slightly depending on your Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Indian Embassy/Consulate abroad.
- Always check the Annexure section of the Passport Seva official website for the latest format.
- The affidavit must be notarized and attached with your application.
📋 Complete Document Checklist for Re-Issue (Expired Over 3 Years)
When you apply for a re-issue after a long expiry, you’ll need all standard renewal documents plus the special affidavit mentioned above.
1. Passport & Application Documents
- Old Passport in Original (mandatory for cancellation)
- Self-attested photocopies of:
- First two and last two pages
- ECR/Non-ECR page
- Observation/endorsement pages (if any)
- Sworn Affidavit explaining delay in renewal
2. Proofs of Identity and Address
- Proof of Present Address (POA) — any one of:
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID
- Electricity Bill / Water Bill
- Registered Rent Agreement
- Proof of Date of Birth (DoB) — such as:
- Birth Certificate
- 10th Standard Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Non-ECR Proof (if applicable) — Degree certificate or Matriculation certificate
🔍 Procedure for Re-Issue of Passport Expired Over 3 Years
Follow these steps for smooth processing:
1. Online Application
- Visit the Passport Seva Portal and register.
- Choose “Re-issue of Passport” and select the reason “Validity Expired More Than 3 Years Ago.”
2. Fee Payment and Appointment
- Pay the applicable reissue fee and book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
3. Visit PSK/POPSK
- On your appointment date, carry:
- All original documents
- One set of self-attested copies
- Your Sworn Affidavit explaining the delay
4. Police Verification
- Since your passport has been expired for a long time, a fresh Police Verification (PV) is generally mandatory.
- The passport will be printed only after the police report is submitted successfully.
💰 Fees and Penalties
- Re-Issue Fee: Normal charges apply — ₹1,500 for a 36-page passport or ₹2,000 for a 60-page one (Normal scheme).
- Tatkaal Fee: ₹3,500–₹4,000 depending on booklet type.
- No Late Penalty: There is no separate penalty for delayed renewal as long as you remain an Indian citizen.
- Penalty for Dual Citizenship: If you have obtained a foreign passport and failed to surrender your Indian one, penalties will apply under the Indian Passport Act.
💡 Expert Tips for a Smooth Passport Re-Issue
- Clearly mention reasons for delay (such as staying abroad, health issues, or personal reasons) in your affidavit.
- Ensure all documents match your current address and full name exactly.
- Keep original proofs and photocopies ready — mismatches can delay police verification.
- If living abroad, contact your nearest Indian Mission or Consulate, as affidavit rules may differ.
🕒 Processing Time
Under normal circumstances, it takes:
- 7–15 working days (Normal mode) after police verification.
- 1–3 working days under Tatkaal, if all documentation is clear and pre-verification exists.
📚 Official Reference
For the latest and most accurate document checklist, refer to the official Passport Seva Document Advisor.
🔖 Summary Checklist
| Document Type | Requirement | Notes |
| Old Passport | Mandatory | Original + Self-attested copies |
| Sworn Affidavit | Mandatory | Explains delay beyond 3 years |
| Proof of Address | Mandatory | Aadhaar, Voter ID, Bill, etc. |
| Proof of DOB | Mandatory | Birth Certificate or 10th Certificate |
| Non-ECR Proof | If applicable | Degree or 10th Certificate |
| Police Verification | Usually Required | Fresh PV for long-expired cases |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Here are answers to common questions about renewing a long-expired Indian passport.
1. Can I renew my passport after 5 years of expiry?
Yes, absolutely. The process is the same whether your passport expired 3, 5, or even 10 years ago. You must apply for a “Re-Issue of Passport” (not a “Renewal”) and submit the mandatory Sworn Affidavit explaining the reason for the long delay.
2. Is there any penalty for renewing an expired passport in India?
No, there is no official “late fee” or “penalty” for renewing an expired passport, even after many years, as long as you have remained an Indian citizen. You only pay the standard re-issue fee. However, penalties do apply if you acquired foreign citizenship and failed to surrender your Indian passport in time.
3. Is police verification mandatory for a passport expired more than 3 years ago?
Yes, in almost all cases. When a passport has been expired for a significant period (like 3 or more years), a fresh Police Verification (PV) is mandatory before the passport can be re-issued.
4. What is the most important extra document for a long-expired passport renewal?
The most crucial extra document is the Sworn Affidavit (or Self-Explanatory Letter). This document must be notarized and clearly state the reason for the delay in renewal. Without this affidavit, your application will not be processed.
🧠 Related Reads
- Documents Required for Passport Re-Issue (Expiring Passport)
- Reissue of Damaged Passport: Complete 2025 Guide
- ECR and Non-ECR Explained for Indian Passports
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