Renewing your Indian passport while living in the UK may sound like a daunting task. But the truth is, once you understand the steps and prepare your documents properly, the process becomes straightforward.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each stage from eligibility and forms to appointment booking, fees, and passport delivery. Whether you’re applying from London, Manchester, Glasgow, or anywhere in the UK, this guide is your one-stop reference for 2025.

Who Can Renew from the UK? Jurisdiction & Eligibility

If you’re an Indian national living in the UK and your passport is expiring soon or has already expired you can apply for a renewal (technically, a “reissue”) through VFS Global, the official partner of the High Commission of India (HCI), London and other Indian consulates in the UK.

You’re eligible to renew from the UK if:

• You’re currently residing in the UK with valid immigration status (visa, ILR, etc.)
• Your passport is about to expire or has already expired
• You are not applying for a major change (like name or date of birth) that requires Indian authorities’ approval
• Your current passport was issued by an Indian mission in the UK, or you can provide a valid address proof from the UK

If your old passport was issued in India, you may still renew from the UK, but police verification may be triggered, adding time to your application.

Step 1: Complete the Online Passport-Seva Application

This is the first official step and arguably the most important one. The Passport Seva at Indian Embassies portal is where your application journey begins.

Here’s what to do:

1. Visit https://embassy.passportindia.gov.in
2. Register as a new user if you haven’t already. Select “UK – London” as your Indian mission.
3. Fill in the online passport application form. Choose the Re-issue of Passport option.
4. Once done, print the completed application PDF.
5. Take note of the ARN (Application Reference Number)—you’ll need it for your VFS booking.

Tip: Double-check every detail—especially your name, date of birth, and old passport number. Any mismatch may lead to rejections or delays.

Step 2: Booking Your VFS Global Appointment

Once you’ve completed the online form, you need to book a physical appointment at one of the VFS Global centres in the UK. These include:

• London-Goswell
• London-Hounslow
• Birmingham
• Manchester
• Edinburgh
• Glasgow
• Cardiff
• Belfast

Here’s how:

1. Go to VFS Global’s India-UK page
2. Choose “Book Appointment”
3. Use your ARN to proceed with slot selection
4. Pick a normal or Tatkal slot (if you’re eligible for fast-track)

Reminder: Appointments fill up quickly. Booking early especially during travel season is highly recommended.

Step 3: Documents Checklist for Renewal

You need to carry printed documents when you visit the VFS centre. Missing even one item can result in rejection or delay.

Adult (18+) Passport Renewal

• Printed Application Form (with barcode)
• Original current passport + photocopies of first 5 pages, last 2 pages, and any endorsements
• 2 recent passport-size photos (51mm x 51mm, light background, matte finish)
• UK address proof (utility bill, tenancy agreement, council tax, UK driving licence etc.)
• Self-attested copy of UK visa / BRP / ILR
• Declaration Form and Annexure E (available on VFS website)

For Tatkal applicants:

• Self-declaration of urgency
• Proof of Indian passport previously issued in the UK or valid UK address with 3+ months of stay
• No major changes in personal info

Renewing Minor’s Passport (Under 18)

• Minor’s current passport (original + copies)
• Birth Certificate
• Both parents’ passports and BRP copies
• Minor’s UK address proof (school letter or NHS letter)
• Signed Annexure C & D (consent forms)
• If one parent is abroad or unavailable, notarized NOC may be required

Tip: Don’t forget to carry originals of all supporting documents. Even if you upload them online, VFS staff will physically verify everything.

Step 4: Visitation at VFS – Biometrics & Submission

On the day of your appointment:

1. Reach at least 15 minutes early
2. Carry all original documents + photocopies
3. You’ll be asked to submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
4. You can choose delivery option—Royal Mail, DX Secure, or self-pickup (only available at some centres)
5. Pay the fees (if not paid online)

Pro tip: Dress modestly and avoid wearing white. The camera sometimes washes out white clothing.

The appointment usually takes 30–45 minutes. But during peak times, wait can go up to 2 hours.

Fees Breakdown: Normal vs Tatkal vs Jumbo Booklet

Here’s a snapshot of the 2025 passport renewal charges in the UK:

Prices may vary slightly due to exchange rates or VFS handling fees.

Processing Times & What to Expect

Normal service:

• Usually takes 15–25 working days
• If police verification is required, it can go up to 30–40 working days

Tatkal service:

• Typically processed within 3–7 working days
• Police verification may still occur post-issuance

You’ll receive SMS/email updates during each stage. You can also track status using the Passport Seva Tracker

Delivery Options: Post or Courier

You can opt for:

• DX Secure delivery (trackable and faster)
• Royal Mail (standard but often slower)
• Collection in person (if available)

Tip: Most users prefer DX Secure for peace of mind, especially if they’ve booked travel soon.

Common Delays & Community Tips from Reddit

Several users on Reddit’s NRI forums shared their experience and frustrationswith passport renewals in the UK.

Common causes of delay include:

• Police verification not completed in India due to local backlog
• Incomplete documentation, especially Annexure forms
• Application mismatch with existing passport records
• Poor photo quality

Real tip from a Redditor:

“If your Indian passport was issued in India and you haven’t visited home in a few years, expect police verification—even under Tatkal.”

FAQs

Can I renew up to one year before expiry?

Yes. You can apply for renewal within one year of expiry or up to three years after expiry. Earlier renewal may be advised if you’re planning to travel soon.

Can someone else submit on my behalf?

No. You must attend in person for biometric collection, unless the applicant is a minor or medically unfit. In such cases, special consent or medical proof is needed.

Can UK address be printed on my passport?

Yes, but only if:

• You provide valid UK address proof
• You mention clearly in the application form that you want the UK address reflected
• You provide an Indian address separately for police verification

Note: Some applicants prefer keeping their Indian permanent address on the passport to ease visa/travel issues.

Final Reminder & Timeline Checklist

Here’s your renewal-at-a-glance checklist:

• ✅ Register on Passport Seva Portal & fill application
• ✅ Book VFS appointment using ARN
• ✅ Prepare documents (originals + photocopies)
• ✅ Carry passport-size photos (51mm x 51mm)
• ✅ Attend appointment for biometrics
• ✅ Choose delivery option
• ✅ Track your application via SMS or online
• ✅ Plan for possible police verification

Start early. Especially if you’re applying under normal service or your old passport was issued in India.

Also Read: How to Renew Your Indian Passport in the USA