Indian Passport Renewal in the UK — Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Q: How long does Indian passport renewal take from the UK?

Standard renewal takes 4-6 weeks from your BLS appointment. Tatkal (urgent) processing can take 1-2 weeks but costs significantly more. Processing times vary and delays beyond these timeframes are common during peak periods.

Q: How do I book a BLS appointment for Indian passport?

BLS appointments are booked online through the BLS International website (blsindiavisa-uk.com). Slots open periodically and fill up fast — especially London slots. You need to check regularly or book as soon as slots become available. BLS centres are in London, Birmingham, Bradford, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast.

Q: Can I renew my Indian passport if it's already expired?

Yes. You can renew an expired Indian passport from the UK. The process is the same as a standard renewal. However, you cannot travel on an expired passport, so plan ahead and renew before expiry if possible.

Q: What is the fee for Indian passport renewal in the UK?

The government fee for standard adult passport renewal is approximately £20 (36 pages) or £22 (60 pages). Tatkal processing costs an additional £34. BLS service charges are separate and vary. These fees are paid directly at the BLS centre.

Q: Can I change my name on Indian passport during renewal?

Yes. Name changes can be done during renewal. You will need supporting documents such as a marriage certificate (for change after marriage), deed poll, or gazette notification. The process may take slightly longer than a standard renewal.

Renewing your Indian passport from the UK is done through BLS International (not VFS — that's for OCI and visa). The process involves filling the application on the Passport Seva portal, booking a BLS appointment, and submitting your documents in person.

This guide covers standard renewal, expired passport renewal, child's first passport, name changes, and the tatkal (urgent) process.

Quick summary: Fill application on passportindia.gov.in → book BLS appointment → attend with originals → receive renewed passport in 4-6 weeks (standard) or 1-2 weeks (tatkal).

Types of passport renewal

The process varies slightly depending on your situation:

Standard renewal — Your current passport is expiring or has expired. Most common case.
Renewal with name change — After marriage, divorce, or deed poll. Need supporting documents.
Child's first passport — After birth registration (Form I). Both parents must sign the application.
Damaged passport replacement — If your passport is torn, water-damaged, or pages are missing.
Lost/stolen passport — Requires a police report and additional documentation.
Tatkal (urgent) — Faster processing for an additional fee. Useful if you have urgent travel.

Documents needed

📋 Standard renewal checklist

Current Indian passport (original) — even if expired.
Completed application form — printed from passportindia.gov.in after online submission.
Passport-size photos — as per Indian passport photo specifications (51×51mm, white background). Same specs as OCI photos.
UK address proof — utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill (within 3 months).
UK visa/BRP — copy of your current UK visa or Biometric Residence Permit.
Self-addressed prepaid Special Delivery envelope — for passport return.

📋 Additional documents for specific cases

Name change: Marriage certificate, deed poll, or gazette notification + affidavit.
Child's first passport: Birth registration certificate from India, UK birth certificate, both parents' passports, marriage certificate. Both parents must sign the form.
Lost/stolen: Police report, affidavit, and any available photocopies of the lost passport.

Step-by-step process

1

Register on Passport Seva (passportindia.gov.in)

Create an account if you don't have one. Select "Re-issue of Passport" and choose the BLS centre in the UK. Fill all details exactly as per your current passport (unless changing name).

2

Upload photo and submit the form

Upload your 51×51mm photo. Review all details carefully — once submitted, you cannot change them. Pay the government fee online. Print the application form — it will have a barcode.

3

Book a BLS appointment

Go to blsindiavisa-uk.com and book an appointment at your nearest centre. BLS centres are in London, Birmingham, Bradford, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast. London slots fill up fastest — check early morning for new availability.

4

Attend BLS with all originals

Bring your printed application (with barcode), current passport, all supporting documents (originals + one set of photocopies), photos, and the prepaid return envelope. You must attend in person — for children under 18, at least one parent must accompany.

5

Wait for processing

Standard processing takes 4-6 weeks. Tatkal takes 1-2 weeks. You can track status online using your application reference number. The new passport is posted to your UK address in the prepaid envelope you provided.

BLS appointment tips

The biggest frustration with Indian passport renewal is getting a BLS appointment slot. Here's what we've learned from booking hundreds of appointments:

New slots are released periodically — there's no fixed schedule, but checking early morning (around 9-10 AM) on weekdays gives you the best chance.
London is always the hardest — if you're flexible on location, Birmingham and Bradford tend to have more availability.
Don't wait until your passport expires — you can renew up to a year before expiry. Start the process early.
Summer is peak season — families renewing before India trips. Book well in advance if travelling in school holidays.

💡 We monitor BLS slots. As part of our passport renewal service, we monitor BLS appointment availability and can help you secure a slot quickly. Many of our clients get appointments within a few days of starting with us.

Fees (2026)

Standard renewal (36 pages): ~£20 government fee
Standard renewal (60 pages): ~£22 government fee
Tatkal surcharge: ~£34 additional
BLS service fee: Varies (approximately £5-£10)
Courier/SMS charges: Additional optional fees at BLS

These are government and BLS fees paid directly by you. Sorted's service fee of £99 covers the online application, photo preparation, document checking, and BLS appointment booking assistance.

Tatkal (urgent) passport

If you need your passport urgently — for example, for emergency travel to India — you can apply under the tatkal scheme. The process is the same as standard renewal but with an additional fee and faster processing (typically 1-2 weeks).

You'll need all the same documents plus proof of urgency in some cases. Tatkal applications are prioritised but not guaranteed — the Indian High Commission processes them as quickly as possible.

⚠️ Important: Do not book flights before receiving your renewed passport. Processing times are estimates and delays happen. If you have a genuine emergency and cannot wait, consider applying for an Emergency Certificate from the Indian High Commission while your passport is being processed.

Common questions

Can I renew my Indian passport if it's expired?

Yes. The process is the same. However, you obviously cannot travel on an expired passport, so don't leave it until the last minute.

Do I need to go to London for renewal?

No. BLS has centres across the UK — London, Birmingham, Bradford, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Belfast. Choose whichever is most convenient.

Can I change my address during renewal?

Yes. You can update your UK address during the renewal process. Provide current address proof (utility bill, bank statement).

How do I renew my child's Indian passport?

Children's passports are renewed similarly to adults, but both parents must sign the application form. For a first passport (after Form I birth registration), you'll also need the birth registration certificate from India. At least one parent must accompany the child to the BLS appointment.

What if I want to add or remove pages?

During renewal, you can choose between a 36-page or 60-page passport. If you travel frequently, the 60-page option is worth the small extra fee.

Let us handle your passport renewal

£99

We fill the Passport Seva application, prepare your 51×51mm photo, check all documents, and help you book a BLS appointment. Standard, tatkal, name change, and child's first passport — all covered.

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