When applying for or renewing a passport in India, one of the most important details you provide is your mobile number and email address. These are used by the Passport Seva system to send you appointment confirmations, payment receipts, application status updates, and even police verification alerts.
But what happens if your phone number or email address changes after you have already created your Passport Seva profile or submitted an application? Can you update it without applying for a fresh passport? The answer is Yes.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your Phone and Email Updated?
Updating your phone number and email address in passport records is critical for:
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Appointment notifications – SMS and email alerts are sent for appointment confirmation, rescheduling, or cancellation.
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Application status updates – Track progress of application, police verification, and dispatch.
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Delivery alerts – Get notified when your passport is printed and dispatched.
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Grievance handling – Communication regarding complaints or queries is done through your registered phone/email.
Without updated contact details, you risk missing crucial information and facing delays in passport issuance.
Do You Need to Re-Issue a Passport to Update Phone/Email?
No. Updating your phone number or email address does not require a re-issue of the passport, since these details are not printed in the passport booklet. They are linked only to your Passport Seva account records and application profile.
This means you can simply update them online without applying for a new passport.
Step-by-Step Guide to Update Phone/Email in Passport Records
1. Log In to Passport Seva Portal
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Visit Passport Seva Website.
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Select Existing User Login.
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Enter your User ID, password, and captcha code.
2. Go to Profile Settings
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Once logged in, navigate to “Update Profile” or “View Saved/Submitted Applications.”
3. Update Contact Details
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Enter your new mobile number and email address.
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Double-check for spelling mistakes before saving.
4. OTP Verification
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You will receive an OTP on your new phone number and email.
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Enter the OTPs to confirm the change.
5. Save Changes
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Once verified, your details will be updated immediately.
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All future communication will be sent to your new phone/email.
Documents Required to Update Phone/Email
Generally, no documents are needed since this is an online self-service update. However, in case of system discrepancies or account recovery, you may be asked for:
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Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / PAN (for identity confirmation).
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Old passport details for verification.
When Do You Need to Visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)?
Usually, updating phone/email is a fully online process. You may need to visit a PSK only if:
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Both your old phone and email are inactive, and you cannot access your account.
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There is a mismatch in your registered details.
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You want to update these while applying for a fresh passport or re-issue.
Common Issues and Solutions
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OTP not received: Check if your mobile is active and not on DND. For email, check the spam folder.
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Lost old number and email: Use the “Forgot Password” option with security questions, or visit PSK for reset.
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Multiple accounts: Passport Seva allows only one account per phone/email. Deactivate unused accounts if needed.
Processing Time
Once OTP verification is completed, the update is instant. You will start receiving all alerts and notifications on your new contact details immediately.
Expert Tips
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Always use your permanent personal email, not a temporary work email.
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Keep your Aadhaar-linked phone number active for smooth OTP verification.
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Update your details before applying for passport renewal or Tatkal application to avoid delays.
Conclusion
Yes, you can easily update your phone number and email address in passport records without re-issuing your passport. The process is quick, online, and requires only OTP verification. By keeping your contact details up to date, you ensure uninterrupted communication from Passport Seva regarding your application and passport delivery.
For applicants facing issues with updates or needing professional support, help is available.
Visa Agents in Chennai, a leading passport and visa services agent, operates across India with offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Pune, and Hyderabad. With a dedicated team of professionals, quick processing, and end-to-end assistance, we make passport services hassle-free for individuals and families.
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