Can You Update Your Phone/Email in Passport Records?

Keeping your passport details accurate and updated is not just a legal requirement but also essential for smooth travel and government verification processes. Among the key details linked to your passport are your phone number and email address. These contact details are crucial because the Passport Seva system communicates with applicants via SMS and email for status updates, appointment confirmations, and issue resolutions. If your phone number or email address changes, it becomes necessary to update them in your passport records.

In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide on how you can update your phone and email in your Indian passport records, along with common challenges, required documents, and expert tips for a hassle-free process.

Why Is It Important to Update Your Phone and Email in Passport Records?

Your phone number and email are directly linked to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) communication system. Some of the key reasons why updating them is critical include:

• Appointment Alerts: Passport Seva sends SMS notifications for appointment confirmation, rescheduling, or cancellations.

• Application Status Tracking: Updates on processing, police verification, and dispatch are shared through email and SMS.

• Grievance Handling: Any queries raised through the grievance portal are addressed via the contact details registered.

• Travel Emergencies: In certain cases, authorities may contact applicants through their registered number or email.

Without updated contact details, applicants may miss important notifications, leading to delays in passport issuance or renewal.

Can You Update Phone/Email Without Re-Issuing a Passport?

A common doubt among applicants is whether they need to apply for a re-issue of the passport to change their phone or email. The answer is No. Unlike a change in name, address, or other personal details printed on the passport, updating phone and email is only linked to the Passport Seva portal account and application records, not the physical passport booklet.

This means you don’t need to apply for a fresh passport. Instead, you can update your details directly online through your Passport Seva profile.

Step-by-Step Guide to Update Phone and Email in Passport Records

Follow these detailed steps to ensure your contact details are correctly updated:

1. Log in to the Passport Seva Portal

• Visit the official Passport Seva website.

• Click on Existing User Login.

• Enter your User ID and password along with the captcha code.

2. Access Your Profile Settings

• Once logged in, go to “View Saved/Submitted Applications”.

• Navigate to the “Profile Settings” or “Update Profile” section.

3. Update Contact Details

• Enter your new mobile number and email address.

• Verify the details carefully to avoid errors.

4. OTP Verification

• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your new mobile number and email ID.

• Enter the OTP to authenticate the change.

5. Save and Confirm

• Once verified, the new details will be updated in the Passport Seva system.

• From that point, all communication will be sent to your new number and email.

Documents Required for Updating Phone or Email

For updating phone and email, generally no physical documents are required since it’s an online profile change. However, in certain cases where discrepancies exist, authorities may ask for:

• Proof of identity (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN Card)

• Old passport details for cross-verification

• Self-attested declaration confirming the change of contact details

When Do You Need to Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)?

In most cases, updating phone and email does not require a physical visit to the PSK. However, you may need to visit if:

• Your profile is locked due to multiple incorrect login attempts.

• There is a mismatch between the details provided and those recorded in the system.

• You are applying for a fresh passport or re-issue and want to ensure the new details reflect in your application.

Common Issues While Updating Phone/Email and How to Fix Them

1. OTP Not Received

   • Ensure the number is active and not on DND.

   • Check your email spam/junk folder.

   • Retry after clearing cache or using a different browser.

2. Old Number Lost or Inactive

   • Use the “Forgot Password” option with security questions or registered email.

   • If both phone and email are inactive, visit the PSK with valid ID proof for manual reset.

3. Multiple Accounts with Same Email/Phone

   • Passport Seva allows only one active account per mobile/email.

   • Close or deactivate unused accounts to avoid conflicts.

How Long Does It Take to Update the Records?

Once the OTP verification is completed successfully, the update is instantaneous. All future communication from Passport Seva will immediately reflect the new contact details.

Expert Tips for a Smooth Update Process

• Always keep your Aadhaar-linked mobile number active for ease of OTP verification.

• Avoid using office emails that may change with employment; instead, use a permanent personal email ID.

• If you frequently change numbers, make sure your email address is always valid to recover login credentials.

• Update your details well before applying for a passport renewal or Tatkal application to avoid last-minute delays.

Conclusion

Yes, you can easily update your phone and email in passport records without re-issuing your passport. The process is simple, quick, and can be done entirely online through the Passport Seva portal. Ensuring your contact details are correct helps you stay informed about application updates, police verification, and dispatch status.

For those who find the online process confusing or face repeated issues, professional assistance can make the journey smoother.

Smotpro.in, a leading passport agent, has offices across India in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Pune, and Hyderabad. We provide end-to-end support with fast processing, experienced professionals, and dedicated teams handling each case with care. From application to successful passport issuance, we make the process hassle-free.