Why Online Passport Renewal Is Important

Renewing a passport takes a lot of time and effort. People had to take days off work and wait for hours. It was frustrating, especially for those who live far away. Recent delays in passport issuance have made the process even harder, with applicants waiting weeks or months for their documents. The online system makes this process much easier and faster. You can do it from home and save a lot of time.

Who Can Use the Online System?

You can renew your passport online if:

1. You live in Pakistan, and your passport has expired or has less than one year left.
2. If you live abroad and your passport is damaged, lost, or full, you can also get a new passport for a new-born baby up to two years old.

This service is for both people in Pakistan and Pakistanis living in other countries. Applicants must have a valid CNIC or NICOP. If your CNIC has expired, you will need to renew it before starting the passport application process online.

How to Renew Your Passport Online

There are several types of passports available in Pakistan, each designed to meet specific needs. These include ordinary passports, official passports, and diplomatic passports. Ordinary passports are for regular travel, while official and diplomatic ones are issued to government officials and diplomats.

The fees for passports depend on the validity period (5 or 10 years) and the urgency of processing. For example:

• Ordinary Passport (36 pages, 5 years):
  
  • Normal: PKR 3,000
  • Urgent: PKR 5,000
• Ordinary Passport (36 pages, 10 years):
  
  • Normal: PKR 5,400
  • Urgent: PKR 9,000
• Ordinary Passport (72 pages, 5 years):
  
  • Normal: PKR 5,500
  • Urgent: PKR 9,000
• Ordinary Passport (72 pages, 10 years):
  
  • Normal: PKR 9,900
  • Urgent: PKR 18,000

Make sure to check the latest fee structure on the DGIP website as it can change over time.

1. Make an Account

• Go to the Online Passport Application Portal.
• Sign up with your email and phone number.
• If you are in Pakistan, you will get a code by SMS and email. If you are abroad, you will get the code by email.

2. Fill Out the Form

• Log in to your account and choose the type of application.
• Add your current and permanent addresses.
• Upload a photo that follows the rules on the website.
• Attach copies of your CNIC/NICOP and current passport.
• Print the fingerprint form, take your fingerprints, and upload the form.
• Check all the details, sign the declaration, and submit your application.

3. Pay the Fee

• Use a Visa or MasterCard to pay the fee. The fee is not refundable.
• The cost depends on the passport’s validity (5 or 10 years) and how quickly you need it.

4. Track Your Application

• Use the portal to check the status of your application.

5. Get Your Passport

• If you are in Pakistan, pick up your passport from the Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Executive Passport Office (EPO).
• If you are abroad, your passport will be sent to your address.

Tips for a Smooth Process

1. Be Ready: Gather all the documents you need before starting.
2. Check Everything: Make sure all the information is correct.
3. Be Patient: Sometimes it takes time, so don’t worry.
4. Stay Updated: Use the tracking system to know what’s happening with your application.

Why the Old System Was Hard

Before the online system, renewing a passport was tough. People had to:

• Stand in long lines for hours.
• Visit the office many times.
• Travel long distances, especially if they live abroad.

This made the process very stressful for everyone.

Why the Online System Is Better

The online system has many benefits:

• Easy: You can apply from home.
• Fast: No need to wait in long lines.
• Clear: You can track your application online.
• Saves Money: No travel costs for people living abroad.

The system might seem challenging at first, for users who have limited internet access or technical skills, However, many regional offices now offer help desks to guide people through the online application process. These facilities ensure that even those unfamiliar with technology can benefit from the new system, making passport renewal accessible to everyone.

My Thoughts as a Lawyer

As a lawyer, I have witnessed many clients struggle with renewing their passports under the old system. I remember one case where a client had to take several days off work, travel to the regional passport office multiple times, and wait in long queues just to renew a passport for his child. The stress and time wasted were immense. For those living abroad, the process was even harder due to the added burden of travelling back to Pakistan or coordinating through embassies.

The online system is a big improvement. It saves time and makes life easier for everyone. Now, people can avoid these challenges by completing the process from the comfort of their homes. I always tell my clients to use these online services whenever they can. It’s a game-changer for people who need their passports quickly and without hassle.