Keeping your Indian passport up to date is more important than you might think, especially for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) residing in the UAE. Officials have emphasized that an incorrect or outdated address can create avoidable hassles when it comes to documentation, applications, and verifications. To avoid such issues, passport holders are required to apply for a reissue whenever there is a change in residence or if they prefer to use their UAE address in place of their Indian one.
When to Update Your Passport Address
The Consulate General of India in Dubai states that address changes become necessary in the following cases:
- If the passport reflects an old or invalid residential address.
- When a person shifts to a new residence in India.
- If an applicant chooses to update their passport with their UAE address.
The entire procedure is handled by BLS International Services UAE, which works as the authorized partner of the Indian Consulate. Applications, along with the required documents, must be submitted at designated BLS centers across the Emirates.
Documents Needed for Address Updates
Depending on whether you are updating your Indian address or opting to use your UAE address, the documents required differ:
For an Indian address update, any of the following is accepted:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, or phone) not older than three months.
- Aadhaar card, e-Aadhaar, or voter ID.
- Nativity certificate attested by the State Home Department or digitally verifiable.
- Bank passbook with proof of recent transactions.
For a UAE address update, applicants must provide:
- A registered tenancy contract or title deed in their name.
- Any additional documents requested by the BLS service center.
Step-by-Step Application Process
To make a successful address update request, applicants must:
- Fill out the official passport application form for miscellaneous services.
- Submit their current passport along with photocopies of relevant pages.
- Provide recent passport-sized photos that meet the guidelines.
- Show a valid UAE residence visa.
- Attach the required supporting address proof documents along with a written request letter.
- Visit a BLS center in person for verification.
Additional rules apply in special cases. For instance, if the passport is updated with a parent’s or spouse’s address, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or affidavit may be required, depending on whether they live in India or the UAE. For minors, the passport address must match the one on a parent’s passport.
Cost, Timeline, and Key Reminders
- The fee for reissuing a passport due to address change is AED 285 (around ₹6,836). Extra services such as courier delivery or premium lounge usage will cost more.
- The process usually takes about 10 to 15 working days.
- Applicants must book their BLS appointment in advance.
- Carry all original documents as well as photocopies for personal records.
- Errors in the application form or missing paperwork can delay or even cause rejection of the application.
