Do We Need an Original FIR for a Lost Passport?

When traveling or living abroad, it is crucial to maintain the security and validity of your travel documents, particularly your passport. If your passport is lost, you will need to follow a specific set of procedures to report the loss to the authorities and obtain a replacement. One of the key documents required during the process is an FIR (First Information Report) or police report.

Requirement of FIR for a Lost Passport

When reporting a lost passport, it is generally mandatory to provide an original copy of the First Information Report (FIR) filed with the police. The FIR serves as an official document that records the loss of your passport, which is often necessary for the issuance of a replacement passport. The specific requirements may vary depending on the passport-issuing authority in your country, so it is important to verify the exact procedures with the relevant embassy or consulate.

Steps to Report a Lost Passport

The first step is to file an FIR at the local police station. You will need to provide personal details, the reason for the loss, and any other relevant information. The police will register the FIR and issue a Police Station Certificate (PSC) or a Property Loss Certificate (PLC) once the FIR has been registered. This certificate will serve as proof of the loss of your passport.

No FIR Needed for a Bank Passbook

For non-passport-related matters, such as a lost bank passbook, the procedures are different. Failure to return or report the loss of a bank passbook can lead to unauthorized transactions. To obtain a replacement passbook, you typically need to go to your bank and present a letter, along with a valid ID. The bank will issue a new passbook, and any previous issues can be addressed through a new account or a complaint to the bank.

Procedure for Reporting Lost Passport to the Police

Even if the passport is lost, you do not necessarily need to file an FIR. Instead, the loss will be recorded as lost property. The police will make an entry in the GD (General Diary) and the Property Missing Register. They will then issue a certificate to confirm the loss. This certificate, which bears the stamp of the police station, is usually sufficient for obtaining a new or duplicate passport from the passport office.

What Information is Required for the FIR?

A clear and legible copy of the FIR about the lost passport is often enough. This should include the crime number of the police station, along with other details that elucidate the circumstances surrounding the loss. Providing this information helps streamline the process of obtaining a replacement passport.

Conclusion

While obtaining a replacement passport after a loss may require a FIR or a police report, the exact requirements can vary. It is advisable to check the specific guidelines from the relevant passport-issuing authority in your country. For other documents, such as a bank passbook, the procedures differ, and a simple letter and ID can suffice.