What Is Form V?
Form V—officially titled the “Affidavit for a Passport in Lieu of Lost/Damaged Passport”—is an affidavit required when applying for a replacement Indian passport through VFS Global. It serves as a legal declaration about the circumstances of your lost or damaged passport, to be submitted alongside your passport application. This form must be notarised by a Notary Public before submission.
Key Sections of Form V
You’ll be asked to affirm some important details, including:
- How and when your passport was lost or damaged, plus the date and police station where the FIR was lodged, and whether any previous passports have been lost/damaged.
- Whether you used the lost/damaged passport for travel—if so, provide flight number, date, and port of entry into India.
- Details of TR concessions or FTS allowances availed (if applicable).
- Residence details if you’re a non-resident Indian, including duration abroad and passport page references with entry/exit stamps.
- Whether there was any objection by the airline/carrier (PIA) regarding your passport.
- Whether you’ve been deported at government expense, and if reimbursement occurred.
- A solemn declaration that you’ll take utmost care of your newly issued passport, and acknowledgment that legal action may follow under the Passport Act, 1967, if a lapse repeats.
When Do You Need to Submit Form V?
When applying for a re-issue of an Indian passport due to loss or damage, Form V is mandatory—according to current VFS Global checklists as of 2024.
Here’s what else to include in your application:
- A notarised copy of the FIR or police report (with full name, date, and place of loss—just the event number won’t suffice).
- If your passport was damaged, include clear photocopies of both the front and back pages, along with the original document.
- Two reference letters from Indian nationals residing in Australia, along with self-attested copies of their Indian passports (front & back).
- Supporting documents that confirm your personal details (such as name, date of birth, and place of birth) as listed in your passport.
Step-by-Step: Completing and Submitting Form V
| Step | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Download Form V | Obtain the PDF from VFS Global’s website or a trusted consular/legal source. |
| 2. Fill It Out Carefully | Provide accurate information about the loss/damage, travel details, police FIR, etc. |
| 3. Do Not Sign Yet | Leave the signature blank—that must be done before a Notary Public. |
| 4. Have It Notarised | Sign in front of a Notary Public in Australia—they will verify your identity, witness your signature, and notarise the form. |
| 5. Prepare Supporting Docs | Include FIR, references, passport photocopies, and supporting identity documents. |
| 6. Submit via VFS Global | Lodge the notarised Form V along with your passport application and other required documents at the VFS Global centre. |
Why It Matters
- Legal Safeguard: Form V serves as a sworn statement of the circumstances, ensuring transparency and accountability in your passport application.
- Consular Requirement: VFS Global and the Indian consulate consider this affidavit essential for re-issuing passports lost or damaged abroad.
- Identity Verification: The notarisation step adds an extra layer of verification and scrutiny, helping prevent fraud.
Summary: What to Gather
- Completed and notarised Form V (Affidavit for Lost/Damaged Passport)
- FIR or police report (original or certified copy)
- Photocopy(s) and original of the damaged passport (if applicable)
- Two reference letters + passport photocopies from Indian nationals in Australia
- Supporting documentation of your personal details
Leave a Reply