How can APS-passport number mismatches after a passport renewal be resolved when booking a German student visa appointment on VFS?

If your passport was renewed after your APS certificate was issued, you can still book your VFS appointment smoothly by entering your old passport number, the one printed on your APS certificate, since that is what the booking portal actually validates against. Your new passport comes into play at a different stage of the process.

Which Passport Number Goes Where

Steps to Close the Loop Cleanly

• Email VFS Global's long term visa helpdesk explaining the renewal, attaching both passport copies and your APS certificate.
• Email APS India to inform them of the change and request an acknowledgement.
• Carry a brief signed cover letter explaining the timeline of your passport renewal to your appointment.
• Bring your printed appointment letter, which will still reference your old passport number.

My Advice

Send your explanation emails to VFS and APS India before your appointment day, not after, so there is already a documented trail if any question comes up at the counter. Keep both passports and clear photocopies of their data pages in one folder, and lead with your old passport number whenever a form specifically validates against your APS record.