Passport Seva (passportindia.gov.in) Guide 2026: New Fees from 1 July, e-Passport, Child Passport Validity, Apply Online and Track Status
Passport fees were revised from 1 July 2026 under G.S.R. 516(E), and all new passports are e-passports. New fee tables, child passport validity change, how to apply, documents, birth certificate rule and status tracking.
On this page10 sections
Passport Seva is the Ministry of External Affairs' (MEA) online system for passport services in India. Through passportindia.gov.in and the Passport Seva App, you can apply for a fresh passport or re-issue, pay fees, book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), and track your application.
Two big changes in 2026: passport fees were revised from 1 July 2026 (the first revision in 14 years), and all new passports are now chip-based e-passports under Passport Seva Programme V2.0. A separate amendment in September 2026 also changed the validity rule for young children's passports.
Passport Seva at a Glance
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | passportindia.gov.in |
| Ministry | Ministry of External Affairs |
| Mobile app | Passport Seva App (Android and iOS) |
| New fees effective | 1 July 2026, under G.S.R. 516(E) dated 25 June 2026 |
| Passport offices | 37 Passport Offices, 93 PSKs and 450 POPSKs |
| e-Passport | All new passports issued as e-passports since PSP V2.0 (May 2025) |
| National call centre | 1800-258-1800 |
New Passport Fees from 1 July 2026
MEA told the Lok Sabha on 31 July 2026 that fees were revised by G.S.R. 516(E) dated 25 June 2026, effective 1 July 2026. It is the first revision since 2012, with an increase of about 67% for the standard passport. The category-wise figures below are as reported from the notification.
| Service (Adult) | Old Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh / Re-issue, 36 pages, Normal | Rs 1,500 | Rs 2,500 |
| Fresh / Re-issue, 60 pages, Normal | Rs 2,000 | Rs 3,500 |
| Fresh / Re-issue, 36 pages, Tatkaal | Rs 3,500 | Rs 5,000 |
| Fresh / Re-issue, 60 pages, Tatkaal | Rs 4,000 | Rs 6,000 |
| Lost / damaged replacement, 36 pages, Normal | Rs 3,000 | Rs 5,000 |
| Lost / damaged replacement, 60 pages, Normal | Rs 3,500 | Rs 6,000 |
| Lost / damaged replacement, 36 pages, Tatkaal | Not reported | Rs 7,500 |
| Lost / damaged replacement, 60 pages, Tatkaal | Not reported | Rs 8,500 |
| Service (Minor, below 18) | Old Fee | New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh / Re-issue, 36 pages, Normal | Rs 1,000 | Rs 1,750 |
| Fresh / Re-issue, 36 pages, Tatkaal | Rs 3,000 | Rs 4,250 |
The Tatkaal amounts above are total fees, not add-ons. Always check the exact amount with the Fee Calculator on passportindia.gov.in before paying.
New Validity Rule for Children Below 15
Through a separate Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026 notified in September 2026, a passport for a child below 15 years is now valid for 5 years or until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier. Earlier, it was valid for 5 years or until the child turned 15.
e-Passport: What You Should Know
- Passport Seva Programme V2.0 went live on 26 May 2025 across all 37 Passport Offices, 93 PSKs and 450 POPSKs.
- Global Passport Seva Programme V2.0 went live at Indian missions abroad on 28 October 2025.
- All new passports are e-passports with an RFID chip and antenna, following ICAO standards. The chip stores your personal and biometric details securely for faster immigration checks.
- Existing non-chip passports remain valid until they expire. You get an e-passport when you next apply for a fresh passport or re-issue.
- The government is working towards a full transition to e-passports by 2035.
How to Apply for a Passport Online
- Register on passportindia.gov.in or the Passport Seva App.
- Log in and choose Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport.
- Fill in the application form online and submit it. The app also supports uploading documents from DigiLocker.
- Pay the fee online and book an appointment slot at a PSK or POPSK.
- Save or print the application receipt (the SMS confirmation is also accepted).
- Visit the PSK or POPSK on your appointment date with original documents for photo, biometrics and document verification.
- Complete police verification and track your application status online.
Documents
- Proof of address: Aadhaar, voter ID, bank passbook, utility bill, rent agreement and others.
- Proof of date of birth: Under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2025 (notified 24 February 2025), people born on or after 1 October 2023 must submit a birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, Municipal Corporation or another authority under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. Those born earlier can use alternatives such as a school certificate, PAN, driving licence, voter ID or service record.
Use the Document Advisor on the portal to see the exact list for your case.
How to Track Passport Status
Open passportindia.gov.in, click Track Application Status, select the service type, enter your 15-digit file number and date of birth, and track. You can also track on the Passport Seva App or by calling 1800-258-1800.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the new passport fee for 36 pages?
Rs 2,500 under the normal scheme for adults from 1 July 2026 (earlier Rs 1,500).
Q2. What is the Tatkaal passport fee now?
Rs 5,000 for 36 pages and Rs 6,000 for 60 pages for adults, as reported.
Q3. Do I need to replace my old passport with an e-passport?
No. Your existing passport stays valid until it expires.
Q4. How long is a child's passport valid now?
For children below 15, 5 years or until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier, under the September 2026 amendment.
Q5. Which birth proof is needed for a child born after 1 October 2023?
Only a birth certificate from the Registrar of Births and Deaths or another authority under the RBD Act, 1969.
Q6. Can I apply for a passport on mobile?
Yes, using the official Passport Seva App.
Q7. What is the passport helpline number?
National call centre: 1800-258-1800.
Conclusion
Passport Seva makes the whole process online, from application and payment to appointment and tracking. Check the new fees on the official Fee Calculator, keep original documents ready, and use only passportindia.gov.in or the official Passport Seva App to avoid fake websites and agents.
Reference Links
- Passport Seva official portal
- MEA: Lok Sabha reply on passport fee revision (31 July 2026)
- MEA: Revised fee tables (Annexure II)
- MEA: Gazette notification G.S.R. 516(E) (Annexure I)
- MEA: Rollout of PSP V2.0, GPSP V2.0 and e-Passport (November 2025)
- AIR News: Full e-passport transition by 2035
- Passport Seva App on Google Play
Last updated: 27 September 2026. Always confirm fees with the Fee Calculator on passportindia.gov.in.