Understanding the New Fee Structure
The headline isn't just a possibility; it's the new reality for millions of Indians. The Ministry of External Affairs has rolled out a substantial price increase for all passport-related services. This change, which took effect on July 1, 2026, is based
on the newly gazetted Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The hike impacts every category of applicant, whether you are applying for a fresh passport, renewing an old one, seeking an expedited service, or even replacing a lost document. The fee revision, the first major update in over a decade, applies to applications submitted both within India and at Indian embassies and consulates around the world.
Standard Passport Fees for Adults
For most applicants, the focus is on the standard passport. If you are 18 or older and applying for a fresh passport or renewing an existing one, the costs have gone up considerably. The fee for a standard 36-page passport booklet, previously ₹1,500, is now ₹2,500 under the normal processing timeline. This represents a steep 67% increase. For those who travel frequently and require a 60-page 'jumbo' passport, the price has risen from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500, a 75% jump. This new pricing applies equally to fresh applications and reissues, the official term for passport renewal.
In a Hurry? Tatkaal Services Cost More Too
When time is of the essence, the Tatkaal scheme offers a faster path to getting your passport, but this expedited service now comes at a higher premium. The fee for a 36-page passport under the Tatkaal category has been increased from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000. If you need a 60-page booklet urgently, the cost has climbed from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. It's important to remember that these Tatkaal fees are the total amount payable, not an additional charge on top of the normal fee. The significant rise in these rates means that last-minute travel plans will now require a bigger budget.
Costs for Minors and Special Discounts
Families applying for passports for children will also feel the impact. The fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page passport for a minor (under 18 years of age) has been raised from ₹1,000 to ₹1,750 for normal processing. If a minor needs a passport urgently via the Tatkaal scheme, the cost has gone up from ₹3,000 to ₹4,250. However, there is some relief for certain applicants. The government has introduced a 10% discount on the base fee for fresh passport applications made for senior citizens (over 60 years) and children up to the age of eight. It is crucial to note that this discount does not apply to passport reissues or renewals.
The High Cost of a Lost or Damaged Passport
Losing your passport or having it damaged will now be a much more expensive mistake to rectify. The charges for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport have seen some of the most dramatic increases. For a 36-page replacement booklet under normal processing, the fee has jumped from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. Should you need a 60-page replacement, the cost is now ₹6,000, up from ₹3,500. If you need a Tatkaal replacement for a lost or damaged 36-page passport, the new fee is a staggering ₹7,500. For a 60-page replacement under Tatkaal, the cost is ₹8,500. These high costs underscore the importance of keeping your passport safe.
Other Related Services Also Get Pricier
The fee adjustments are not limited to passport booklets alone. Several other essential services provided by passport offices have also seen a price revision. For instance, the fee for obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), often required for foreign employment or residency, has increased from ₹500 to ₹750. Similar hikes apply to other miscellaneous services like surrender certificates. This across-the-board increase means anyone interacting with the passport system for any reason should anticipate higher expenses.
