The First Major Fee Hike Since 2012
The Ministry of External Affairs has implemented the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, marking the first substantial revision of passport fees in over a decade. This increase affects every category of service, including fresh applications, renewals,
Tatkaal (expedited) services, and replacements for lost or damaged passports. The changes, which took effect on July 1, apply to applications submitted both within India and at Indian missions abroad. According to the government, the fee hike is intended to align the charges with the rising administrative costs associated with processing, printing, and securing the passports, especially as the nationwide rollout of the Passport Seva Project nears completion.
A Breakdown of the New Costs
Applicants now need to account for a significant jump in expenses. For adults applying under the normal category, the fee for a fresh or re-issued 36-page passport has risen from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. If you opt for a jumbo 60-page booklet, the cost has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500. These new rates apply equally to both new applicants and those seeking to renew their existing passports. The fee revision also extends to services for minors. A normal application for a 36-page passport for an applicant below 18 years of age will now cost ₹1,750, up from the previous ₹1,000.
The Tatkaal Scheme Becomes Pricier
For those in a hurry, the Tatkaal service remains an option, but it comes at a much higher cost. The fee for a 36-page adult passport under the Tatkaal scheme has been raised from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000. If you require a 60-page booklet urgently, the fee has gone up from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. For minors seeking an expedited passport, the Tatkaal fee for a 36-page booklet has increased from ₹3,000 to ₹4,250. This makes advance planning more critical than ever for budget-conscious travellers, as the financial penalty for last-minute applications is now considerably steeper.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Passport
The cost of replacing a lost or damaged passport has also seen a sharp increase, reinforcing the need to safeguard this vital document. For a replacement 36-page passport under normal processing, the fee has climbed from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000. A replacement 60-page booklet will now cost ₹6,000 instead of ₹3,500. If you need a Tatkaal replacement for a lost or damaged passport, the costs are even higher. A 36-page booklet will set you back ₹7,500, while a 60-page version now costs ₹8,500.
Budgeting Beyond the Application Fee
While the official fee hike is the primary concern, applicants should also budget for ancillary costs. These can include travel expenses to and from the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra, the cost of getting compliant passport photographs, and any charges for notarizing or acquiring necessary supporting documents. Even miscellaneous services like obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) have seen a fee increase, from ₹500 to ₹750. Factoring in these potential extra expenses provides a more realistic picture of the total cost involved in securing a passport today.
