The New Fee Structure from July 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs has revised the fee structure for passports, with new rates effective from July 1, 2026. This is the first major fee revision in several years, aimed at aligning costs with the administrative expenses of processing and
security enhancements. For adult applicants, a standard 36-page passport, whether fresh or reissued, will now cost ₹2,500. If you're a frequent traveller and need more pages, the 60-page jumbo booklet will cost ₹3,500. This increase applies across the board, so it's crucial to budget for the new rates when planning your application.
The Tatkaal Scheme for Urgent Needs
For those who need a passport in a hurry, the Tatkaal scheme offers a faster processing timeline, typically issuing passports within 1-3 working days after document verification. This expedited service comes at a premium. Under the revised structure, the Tatkaal fee for a 36-page adult passport is ₹5,000, while the 60-page version costs ₹6,000. It is important to note that not all applications are eligible for the Tatkaal service; categories such as complex name changes or applications for a lost or stolen passport may not qualify. Always check your eligibility on the Passport Seva portal before opting for this service.
Costs for Minors and Senior Citizens
The fee structure for minors (applicants under 18) has also been updated. A fresh or reissued 36-page passport for a minor now costs ₹1,750. This passport is typically valid for five years or until the minor turns 18, whichever comes first. For applicants between 15 and 18 years old, there is an option to apply for a full 10-year validity passport by paying the adult fee. Good news for seniors and the parents of very young children: a 10% discount on the application fee for a fresh passport is available for applicants over 60 and children under 8 years of age. This discount does not apply to reissues or Tatkaal services.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Passport
Losing a passport or having it damaged can be a stressful experience, and replacing it now involves a higher cost. The fee for replacing a lost, damaged, or stolen 36-page passport is ₹5,000. For a 60-page replacement booklet, the cost is ₹6,000. If you need this service under the Tatkaal scheme, the fees are even higher, reaching ₹7,500 for a 36-page passport and ₹8,500 for a 60-page one. Due to the security implications, the process for replacing a lost passport is more stringent, so be prepared with the necessary documentation, including a police report.
The Era of the E-Passport
India is progressively rolling out chip-enabled e-passports to enhance security and facilitate quicker immigration. These passports look similar to the old ones but contain a small electronic chip with your personal and biometric data, making them extremely difficult to forge. As of now, there isn't a separate fee for an e-passport; eligible applicants receive one automatically as the service becomes available at their local Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). The rollout is happening in phases, so while you can't specifically request an e-passport, you will be issued one if your application is processed at an enabled centre. Existing passports remain valid until their expiry date.
What About a Passport Card?
The headline mentions 'cards', which might lead to some confusion. Unlike some countries like the United States, India does not currently issue a separate, wallet-sized passport card for travel. The term 'passport card' does not apply to the Indian system. The primary travel document remains the passport booklet. The new e-passport is still a booklet, but with an embedded electronic chip for security. It is not a card. Therefore, when applying, you will be choosing between a 36-page or 60-page booklet, not a card format. Always rely on information from the official Passport India website for accurate details on available document types.
