The New Reality: A Major Overhaul
The Ministry of External Affairs has implemented the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which came into effect on July 1, 2026. This isn't a minor adjustment; it is the first comprehensive fee revision since 2012, marking a substantial increase across
all categories of passport services. The changes impact everything from fresh applications and renewals to urgent Tatkal services and replacements for lost or damaged documents. The government has cited rising operational costs, the inclusion of enhanced security features in modern passports, and the ongoing modernisation of the Passport Seva system as reasons for the hike. The new fee structure applies not only within India but also at all Indian missions and consulates around the world.
Fresh & Renewal Fees: The New Standard
For the vast majority of applicants, the cost of getting a fresh passport or reissuing an expiring one has gone up considerably. Under the normal scheme for adults, the fee for a standard 36-page passport booklet is now ₹2,500, a steep rise from the previous ₹1,500. If you're a frequent traveller and prefer the jumbo 60-page booklet, the cost has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500. These new rates apply equally to fresh applications and renewals, so there is no financial advantage to either. The process remains the same, but the initial cost of application is now higher.
Need It Fast? The 'Tatkal' Surcharge
The Tatkal scheme, which offers a faster processing timeline for a higher fee, has also seen a significant price jump. If you need a 36-page passport in a hurry, the Tatkal fee is now ₹5,000, up from ₹3,500. For the 60-page Tatkal passport, the fee has been revised from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. This makes the convenience of a fast-tracked passport a much more expensive luxury. The sharp increase means that applicants who need their travel documents urgently will feel the pinch the most, paying double the normal application fee for the expedited service.
Lost or Damaged? A Costly Mistake
Losing your passport or having it damaged has become an even more expensive ordeal. The fees for replacing a passport are now substantially higher than for a standard renewal. For a normal replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport, the fee is now a flat ₹5,000. If you need to replace a 60-page booklet, that cost rises to ₹6,000. The situation is more dire if you need a replacement urgently under the Tatkal scheme. The fee to replace a lost 36-page passport via Tatkal is now ₹7,500, and for a 60-page passport, it's a staggering ₹8,500. This highlights the importance of keeping your passport safe, as a replacement is now a significant expense.
What About Minors and Seniors?
The fee hike has not spared younger applicants. The cost for a fresh or reissued passport for a minor (below 18 years) has increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,750 for a 36-page booklet with a five-year validity. The Tatkal fee for minors has also been raised from ₹3,000 to ₹4,250. However, there is a small measure of relief for some. The new rules retain a 10% discount on the base fee for fresh passport applications made by minors up to the age of 8 and senior citizens over the age of 60. This concession, however, only applies to fresh applications and not to renewals or other services.
Other Services and Key Takeaways
Even miscellaneous services have become more expensive. For instance, the fee for obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), often required for employment or residency abroad, has been increased from ₹500 to ₹750. The key takeaway is that every single passport-related service now costs more. Your existing passport remains valid until its expiry, but any new application or service requested from July 1, 2026, onwards is subject to this new, higher fee schedule. The days of a ₹1,500 passport are officially over.
