An Indian passport is issued by the Ministry of External Affairs through the Passport Seva system. You apply online at passportindia.gov.in, pay the fee online, book an appointment, and then visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) once with your original documents. After police verification, the passport is sent to you by Speed Post.
This guide covers the whole process for a fresh passport and a re-issue (renewal), the documents you usually need, and the fees that have applied since July 1, 2026.
Who can apply
Any Indian citizen can apply for an ordinary passport. Adults apply for themselves. For a child below 18, a parent or guardian fills the form and goes with the child to the appointment.
You can apply as a fresh applicant (you have never had an Indian passport) or for a re-issue (your passport is expiring, has expired, is full, is lost or damaged, or you need to change details such as address or name).
Passport fees from July 1, 2026
The Ministry of External Affairs revised passport fees through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified on June 25, 2026. The new fees took effect on July 1, 2026.
Adults
| Service | Normal (Rs) | Tatkaal (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh / re-issue, 36 pages | 2,500 | 5,000 |
| Fresh / re-issue, 60 pages | 3,500 | 6,000 |
| Replacement of lost or damaged passport, 36 pages | 5,000 | 7,500 |
| Replacement of lost or damaged passport, 60 pages | 6,000 | 8,500 |
Minors (below 18 years)
| Service | Normal (Rs) | Tatkaal (Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh / re-issue | 1,750 | 4,250 |
| Replacement of lost or damaged passport | 4,250 | 6,750 |
Other services
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Rs 750 (it was Rs 500 before July 2026).
- Rebate: a 10% rebate on the fee applies to fresh passport applications for children below 8 years and senior citizens above 60. It does not apply to re-issues.
Fees can change again. Always confirm the amount with the Fee Calculator on the Passport Seva portal before you pay.
Documents you usually need
The exact list depends on your case. The portal's Document Advisor tells you what to carry. In general you will need:
1. Proof of present address - any one of these is commonly accepted:
- Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar
- Water, electricity, telephone or gas connection bill
- Bank account passbook with photograph (from a scheduled public or private bank)
- Registered rent agreement
- Spouse's passport (with your name in it) if you live at the same address
2. Proof of date of birth - any one of these is commonly accepted:
- Birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths or the municipal body
- Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar
- PAN card
- School leaving or matriculation certificate
- Driving licence or election photo ID (EPIC)
3. For re-issue: your old passport in original, with a copy of its first and last two pages.
4. For minors: the passports or address proof of both parents, and the child's birth certificate. If one parent is not available, the portal lists the declaration you need.
Carry originals and one set of self-attested photocopies. If your Aadhaar address is out of date, update it first. Our report on UIDAI's new Aadhaar services explains some of the recent changes.
Step-by-step: how to apply online
Step 1: Register on Passport Seva
Go to passportindia.gov.in and click New User Registration. Choose the passport office for your area (the portal shows it based on your address), enter your name, date of birth and email, and create a login ID. Activate the account from the link sent to your email.
Step 2: Fill the application form
Log in and choose Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport. Fill in personal details, family details, present address, emergency contact and any earlier passport details. Check spellings of names and the date of birth carefully - they must match your documents.
Step 3: Pay the fee and book an appointment
Click Pay and Schedule Appointment. Payment must be made online (card, net banking or UPI, as listed on the portal). Pick a PSK or POPSK and an available date and time. Booking is possible only after payment.
Step 4: Print or save the appointment receipt
The receipt has your Application Reference Number (ARN). You can also show the SMS from Passport Seva at the centre. Keep the ARN for tracking.
Step 5: Visit the Passport Seva Kendra
Reach a little before your slot with all original documents and copies. At the centre there are usually three counters:
- Counter A: token issued, documents checked, photograph and fingerprints taken
- Counter B: verification of documents by an officer
- Counter C: final approval by the granting officer
You do not need to bring a photograph; it is taken at the centre.
Step 6: Police verification
For most fresh passports, the local police verify your address and background. An officer may visit your home or ask you to come to the police station with your documents. Keep your phone on and your documents ready during this period.
Step 7: Dispatch and tracking
Once approved, the passport is printed and sent by Speed Post to your address. Track the status on the portal with your ARN, or on the mPassport Seva mobile app.
Tatkaal: when you need it fast
Tatkaal is a faster route for people who need a passport urgently. The application is the same, but you select Tatkaal while filling the form and pay the higher fee shown above. The appointment is usually earlier and the passport is processed on priority. Tatkaal has its own document conditions, so check the Document Advisor before choosing it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Name or date-of-birth mismatch between the form and documents - the most common reason for delays.
- Wrong passport office or police station selected based on an old address.
- Missing the appointment - you will have to reschedule, and there are limits on how many times you can do so.
- Using agents or unofficial websites that charge extra. The only official portal is passportindia.gov.in. Look-alike sites may collect fees and personal data.
Quick checklist
- Account created on passportindia.gov.in
- Form filled and checked
- Fee paid and appointment booked (ARN noted)
- Originals plus self-attested copies of address and date-of-birth proof
- Old passport (for re-issue)
- Phone reachable for police verification
Frequently asked questions
How much does a new passport cost in India now?
From July 1, 2026, a fresh or re-issued 36-page passport for an adult costs Rs 2,500 under the normal scheme and Rs 5,000 under Tatkaal. A 60-page passport costs Rs 3,500 (normal) or Rs 6,000 (Tatkaal).
Is there a lower fee for children?
Yes. For minors, a fresh or re-issued passport costs Rs 1,750 under the normal scheme and Rs 4,250 under Tatkaal. A 10% rebate on the fee for fresh applications is available for children below 8 years and senior citizens above 60.
Can I apply for a passport without visiting a Passport Seva Kendra?
No. You fill the form and pay online, but you must visit the Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra you booked, in person, for document checks, photograph and fingerprints.
Is police verification needed for every passport?
Police verification is required for most fresh passports. Depending on your case it may be done before or after the passport is issued. Re-issue cases may not need it if there is no adverse record. The portal tells you which applies after your appointment.
Is the fee refundable if my application is rejected?
Passport fees are generally not refundable once the application is processed. Check the fee rules on the Passport Seva portal before you pay.
How long is an Indian passport valid?
An adult's passport is valid for 10 years. A minor's passport is valid for 5 years or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first.
