Getting a passport in India is set to become more expensive. The government has revised passport fees, and the new charges will come into effect from July 1, 2026.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has notified the new rates under the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2026, replacing the existing fee structure under the Passport Rules, 1980.
If you are planning to apply for a new passport, renew an old one, or replace a lost passport, you may have to pay significantly more than before.
New Passport Fees Increased
The fee for a new or reissued 36-page passport under the normal process has been increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500. Those opting for the Tatkal service will now have to pay ₹5,000 instead of the earlier ₹3,500.
Similarly, the cost of a 60-page passport has also gone up. The normal application fee has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500, while the Tatkal fee has been raised from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.
These revised charges will apply to all adult applicants. Minors aged between 15 and 18 years who apply under the adult category will also have to pay these rates.
Lost or Damaged Passports to Cost Much More
The biggest increase has been made in the fees for replacing lost or damaged passports.
If a 36-page passport is lost or damaged, applicants will now have to pay ₹5,000 through the regular process and ₹7,500 under the Tatkal scheme.
For a 60-page passport, the replacement fee has been increased to ₹6,000 under the normal process and ₹8,500 under the Tatkal process.
In the case of minors, replacing a lost or damaged 36-page passport will cost ₹4,250 under the normal process and ₹6,750 under the Tatkal service.
Fees for Other Passport Services Also Revised
The government has also increased fees for several other passport-related services.
Police Clearance Certificates (PCC), Surrender Certificates, Global Entry Program verification, and similar services will now cost ₹750. The fee for obtaining a Certificate of Identity has been fixed at ₹1,000.
For services availed outside India, an Emergency Certificate will cost US$15, while a Certificate of Identity will cost US$50.
Children and Senior Citizens to Get Discount
Despite the fee hike, the government has provided some relief to certain applicants.
Children up to 8 years of age and senior citizens above 60 years will receive a 10% discount on the application fee for a new passport. However, this benefit will not be available for passport reissue applications.
Passport Validity Remains Unchanged
The government has clarified that only passport fees have been revised. There is no change in the validity period of passports.
Passports issued to adults will continue to remain valid for 10 years. For minors, passports will remain valid for five years or until they turn 18 years of age, whichever comes earlier.
The government has also reiterated that a passport is a travel document and proof of identity for international travel, and it should not be considered a certificate of citizenship.
