How to Apply for an E-Passport in India in 2025: Eligibility, Documents Required, Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

The Government of India has rolled out the E-Passport service under the Passport Seva 2.0 programme, which is expected to make the entire passport process digital and more secure for everyone applying for a passport in India. The E-Passport comes with an embedded RFID chip which is meant to enhance the security of Indian passports with global biometric standards.

If you're planning to apply for a new passport or renew an existing one, here we have a complete guide on how to apply for an e-passport in India.

What is an e-passport?

An e-passport, or electronic passport, is a digitally enhanced passport that contains an RFID, which is a radio frequency identification chip embedded in the back cover. This chip stores the passport holder's biometric data, including fingerprints, a digital photograph, and personal information such as name, date of birth, and passport number.

E-passports will help reduce the risk of identity theft and tampering while also providing faster immigration clearance at airports.

Eligibility for E-Passport in India

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) guidelines, the following individuals are eligible to apply for an e-passport in India:

1. All Indian citizens applying for a new passport or passport renewal.
2. Applicants must be ready to provide biometric data such as fingerprints, iris scans, and digital photographs
3. Both fresh applicants and re-issuance/renewal applicants can apply.
4. The service is currently available at select Passport Seva Kendras, Post Office PSKs, and Regional Passport Offices across India.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for an E-Passport Online

Here's how you can apply for an E-Passport in India (2025) easily through the official Passport Seva Portal:

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva Portal, passportindia.gov.in, and create a new account or log in if already registered. Provide a valid email ID and mobile number for updates and OTP verification.

Step 2: Fill out the application form by selecting "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport" under the services tab. Also choose the E-Passport option if displayed.

Step 3: Upload scanned copies of necessary documents.

Step 4: Pay the application fee online using a credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.

Step 5: Once payment is successful, book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra, Post Office PSK, or Regional Passport Office. Also select a date and time slot for document verification and biometrics.

Step 6: Visit the centre on your appointment day with original documents and self-attested photocopies. During the appointment, your biometric data will be captured for the RFID chip.

Step 7: After successful document verification, police verification is conducted within 5-7 working days via the mPassport Police App. You may receive a visit or call from local police for address verification.

Step 8: You can then track your application status on the Passport Seva Portal.

Step 9: Once processed and approved, the e-passport will be dispatched to your registered address via India Post.

Documents Required for E-Passport Application

Keep the following documents ready when applying:

Proof of Identity: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID

Proof of Address: Aadhaar Card, electricity or water bill, rental agreement

Proof of Date of Birth: Birth Certificate or school leaving certificate

Existing Passport: For renewal or re-issue applications

Appointment Receipt: Generated from the portal after scheduling

Tatkaal E-Passport Option

For applicants who require an urgent passport, the Tatkaal service is also available, which will carry an additional fee, but processing is faster in most cases, and the e-passport is issued within 1-3 working days post verification and approval.