India Launches e-Passport: Fees, Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply Online; Is Existing Passport Valid?

India has rolled out e-passports, an upgraded version of the traditional passport equipped with an embedded electronic chip. The chip, placed inside the back cover of the passport, securely stores the holder's personal and biometric information, including fingerprints, facial recognition data, and digital signatures.

e-Passport Launched in India: Check Eligibility, Application Fee, Benefits & All Details

This technology ensures that the details printed on the passport match the information stored in the chip, making it extremely difficult to forge or tamper with. Additionally, e-passports carry a special gold symbol on the cover, making them easily identifiable at airports and border checkpoints. The embedded chip also allows for faster scanning and verification, reducing waiting times for travellers.

Fee for e-Passports in India

In India, a new e-passport under the regular application process costs Rs 1,500 for a 36-page booklet and Rs 2,000 for a 60-page booklet. Expedited or Tatkal services incur additional charges as shown in the official website. Officials clarified that the e-passport is not a replacement for the standard passport but rather an advanced version designed to enhance security, transparency, and efficiency for international travel.

Who Can Apply for an e-Passport? Check Eligibility

Any Indian citizen eligible for a regular passport can apply for an e-passport. However, the facility is currently being offered at a limited number of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) across India, with plans to expand coverage in the future.

How To Apply for e-Passport Online? Check Step-by-Step Guide

The application process for e-passports mirrors that of a regular passport, following the standard Passport Seva system:

• Register on the Passport Seva Portal: Applicants must create an account on the official Passport Seva website and log in to start the process.

• Fill in the application form: Complete the online form with personal details, contact information, and passport-specific data. Applicants can download the form after submission if needed.

• Pay the required fee: The fee depends on the type and validity of the passport, with separate rates for e-passports.

• Schedule an appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest PSK, POPSK, or Passport Office based on availability.

• Complete document verification and biometrics: During the appointment, original documents are verified, and biometrics such as fingerprints and photographs are captured.

• Police verification: Depending on the applicant's background and passport category, police verification may be required.

• Passport processing and issuance: Once the Passport Office is enabled for e-passports, approved applicants automatically receive the new e-passport format.

Do Existing Passport Holders Need to Replace Their Passport With an e-Passport?

It is not mandatory for holders of existing valid passports to replace them with an e-passport. All passports issued by the Government of India will remain valid until their expiry date. Citizens will receive an e-passport only when applying at a Passport Office that is technically enabled for e-passport issuance. The rollout of e-passports across all Passport Offices in India will be completed in phases over the coming months.