The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing a revised fee structure for all categories of passport applicants, effective from July 1, 2026. The amendments replace the existing Schedule IV of the Passports Rules, 1980, with a comprehensive updated schedule covering fresh applications, reissues, travel documents, and miscellaneous services.
Concessions for Children and Senior Citizens
Under the new rules, a 10% fee concession on fresh applications will be offered to two categories: children up to the age of eight years and senior citizens above 60 years. The concession applies only to fresh applications and not to reissues, and is limited to applications made within India. According to the notification, this provides meaningful relief for families obtaining a first passport for a young child and for elderly citizens applying for the first time.
New Fee Structure for Adults
For adults aged 18 years and above, including minors between 15 and 18 years applying under the adult category, a fresh 36-page passport or reissue will cost Rs 2,500 under the normal category and Rs 5,000 under the Tatkal category within India. For overseas applicants, the corresponding fees are USD 125 and USD 250, respectively. Those opting for a 60-page passport will pay Rs 3,500 under normal and Rs 6,000 under Tatkal within India, with overseas fees of USD 175 and USD 300. For replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport, the fee is Rs 5,000 under normal and Rs 7,500 under Tatkal within India, with overseas fees of USD 250 and USD 375. For a lost or damaged 60-page passport, the replacement fee is Rs 6,000 under normal and Rs 8,500 under Tatkal within India, with USD 300 and USD 425 for overseas applicants.
Fees for Minor Applicants
Minor applicants below 18 years seeking a fresh 36-page passport or reissue will pay Rs 1,750 under the normal category and Rs 4,250 under Tatkal within India, with overseas fees of USD 90 and USD 215. For replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page minor passport, the fee is Rs 4,250 under normal and Rs 6,750 under Tatkal within India, with USD 215 and USD 340 for overseas applicants.
Travel Documents and Other Services
Special travel documents include an Emergency Certificate, available only to applicants abroad, priced at USD 15 with no Tatkal facility. A Certificate of Identity costs Rs 1,000 within India and USD 50 abroad, also without Tatkal. For miscellaneous passport-related services—such as police clearance certificates, surrender certificates, global entry programme verification, and other certificates—the fee is fixed at Rs 750 within India and USD 40 abroad, with no Tatkal category applicable.
Validity Norms
The notification reiterates that passports issued to adult applicants carry a maximum validity of 10 years, while passports issued to minor applicants are valid for five years or until the holder attains 18 years, whichever is earlier.
Background and Applicability
The Passports Rules, 1980, originally notified on December 11, 1980, have been periodically revised. The rules were last amended on February 24, 2025. The current amendment, taking effect from July 1, 2026, represents the latest revision to the fee framework governing India’s passport and travel document services, administered through the network of Passport Seva Kendras across the country. All revised fees come into force from July 1, 2026.
