New Delhi, 25 June
Passport Fees Hiked by Up to 75% From July 1: Check New Charges
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced a significant increase in passport fees across various categories, with the revised rates set to come into effect from July 1, 2026.
The fee revision was notified through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, marking the first major increase in passport charges in several years. The revised structure affects fresh passport applications, reissues, Tatkal services, replacement of lost or damaged passports, and other passport-related services.
Fresh Passport Fees Increased; Passport Fees Hiked by Up to 75% From July 1
Under the new fee structure, the cost of obtaining a fresh passport or renewing an existing passport will rise substantially.
A standard 36-page passport for adults will now cost Rs 2,500, compared to the previous fee of Rs 1,500, reflecting an increase of nearly 67 percent.
Similarly, the fee for a 60-page passport booklet has been increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500, representing a 75 percent hike.
The revised charges will also apply to minors aged between 15 and 18 years who choose to apply under the adult passport category. Passport Fees Hiked by Up to 75% From July 1
New Tatkal Passport Charges
Applicants seeking expedited passport services under the Tatkal scheme will also have to pay higher fees.
Under the revised rates:
- 36-page Tatkal passport: Rs 5,000
- 60-page Tatkal passport: Rs 6,000
These charges include the normal passport application fee along with the Tatkal processing fee.
Passport Fees for Minors
For applicants below the age of 18 years, the fee for a fresh 36-page passport under normal processing has been increased to Rs 1,750.
The Tatkal fee for a minor’s passport has been fixed at Rs 4,250.
Officials stated that passports issued to minors will remain valid for five years or until the applicant turns 18 years old, whichever is earlier. Passport Fees Hiked by Up to 75% From July 1
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Passports Becomes Costlier; Passport Fees Hiked by Up to 75% From July 1
The steepest increase has been introduced for individuals applying for replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged passports.
Under the revised fee structure:
36-Page Passport Replacement
- Normal Processing: Rs 5,000
- Tatkal Processing: Rs 7,500
60-Page Passport Replacement
- Normal Processing: Rs 6,000
- Tatkal Processing: Rs 8,500
For minors seeking replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport:
- Normal Fee: Rs 4,250
- Tatkal Fee: Rs 6,750
The government said the revised charges are intended to cover administrative and service-related costs associated with passport issuance and replacement.
Fees for Other Passport Services
The Ministry has also revised fees for several passport-related services.
| Service | Revised Fee |
|---|---|
| Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | Rs 750 |
| Surrender Certificate | Rs 750 |
| Global Entry Program Verification | Rs 750 |
| Other Passport Certificates | Rs 750 |
| Certificate of Identity | Rs 1,000 |
For Indian citizens abroad:
- Emergency Certificate: USD 15
- Certificate of Identity: USD 50
No Tatkal facility will be available for these services.
Passport Validity Rules Remain Unchanged
The Ministry clarified that passport validity rules remain unchanged.
- Adult passports will continue to be valid for up to 10 years.
- Passports issued to minors will remain valid for five years or until the holder attains 18 years of age, whichever occurs first.
What Applicants Should Know; Passport Fees Hiked by Up to 75% From July 1
Individuals planning to apply for a new passport, renew an existing one, or replace a lost passport are advised to complete their applications before July 1 if they wish to avoid the revised charges.
The new fee structure is expected to impact millions of passport applicants across India and will apply to all applications submitted on or after the effective date.
Key Highlights
- New passport fees come into effect from July 1.
- Adult 36-page passport fee increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,500.
- 60-page passport fee increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500.
- Tatkal passport charges revised across categories.
- Replacement of lost or damaged passports sees the highest fee hike.
- PCC and other passport-related certificates will cost Rs 750.
- Adult passport validity remains 10 years.
-Passport Fees Hiked by Up to 75% From July 1: Check New Charges for Fresh, Tatkal and Lost Passports