The Government of India has officially revised passport application fees for the first time in nearly 14 years. The updated fee structure will come into effect from 1 July 2026, impacting fresh passport applications, passport renewals, Tatkaal services, 60-page booklets, and replacement of lost or damaged passports.
If you’re planning to apply for a new passport or renew your existing one, understanding the revised fee structure is essential before booking your Passport Seva appointment.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain:
- The new passport fees effective from 1 July 2026
- Comparison with the previous fee structure
- Tatkaal passport charges
- Minor passport fees
- 60-page passport booklet charges
- Lost and damaged passport fees
- Frequently asked questions
- Tips before applying
Why Has the Passport Fee Been Increased? : Passport Fee Been Increased?
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revised passport fees after more than a decade. The previous fee structure had remained unchanged since 2012. According to government reports, the increase reflects the rising cost of passport production, upgraded security features, digital infrastructure, and improved service delivery.
Although the charges have increased, the passport application process remains fully online through the Passport Seva Portal, making it more convenient than ever for applicants across India.
New Passport Fee Structure (Effective 1 July 2026) : Passport Fee Been Increased?
| Service Category | Standard | Tatkaal |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh/Re-issue Passport (Adults – 36 Pages) | ₹2,500 | ₹5,000 |
| Fresh/Re-issue Passport (Minors – 36 Pages) | ₹1,000 | ₹3,000 |
| 60-Page Passport Booklet | ₹3,500 | ₹6,000 |
| Lost / Damaged Passport Replacement | ₹3,000* | ₹5,000* |
*Applicants should verify the applicable replacement fee based on booklet size and passport category before payment, as different replacement scenarios may have separate charges.
Comparison Between Old and New Passport Fees : Passport Fee Been Increased?
| Service | Previous Fee | Revised Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Passport (36 Pages) | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 |
| Tatkaal Adult Passport | ₹3,500 | ₹5,000 |
| 60-Page Passport | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 |
| Tatkaal 60-Page Passport | ₹4,000 | ₹6,000 |
| Minor Passport | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 |
The most significant increase has been observed in adult passport applications and 60-page passport booklets, while the standard fee for fresh or re-issued minor passports remains unchanged.
Fresh Passport Application Fee
If you are applying for your first Indian passport, the revised fee will depend on the type of passport booklet you choose.
36-Page Passport : Passport Fee Been Increased?
Suitable for:
- First-time applicants
- Students
- Occasional travellers
- Tourists
New Fee: ₹2,500
60-Page Passport : Passport Fee Been Increased?
Recommended for:
- Business travellers
- Frequent international travellers
- Seafarers
- Professionals travelling abroad regularly
New Fee: ₹3,500
A larger booklet helps avoid frequent passport reissues due to exhaustion of pages.
Tatkaal Passport Charges : Passport Fee Been Increased?
Applicants who require urgent passport issuance can apply under the Tatkaal scheme.
Revised Tatkaal Fees : Passport Fee Been Increased?
- Adult Passport (36 Pages): ₹5,000
- Minor Passport: ₹3,000
- 60-Page Passport: ₹6,000
Tatkaal applications generally receive priority processing, subject to successful document verification and applicable police verification requirements.
Passport Renewal Charges : Passport Fee Been Increased?
If your passport has expired, is about to expire, or you need to update personal details, you must apply for a passport reissue.
Common reasons include:
- Passport validity expired
- Pages exhausted
- Address change
- Name correction
- Date of birth correction
- Spouse name addition
- ECR status update
The revised fees for passport reissue are the same as those for fresh passport applications, depending on the selected passport category.
Minor Passport Fees : Passport Fee Been Increased?
Parents applying for passports for children below 18 years should note:
- Standard Fee: ₹1,000
- Tatkaal Fee: ₹3,000
Applicants should ensure that all required documents and parental consent, where applicable, are submitted to avoid delays.
Lost or Damaged Passport Replacement : Passport Fee Been Increased?
If your passport has been:
- Lost
- Stolen
- Damaged
- Rendered unusable
You must apply for a replacement passport.
The revised replacement fee starts from ₹3,000 under the standard category and ₹5,000 under the Tatkaal category, depending on the type of application and booklet selected.
Applicants should also retain a copy of the police report (where applicable) and any supporting documents before initiating the replacement process.
How to Pay Passport Fees : Passport Fee Been Increased?
Passport fees can be paid online through the Passport Seva Portal using:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- Other approved online payment methods
Once payment is successful, applicants can proceed to book an appointment at their preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Tips Before Applying
To ensure a smooth application process:
- Verify all personal details before submission.
- Select the correct passport booklet size.
- Keep all required documents ready.
- Upload accurate information.
- Save the payment receipt.
- Book your appointment promptly after payment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When do the revised passport fees come into effect? : Passport Fee Been Increased?
The revised passport fee structure is effective from 1 July 2026.
Has the passport fee increased?
Yes. The Government of India has revised passport fees for the first time in nearly 14 years.
How much does a new adult passport cost now?
A fresh or re-issued 36-page adult passport now costs ₹2,500 under the standard scheme.
What is the Tatkaal fee for an adult passport?
The revised Tatkaal fee for a 36-page adult passport is ₹5,000.
What is the fee for a 60-page passport?
The revised charges are:
- Standard: ₹3,500
- Tatkaal: ₹6,000
Do minor passport fees change? : Passport Fee Been Increased?
The standard fee for fresh or re-issued minor passports remains ₹1,000, while the Tatkaal fee is ₹3,000.
Can passport fees be refunded?
Passport application fees are generally non-refundable once payment has been successfully processed.
Need Assistance with Your Passport Application? : Passport Fee Been Increased?
Applying for a passport can sometimes be confusing, especially when dealing with documentation, corrections, renewals, Tatkaal applications, or appointment scheduling.
Passport Makers provides professional assistance for:
- Fresh Passport Applications
- Passport Renewal
- Tatkaal Passport Assistance
- Minor Passport Applications
- Name Change on Passport
- Address Change
- Passport Corrections
- Lost or Damaged Passport Guidance
- Document Verification
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) Guidance
Our experienced team helps applicants prepare accurate documentation and navigate the application process with confidence.
Final Thoughts : Passport Fee Been Increased?
The revised passport fee structure marks a significant update to India’s passport services after more than a decade. While application costs have increased, applicants continue to benefit from a streamlined online process, enhanced security features, and improved service infrastructure.
Before making payment, always confirm the applicable fee for your specific passport category and application type through the official Passport Seva Portal. Staying informed about the latest charges and documentation requirements will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free passport application experience.
The implementation of the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026 marks the first significant passport fee revision in India since 2012.
To give you a completely transparent look at how this impacts your wallet, here is a direct comparison between the old prices and the newly implemented structure.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Old vs. New Passport Fees : Passport Fee Been Increased?
| Service Category & Booklet Size | Mode | Old Price (INR) | New Price (INR) | Net Increase (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh / Re-issue (Adults) — 36 Pages | Normal | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 | + ₹1,000 |
| Fresh / Re-issue (Adults) — 36 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹3,500 | ₹5,000 | + ₹1,500 |
| Fresh / Re-issue (Minors) — 36 Pages | Normal | ₹1,000 | ₹1,750 | + ₹750 |
| Fresh / Re-issue (Minors) — 36 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹3,000 | ₹4,250 | + ₹1,250 |
| Frequent Flyer Booklet — 60 Pages | Normal | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 | + ₹1,500 |
| Frequent Flyer Booklet — 60 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹4,000 | ₹6,000 | + ₹2,000 |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement — 36 Pages | Normal | ₹3,000 | ₹5,000 | + ₹2,000 |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement — 36 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 | + ₹2,500 |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement — 60 Pages | Normal | ₹3,500 | ₹6,000 | + ₹2,500 |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement — 60 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹5,500 | ₹8,500 | + ₹3,000 |
Key Takeaways from the Hike
- The Baseline Hike: The most common application—a standard 36-page normal passport for an adult—has gone up by flat ₹1,000.
- The Premium for Speed: If you need your passport in a rush, a Tatkaal adult passport will now cost you a total of ₹5,000 upfront. Business Today
- Stricter Penalties for Lost Passports: The government has heavily bumped up the replacement fees for lost or damaged booklets. Replacing a lost 60-page booklet via Tatkaal now tops out the fee structure at ₹8,500. Business Today
Friendly Reminder: If you submitted your online payment before July 1, 2026, your application is locked into the older price tier. All payments initiated on or after July 1 automatically process under these new rates.
The Ultimate Guide to India’s New Passport Fees (Effective July 1, 2026): Don’t Pay the Wrong Amount!
Planning your next international getaway, or realized your current passport is running dangerously low on pages? If you’ve been putting off your application or renewal, your timing couldn’t be more critical.
Under the newly notified Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs has officially revised the passport fee schedule. This marks the first major price adjustment in over a decade, aligning with India’s rollout of advanced e-passports and a modernized Passport Seva Project framework. Passport Fee Been Increased?
To make sure you don’t get hit with financial surprises at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), here is the complete, definitive breakdown of the old vs. new charges, hidden costs, and vital rules to protect your wallet.
1. The Side-by-Side Comparison: Old Prices vs. New Prices : Passport Fee Been Increased?
The price hike varies depending on your age, the size of the booklet you choose (36 vs. 60 pages), and how quickly you need it processed (Normal vs. Tatkaal).
Here is exactly how much more you will be paying under the new fee structure:
| Service Category & Booklet Size | Mode | Old Price (INR) | New Price (INR) | Net Increase (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh / Re-issue (Adults) — 36 Pages | Normal | ₹1,500 | ₹2,500 | + ₹1,000 |
| Fresh / Re-issue (Adults) — 36 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹3,500 | ₹5,000 | + ₹1,500 |
| Fresh / Re-issue (Minors) — 36 Pages | Normal | ₹1,000 | ₹1,750 | + ₹750 |
| Fresh / Re-issue (Minors) — 36 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹3,000 | ₹4,250 | + ₹1,250 |
| Frequent Flyer Booklet — 60 Pages | Normal | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 | + ₹1,500 |
| Frequent Flyer Booklet — 60 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹4,000 | ₹6,000 | + ₹2,000 |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement — 36 Pages | Normal | ₹3,000 | ₹5,000 | + ₹2,000 |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement — 36 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹5,000 | ₹7,500 | + ₹2,500 |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement — 60 Pages | Normal | ₹3,500 | ₹6,000 | + ₹2,500 |
| Lost / Damaged Replacement — 60 Pages | Tatkaal | ₹5,500 | ₹8,500 | + ₹3,000 |
Essential Takeaways from the Hike
- The New Baseline: The standard 36-page normal passport for an adult—the most common application type—has increased by a flat ₹1,000.
- The Speed Premium: If you are in a rush and need a Tatkaal adult passport, the total upfront cost is now a flat ₹5,000.
- High Penalties for Carelessness: Replacing a lost or damaged 60-page booklet via Tatkaal now tops out the entire fee schedule at a hefty ₹8,500. Take extra care of your physical booklet!
2. Miscellaneous Services & Hidden Add-ons
The baseline application cost isn’t the only thing you need to budget for. Depending on your situation, you may encounter these additional fixed service charges:
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Required frequently for employment or immigration visas, a PCC will cost you ₹500.
- Changes in Personal Particulars: Need to update your address, change your legal name, or correct a spelling error? This requires a standard “Reissue,” meaning you will pay the new base fee (₹2,500 for 36 pages / ₹3,500 for 60 pages).
- Optional SMS Service: For a small, one-time fee of ₹40 paid at the PSK, you can opt into automated text alerts tracking your passport’s status from printing to speed-post delivery.
Who Still Gets a Discount? The government has retained the 10% fee discount on fresh passport applications for minor applicants under 8 years of age and senior citizens over 60 years of age. This discount is calculated against the newly revised base rates.
3. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply and Pay Online
The Ministry of External Affairs requires all passport fees to be cleared online before booking a physical slot. Cash or demand drafts are no longer accepted at the counters for standard applications.
1
Register on the Official Portal
Step 1
1.Register on the Official Portal:Step 1.
Go exclusively to the official Passport Seva Online Portal (passportindia.gov.in). Click on “New User Registration,” select your nearest Regional Passport Office (RPO), and set up your profile.
2
Accurately Fill out the Application
Step 2
2.Accurately Fill out the Application:Step 2.
Log in and click “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue.” Ensure every single detail—especially your name spelling and date of birth—matches your Aadhaar card perfectly.
3
Select Your PSK and Schedule
Step 3
3.Select Your PSK and Schedule:Step 3.
Navigate to “View Saved/Submitted Applications” and click “Pay and Schedule Appointment.” Pick your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
4
Complete the Online Payment
Step 4
4.Complete the Online Payment:Step 4.
Choose your digital payment path. The system securely accepts Internet Banking, Debit/Credit Cards (Visa/MasterCard), UPI, or an SBI Bank Challan. Print or save your transaction receipt and appointment confirmation.
4. Critical Mistakes That Will Cost You Money
Because passport application fees are strictly non-refundable, a simple mistake can result in forfeiting your money entirely. Guard your wallet by keeping these rules in mind:
- The 90-Day Clock: Once you successfully submit your application and payment online, you must book and attend your PSK appointment within 90 days. If you miss this window, your application expires, and your money is gone.
- The 2-Reschedule Limit: You are only allowed to modify or reschedule your appointment date two times within a single year from your original booking. A third cancellation forces you to pay the entire fee all over again.
- Spot the Scam Sites: The web is flooded with look-alike portals designed to trick you into paying exorbitant “processing” or “agent” fees. Official Indian government websites will always end strictly in
.gov.in.
Double-check your paperwork, verify your identity documents, and choose your booklet size wisely based on your future travel plans to make the most of the new structure!
Disclaimer: Passport fees and government policies may change from time to time. Applicants should always verify the latest fee structure and official guidelines before submitting an application.