The Government of India has announced a significant revision in passport application fees, marking the first major increase in nearly 14 years. The revised fee structure, notified under the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, will come into effect from July 1, 2026, and apply to fresh passports, renewals, Tatkaal services, and replacement passports.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the revised rates are aimed at updating service charges and improving passport-related infrastructure and services. The last major revision in passport fees was carried out in 2012. With increasing operational costs and the expansion of passport services both within India and abroad, the government has decided to introduce a new fee structure.
New Passport Charges From July 1
Under the revised structure, a fresh 36-page passport or reissue of a passport for adults will now cost ₹2,500 under the normal scheme, compared to the previous fee of ₹1,500. Applicants opting for the Tatkaal service will have to pay ₹5,000, up from ₹3,500.
The fee for a 60-page passport has also been increased. A fresh or reissued 60-page passport will now cost ₹3,500 under the normal category, while the Tatkaal fee has been revised to ₹6,000. Previously, these services cost ₹2,000 and ₹4,000 respectively.
Replacement and Special Category Fees
The revised rates also impact applicants seeking replacement passports due to loss, theft, or damage. Charges for replacement passports have increased substantially across multiple categories. The government has also updated fees for police clearance certificates and several travel-related documents covered under the Passport Rules.
Despite the hike, certain concessions remain available. Senior citizens above 60 years of age and children below 8 years applying for a fresh passport will continue to receive a 10% discount on passport fees. However, this concession will not apply to passport reissues.
Impact on Applicants
The new fee structure is expected to affect millions of passport applicants every year. Individuals planning international travel, study abroad, employment overseas, or passport renewals after July 1 will need to budget for the increased costs. The revised charges will also apply to Indian citizens applying through Indian missions and consulates abroad.
Experts believe that while the fee increase may raise costs for applicants, it could help improve processing efficiency and support the government’s efforts to modernize passport services. India has witnessed a steady rise in passport applications over the past decade due to growing international travel and employment opportunities abroad.
What Applicants Should Know
- New passport fees will be effective from July 1, 2026.
- A 36-page passport will cost ₹2,500 under the normal scheme.
- Tatkaal processing for a 36-page passport will cost ₹5,000.
- A 60-page passport will cost ₹3,500 under the normal category.
- Senior citizens and children below 8 years will continue to receive a 10% discount on fresh passport applications.
The revision represents one of the most significant changes to India’s passport fee structure in over a decade. Applicants planning to apply for a passport in the coming months should review the new rates carefully and prepare accordingly before booking their appointments.