Indian travellers, take note! India has officially begun rolling out the chip-based biometric e-passport, a major upgrade to boost passport security and make international travel faster and smoother. But with all the buzz around this new passport, it’s natural to have questions: What exactly is an e-passport? How is it different from the old one? Who is eligible?

And most importantly- how do you get one? In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need about the e-passport India system. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or applying for your first passport, this is your go-to resource for India’s new chip-based e-passport in 2025.

What is an e-passport?

An e-passport, an electronic passport, is a modern version of the traditional passport that includes physical and digital features. It contains an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and a tiny antenna, securely built into the back cover of the passport.

This chip stores the passport holder’s details and biometric information, such as name, photograph, and fingerprints, for enhanced security and identity verification. An e-passport is easily recognised by the small gold chip symbol on the front cover, just below the word "Passport."

Do you need to upgrade your current passport? 

The good news is that upgrading to an e-passport is not mandatory if you already have a valid passport. Your existing passport will remain valid until its normal expiry date. India began phasing in biometric e-passports through a pilot program in 2024, and as of 2025, the rollout has expanded to 13 cities with plans for nationwide coverage by mid-2025. This means all new or renewed Indian passports will gradually be issued as e-passports by default as regional passport offices get upgraded. However, you don’t have to rush to replace your current passport; it’s an optional upgrade, and you can continue using your old one until you choose to renew it or it expires.

How does an Indian e-passport look? 

An Indian e-passport looks almost identical to a regular Indian passport, with one small but important difference: a gold chip symbol printed below the word "Passport" on the front cover.

What are the requirements for getting an e-Passport in India?

To apply for an Indian biometric e-passport, you must meet the standard passport eligibility and have the required documents ready. Here are the key requirements:

• Citizenship & Eligibility: You must be an Indian citizen. Both adults and minors can apply for e-passports.

• Proof of Address: Provide a document showing your current address (e.g. Aadhaar card, voter ID card, electricity or water bill, bank statement, etc.). The address proof should match the address you will list on the application.

• Proof of Identity: Provide a government-issued ID proof (this can overlap with address proof if it has your photo, such as Aadhaar or voter ID, or others like PAN card or driving license).

• Proof of Date of Birth: You will need a birth certificate or other acceptable proof of birth date (such as a school leaving certificate or PAN card if born before a certain date).

Important Update: As of 2025, a birth certificate is mandatory as proof of date of birth for applicants born on or after October 1, 2023. (Applicants born before that date can use alternate documents.)

• Photographs: Keep two recent passport-size photographs ready (if required). The photos should be taken against a white background and not be older than 6 months.

Note: Passport Seva Kendra will capture your photograph and biometrics digitally during the appointment, but it’s good to have printed photos as well, especially for minor applicants or if requested. The standard passport photo size is passport-size with a clear front view of your face, neutral expression, and no glasses.

• Biometric Data: Be prepared to provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) in person. During your appointment, these will be taken at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Passport Office. Personal appearance is required for biometric enrollment; even infants must be present (with a parent) for a photo capture.

• For Minors: Applicants under 18 have some extra requirements. A minor’s application should accompany the child's birth certificate and documents for parents/guardians. Usually, at least one parent’s passport (along with its copy) is required, plus a signed Annexure for parental consent. Proof of the parents’ current address is also needed if the child’s address is the same. Minors’ passports are typically valid for 5 years or until age 18 (whichever comes first).
  
  

How do you apply for an e-Passport in India?

If you’re wondering how to get an e-passport in India, the process is similar to a normal passport application. It’s handled via the Passport Seva system. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Register on Passport Seva Portal: Go to the official Passport Seva website and click “Register” to create an account (if you don’t have one). You’ll need a valid email to sign up. Remember your login credentials.

2. Fill the Application Form: Log in to the Passport Seva portal with your ID. Select the service “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport” from the dashboard. Since e-passports are not separate forms, choose “Fresh” if you have never had a passport before or “Re-issue” if you are renewing/upgrading an existing passport. Please complete the online application form with all required personal details and submit it online. You can save a draft and return to it if needed.

3. Upload Documents (if applicable): In most cases, you won’t need to upload documents online (you will carry originals to the appointment). However, ensure you have all the required documents ready per the checklist above. The portal might ask you to enter certain document details.

4. Pay the Fee and Schedule an Appointment: Pay the applicable passport fee online through the portal. Online payment is mandatory to book your appointment slot. You can pay via internet banking, credit/debit card, UPI, etc. After payment, choose a convenient time slot and date at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK for the application appointment. (In the case of a Tatkal application, you’ll pay the normal fee + Tatkal fee online and get an earlier appointment.)

5. Print Appointment Confirmation: The system will generate an Appointment Reference Number (ARN) and appointment details once your payment is confirmed. Download and print the appointment confirmation receipt containing the ARN/appointment ID. You will also receive an SMS with the appointment information; keep it for reference.

6. Visit the PSK for Biometric Verification: On the appointment date, go to the selected Passport Seva Kendra (or Regional Passport Office) on time. Bring all your original documents (and a set of photocopies, self-attested) as per your application. At the PSK, you will go through document verification, have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned for biometrics, and complete any remaining formalities. The staff will guide you through counters for verification, biometric capture, and granting.

7. Police Verification: In many cases (especially for first-time passports), a police verification process will be initiated after your PSK visit. A police officer may visit your address or call you to verify the details you provided (address, etc.). Ensure you cooperate and provide any documents they require. 

Note: Tatkal applicants often have police verification done after their passports are issued, whereas the normal process does it before printing the passports.

1. Passport Issuance & Delivery: The passport office will print your e-passport and dispatch it to your address after successful verification. Once it's dispatched, you will receive an SMS/email with the tracking number. The passport is usually delivered via Speed Post. You can expect the new e-passport to arrive within the processing timeline given.

Note: You can use the online portal to check your application's status throughout the process.

What is the e-Passport Fee?

The fees for an e-passport in India are the same as for a regular passport, since the e-passport is essentially the new standard passport. The cost varies by the type of application (normal or Tatkal) and the booklet pages (36 or 60 pages), as well as the age/category of applicant. Below is the fee structure for key categories:

• Adult Passport (36-page booklet, 10-year validity): ₹1,500 under normal processing. If you opt for Tatkal (expedited service), the total fee is ₹3,500 (i.e., ₹1,500 + ₹2,000 Tatkal charge).

Note: There will be a ten per cent discount in the passport fee for fresh applications (and not for re-issue) for minors over age 8 and senior citizens (persons above 60).

• Adult Passport (60-page booklet, 10-year validity): ₹2,000 under normal processing. With Tatkal, the fee is ₹4,000 total (₹2,000 + ₹2,000). The 60-page “Jumbo” passport is typically chosen by frequent travellers who need extra visa pages.

• Minor Passport (36-page booklet, 5-year validity or until age 18): ₹1,000 under normal processing. In urgent cases, minors can also apply under Tatkal, which would add ₹2,000 to the fee (roughly ₹3,000).

Note: These are the standard fees for fresh issuance or re-issue (renewal) of passports. If your application is for a replacement of a lost or damaged passport, separate higher fees apply (e.g., ₹3,000 for a lost 36-page passport). The Passport Seva portal’s fee calculator can help you determine the exact amount. 

How to check e-Passport status?

After applying, you’ll likely be eager to know the status of your e-passport application. Fortunately, it’s easy to track your passport status online:

• Via Passport Seva Portal: Visit the official Passport Seva Status Tracking page. Enter your file number (15-digit) and your date of birth, then submit it to see the current status of your application (e.g., police verification is pending, your passport is printed, you have been dispatched, etc.). The Passport Seva portal provides real-time updates at each stage. If you applied through the portal, you likely have the file number in your appointment receipt and SMS. Use that for tracking.

• Using the mPassport Seva Mobile App: The Ministry of External Affairs offers an official smartphone app called mPassport Seva (available on Android and iOS). This app provides a convenient way to track your application status. After installation, you can use the app's “Track Application Status” feature and input your file number and DOB, and it will fetch the latest status. The app can also send you notifications about status changes.

• Email and SMS Updates: When you apply, if you provide a mobile number and email, you will receive SMS/email updates for key events (such as dispatch details with Speed Post tracking number). Keep an eye on those messages.

• Helpline: Call the Passport Seva helpline (1800-258-1800) with your file number to inquire about status. They also have a chatbot, “PAI”, on the website for common queries.

Using the above methods, applicants can stay informed about their e-passport progress from application to delivery. Typically, the status messages will let you know if there are any issues or if action is needed from your side.

What is the processing time and validity?

Normal applications are typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks, subject to police verification and regional office workload. Tatkal applications are expedited and generally completed within 1 to 3 working days post-verification. These timelines may vary slightly, but the e-passport rollout is standard across most passport offices.

Validity remains unchanged:

• Adults (18 years and above): 10 years from the date of issue

• Minors (under 18): 5 years or until the applicant turns 18, whichever is earlier

The presence of the chip does not affect validity. The passport remains functional even if the chip is damaged.

E-Passport vs Normal Passport: Benefits

What makes biometric e-passports better than old passports? Here’s a side-by-side look at the benefits of India’s chip-based e-passport compared to the traditional passport:

• Enhanced Data Security: The embedded chip securely stores encrypted personal and biometric data, reducing the risk of forgery or identity theft.

• Tamper-Resistant Features: Equipped with advanced anti-counterfeit elements such as micro-text, holograms, and UV markers.

• Expedited Immigration Clearance: Supports automated e-gates at international airports, facilitating faster, contactless identity verification.

• Global Compliance: Fully adheres to ICAO standards, making it universally accepted and trusted worldwide.

• Future Compatibility: Enables integration with digital identity systems and may ease access to faster visa or e-visa services.

The biometric e-passport offers stronger security against identity theft, speeds up border control, and aligns India with global passport technology standards. For an everyday traveller, the differences will be most felt in the improved convenience and peace of mind knowing your passport data is better protected. Aside from these, both e-passports and old passports serve the same basic function as your travel document; you can use either to travel until the old one expires. But you wouldn't want to return once you experience faster airport lines with an e-passport!