Passport fees: Getting a passport made will become twice as expensive starting July 1
Hike in Passport Fees: Amid ongoing discussions regarding passports in the country, the Ministry of External Affairs has raised passport fees. The new rates will come into effect on July 1, 2026; whether applying for a new passport or renewing an old one, the process will now cost more than before.
How much have passport fees increased?
Previously, the cost to issue or renew a standard 36-page passport was ₹1,500; under the new rates, this fee has risen to ₹2,500. For a 60-page passport, the cost has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.
The cost of replacing lost or damaged passports has also gone up. In such cases, the fee for a 36-page passport has increased from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000, while the fee for a 60-page passport has risen from ₹3,500 to ₹6,000.
Higher costs for the 'Tatkaal' (expedited) scheme—
If you need a passport urgently, the cost of the 'Tatkaal' service has also increased. The Tatkaal fee for a 36-page passport has risen from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000, and for a 60-page passport, it has increased from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000. Note that this Tatkaal fee includes the standard fee.
Impact on children's passports—
For children under the age of 18, the fee for a 36-page passport has been raised from ₹1,000 to ₹1,750. The cost of issuing a new passport to replace a child's lost or damaged one has increased from ₹2,000 to ₹4,250.
Cost of Police Clearance Certificate also increased—
Fees for services such as Police Clearance Certificates, Surrender Certificates, or the Global Entry Program have been raised from ₹500 to ₹750.
Who gets a concession?
The government has also provided some relief. Children up to the age of 8 and senior citizens over the age of 60 will receive a 10% discount on new passport fees. This concession applies only to new passports, not to re-issued passports.
No change in validity—
Despite the fee hike, there is no change in passport validity. Passports for adults will remain valid for ten years. Passports for children will be valid for five years or until they turn 18, whichever comes first. Fees payable in dollars for those living abroad have also been increased accordingly.
