Passport fees in India — Your complete guide to costs and services

Passport opens a window to new experiences and cherished reunions, seemingly, for many, the thought of holding a passport represents freedom, adventure and opportunity. But it’s also about reuniting with loved ones, connecting with family across borders and bridging the emotional gap that the distance has created. Without a doubt, beyond the excitement of travel, it also symbolises the ability to cross oceans and continents — to be with family, attend milestones and celebrate festivals together.

However, before you can hop on this journey, understanding the financial aspect is also important. Knowing the passport fees in India can help you prepare better for this essential document, ensuring that the process is smooth and hassle-free. So, let's explore the emotional journey that a minimal passport fee can take you on, the connections it can forge, and the memories it can create.

What is the structure of passport fees in India?

The passport fee structure in India is primarily determined by the type of service you are availing (fresh application or renewal), the category of passport (ordinary or tatkal), and the age group of the applicant (minor or adult). Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:

Ordinary passport fees in India (36 Pages)

The 36-page passport is the most commonly applied for in India. Whether you are applying for a fresh passport or renewing an expired one, the fees will depend on the age of the applicant. Here's the fee structure for adults and minors:

a) For adults (18 years and above)

Fresh passport or renewal: INR 1,500

Tatkal scheme: INR 3,500 (which includes INR 1,500 for regular application + INR 2,000 for Tatkal services)

b) For minors (Below 18 years)

Fresh passport or renewal: INR 1,000

Tatkal scheme: INR 3,000

Jumbo passport fees in India (60 Pages)

If you travel frequently or expect to need more than the standard 36 pages, you may opt for a Jumbo passport. The 60-page passport is ideal for people who often run out of pages due to visas and stamps. The fee structure for the Jumbo passport is as follows:

a) For adults:

Fresh passport or renewal: INR 2,000

Tatkal scheme: INR 4,000 (includes INR 2,000 for regular fees + INR 2,000 for tatkal)

b) For minors:

Fresh passport or renewal: INR 1,500

Tatkal scheme: INR 3,500

Tatkal passport services

The tatkal scheme allows you to expedite your passport processing. Under the tatkal scheme, your passport will be processed within 1-3 days, depending on the verification process. Tatkal service is available for both fresh passports and renewals.

The additional charges for tatkal services are INR 2,000 over and above the regular fees. Here’s the breakdown:

Ordinary passport under tatkal: INR 3,500 (INR 1,500 + INR 2,000 for tatkal)

Jumbo passport under tatkal: INR 4,000 (INR 2,000 + INR 2,000 for tatkal)

Passport fees in India for minors

For applicants below the age of 18, the fee structure is slightly reduced. Minors can apply for both ordinary and jumbo passports, and the fees vary accordingly:

Ordinary passport (36 pages): INR 1,000

Jumbo passport (60 pages): INR 1,500

Tatkal service for minors: The extra charge for the tatkal scheme is INR 2,000, so the total for tatkal applications for minors would be INR 3,000 for a 36-page passport and INR 3,500 for a 60-page passport.

Additional services and their fees

Sometimes, you may need to re-issue or make amendments to your existing passport. The following are common scenarios where additional fees apply:

a) Re-issue of passport:

Re-issuing a passport is required when your passport is expired, damaged, or lost. The fees for re-issuing passports are the same as the fees for applying for a new one.

For an ordinary passport (36 pages): INR 1,500

For a jumbo passport (60 pages): INR 2,000

Tatkal reissue (36 pages): INR 3,500

Tatkal reissue (60 pages): INR 4,000

b) Name or address change:

If you need to change your name or update your address in the passport, you will be required to pay the following fees:

For an ordinary passport (36 pages): INR 1,500

For a jumbo passport (60 pages): INR 2,000

c) Replacement of damaged passport:

Damaged passports are common due to water spillage or mishandling. To replace a damaged passport, the fees are the same as applying for a fresh passport.

For an ordinary passport (36 pages): INR 1,500

For a jumbo passport (60 pages): INR 2,000

Discounted fees for senior citizens

Senior citizens (above 60 years of age) can benefit from discounted fees. However, the discount percentage varies based on the type of passport and service you are opting for.

Ordinary passport for senior citizens (36 pages): INR 1,200

Tatkal scheme for senior citizens: Additional INR 2,000 (total INR 3,200)

How to pay passport fees in India?

Paying for your passport in India has become simpler with online options however you can still opt for an offline method. So, let’s check out both the methods.

Online passport fee payment process

Visit the Passport Seva portal: Go to Passport Seva and complete the online application form.

Select the payment option: After filling out the form, select 'pay and schedule appointment' to proceed.

Choose your payment method: There are multiple ways to pay such as via debit or credit card, internet banking and SBI bank challan.

Download the payment receipt: Once payment is successful, download and print the payment receipt for future reference.

Offline passport fee payment process in India

For offline payments via SBI or post office challan, follow these steps:

Generate the challan: Log in to the Passport Seva website, fill out the required application details, and choose the ‘pay using challan’ option.

Visit the bank or post office: After generating the challan, take the printed copy to the nearest State Bank of India branch or post office that accepts passport fees.

Make the payment: Pay the required passport fees in cash. You will receive a payment acknowledgement slip.

Wait for validation: It typically takes 2-3 working days for your payment to be validated.

Schedule your appointment: Once the payment is validated, log back into the Passport Seva portal, and schedule your appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Passport fee calculator

The Passport fee calculator on the Passport Seva website is a helpful tool designed to provide applicants with an accurate estimate of the fees they need to pay based on their specific requirements. By entering details such as the type of passport (ordinary or jumbo), the service (fresh, renewal, re-issue), and additional options like the tatkal scheme, the calculator instantly generates the exact fee applicable. This feature ensures transparency, helping users understand the total cost before they proceed with the application process.

Reissuance of passport lost during an international trip

If your passport is lost during an international trip, it is essential to act quickly:

1. Report the loss

a. File a police report at the local police station in the country where the passport was lost. This is mandatory for the reissuance process.

b. Notify the nearest Indian embassy or consulate.

2. Apply for a new passport

a. Visit the Indian embassy/consulate with the following documents:

i. A copy of the FIR/police report

ii. Proof of identity (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card, or another government-issued ID)

iii. Recent passport-size photographs

iv. Filled application form for reissuance

b. Pay the applicable fees for reissuing a passport.

3. Emergency certificate or temporary passport

a. In cases where immediate travel is required, the embassy may issue an emergency certificate or a temporary passport for returning to India.

Reimbursement of passport reissuance cost through travel insurance

Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover the cost of passport reissuance if it is lost or stolen during a trip. Here's how you can claim reimbursement:

1. Check policy coverage

a. Ensure your travel insurance policy includes passport loss coverage.

b. Note the claim limit for reissuance fees and additional expenses like obtaining supporting documents.

2. File a claim

a. Notify your insurer immediately about the lost passport.

b. Submit the required documents, including:

i. A copy of the police report filed abroad

ii. Proof of application and payment for the reissuance

iii. Receipts for any other related expenses

c. Some insurers may require a copy of the temporary travel document issued by the embassy.

3. Reimbursement process

Once the claim is approved, the insurance company reimburses the costs as per the terms of your policy.

Conclusion

Knowing the passport fee structure in India is key to making your application process efficient, whether it's for a new passport, a renewal, or an urgent tatkal request. With varied fee structures designed to meet different needs, it's essential to stay updated with the latest rates to avoid surprises. Checking the official portal for any changes helps you plan better and enjoy a hassle-free passport experience, paving the way for seamless international travel.

Frequently asked questions

1. How much will a passport cost in India?

A regular passport in India costs INR 1,500 for a 36-page booklet and INR 2,000 for a 60-page jumbo booklet. Tatkal services add an extra INR 2,000.

2. How many days for a normal passport?

A normal passport typically takes around 30 to 45 days to process, depending on verification and other factors.

3. What is the cost of a 36-page passport vs 60-page passport?

A 36-page passport costs INR 1,500, while a 60-page jumbo passport costs INR 2,000 for both fresh applications and renewals.

4. Why should I pay the police INR 500 to verify a passport?

There is no official requirement to pay INR 500 to the police for verification. The police verification fee is covered in your application, and any request for additional payment is not authorised.