The e-Passport is an upgrade of the traditional Indian passport, featuring an embedded electronic chip that securely stores the holder’s personal and biometric information.
1. Who Can Apply?
Any Indian citizen can receive an e-passport if they are applying for a fresh passport or a re-issue/renewal at a Passport Office, Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) where the e-passport issuance facility is currently active.
* Rollout Status: The e-passport is being rolled out in phases. While the facility is expanding, applicants should confirm if their nearest PSK/POPSK is equipped for e-passport issuance at the time of application. You will generally be automatically issued an e-passport if the centre is equipped to do so.
* Existing Passports: All existing traditional passports remain valid until their date of expiry. You will receive an e-passport only upon renewal or a fresh application.
2. How to Apply (Same as Regular Passport)
The application process for an e-passport is the same as that for a standard passport:
| Step | Action |
|—|—|
| 1. Register/Login | Go to the official Passport Seva Portal and create an account or log in. |
| 2. Fill Application | Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport” and fill out the online form with accurate details. |
| 3. Pay & Schedule | Pay the applicable fee online (mandatory for booking an appointment) and schedule an appointment at your nearest PSK/POPSK. |
| 4. Visit PSK/POPSK | Visit the selected centre on the appointed date with all your original documents. |
| 5. Biometrics | At the centre, your documents will be verified, and your biometrics (fingerprints, photo, etc.) will be captured. This data is what is encrypted and stored on the e-passport’s chip. |
3. Application Fee
The fee for the e-passport is currently the same as the fee for a regular passport, as the e-passport is the new standard issue.
| Service Required | Validity/Pages | Normal Fee | Tatkaal Fee |
|—|—|—|—|
| Fresh/Re-issue (Adult) | 10 years / 36 pages | Rs. 1,500/- | Rs. 3,500/- |
| Fresh/Re-issue (Adult) | 10 years / 60 pages | Rs. 2,000/- | Rs. 4,000/- |
| Minor (under 18) | 5 years / 36 pages | Rs. 1,000/- | Rs. 3,000/- |
Note: It is highly recommended to use the Fee Calculator on the official Passport Seva website for the most accurate and up-to-date charges based on your specific application type.
4. Benefits
The e-passport is designed to significantly enhance security and efficiency in international travel:
* ✈️ Faster Immigration: The chip can be read quickly by automated e-gates and systems, leading to faster clearance at immigration counters, especially at international airports.
* Global Acceptance: It is compliant with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring seamless global recognition.
* 🛡️ Reduced Fraud: The encrypted chip makes it extremely difficult for unauthorized parties to tamper with or duplicate the passport, reducing the risk of identity theft and forgery.
5. Key Security Upgrades
The core difference between the e-passport and the traditional one lies in the enhanced security features:
* Embedded RFID Chip: A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip is embedded in the back cover of the passport.
* Encrypted Biometric Data: The chip securely stores your personal details (name, date of birth, etc.) and biometric data, which can include fingerprints and a digital photograph.
* Digital Signature (PKI): The data on the chip is digitally signed using a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) solution. This is a critical security layer that allows receiving immigration systems to verify that the chip data is genuine and has not been altered since issuance.
* Anti-Tampering Design: The physical booklet itself may also include advanced security printing features like interlocking micro-letters and relief tints for added protection against physical forgery.
Would you like me to check for the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) in your area?
