India’s e‑passport follows the same application flow as a regular passport through the Passport Seva system, but the booklet contains an embedded RFID chip compliant with ICAO standards for stronger security and faster immigration processing. Applicants apply online, book an appointment at a PSK/POPSK, complete biometrics and document verification in person, and receive the e‑passport by post after processing and police verification where applicable.
What is an e‑Passport
An e‑passport is a paper passport with an embedded contactless RFID chip and antenna that stores key data also printed on the data page, enhancing security against tampering and forgery. The chip and document follow ICAO Doc 9303 eMRTD specifications, enabling global interoperability at automated border gates. Core integrity features include cryptographic digital signatures that support passive authentication to detect any alteration of chip‑stored data.
Current rollout status
The Ministry of External Affairs initiated pilot testing at select Regional Passport Offices and is phasing nationwide rollout under Passport Seva Programme 2.0, with e‑passports becoming the standard issue as infrastructure scales.
Nationwide Rollout: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the nationwide rollout of PSP 2.0 and e-passports on June 24, 2025. The system is operational across India, with most passport offices now integrated into the new platform. Official updates indicate broader deployment during 2024–2025 with PSP 2.0 operational and media/embassy advisories noting no additional biometric requirements or fee changes due solely to e‑passport rollout for applicants abroad.
Step 1: Online registration and application
Visit the Passport Seva portal, create or log into your account, and choose “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re‑issue of Passport,” then complete and submit the form online or via downloadable e‑form XML upload. The online journey captures applicant details, family and address information, emergency contact, and previous passport particulars where relevant. Use the portal’s fee calculator and service selection (Normal or Tatkal) based on urgency and eligibility.
Step 2: Fee payment and appointment booking
Pay the applicable fee online and select an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office PSK (POPSK) from available slots shown for your location. Accepted channels include cards and net banking per portal guidance, and the receipt/ARN should be printed or saved for entry to the Kendra. Appointment availability and nearest centers can be checked directly on the portal before finalizing your slot.
Step 3: In‑person visit to PSK/POPSK
Arrive with originals and photocopies for verification; applicant presence is mandatory and the process follows Token issuance and movement through A, B, and C counters. At Counter A, data verification, biometrics capture, and photograph occur; Counter B handles document scrutiny; Counter C considers grant decision, after which an acknowledgement is issued. Security check, turnstile entry, and screen‑based token calling manage flow inside the Kendra for orderly processing.
Police verification
Police verification is generally required for fresh passports and may be pre‑ or post‑issuance depending on the case type and applicant profile. PSP 2.0’s mPassport Police App has accelerated home‑visit reporting in many states, helping reduce turnaround times for verification and overall issuance. Track police verification and application status on the Passport Seva portal to respond promptly to any queries.
Step 4: Printing, chip personalization, and delivery
Once granted and verifications are complete, the passport is personalized with your data and the chip is securely written, matching the printed data page for integrity. Cryptographic signing aligned to Doc 9303 enables automated authentication at borders, and the booklet is dispatched to your registered address via India Post tracking linked to your application. Delivery timelines vary by service type, police verification outcome, and local workload at the issuing authority.
Documents checklist (indicative)
- Identity and date‑of‑birth proof as per MEA rules and latest notifications for specific cohorts.
- Current address proof consistent with the application; PSP 2.0 integrates address data digitally in line with recent updates.
- Previous passport (for re‑issue) and relevant supporting documents for changes such as name, address, or marital status.
- A list of the basic mandatory documents required for an Indian passport is furnished in the annexure.
Key security and privacy features
The chip stores essential data also printed in the booklet and is protected through public‑key cryptography; passive authentication detects any modification to chip files via signed hash values. India states that data captured for e‑passports is used only for passport services, is stored in secure repositories, and access is governed through digital certificates and monitored controls. ICAO compliance promotes non‑traceability and secure session establishment features in the eMRTD ecosystem implemented by border systems worldwide.
Fees, service types, and timelines
Normal and Tatkal services continue under PSP 2.0, with appointment scheduling tied to successful online payment on the portal. Processing time depends on police verification and service type, while the portal’s trackers and SMS/email alerts keep applicants informed of movement through each stage. For precise current fees, use the official fee calculator and service pages before booking your slot.
Practical tips for applicants
- Ensure the application form exactly matches proofs for name, DOB, and address to avoid adverse police verification or hold‑ups at counters.
- Carry originals plus self‑attested photocopies, and reach early with the printed receipt/ARN for smoother token issuance.
- Monitor status on the portal and be available for police contact or home visit to prevent delays in verification and printing.
Frequently asked clarifications
- Is the process different from a regular passport? The online‑to‑PSK flow is the same; the difference is the chip‑enabled booklet now being rolled out as standard where infrastructure exists.
- Are there extra biometrics or higher fees due to e‑passports? Official advisories indicate no additional biometrics or fee changes purely because of e‑passport issuance during rollout, including for Indian missions abroad using the new system.
- Will e‑passports work at e‑gates overseas? Yes, e‑passports are designed per ICAO Doc 9303 for global interoperability with automated border control systems subject to destination country policies.
One‑page workflow summary
- Register/Login on Passport Seva portal and fill the application; select service type.
- Pay fees online and book a PSK/POPSK appointment; save the receipt/ARN.
- Visit PSK/POPSK with documents; complete biometrics and verification across counters.
- Complete police verification; track status on the portal.
- Receive the printed e‑passport with ICAO‑compliant chip at your registered address.
ANNEXURE
Complete Guide: Documents Required for Indian Passport (2025)
Documents Required for Fresh Indian Passport Application
Below are the mandatory documents required when applying for a new passport in India.
1. Proof of Identity (Any one)
– PAN Card
– Aadhaar Card
– Voter ID Card
– Driving Licence
2. Proof of Date of Birth (Any one)
– Birth Certificate
– PAN Card
– Driving Licence
– Voter ID Card
– Transfer/School Leaving/Matriculation Certificate from recognised institution
– Declaration by Head of Child Care Home/Orphanage
– Policy Bond from LIC or other recognised insurers
– Attested service record/Pay Pension Order
3. Proof of Address (Any one)
– Aadhaar Card
– Voter ID Card
– Electricity/Water Bill
– Telephone Bill (landline/postpaid)
– Gas connection proof
– Income Tax Assessment Order
– Employer Certificate on company letterhead
– Bank passbook copy
– Spouse’s passport copy
4. Passport‑size Photographs
– Two recent photos (4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, white background)
Additional Documents
– As required based on individual circumstances
Documents for Minor’s Passport Application
**Address Proof (any one)**
– Birth certificate
– School leaving certificate
– Declaration by Head of Orphanage/Child Care Home
– Policy Bond from insurance company
– Aadhaar card
**Age Proof**
– Address proof in parents’ name
– Bank passbook of parent
Documents for Passport Reissue
Common Documents (All cases)
– Original old passport
– Self‑attested copies of first & last page, visa page, observation page
– Address proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID/Utility Bill etc.)
– DOB proof (if not mentioned clearly in old passport)
Additional based on case
– New address proof (if changed)
– Marriage certificate/ joint affidavit (for name change)
– Divorce decree/name change affidavit (Annexure D)
– FIR copy & Annexure F (lost/stolen passport)
– Damaged passport & Annexure F (damaged passport)
– Annexure E (if required)
– Parents’ passport + child’s birth certificate (for minors)
Documents for Passport Renewal
– Original old passport + copies of all pages
– Proof of present address
– DOB proof (if not printed clearly in old passport)
– Annexure D/E/F as applicable
– FIR copy (if lost)
Carry originals for verification.
Documents for Tatkaal Passport Application
Required Documents
– Identity proof: Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID/Driving Licence
– Address proof: Aadhaar/Utility Bill/Rent Agreement/Bank statement
– DOB proof: Birth Certificate/PAN/School Certificate
– Old passport (for reissue)
– Verification Certificate (Annexure F)
– Self‑declaration
– Standard affidavit
– Marriage certificate (if name change)
– FIR copy (if lost passport)
– Two photographs (white background)
Key Notes
– No police verification before issuance
– Passport issued in 1‑3 working days
– Higher fees applicable
Documents for Diplomatic Passport
– Certificate from Head of Office
– Request letter from Forwarding Officer
– Political/PMO clearance (if required)
– Original official/diplomatic passport
– Undertaking if retiring soon
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Carrying only photocopies instead of originals
– Signature mismatch
– Missing self‑attestation/notary
– Incorrect/ incomplete annexures
– Mismatched address proof
– Blurred/incorrect photographs
– Selecting wrong passport type
– Incorrect personal details
– Missing appointment/incorrect slot
Documents for Indian e‑Passport
Proof of Residence (any one)
– Rent agreement
– Telephone/Electricity/Water bill
– Aadhaar card
– Gas connection proof
– Bank passbook
– Spouse’s passport copy
– Birth certificate
Proof of Age (any one)
– PAN
– Voter ID
– Driving Licence
– Insurance policy
Note: Provide address history of last 1 year.
Disclaimer for readers: Specific document lists, fees, appointment availability, and rollout coverage can change; always refer to the Passport Seva portal for the latest authoritative instructions before applying.
