Getting an Indian passport has become more expensive following the latest changes introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The revised passport fee structure came into effect from July 1, 2026, covering fresh applications, re-issue services and Tatkaal passports.
The rules also specify the validity applicable to passports issued to minors. For children below 18 years, an ordinary 36-page passport is valid for five years or until the applicant reaches 18 years of age, whichever comes first.
Minor Passport Validity: What Parents Need to Know
Under the current rules, a passport issued to a minor below 18 years can remain valid for up to five years, subject to the condition that it cannot continue beyond the child’s 18th birthday.
For example, a passport issued to a five-year-old would generally remain valid for five years, taking it up to the age of 10. If the passport is issued when the child is 10, it can remain valid until the age of 15.
For a 14-year-old, however, the passport would expire when the child turns 18 because that happens before the completion of five years.
Children between 15 and 18 also have the option, under applicable rules, to apply for a full-validity passport with a validity of up to 10 years instead of the minor passport category.
Passport Fees Revised From July 1, 2026
The revised fee structure has increased charges for both adults and minors. For applicants aged 18 and above, as well as minors aged 15 to 18 who apply under the full-validity category, a fresh or re-issued 36-page ordinary passport now costs ₹2,500. The Tatkaal fee, inclusive of the normal fee, is ₹5,000.
For a 60-page ordinary passport, the revised fee is ₹3,500, while the Tatkaal fee is ₹6,000.
The cost is also higher when a passport is lost or damaged. Replacing a 36-page passport costs ₹5,000 under the normal category and ₹7,500 under Tatkaal. For a 60-page passport, the charges are ₹6,000 normally and ₹8,500 under Tatkaal.
New Charges for Minor Passports
For minor applicants below 18 years, a fresh or re-issued 36-page ordinary passport now costs ₹1,750. The Tatkaal fee, inclusive of the normal fee, is ₹4,250.
If a minor’s 36-page passport is lost or damaged and needs replacement, the revised charges are ₹4,250 under the normal category and ₹6,750 under Tatkaal.
The government notification also provides a 10 per cent discount on fresh passport applications for children up to eight years of age and senior citizens above 60 years. The discount applies to fresh applications and not to re-issue applications.
Other Passport-Related Charges
The revised fee schedule also covers several other passport-related services. The charge for a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), Surrender Certificate, Global Entry Program verification or other specified miscellaneous passport services is now ₹750.
The latest fee structure replaces the earlier Schedule IV of the Passports Rules, 1980 and has been applicable from July 1, 2026. Applicants should check the current fee displayed on the official Passport Seva portal before making a payment, as the applicable amount can depend on the type of service and applicant category.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the revised passport rules and fee structure applicable from July 1, 2026. Passport fees, eligibility requirements and procedures may be updated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Applicants should verify the latest details on the official Passport Seva portal before submitting an application or making any payment.