Indian Passport Fees to Surge From July 1 Following a 14-Year Interval

Obtaining or renewing an Indian passport is about to get notably more expensive. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced a substantial hike in passport application fees, marking the first upward revision in 14 years. Enacted through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, the updated fee structure will take effect across the country starting July 1, 2026. Interestingly, the official notification dropped just a day after the union government clarified that a passport serves strictly as a travel document rather than definitive legal proof of citizenship. The government last modified these processing charges back in 2012.

New Rates for Adults and Tatkaal Services
Applicants aged 18 and older will face a sharp increase in standard processing costs. For a standard 36-page booklet under the normal application scheme, the price jumps to ₹2,500, up from the previous ₹1,500 charge. Those opting for expedited Tatkaal services for the same 36-page booklet will see fees climb from ₹3,500 to ₹5,000. Frequent travelers requiring a larger 60-page booklet will also pay a premium. The normal fee for the 60-page version scales up from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500, while the corresponding Tatkaal rate surges from ₹4,000 to ₹6,000.

Steep Penalties for Lost or Damaged Passports
Replacing a misplaced or ruined passport will demand a much heavier financial commitment under the revised rules. For an adult requesting a duplicate 36-page replacement booklet, the cost is set at ₹5,000 under the normal track and ₹7,500 for Tatkaal processing. If the applicant requires a 60-page duplicate booklet, the charges rise to ₹6,000 for regular processing and ₹8,500 for urgent Tatkaal requests.

Revised Pricing for Minors
The updated financial guidelines apply directly to applicants under the age of 18 as well. Fresh or Reissued Booklets: Minors applying for a standard 36-page passport will now pay ₹1,750 under the normal scheme and ₹4,250 via Tatkaal. Replacements: If a minor’s passport is lost or physically damaged, securing a fresh copy will cost ₹4,250 for regular processing and ₹6,750 for expedited Tatkaal service.

Higher Charges for Police Clearance and Allied Services
According to the official GSR 516(E) notification issued by the MEA, the government has overhauled the pricing model for miscellaneous consular and document services. Acquiring a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), a Surrender Certificate, or completing a Global Entry Program (GEP) verification will now cost ₹750 within India and $40 at overseas missions. Additionally, a Certificate of Identity will carry a fee of ₹1,000 domestically and $50 internationally. Emergency Certificates present a unique exception to the upward trend. While the document remains completely free of charge when processed within India, citizens applying from foreign locations will need to pay a revised fee of $15. The ministry confirmed that these higher rates apply globally to all applications submitted on or after the July 1 deadline.