Posted on June 26, 2026
In case you plan on applying for a passport or renewing your old passport, be prepared to pay slightly more than before. The Government of India is rolling out a hefty hike in passport fees, which will come into force from July 1, 2026. The current hike will be the first since the last time when there was any hike in passport fees, way back in 2012.
This hike in passport fees includes the fee for issuing new passport, renewal of passport, Tatkal service, and replacement of passport due to loss / damage, Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) and many other passport related services. These changes have been made by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the form of Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026.
Why Have Passport Fees Increased?
As per the Ministry of External Affairs, this latest increase in the charges forms a part of a larger revision in the Passport Rules after more than ten years. With the fees being revised for passports last in 2012, there has been an escalation in the cost of delivering passport services using secure and technological methods.
This latest revision of fees will contribute towards building good infrastructure, digitalization, security, and expansion of passport services.
New Passport Fees from July 1
Here are some of the major changes applicants should know:
- 36-page passport (Adult – Normal): Increased from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500
- 36-page passport (Adult – Tatkal): Increased to ₹5,000
- 60-page passport (Adult – Normal): Increased from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500
- 60-page passport (Adult – Tatkal): Increased to ₹6,000
Applicants choosing the Tatkal scheme for urgent passport issuance will see one of the largest increases under the revised structure.
Higher Charges for Lost or Damaged Passports
The cost of replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged passport has also increased considerably.
Under the new rates:
- Replacement 36-page passport (Normal): ₹5,000
- Replacement 36-page passport (Tatkal): ₹7,500
- Replacement 60-page passport (Normal): ₹6,000
- Replacement 60-page passport (Tatkal): ₹8,500
These revised charges are intended to cover the additional verification and processing involved in issuing duplicate passports.
Revised Fees for Minor Applicants
Passport charges for applicants below 18 years of age have also been updated.
The new rates include:
Fresh/Reissued passport (Normal): ₹1,750
Fresh/Reissued passport (Tatkal): ₹4,250
Replacement passport (Normal): ₹4,250
Replacement passport (Tatkal): ₹6,750
Parents planning international travel with children should consider these updated costs while preparing their travel budgets.
Other Passport-Related Services Also Revised
There are many other related services that are going to attract higher charges besides passport issue.
These include:
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Rs.750
- Surrender Certificate: Rs.750
- Global Entry Program Verification: Rs.750
Also there are changes made in many other passports related certificate.
However, Emergency Certificates issued inside India are going to be issued free of cost whereas those issued outside India shall be charged as per prescribed foreign fee.
Who Will Be Affected?
The new fees will be applicable to all passport applications made from July 1, 2026, onwards. Whether it is for:
- New passport
- Passport Renewal
- Tatkal Passport
- Passport Loss and Damage
- Police Clearance Certificate
And other passport related services you will need to pay the new fees if you apply from July 1, 2026, onwards.
Applicants who had already applied before the new fees came into force will get their passports issued based on the current fees structure.
What This Means for Travellers
For the majority of Indian nationals, it is vital to have a passport while traveling internationally, studying abroad, working, and even for vacation purposes. Although the new fees may make the cost of acquiring a passport more expensive, they indicate that the government still continues its efforts to develop the passport system.
Those who plan to travel internationally in the next few months will need to apply for their passports before the implementation of the new fees takes effect.
Final Thoughts
The updated passport fees charged by the Government of India signify the first update after many years. Though the applicants have to pay more fees now for the services provided through passport, but still the step is going to be helpful in improving the management of passports.
In case you wish to get a new passport or a renewed passport or use Tatkal service, it will be wise on your part to study the new fees structure prior to the application process.
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