The Indian government has implemented a substantial increase in passport application fees, set to take effect from July 1, 2026. This marks the first revision of passport charges in nearly 14 years, significantly impacting individuals applying for new passports, reissues, or replacements across various categories.

Under the revised structure, a standard 36-page passport or its reissue for applicants aged 18 and above will now cost ₹2,500 under the normal scheme. This represents a considerable jump from the previous fee of ₹1,500. For those opting for the expedited Tatkaal service, the fee has been raised to ₹5,000, up from ₹3,500.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) formally notified these changes through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026. This notification, issued on June 20 under Section 24 of the Passports Act, 1967, details the comprehensive overhaul of the fee schedule. The last time passport fees were adjusted was in 2012, when the cost for a 36-page normal passport increased from ₹1,000 to ₹1,500, and the Tatkaal fee went from ₹2,500 to ₹3,500.

The fee hike extends to 60-page passports as well. Applicants seeking a 60-page passport under the normal category will now pay ₹3,500, an increase from ₹2,000. For Tatkaal applications for a 60-page document, the cost has been set at ₹6,000, up from ₹4,000. These adjustments reflect the government’s move to update charges after a prolonged period without revision.

Individuals requiring a replacement for a lost or damaged passport will also face higher costs. A 36-page replacement passport will now be ₹5,000 under the normal scheme and ₹7,500 for Tatkaal service. For a 60-page replacement, the fees are ₹6,000 for normal processing and ₹8,500 for Tatkaal. These rates underscore the increased financial burden for unforeseen circumstances.

For applicants below 18 years of age, the fees have also seen an upward revision. A fresh or reissued 36-page passport for minors will cost ₹1,750 under the normal scheme and ₹4,250 under Tatkaal. If a minor’s passport is lost or damaged and requires replacement, the fee is ₹4,250 for normal processing and ₹6,750 for Tatkaal. These changes ensure consistency across all age groups.

Beyond passports themselves, the revised fee structure also encompasses several other travel documents and passport-related services. For instance, Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs), Surrender Certificates, and Global Entry Program verification will now cost ₹750 in India and USD 40 abroad. A Certificate of Identity will be ₹1,000 domestically and USD 50 internationally. Emergency Certificates, however, will continue to be issued free of cost within India, though applicants abroad will be charged USD 15.

The timing of this announcement, made on June 25, 2026, comes shortly after the government clarified that a passport serves primarily as a travel document and not as definitive proof of Indian citizenship. This clarification, while separate from the fee hike, provides a broader context to the government’s recent pronouncements regarding passport-related policies. The new fee structure is expected to impact millions of Indian citizens who apply for passports annually, whether for international travel, employment, or other purposes.

All passport applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, will be subject to these new rates. Prospective applicants are advised to factor in the increased costs when planning their passport applications or reissues. The Ministry of External Affairs has made the full details of the revised fee schedule available, urging applicants to review them carefully before proceeding with their submissions.