A biometric passport with an electronic chip embedded that safely stores the passport holder's biometric and personal information is known as an e-passport in India. This chip-based e-passport complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards offering enhanced security against tampering and identity theft.
The Indian government has recently launched a biometric passport or e-passport and has joined the list of more than 120 nations that are providing such a facility. The launch of a biometric passport is a significant move in improvising India’s travel documentation system and aligns with the government’s ‘Digital India’ initiative. The biometric passport is introduced with the aim of reducing passport holders’ data duplication while maintaining integrity and security. Read on to know more about the biometric passport or e-Passport.
Applying for an e-passport is very similar to the process for a standard passport. In many cases, if you apply for a new passport or a reissue, you will be automatically issued an e-passport if your local Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is equipped to do so. Follow the steps mentioned below to apply for an e-passport:
Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Website
Step 2: Fill out the e-passport application after logging in or registering
Step 3: Choose either the Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) or the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
Step 4: Pay the e-passport fees that apply
Step 5: Schedule an appointment
Step 6: For document verification and biometric data collection, visit PSK/POPSK.
The fees and charges for a biometric passport are similar to those of a regular passport. Check the table given below:
Type of Passport | Validity Period | Number of Pages | Fee (Normal) | Fee (Tatkal) |
Biometric Passport | 10 years | 36 | Rs.1,500 | Rs.3,500 |
Biometric Passport | 10 years | 60 | Rs.2,000 | Rs.4,000 |
Biometric Passport for Minor | 5 years | 36 | Rs.1,000 | Rs.3,000 |
Given below is the list of documents you will need to apply for an e-passport:
Some of the benefits of the biometric passport are as given below:
The main features of an ePassport are mentioned below:
The passport's printing, paper quality, and security features will all be enhanced. The Ministry of Finance will shortly offer chip-based passport. India Security Press (ISP) in Nasik has been granted permission by the government to buy the electronic contactless inlays required to create e-passports and interoperable with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
All Indian citizens will be eligible to obtain an e-passport.
The following are details regarding how microchip-based E-Passport work in India:
Here are the following usages of an E-Passport:
Here is a table comparing the differences between an e-Passport and a regular passport:
Feature | e-Passport | Regular Passport |
Chip Embedded | Yes | No |
Stores Biometric Information | Yes | No |
Faster Immigration | Yes | No |
Security Level | High | Basic |
Prevention of Fraud | Strong | Limited |
The following is the list of data of the passport holder stored on an E-Passport:
As of 2025, a few cities will be issuing e-passports:
To track the status of an e-passport, follow the steps given below:
An e-passport comes with an embedded electronic chip that stores your biometric data. It comes with advanced security features to curb fraud and counterfeiting.
A biometric passport has validity similar to a regular passport, which means it is valid for up to 10 years for adults and for up to five years for minors.
No, it is not mandatory for the existing passport holders to replace their regular passport with a biometric passport.
Yes, you can conveniently submit your e-Passport application online through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) website. Begin by registering on the portal and selecting either the option for a new e-Passport application or renewal.
If you wish to upgrade to an e-Passport, you need to apply for re-issuance. Submit your original passport along with the required documents to the PSK authorities. Upon successful processing, you will receive your new e-Passport.
The processing time for an e-Passport typically ranges from 7 to 21 days. The exact duration depends on factors such as the type of application and the complexity of your case.
If your e-Passport is lost, you must immediately report it to the police and obtain a First Information Report (FIR). After that, notify the Passport Seva Kendra or the concerned passport issuing authority. Submit the FIR along with the required documents to apply for a replacement passport.
e-Passports are available to all Indian citizens who are eligible for a regular passport. The eligibility criteria remain consistent for both types of passports.
India Security Press, Nashik has been given approval by the government to procure electronic contactless inlays required for manufacturing e-passports.
At the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared new updates about the Passport Seva Programme. The new version of the Passport Seva system is known as PSP 2.0. This new technology will make the passport process more transparent. This system will be available in other countries as well as the testing of this system has also started in Indian embassies and consulates. These passports have a small chip that stores the holder’s personal and biometric details. This new version aims to provide a smoother and more secure experience for people applying for passports. This e-passport can be applied through the Passport Seva website by registering or logging in, filling out the form, choosing a nearby service center, paying the fee, and booking an appointment.
The External Affairs Minister of India, Dr. S. Jaishankar, on 24 June 2025, launched the new and upgraded version of the Indian passport. The new version comes with enhanced features, including an e-chip that holds all vital information of the cardholder, including their biometric details. The encryption and chip technology make it more secure and tamper-resistant. They also adhere to the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards, making it recognised globally. The new passports will be rolled out in phases, as per the reports.
The upgraded Indian passports have been rolled out for the Indians residing in the UAE. From RFID chips to colour-coded passbook covers, Indian passports are set for an extensive transformation. The major upgrade is the chip-based e-passport that stores all relevant information, including biometric details of the passport holder, to improve data security. The residential address is also now stored digitally, instead of printing it on the last page of the passport. Birth certificates for kids born on or after 1 October 2023 have been made mandatory, while scrapping the rule of having a marriage certificate to add the spouse’s name to the passport.
Another major change is the removal of having parents’ names from the passport to promote inclusivity. This change makes it easier for people from nontraditional families and backgrounds to apply for passports, simpler. To make identification easier, India is also introducing colour- coded passport covers, with white and red for government officials and diplomats, respectively. For regular citizens, the colour blue remains unchanged.
India has joined over 120 countries in introducing e-passports to make travel documents more secure and up to date. These high security e-passports will help in improving the safety and make international travel easier for Indian citizens. The e-passports are embedded with a special chip that holds important details such as the passport holder’s photo and fingerprints. The new system also matches global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which means that these passports will be accepted in most parts of the world. The manufacturing of e-passports is being handled by the India Security Press in Nashik. For now, they are being given out in a few cities, but the government is planning to expand the service across the country by mid-2025. People who want to apply can do it online through the Passport Seva website or by visiting the Passport Seva Kendra. The process to apply remains the same as the regular passport. This step is expected to speed up immigration checks at airports and reduce the risk of passport fraud.
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