e-Passport for Indians

Some of the benefits of the biometric passport are as given below: 

1. Enhanced Security and Data Protection: The microchip embedded in an e-passport makes it harder for criminals to tamper with your personal data. It protects your identity from fraud and unauthorized access, offering more security than traditional passports. 

1. Faster Immigration and Travel: Biometric passports allow you to use automated e-gates at airports, which can drastically reduce the time you spend in immigration queues giving you a quick and seamless travel experience. 

1. Reduced Risk of Identity Fraud: Because an e-passport links your physical biometric data (like fingerprints and a digital photograph) directly to the passport, it becomes nearly impossible for someone to impersonate you preventing any kind of identity theft and misuse of the document. 

1. Simplified Global Recognition: Standardization of e-passport based on lines of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ensures that your passport is easily verifiable and accepted at international airports. 

1. Streamlined Verification at Foreign Airports: An e-passport allows the immigration officers to verify your identity and travel history more efficiently simplifying the inspection process at foreign airports. 

How to Apply for an 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.  

Fees and Charges for an e-Passport

The fees and charges for a biometric passport are similar to those of a regular passport. Check the table given below: 

Documents Required to Apply for an e-Passport

Given below is the list of documents you will need to apply for an e-passport:

1. Proof of address such as Aadhaar, PAN Card, bank passbook, utility bill etc.
2. Proof of birth such as birth certificate, Aadhaar, voter id, driving license, matriculation certificate, etc.
3. In case you are getting your passport re-issued you will have to submit your original passport, observation page, copy of first and last page of their passport, and ECR or Non-ECR page.

Features of e-Passport

The main features of an ePassport are mentioned below:

1. Storage Capacity: The chip will have a memory space of 64 kilobytes, providing ample room for secure data. 
2. Biometric Data: Your fingerprints and a high-resolution photograph will be securely stored on the chip for identity verification.
3.  Holographic Security: The e-passport will feature embossed holographic images that change colors when tilted, making it difficult to counterfeit.
4. Biometric Information: All of your biometric information, including fingerprints, will be stored to ensure the highest level of security. 
5. Demographic Information: The chip will also contain your key demographic details, such as your name, date of birth, and address. 
6. Enhanced Security Measures: An iris scan may be captured and stored to add another layer of biometric security, making the document even more secure. 
7. Digital Signature: The e-passport will include a digital signature to authenticate the document and verify its integrity. 

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.

Who Can Get an e-Passport?

All Indian citizens will be eligible to obtain an e-passport.

How Does a Microchip-based e-Passport Work in India?

The following are details regarding how microchip-based E-Passport work in India:

1. The microchip embedded enables to store and transfer data electronically
2. Up to 60-kilobyte of data can be stored inside the chip which includes all type data related to the passport holder
3. The antenna at the back of the passport allows transfer of data automatically at the check gates

Where Can You Use an e-Passport?

Here are the following usages of an E-Passport:

1. Can be used as identification while travelling like traditional or standard passport
2. To avoid long queues and speed up the security checks, you can use E-Passport during domestic and international travel
3. Can be used as an identification proof not only while travelling but in other situations as well

What’s the Difference between an e-Passport and a Regular Passport? 

Here is a table comparing the differences between an e-Passport and a regular passport:

What Data is Stored on an e-Passport?

The following is the list of data of the passport holder stored on an E-Passport:

1. The photo of the passport holder 

1. Biometric information such as fingerprints 

1. Full name, gender, birthdate, address, and other demographic information 

1. The issuing authority's digital sign 

1. Issue/Expiry dates and a unique passport ID. 

List of Cities Issuing e-Passports in India 

As of 2025, a few cities will be issuing e-passports: 

1. Delhi 

1. Bengaluru 

1. Mumbai 

1. Chandigarh 

1. Kochi 

1. Chennai 

1. Lucknow 

1. Ahmedabad 

1. Hyderabad 

1. Kolkata 

1. Guwahati 

How Does an e-Passport Work?

1. An e-passport contains a secure microchip with a storage capacity of up to 60 kilobytes, embedded directly into the booklet. 

1. The chip stores and secures crucial information about the passport holder, including personal details, a digital photograph, and biometric data like fingerprints. 

1. A built-in antenna allows the chip to communicate wirelessly with passport readers at airports and border control points. 

1. When the e-passport is scanned, the data is automatically and securely transmitted to the reader. The information is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access or alteration. 

1. This technology makes it virtually impossible to counterfeit the passport or tamper with the stored data, thereby improving security and speeding up the verification process at borders. 

How to Track the Status of an e-Passport

To track the status of an e-passport, follow the steps given below: 

1. Navigate to the Passport Seva Status Tracker 

1. Enter your date of birth and file number below 

1. Check the status of your passport application.