e-Passport India 2026: How to Apply, Check Step-by-Step Application Process, Eligibility, Application Fees & More

E-passport: The complete process, eligibility requirements, and associated fees for the e-passport application in India, together with its main advantages, will be available to applicants in 2026. India has introduced e-passports to make international travel safer and more efficient for citizens. The e-passport system, which enables faster identity verification through advanced technology, operates under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP 2.0) system, which includes additional security measures. 

What is an e-Passport?

An e-passport serves as a contemporary passport equivalent to traditional passports. The booklet contains a tiny RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) chip, which functions as an embedded security element. The chip stores crucial biometric information, which includes fingerprints and facial recognition data, plus personal data. Authorities use the digital data to confirm identity by comparing it with the printed information.

How Does an e-Passport Look?

The e-passport appears the same as a standard Indian passport because of its visual design. The front cover displays a gold-colored chip symbol, which indicates that the booklet contains an electronic chip.

Who Can Apply for an e-Passport?

Any Indian citizen eligible for a regular passport can apply for an e-passport. This includes:

• First-time passport applicants
• People applying for passport renewal or re-issue

The current system issues e-passports from specific Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) throughout major urban areas.

E-passport: Step-by-Step Application Process

The e-passport application process uses the same steps that establish requirements for applying for regular passports. 

• The Passport Seva Portal requires users to create an account or log in.
• The applicant must complete the Fresh Passport / Re-issue application form.
• The user must complete online payment for the mandatory fees.
• The user must arrange their appointment at a PSK or POPSK location that is closest to them.
• The individual must go to the verification center to complete document verification and biometric data collection.
• The e-passport gets printed and sent to your home address after it receives approval.

E-passport: Application Fee

The e-passport fee matches the regular passport fee, which depends on the chosen passport type and page quantity.  

Key Benefits of e-Passport

The RFID-enabled passport provides enhanced security features that enable quicker processing through immigration checkpoints. The system prevents identity theft while enabling passengers to travel easily through automatic airport electronic gates. 
Citizens can transition to e-passports during renewal because their current passports remain valid until their expiration date.