India Extends Passport Validity for Children and Updates Fees for Applicants.
India has introduced changes to its passport regulations, including a revised validity period for ordinary passports issued to children under the age of 15.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) formally notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, making changes to the existing Passports Rules, 1980. The amended regulations were published in the Gazette of India on September 17, 2026.
According to a PTI report, a 36-page ordinary passport issued to a child below 15 will now remain valid for five years from the date of issuance or until the passport holder reaches 18 years of age, whichever comes first.
Separately, revised passport application charges have been applicable since July 1, 2026. The updated fee structure covers new passport applications, reissues and applications processed under the Tatkaal scheme.
What has changed for children’s passports?
Under the revised Rule 12(1A), the validity terms for a 36-page ordinary passport issued to a child under 15 have been updated. The passport will now remain valid for:
- Five years from the date it is issued; or
- Until the child reaches the age of 18, whichever occurs first.
Previously, passports in this category were valid for five years or until the child turned 15, whichever happened earlier. The amendment therefore changes how long a child’s passport may remain valid, depending on their age at the time of issuance.
For instance, if a child receives a passport at age 14, a standard five-year term would extend its validity until age 19. Under the revised provision, however, the passport would expire once the holder turns 18.
Existing Passport Seva guidance states that minors below 18 are generally issued passports with a five-year validity period. Applicants between the ages of 15 and 18 may also have the option of applying for a passport valid for 10 years, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Passport fees revised from July 1
The government has also introduced an updated passport fee structure, which has been in effect since July 1, 2026. The revised charges apply across several categories, including new passport applications, passport reissues and applications submitted under the Tatkaal service.
For applicants aged 18 and above, the updated passport fees are as follows:
For applicants aged 18 and above, a 36-page passport now costs ₹2,500 under the Normal service and ₹5,000 under Tatkaal. Those applying for a 60-page passport will be charged ₹3,500 for Normal processing and ₹6,000 for Tatkaal.
For minors below 18, the fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary passport is ₹1,750 under the Normal category and ₹4,250 under Tatkaal.
For replacement of a lost or damaged 36-page passport, adult applicants will need to pay ₹5,000 under Normal service or ₹7,500 under Tatkaal. For minors, the corresponding charges are ₹4,250 and ₹6,750, respectively.
The Passport Seva portal also carries an advisory stating that the revised passport application charges came into effect on July 1, 2026.
Who is eligible for a 10% discount?
Under the revised fee structure, a 10% concession on fresh passport applications continues to be available for the following categories:
- Children aged eight years or below
- Senior citizens above the age of 60
The discount applies only to fresh passport applications and does not extend to reissue requests.
What about applicants aged 15 to 18?
Applicants between the ages of 15 and 18 may choose to apply under the adult passport category, which offers a validity period of 10 years, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
This option is separate from the latest amendment governing ordinary 36-page passports issued to children below the age of 15.
Other passport-related fees
The revised fee structure also applies to a range of additional passport services. These include Police Clearance Certificates, Surrender Certificates and verification services under the Global Entry Programme.
Applicants are advised to confirm the fee applicable to their chosen service before completing payment, as charges vary depending on the type and category of the application.
What applicants should know before applying
Those applying for a passport should rely on the official Passport Seva portal for submitting applications, making payments and managing appointment-related requirements.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has cautioned the public against fraudulent websites and mobile apps that may collect sensitive personal details or demand additional charges. Passport Seva also advises applicants to avoid unofficial platforms, agents and intermediaries when completing the application process.
Through the official Passport Seva portal, applicants can access a range of services, including fresh passport applications, reissues, Tatkaal processing, Police Clearance Certificates and other passport-related facilities.
Key changes at a glance
Passport validity for children: Ordinary 36-page passports issued to children below 15 will remain valid for five years from the date of issue or until the holder turns 18, whichever comes first.
Adult 36-page passport: The fee under the Normal service is ₹2,500.
Adult 60-page passport: Applicants using the Normal service will pay ₹3,500.
Adult Tatkaal passport: The Tatkaal fee is ₹5,000 for a 36-page passport and ₹6,000 for a 60-page passport.
Minor 36-page passport: Applicants below 18 will pay ₹1,750 under the Normal service and ₹4,250 for Tatkaal processing.
Discount: A 10% concession on fresh passport applications is available to children aged eight or below and senior citizens over 60.
What the new passport rules mean
The latest revisions introduce changes to both passport validity for younger applicants and the fees charged for passport services. For children below 15, ordinary 36-page passports can now remain valid until the holder turns 18, although the validity period cannot exceed five years from the date of issuance.
Alongside the validity change, the revised fee structure that took effect on July 1, 2026, introduces updated charges for Normal and Tatkaal applications, as well as several other passport-related services.
Parents and other applicants should verify the relevant validity requirements and fees before submitting an application. They are also advised to use the official Passport Seva portal for applications, payments and related passport services.
