NEW DELHI — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing revised validity norms for minor applicants alongside higher application fees across standard and emergency processing categories.
Signed by Joint Secretary and Chief Passport Officer BS Mubarak, the amended regulations took effect immediately following their publication in the Official Gazette on September 15. The notification amends the foundational Passports Rules, 1980, aiming to provide greater regulatory clarity for young applicants nationwide.
New Validity Window for Children Under 15
Under the newly substituted Sub-Rule (1A) of Rule 12, a standard 36-page ordinary passport issued to a child under the age of 15 will now carry a distinct validity cap. The document will remain valid for five years from the date of issuance or until the applicant reaches 18 years of age, whichever occurs first.
The provision establishes a clear legal transition for young passport holders approaching adulthood, ensuring travel documents align with age eligibility milestones.
Revised Fee Schedule Across Services
The notification also amends Rule 8 (1), mandating strict compliance with the updated fee framework under Schedule IV of the Passports Rules. The price adjustments apply nationwide to new passport issuances, standard renewals, Tatkaal services, replacements for lost or damaged booklets, and Police Clearance Certificates (PCC).
- Adult Standard Passports: A fresh or renewal 36-page booklet under the normal track now costs ₹2,500, up from the earlier ₹1,500 fee. The 60-page "jumbo" booklet has risen from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500.
- Adult Tatkaal Processing: Expedited 36-page applications have increased to ₹5,000 from ₹3,500, while the 60-page Tatkaal passport is now priced at ₹6,000, up from ₹4,000.
- Minor Passports: A standard 36-page fresh or reissue application for minors has been raised from ₹1,000 to ₹1,750, with Tatkaal processing for minors set at ₹3,000.
- Replacements: Replacing a lost or damaged 60-page passport under the Tatkaal scheme has seen a notable increase, rising from ₹5,500 to ₹8,500.
Fee Concessions for Specific Demographics
The ministry confirmed that a 10% fee concession will continue for select applicants, specifically children under the age of 8 and senior citizens aged 60 and above. However, officials clarified that this discount applies exclusively to fresh passport applications and remains ineligible for renewals or reissuance cases.
For official information and Gazette notifications related to this matter, you may visit the following official portals:
- Passport Seva Portal: https://www.passportindia.gov.in
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): https://www.mea.gov.in
- The Gazette of India: https://egazette.gov.in
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