India has taken a significant leap in modernizing its passport services with the introduction of e-Passports under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. Announced by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on the 13th Passport Seva Divas, the e-Passport rollout marks a new era in travel documentation for Indian citizens. Leveraging contactless chip-based technology, e-Passports promise enhanced security, faster immigration, and a smoother travel experience. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for an e-Passport in India.
An e-Passport is a next-generation passport embedded with an electronic microprocessor chip. This chip securely stores the holder’s personal and biometric data, making the document tamper-resistant and compliant with global standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The chip enables contactless verification, which speeds up immigration procedures and enhances security at international borders.
The eligibility requirements for an e-Passport are essentially the same as those for a regular Indian passport. Any Indian citizen, regardless of age, can apply for an e-Passport, provided they meet the standard citizenship and documentation criteria. Currently, the issuance of e-Passports is being phased in across select cities, but the government has announced plans for nationwide coverage soon. In the near future, all new passport applicants will receive e-Passports by default.
To apply for an e-Passport, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
Proof of Address: Acceptable documents include Aadhaar card, voter ID, utility bills (electricity, water, gas), bank passbook, or rental agreement.
Proof of Date of Birth: This can be a birth certificate, matriculation certificate, Aadhaar card, voter ID, or driving license.
Proof of Identity: PAN card, Aadhaar card, voter ID, or driving license.
For Re-issuance: If you are renewing your passport, you must submit your original passport, a copy of the first and last pages, the observation page (if any), and the ECR (Emigration Check Required) or non-ECR page.
Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs as per the specifications mentioned on the Passport Seva Portal.
Start by visiting the Passport Seva Portal and creating an account with your basic details.
Log in to your account and select the option “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.” Fill in all required personal and contact information. Double-check your entries for accuracy.
Upload scanned copies of the required documents. Ensure that the documents are clear and legible.
Proceed to pay the applicable passport fee online. After payment, schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), or Regional Passport Office (RPO). Online payment is mandatory for all appointments.
After successfully booking your appointment, print the receipt containing your Application Reference Number (ARN) or Appointment Number. You will also receive an SMS with your appointment details.
On the day of your appointment, visit the designated PSK/POPSK/RPO with your original documents and the printed receipt. Your biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) will be captured, and your documents will be verified.
A police verification process is usually required. Thanks to the mPassport Police App, this process now takes only 5–7 days in many areas.
Once your application is approved and police verification is complete, your e-Passport will be printed and dispatched to your address. Processing times typically range from 7 to 21 days.
As of June 2025, e-Passports are being issued in cities like Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Panaji, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi. Nationwide rollout is expected soon.
Enhanced Security: Chip-based technology makes forgery extremely difficult.
Faster Immigration: Contactless verification streamlines border checks.
Global Acceptance: Complies with international travel document standards.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)