e-Passport: How to apply, required documents, eligibility and more

The Government of India has started issuing e-passports, introducing a new generation of travel documents with enhanced security features. The rollout began on April 1, 2024, as part of a pilot project and is currently available at select passport offices across the country. The service will gradually expand to more centers in the coming months.

What is an e-passport?

An e-passport is an upgraded version of the traditional passport, designed to make international travel more secure and efficient. It contains an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna within the cover. This chip stores the holder’s personal and biometric information, including fingerprints, a digital photograph, and iris details.

On the front cover, a small gold-colored emblem below the title marks the passport as an e-passport. While it functions like a regular passport for travel, its advanced features help reduce the risk of counterfeiting and speed up verification at immigration counters.

The e-passport is available to all Indian citizens applying for a new passport or renewing an existing one. At present, the facility is being offered only at a limited number of Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that the service will be extended to more centers in phases.

Applicants need to submit the same documents that are required for a regular passport. These typically include:

Proof of identity (such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, or PAN card)

Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or Aadhaar card with address)

Proof of date of birth (birth certificate, matriculation certificate, or Aadhaar card)

Existing passport, if applying for renewal

Additional documents may be required in specific cases, such as for minors or government employees.

1. Visit the official Passport Seva portal.

2. Register for a new account or log in with existing credentials.

3. Fill out the e-passport application form online.

4. Choose the nearest PSK or POPSK.

5. Pay the applicable fee online.

6. Schedule an appointment at the selected center.

7. Visit the PSK/POPSK on the appointment date for biometric enrollment and document verification.

The Indian e-passport complies with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Its secure chip technology reduces duplication risks and enables faster clearance at global airports. This makes the process of traveling abroad more secure and efficient for Indian citizens.