The road to India’s ePassport began with a pilot project launched on April 1, 2024, as part of the upgraded Passport Seva Programme Version (PSP) 2.0. Building on this pilot, the ePassport rollout program is now official nationwide, with the government gradually enabling all Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) nationwide to issue these secure passports. Citizens applying for a fresh passport or re-issuance at any enabled centre will receive an ePassport by default.
Currently, thirteen Regional Passport Offices, including Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, Ranchi, and Delhi, have started issuing chip-enabled ePassports to citizens.
Importantly, all passports issued before the rollout remain valid until their expiry date. Passport holders are not immediately required to replace their existing passports with the electronic version. This phase-wise approach ensures a smooth transition, allowing time for infrastructure and technology upgrades while maintaining accessibility for travellers.
What Is An ePassport In India? Features And Security Explained
An ePassport is a travel document that combines the traditional passport booklet with an embedded electronic chip. This chip securely stores the holder’s personal particulars and biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition templates, using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology.
Visually, the presence of the chip is indicated by a gold-coloured symbol printed on the passport’s front cover. The chip contains encrypted data, digitally signed through Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), which enables immigration authorities worldwide to authenticate the passport securely.
This greatly reduces the risk of forgery, duplication, and tampering. Moreover, the ePassport complies with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, ensuring interoperability with border control systems globally. Through this technology, Indian citizens benefit from enhanced security, faster clearance at immigration checkpoints, and a more seamless travel experience.
Benefits Of ePassport
- Stronger Security Against Forgery: The embedded RFID chip stores encrypted personal and biometric data, making it extremely difficult to forge or tamper with passports.
- Biometric Authentication: Includes fingerprints and facial recognition data, allowing reliable and quick identity verification at immigration checkpoints.
- Faster Immigration Clearance: Automated verification systems read the chip data swiftly, reducing wait times and easing the travel process.
- Global Interoperability: Complies with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards, ensuring acceptance and seamless verification at border controls worldwide.
- Improved Data Integrity: Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology digitally signs the data on the chip, guaranteeing authenticity and preventing data manipulation.
- Enhanced Monitoring by Authorities: Helps government agencies track passenger movements accurately for security and regulatory purposes.
- Prevention of Fraudulent Activities: The chip’s security features reduce the risks of identity theft, passport duplication, and illegal border crossings.
- Convenient for Travellers: The ePassport symbol on the cover provides quick identification by immigration officials, making international travel smoother.
Who Is Eligible For The ePassport?
The rollout of the ePassport in India applies broadly to all citizens applying for a fresh passport or re-issuance at Passport Seva Kendras and Regional Passport Offices that are technically enabled for issuing ePassports. There is no separate eligibility restriction based on age, profession, or other categories.
Key points on eligibility include:
- All Indian Citizens: Any citizen applying for a new passport or re-issue at enabled centres will receive an ePassport by default.
- Existing Passport Holders: Current passports remain valid until their expiry. There is no mandatory requirement to replace an existing valid passport with an ePassport immediately.
- Diplomatic and Official Passports: The ePassport programme also covers diplomatic and official passport holders, continuing the pilot scheme initiated in 2008 for government officials.
- Children and Minors: Minors are eligible for ePassports as per standard application procedures, with additional documentation requirements as applicable.
- Phased Availability: Since the rollout is gradual, citizens must check whether their regional passport office has been enabled to issue ePassports. Only offices with technical readiness issues issue the chip-enabled passports.
How To Apply For An ePassport In India: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for an ePassport in India is a streamlined process facilitated through the Passport Seva Online Portal, ensuring convenience and transparency for applicants nationwide. Below is a detailed walkthrough of the application steps:
Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Online Portal
Visit the official Passport Seva website and create a user account by clicking on the “Register Now” link. Fill in the required details carefully to complete your registration.
Step 2: Log In and Select Application Type
Log in using your registered credentials. Click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
- If you have never held a passport of the same category (ordinary, diplomatic, official), apply under the “Fresh Passport” category.
- If you are renewing or re-issuing the same category of passport, select “Re-issue.”
Step 3: Fill In the Application Form
Complete the online application form with accurate personal, address, and identification details. Review carefully before submission.
Step 4: Pay Fees and Schedule An Appointment
Pay the applicable passport fees online via debit/credit card or net banking. After payment, schedule an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) of your choice.
Step 5: Print or Save Application Receipt
Print or save the application receipt containing your Application Reference Number (ARN) or Appointment Number. This receipt confirms your appointment booking.
Step 6: Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO)
Attend your scheduled appointment with original documents and photocopies. The list of required documents varies depending on the application type (fresh or re-issue).
Step 7: Biometric Data Collection and Verification
At the PSK/RPO, your biometric data (fingerprints, photograph) will be collected. Your documents and information will be verified.
Step 8: Track Application Status
You can track your application status online using your ARN through the Passport Seva portal.
Step 9: Receive Your ePassport
Once processed and approved, your ePassport will be dispatched to your registered address via secure courier.
Important Notes:
- Carry your appointment SMS or printed receipt for verification during your PSK visit; carrying a printout is optional but recommended.
- In case of minors (below 4 years), carry a recent passport-size photograph with a white background.
- Applications must be completed and appointments attended within 90 days, else resubmission is necessary.
- Emergency and medical cases may get exceptions for appointments at PSKs.
Documents Required For ePassport Application
To apply for an ePassport in India, you must submit valid documents as proof of identity, address, and date of birth. The exact documents required depend on the category of application (fresh or re-issue) and individual circumstances. Generally, the following are accepted:
- Proof of Identity:
Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, Driving Licence, Government-issued ID cards, or any other government-recognised document with photo and signature. - Proof of Address:
Utility bills (electricity, water, gas), Passport of spouse, Bank statements/passbook, Ration card, Rent agreement, or any other official document confirming residence. - Proof of Date of Birth:
Birth certificate issued by a municipal authority or district office, school leaving certificate, matriculation certificate, or any authorised document confirming DoB. - Additional Documents (if applicable):
- For minors: Birth certificate and parents’ passports or ID proofs.
- For married applicants: Marriage certificate or spouse’s passport may be required.
- For government officials or diplomats: Official identity cards and government orders.
Applicants must carry original documents and photocopies during their appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office.
Important Note on Appointment Exceptions
While booking an appointment online through the Passport Seva Portal is mandatory for most applicants, certain exceptions apply. Emergency cases, such as medical emergencies or other urgent situations, may be allowed to visit Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) or Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) without a prior appointment. However, this service is provided strictly at the discretion of the PSK in charge or the Passport Officer.
Applicants seeking to avail of this exception must provide valid supporting documents or proof of urgency. It is advisable to contact the respective Passport Office beforehand to confirm eligibility for walk-in services under exceptional circumstances.
