When applying for an Indian passport, understanding the complete fee structure is essential. From the Normal Scheme to Tatkal Services, and from first-time applications to re-issuance and renewals, every scenario comes with its own set of charges. This comprehensive guide breaks down passport fees in India in detail, helping you make the most cost-effective and time-efficient choice.
Normal vs. Tatkal Passport Fees in India
1. Normal Passport Fees
The Normal Scheme is the standard processing method for passports. Under this, the application is processed in a standard timeline (usually 30–45 days, depending on police verification).
Normal passport application fees (as of 2025):
| Passport Type | Age Group | Pages | Validity | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh/Re-issue | 18 years & above | 36 pages | 10 years | ₹1,500 |
| Fresh/Re-issue | 18 years & above | 60 pages | 10 years | ₹2,000 |
| Fresh/Re-issue | Below 18 years | 36 pages | 5 years / till age 18 | ₹1,000 |
| Fresh/Re-issue | Below 18 years | 60 pages | 5 years / till age 18 | ₹1,500 |
2. Tatkal Passport Fees
The Tatkal Scheme is designed for urgent passport needs, reducing processing time to 1–3 working days after document verification.
Tatkal passport application fees (Normal Fee + Additional Tatkal Fee):
| Passport Type | Age Group | Pages | Normal Fee (₹) | Additional Tatkal Fee (₹) | Total Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh/Re-issue | 18 years & above | 36 pages | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 |
| Fresh/Re-issue | 18 years & above | 60 pages | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Fresh/Re-issue | Below 18 years | 36 pages | ₹1,000 | ₹2,000 | ₹3,000 |
| Fresh/Re-issue | Below 18 years | 60 pages | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 | ₹3,500 |
Other Passport-Related Charges
1. Lost, Damaged, or Stolen Passport
If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged beyond recognition, you must apply for a Re-issue. The fee varies depending on the pages and validity.
| Age Group | Pages | Validity | Normal Fee (₹) | Tatkal Total Fee (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 years & above | 36 pages | 10 years | ₹3,000 | ₹5,000 |
| 18 years & above | 60 pages | 10 years | ₹3,500 | ₹5,500 |
2. Changes or Corrections in Passport
Applicants may need changes in name, address, date of birth, or appearance.
| Change Type | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Name/Address/DOB/Appearance change | ₹1,500 (Normal), ₹3,500 (Tatkal) |
3. Short Validity Passport (SVP)
A Short Validity Passport (1–2 years) is issued for special cases, such as urgent travel before document verification.
| Pages | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| 36 pages | ₹1,000 (Normal), ₹3,000 (Tatkal) |
Passport Renewal and Re-Issue Charges
Renewal and re-issue fees depend on page count, validity, and age. Renewal is treated as a Re-issue in the system.
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36 pages, 10 years (Adults) – ₹1,500 Normal / ₹3,500 Tatkal
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60 pages, 10 years (Adults) – ₹2,000 Normal / ₹4,000 Tatkal
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36 pages, 5 years (Minors) – ₹1,000 Normal / ₹3,000 Tatkal
ECR vs. ECNR Passports and Fees
The ECR (Emigration Check Required) category applies to certain individuals, mostly those without a matriculation certificate, and is free to change to ECNR if eligible. No extra fee is charged beyond the standard application fee.
Additional Service Charges
When applying at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK), there is an online payment system and a small convenience fee (₹50–₹75).
For applications made via e-passport launch centres, digital processing may include an extra nominal service charge.
Tatkal Passport Document Requirements
Tatkal processing requires mandatory documents in addition to the standard proof of identity and address:
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Verification Certificate (Annexure F) or
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3 documents from the prescribed list (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Electricity Bill, etc.)
Failure to provide valid documents may result in rejection or conversion to Normal Scheme.
Payment Methods for Passport Fees
Applicants must pay passport fees online through:
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Credit/Debit Card
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Internet Banking
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UPI
Once paid, fees are non-refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or rejected.
How to Save on Passport Costs
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Apply for 36-page passport unless you have frequent international travel.
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Renew before expiry to avoid extra re-issue costs.
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Maintain your passport in good condition to avoid damage fees.
Normal vs. Tatkal: Which Should You Choose?
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Choose Normal if you have enough time before travel.
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Choose Tatkal if you have urgent travel or job/study deadlines.
Remember: Tatkal is faster but costlier, and not all cases qualify.
Conclusion
Understanding the Indian passport fee structure is key to avoiding unnecessary costs and delays. Whether you choose Normal or Tatkal, ensure that all documents are ready and the fee is correctly paid to ensure smooth processing.
For fast, dedicated, and professional passport and visa assistance, Smotpro.in offers 24/7 expert support for new passports, renewals, Tatkal services, and all related documentation.
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