Passport rules 2026: Children under 15 get new validity conditions; Check Revised Renewal, Renewal & Tatkaal Fees

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, which introduces changes to the validity of passports for children and brings the fee provisions in line with the revised rates. The rules entered into force immediately after publication in the Official Gazette on September 15.

The changes come after the MEA revised passport service charges from July 1.

Here’s what applicants need to know.

What has changed for children’s passports?

Under the amended rules, a 36-page ordinary passport issued to a child below 15 years of age will be valid for five years from the date of issue or until the child turns 18, whichever is earlier.

This provision replaces former rule 12(1A).

For example, if a passport is issued to a 10-year-old child, it will be valid for five years. However, if it is issued when the child is 14, it will only remain valid until the child is 18, even if five years have not passed.

The change specifically concerns 36-page ordinary passports for children under 15 years of age.

What do the amended rules say about fees?

The amendment to rule 8(1) provides that the fees for various applications for passports shall be at the rates set out in the updated Schedule IV to the Passport Rules, 1980.

The change provides regulatory clarity following the MEA’s review of passport-related fees that came into effect on July 1.

The revised fees cover several services including new passports, re-issuance, Tatkaal applications, replacement of lost or damaged passports and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC).

How much is an adult passport now?

Under the revised fee structure, a new or renewed application for a 36-page regular adult passport costs ₹2,500 as compared to ₹1,500 earlier.

For a 60-page passport, the fee has increased to ₹3,500 from ₹2000.

Tatkaal applicants also face higher charges. 36 page adult passport under Tatkaal stands ₹5,000 as compared to ₹3,500 earlier. The 60-page Tatkaal passport costs ₹6,000, more than ₹4000.

There is now a charge for exchanging a 60-page passport under Tatkaal ₹8,500 as compared to ₹previously 5,500.

What are the fees for minors?

For minors, a 36-page new or reissued passport is included in the regular category ₹1,750, more than ₹1000.

36 page Tatkaal passport at less cost ₹3000.

The MEA has also maintained a 10% discount on new passport applications for children below eight years and senior citizens above 60 years. However, the concession does not apply to reissue requests.