Indian passport applicants checking the rules on September 18, 2026, are seeing two developments together: higher service charges and freshly notified wording on passport validity for children. They did not begin on the same day. The fee revision has been in effect since July 1, while the latest Passports (Amendment) Rules were published in the Gazette on September 17.
For families, the key point is fairly simple. A 36-page ordinary passport issued to a child below 15 remains valid for five years from issue or until the child turns 18, whichever comes earlier. Adults and older minors should also check the revised fee before booking an appointment or choosing Tatkaal.
What Changed In The Passport Rules In 2026?
The Ministry of External Affairs issued G.S.R. 820(E), dated September 15, to amend Rule 8 and Rule 12 of the Passports Rules, 1980. The official Gazette of India listing records publication on September 17, and the rules take effect from publication.
Rule 8 now links the fee payable for each application category to Schedule IV. That fee schedule had already been revised earlier, with Passport Seva stating that new charges became effective from July 1, 2026. September 18 is therefore not the starting date for the fee hike.
The main points applicants should note are:
- Children below 15 get a 36-page ordinary passport for five years or until age 18.
- A normal 36-page adult fresh or reissue application costs ₹2,500.
- A normal 60-page adult fresh or reissue application costs ₹3,500.
- A minor’s normal 36-page fresh or reissue application costs ₹1,750.
- Tatkaal charges are higher and added to the normal application fee.
- Fresh applications for minors up to eight years and senior citizens above 60 retain a 10% discount.
How Much Do Passport Applications Cost Now?
For applicants aged 18 and above, and minors aged 15 to 18 seeking a full-validity passport, a 36-page fresh passport or reissue costs ₹2,500 normally. Passport Seva lists an additional ₹2,500 Tatkaal charge, taking the total to ₹5,000. A 60-page passport costs ₹3,500 normally or ₹6,000 including Tatkaal charges. The complete figures are available through the official Passport Seva fee structure.
For minors below 18 applying in the minor category, a 36-page fresh passport or reissue costs ₹1,750 normally and ₹4,250 with Tatkaal. Replacing a lost, damaged, or stolen minor passport costs ₹4,250 normally, plus ₹2,500 if processed under Tatkaal.
Adult replacement charges are steeper. A lost or damaged 36-page passport costs ₹5,000 normally, while a 60-page replacement costs ₹6,000. Police Clearance Certificate applications currently carry a ₹750 fee, according to the Passport Seva fee-payment guidance.
A July parliamentary reply linked the 2026 increase to higher service-delivery expenses, Passport Seva Programme 2.0, and rising production costs for chip-based ePassport booklets. It also noted that passport fees had previously been revised in 2012.
How Does The New Child Passport Validity Rule Work?
The September amendment specifically addresses an ordinary 36-page passport issued to a child below 15. Its validity ends after five years or when the child reaches 18, whichever happens first. Passport guidance had already reflected this broad validity structure, while the latest amendment formally substitutes the wording in Rule 12(1A).
A passport issued to a 10-year-old can ordinarily run for five years. If issued when the child is 14, however, parents should check the printed expiry date rather than assume another unrestricted five-year period. This becomes especially relevant before school trips, family holidays or overseas admissions.
The Passport Seva document advisory remains the safest place to check the required papers and applicant category before payment.
What Should Applicants Check Before Booking An Appointment?
Start with the official Passport Seva portal rather than old screenshots or saved fee charts. Select fresh issue, reissue, lost or damaged passport, and normal or Tatkaal processing correctly. For a child, choosing the right age category is important because both fees and validity can differ.
Applicants should also check appointment availability through Passport Seva. Higher fees do not automatically alter documentation, police verification, or Tatkaal eligibility. Those depend on the application and individual circumstances.
For September 18 readers, the timeline is the part worth remembering: passport fees changed on July 1, while the latest child-validity wording took effect upon Gazette publication on September 17.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Passport Fees Increase On September 18, 2026?
No. Revised passport fees became effective from July 1, 2026, under the earlier Gazette notification.
How Long Is A Passport Valid For A Child Below 15?
The passport stays valid for five years or until age 18, whichever date comes first.
What Is The Normal Fee For A 36-Page Adult Passport?
The revised normal fee is ₹2,500 for a fresh or reissued 36-page ordinary adult passport.
What Is The Normal Passport Fee For A Minor?
A minor’s 36-page fresh or reissue passport costs ₹1,750 under the normal application category today.
Do Young Children Still Receive A Passport Fee Discount?
Yes. Fresh applications for minors up to eight years continue receiving a ten percent discount.
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