What is an E-Passport?

An e-passport (electronic passport) is a machine-readable passport embedded with a microchip that stores biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition information, along with the passport holder's personal details. Introduced by the Government of India to enhance security and streamline international travel, e-passports comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. They are issued to Indian citizens for secure and efficient border processing, ensuring protection against identity fraud.

E-Passport Overview

Category	Details
Validity	10 years for adults (18 and above), 5 years or until age 18 for minors (36/60 pages)
Features	Microchip with biometric data, machine-readable zone, enhanced security features
Eligibility	All Indian citizens; Tatkaal available for minor damage, limited for lost/severe damage
Fees	INR 3,500 (36 pages), INR 4,000 (60 pages) for adults; INR 3,000 (36 pages) for minors (Tatkaal)
Processing Time	1-3 days for Tatkaal (minor damage); longer for lost e-passports due to verification

Documents Required for E-Passport

The following documents are mandatory for applying for or replacing a damaged or lost e-passport under the Tatkaal scheme:

• Aadhaar Card: Self-attested copy for identity and address verification.
• Voter ID or PAN Card: Self-attested copy as additional identity proof.
• Proof of Address: Self-attested copy of a recent document (e.g., utility bill, bank statement) not older than one year.
• Proof of Birth: Self-attested copy of birth certificate or equivalent for date of birth verification.
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photograph (4.5x3.5 cm, white background, clear facial features).
• Verification Certificate (Annexure F): Signed by a gazetted officer to verify identity and address.
• Damaged E-Passport (if applicable): Original damaged e-passport and self-attested copies of the first and last pages.
• Lost E-Passport Documents (if applicable):
  • FIR Copy: Self-attested copy of the police report for the lost e-passport.
  • Annexure L: Affidavit detailing the circumstances of the loss.
• Proof of Urgency (Recommended): Travel tickets or emergency documents to support the Tatkaal application.
• Minors (under 18): Parent’s passport copies, Annexure D (both parents’ consent) or Annexure H (single parent/legal guardian), and birth certificate.

Note: Original documents must be presented at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for verification. Incomplete or mismatched documents may lead to rejection or reversion to normal processing.

Application Process for E-Passport

The process for applying for a new e-passport or replacing a damaged or lost e-passport under the Tatkaal scheme involves the following steps:

• Online Registration: Register or log in on the Passport Seva portal and select Tatkaal for new or reissue applications.
• Fill Application Form: Specify the reason (new, damaged, or lost e-passport) and provide accurate personal details.
• Book Priority Appointment: Schedule a priority appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
• Visit PSK: Submit original documents, self-attested copies, and biometrics (photograph, fingerprints). Pay the Tatkaal fee.
• Biometric Data Capture: Provide fingerprints and facial recognition data for the e-passport’s microchip.
• Police Verification: Typically required post-issuance for lost e-passports or significant address changes; may be waived for minor damage or new applications.
• E-Passport Issuance: If approved, e-passports are issued within 1-3 days for new or minor damage cases; lost e-passports may take longer due to additional verification.

Note: Tatkaal approval for lost e-passports is not guaranteed and may revert to normal processing if further scrutiny is required.

Replacing a Damaged or Lost E-Passport

Replacing a damaged or lost e-passport under the Tatkaal scheme follows specific guidelines due to the microchip’s security features:

• Eligibility: Tatkaal is available for minor damage (e.g., faded pages, minor tears); lost or severely damaged e-passports may require normal processing due to security concerns.
• Additional Documents for Lost E-Passport: A First Information Report (FIR) and Annexure L (affidavit for loss) are mandatory.
• Verification: Lost e-passports often require post-issuance police verification to confirm identity and address.
• Processing Time: Minor damage cases are processed in 1-3 days; lost e-passports may take longer due to additional checks.
• Security Concerns: The microchip’s biometric data requires strict verification, making Tatkaal approval for lost e-passports less likely.
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Key Considerations for E-Passport

• E-Passport Maintenance: Keep the e-passport in good condition, as damage to the microchip may render it invalid for international travel.
• Biometric Accuracy: Ensure biometric data (fingerprints, facial features) is accurately captured during the PSK visit to avoid issues.
• FIR for Lost E-Passports: File a police report promptly for lost e-passports and include a self-attested FIR copy with the application.
• Document Consistency: All details (name, date of birth, address) must match previous records to avoid rejection.
• Tatkaal Limitations: Tatkaal processing for lost or severely damaged e-passports is subject to RPO discretion and may not be approved.
• Minors: For applicants under 18, both parents or the legal guardian must provide consent via Annexure D or H, and minors aged 5 or above may need to attend the PSK for biometrics.
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