Indian Passport — Fees & Services (Practical Guide)
Straightforward breakdown of typical Indian passport fees (standard and Tatkaal), mission/overseas handling, re-issue charges, payment methods, refunds and tips to avoid extra costs. Always verify live fees at the official Passport Seva portal.
Overview — How Indian Passport Fees Are Structured
Indian passport charges are made up of a few clear components: the base application fee (which varies by type and number of pages), any premium service charges such as Tatkaal, and additional handling or courier fees for applicants abroad. Some scenarios also attract verification costs or police/administrative fees. Below we explain the common categories and show representative figures to help you plan — note that actual charges can change, so always confirm on Passport Seva.
Main Fee Types
Standard application: Normal processing for new passports and routine renewals.
Tatkaal: Expedited processing for urgent travel (higher fee).
Re-issue / Replacement: For lost, damaged, or changed-data passports.
Who Pays What
Applicants in India pay the base fee + service charges (if using PSK/agent).
NRIs/overseas applicants may pay mission handling & courier fees in addition to the base amount.
Some special categories (diplomatic, official) have separate fee rules.
Timing
Standard: typical domestic processing window.
Tatkaal: fastest option — proof of travel may be required.
Overseas processing: may take longer due to mission handling/courier.
Representative Fee Table (INR) — Typical Figures
The table below shows representative fees commonly used across India. These are example figures for planning only — check the Passport Seva portal or your local passport office for exact, live fees before payment.
Service
Representative Fee (INR)
When to Choose
Standard passport (36-page booklet)
₹1,500
Routine renewal or first-time application where no urgent travel
60-page (larger/passport with extra pages)
₹2,000
Frequent travellers who need extra pages
Tatkaal (36-page expedited)
₹3,500
Urgent travel within days to a week; higher fee but faster
Re-issue (lost/damaged/data change)
₹1,500–₹3,500
Depends on reason and whether Tatkaal option used
Police verification (if required)
Varies by state
Some regions request local verification — may add delay
Overseas mission handling (NRI applicants)
₹1,500–₹4,000 (plus courier)
Mission-specific charges + return courier cost
Representative numbers above are for guidance. The government publishes the authoritative fees and any periodic changes on the Passport Seva website.
Tatkaal (Expedited) Service — What to Expect
Tatkaal is the accelerated service for applicants who must travel urgently. It typically requires additional documentation and a higher fee. The process aims to reduce processing time but still depends on smooth verification and correct supporting documentation.
Fee: Representative Tatkaal fee shown above (₹3,500) — includes expedited handling but may vary by location.
Eligibility: Anyone with urgent travel may apply but must satisfy documentary checks; some PSKs restrict Tatkaal where police verification is pending.
Proof: You may need to produce travel itinerary, medical emergency evidence, or employment documentation to justify Tatkaal.
Tatkaal speeds up processing but does not remove the need for accurate documents. Missing items can still cause rejection and lost premium fees.
Re-issue & Replacement — Lost, Damaged or Data Changes
If your passport is lost, stolen, or damaged, replacement steps include a replacement form, police report (for losses/thefts), and identity/citizenship proof. Re-issue for name changes or extra pages follows a standard re-issue process with fee similar to standard applications.
Report loss/theft to local police immediately and keep a copy of the FIR for your replacement application.
Replacement fees vary depending on whether Tatkaal is used and the mission handling (if abroad).
Damaged passports should be submitted with the application when possible to help the processing officer determine replacement status.
Applicants outside India typically apply via Indian consulates, embassies or through regional processing centres. In addition to the base fee, expect mission handling charges and international courier costs for return of the passport.
Item
Representative Cost
Notes
Mission handling surcharge
₹1,500–₹3,000 (or equivalent)
Varies by country and mission
Return courier
₹1,200–₹4,000 (varies)
Depends on destination, speed and insurance
Local processing convenience fee
Varies
Some missions charge a small facilitation fee
Overseas applicants should consult their local Indian mission website for exact mission-specific charges and acceptable payment methods. Keep all receipts for future reference.
Always verify the most up-to-date passport fee details and refund rules directly on these official government websites before applying or making payment.
Payment Methods Accepted
The Passport Seva portal and most Passport Seva Kendras accept online payments (net banking, debit/credit cards) for the base application fee. When applying at PSKs or mission counters, local payment rules may apply.
PSK / POP centers: card terminals and online payment gateways; avoid cash unless explicitly allowed in local guidance.
Overseas missions: card payment or mission-specific bank transfers; some missions accept only card payments for Tatkaal.
Always save payment confirmation / transaction IDs — they are required if any payment dispute arises.
Refunds & Cancellation Policy
Refunds are generally limited. Once processing has begun, many fees (especially Tatkaal, appointment or courier fees) are non-refundable. If you cancel before processing starts, partial refunds may be possible subject to the portal and mission rules.
Missed appointment: you may lose the appointment convenience fee.
Portal payment reversals: allow time for bank processing if eligible for refund.
Overseas courier charges: typically non-refundable after dispatch.
Before paying, verify cancellation and refund rules for your chosen service to avoid unexpected losses.
Checklist — Minimise Delays & Extra Costs
Use the Passport Seva portal to select the correct application type (fresh, renewal, re-issue, Tatkaal).
Scan and upload high-quality documents at the recommended DPI to avoid repeated uploads and delays.
Keep original documents and clear photocopies ready for in-person verification.
If traveling soon, choose Tatkaal only when you have a complete supporting set — Tatkaal fees are not returned for incomplete applications.
Note the tracking/reference number and payment transaction ID for all communications.
When in doubt, call the Passport Seva helpline or check the online FAQ before making a Tatkaal payment.
Fees — Frequently Asked Questions
Tatkaal is an expedited service but not an absolute guarantee — processing still depends on verification. Use Tatkaal only with complete, correct documents to maximise chances of quick issuance.
Some passport types allow additional pages (e.g., 60 pages) for frequent travellers at a higher fee. Confirm availability and fee on the portal when you apply.
Police verification is handled by local authorities and may not have a centralised fee — any local administrative charge (if applicable) is separate from Portal payments.
Courier charges vary by country, insurance choice and speed. Expect a representative range shown above; check your mission site for exact courier options and pricing.