New passport rule sets five-year validity for children under 15, revises fee

The Ministry of External Affairs has revised passport rules, setting a five-year validity for passports issued to children under 15 years old. This change, effective immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette on September 15, 2026, modifies Rule 12 of the Passports Rules, 1980. The new Sub-Rule (1A) states that a 36-page ordinary passport for a child below 15 will remain valid for five years from issue or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first.

If the child reaches 18 before the five-year period expires, the passport will no longer be valid once they turn 18. For instance, a passport issued to a child at 14 would be valid until they turn 19 but would expire at 18 since they would turn 18 four years after issuance. This update supersedes the earlier rule that the passport would last five years from issue or until the child turned 15.

Additionally, the amendment adjusts the passport application fees according to Schedule IV of the Passports Rules, 1980, which was updated in June 2026. The cost of a fresh or reissued 36-page passport for adults has risen from ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, while a 60-page passport fee increases from ₹2,000 to ₹3,500. Tatkaal fees for 36-page and 60-page passports have also been revised to ₹5,000 and ₹6,000, respectively, from the previous ₹3,500 and ₹4,000.