India’s Passport Rules 2025: Key Changes You Need to Know

India has introduced a series of key changes to its passport regulations in 2025. The latest development is the rollout of ePassport for enhanced security, quicker immigration, and fraud prevention. 

We explore major developments in the passport regulations and their potential implications for business in India.

India has launched the ePassport facility as part of its broader digital transformation under the Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0. Officially introduced on April 1, 2024, in a pilot phase, the ePassport is currently available at select passport offices, with nationwide expansion planned in the coming months.

Alongside this initiative, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has introduced key updates to the passport application process. In a gazette notification issued on February 28, 2025, the MEA announced amendments to the rules governing the submission of proof of date of birth for passport issuance—particularly affecting individuals born on or after October 1, 2023. Additionally, the new rules introduce the digital integration of residential addresses into passports.

India begins phased launch of biometric ePassport

India has initiated the rollout of biometric ePassport at selected centers across the country. These next-generation passports are embedded with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an antenna integrated into the cover. The chip securely stores critical information such as the holder’s personal and biometric information, including facial features and fingerprints, to facilitate identity authentication.

With this development, India joins over 120 countries—including the US, Canada, France, Japan, and Australia—that have already adopted biometric ePassports, aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

The service is currently operational in cities such as Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Panaji, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, several locations in Tamil Nadu, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi. 

How to apply for an ePassport in India

Indian citizens interested in obtaining an ePassport can apply through the Passport Seva Portal or by visiting their nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) for biometric enrollment. Here’s a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Go to the Passport Seva Online Portal and create a new user account. Click here: passportseva.gov.in

Step 2: Log in and click on the “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport” option. First-time applicants should choose the Fresh Issuance category. Ensure you do not already hold any type of passport— ordinary, diplomatic, or official.

Step 3: Complete and submit the online form with the necessary details.

Step 4: Under “View Saved/Submitted Applications,” select “Pay and Schedule Appointment” to choose your preferred center and date. Note that payment must be completed online to confirm your booking.

Step 5: After booking, download and print the receipt that includes your Application Reference Number (ARN) or Appointment Number. You will also receive an SMS on your mobile phone with the appointment details. This must be shown during your visit to the passport office.

Step 6: Visit the designated PSK or Regional Passport Office (RPO) with original documents for verification and to complete the application process.

India’s ePassport FAQs

1.  What is an ePassport?

A: An ePassport is a combined paper and electronic passport with a RFID Chip and an antenna embedded as an inlay of passport that contains the personal particulars and biometric information of the passport holder.

2. Who can apply for ePassport in India?

A: In India, any Indian citizen, such as adults, minors, and senior citizens, eligible for a traditional passport can apply for an ePassport. This includes both new applicants and existing passport holders.

3. Is it mandatory for the existing valid passport holders to replace their passport with ePassport?

A: No. All passports issued by the central government will continue to remain valid till their validity expiry date.

4. What are the benefits of an ePassport for the holder?

A: The ePassport enhances data security by storing personal information both in print and in a digitally signed chip, which can be securely verified by global immigration systems. This helps prevent forgery and fraud. It uses Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) technology to protect and authenticate the biometric and personal data embedded in the chip.

Standardization of birth certificates for passport applications

Earlier in the year, India implemented several other notable changes in the passport guidelines, including requirement for individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, to present a birth certificate as the sole valid proof of date of birth during passport application. This move is intended to standardize identification procedures and eliminate inconsistencies in the verification process.

Applicants must now obtain their birth certificate from an official source, such as the Registrar of Births and Deaths, municipal corporations, or other authorized bodies. However, individuals born before the specified date can continue to use alternative documents such as Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards, driver’s licenses, school certificates, or government service records as acceptable proof of birth.

For businesses, particularly those involving frequent international travel or global assignments, this change necessitates early registration of newborns to avoid delays in securing passports. Families with business travel needs must now ensure timely documentation for their children. Additionally, by streamlining birth verification, this policy could reduce fraudulent applications and promote better identity management, contributing to more efficient workforce mobility.

Removal of residential address from passports

In a move to safeguard privacy and prevent misuse of personal information, the central government has removed residential addresses from the last page of passports. This space will now feature a computer-readable barcode, enabling immigration authorities to scan and verify credentials more securely.

This enhancement is likely to benefit both individuals and businesses by minimizing risks associated with identity theft and data misuse. Organizations handling sensitive employee or client data will welcome the added security this brings. It also reflects a growing awareness of data protection needs in the digital age, reassuring both domestic and international stakeholders of India’s commitment to secure personal information.

Introduction of a colour-coded passport system

To simplify identification and streamline international processes, Indian passports will now have a color-coded system. The colors and their corresponding meaning are as follows:

• White passports: Government representatives and officials
• Red passports: Diplomats and ambassadors
• Blue passports: Ordinary Indian citizens (unchanged from before)

This classification will assist in distinguishing travelers based on their roles, making immigration processes faster and clearer. For businesses, particularly those that work closely with government or diplomatic channels, this change could mean expedited processing for official travel. It may also enhance the ease of doing business with international partners by facilitating smoother engagements with Indian officials and diplomats.

Expansion of passport seva kendras across India

The Ministry of External Affairs also announced a substantial expansion of its Passport Seva Kendra network under the Passport Seva Project (PSP). India is aiming to increase the number of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) from 442 to 600 by the year 2030.

This expansion will improve accessibility to passport services, especially for residents in rural and semi-urban areas. By reducing the need for long-distance travel to apply or renew passports, the new centers are expected to shorten processing times and make documentation more convenient for a broader population base.

From a business perspective, this change can enhance workforce mobility, encourage more participation in overseas assignments, and support businesses involved in travel, tourism, education, and international trade. With faster processing and greater accessibility, businesses can respond more quickly to staffing needs and expansion opportunities in the country.

Removal of parents’ names from passport details

Another step toward enhancing individual privacy is the removal of parents’ names from the last page of Indian passports. This decision is particularly relevant for individuals from diverse family backgrounds, including single-parent households and people who may be estranged from their families.

Find Business Support

Our tax advisory services help foreign companies stay on top of compliances in India. Speak to our experts

By minimizing the amount of personal information printed on the document, the new rule aligns with broader efforts to protect user data. This can also make the passport application process more inclusive and less cumbersome for certain demographics. For employers, this could ease onboarding for employees from non-traditional family structures, making hiring and relocation processes smoother. It also signals India’s evolving approach to personal identity documentation, reflecting a more modern and equitable policy framework.

Key takeaways

These sweeping changes to India’s passport regulations in 2025 reflect a proactive step toward modernization, security, and inclusivity. While the new rules impose certain requirements on individuals and families, they also unlock new efficiencies and opportunities for businesses. Whether it is through better access to passport services, improved data protection, or streamlined diplomatic travel, the updates are poised to benefit the Indian economy and its global engagements in meaningful ways.

(This article was originally written on March 14, 2025. It was last updated May 22, 2025.)

• Previous Article BCI’s Revised Rules Expand Scope for Foreign Lawyers in India: What You Need to Know
• Next Article India Mulls Opening Key Government Procurement Market to Foreign Companies