Is an e Passport Mandatory for Indian Citizens? What You Should Know

India’s move to the Passport Seva Programme 2.0 marks a big step forward in how passports are issued and used. The most talked-about change is the introduction of the e Passport, which comes with a small RFID chip that stores your personal and biometric information. Many people are unsure about what this means for their travel plans, whether they need to switch to an e Passport right away, and how the process works. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you understand the entire journey, from deciding whether you need an e Passport to what happens at each stage of the application process.

Overview: The Shift to e Passports and What It Means

India began rolling out e Passports in early 2024, starting with pilot programs in Bhubaneswar and Nagpur. By the middle of 2025, the program expanded to 13 major cities, including Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Delhi. The government expects e Passports to be available nationwide by the end of 2025. This change is part of the Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which aims to make passport services faster, safer, and more convenient for everyone.

An e Passport looks almost the same as the traditional blue booklet, but you’ll notice a gold chip logo on the cover. Inside, the RFID chip securely stores your photo, fingerprints, and other personal details. This makes it much harder for someone to forge your passport or steal your identity. The chip also helps speed up the immigration process at airports, as it supports automated checks and reduces waiting times.

Is an e Passport Mandatory?

As of July 31, 2025, you do not have to get an e Passport if you already have a valid traditional passport. There is no rule that says you must switch right away. Old passports remain fully valid until they expire, get damaged, or run out of pages. The Ministry of External Affairs and regional passport offices have made it clear that you should only apply for a new passport if your current one is expired, damaged, or full. Don’t believe rumors or claims from agents who say otherwise.

Key Differences: Traditional Passport vs. e Passport

Let’s look at how the two types of passports compare:

• Appearance: Both are blue booklets, but the e Passport has a gold chip logo on the cover.
• Biometric Data: The traditional passport has none. The e Passport’s RFID chip stores your photo, fingerprints, and personal details.
• Immigration Process: Traditional passports require manual inspection at counters. e Passports support automated checks, making the process faster and reducing the risk of fraud.
• Validity: Both are valid for up to 10 years for adults.
• Status: Traditional passports are still fully valid under the law. e Passports are issued when you renew or apply for a new passport.

It’s important to remember that an e Passport is still a physical booklet. You cannot download it to your phone or use a digital copy for travel. The “e” simply means it has an electronic chip inside.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: Applying for an e Passport

If you need to renew your passport or want to apply for an e Passport, here’s what you need to do:

1. Decide if You Need a New Passport

• Keep your current passport if it’s still valid, in good condition, and has enough blank pages.
• Apply for a new passport if your current one is expired, damaged, or full. You can choose the e Passport option if it’s available in your area.

2. Apply Online

• Go to the official Passport Seva Portal to start your application.
• Create an account or log in if you already have one.
• Fill out the application form (Form No. 1 for a new passport or Form No. 2 for re-issue). The portal will guide you through each section.
• Upload the required documents, such as proof of identity, address, and date of birth. If you were born on or after October 1, 2023, you must provide a birth certificate.

3. Pay the Fees and Schedule an Appointment

• Pay the application fee online. The fee is the same for both traditional and e Passports.
• Choose a convenient date and time for your appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), Post Office PSK (POPSK), or Regional Passport Office (RPO).

4. Visit the Passport Office for Biometric Enrollment

• On the day of your appointment, bring all your original documents and a printout of your application receipt.
• At the PSK, your photo, fingerprints, and signature will be taken. This information is stored in the RFID chip if you’re getting an e Passport.
• Staff will check your documents and confirm your details.

5. Police Verification

• In most cases, police verification is required. Thanks to the mPassport Police App, this step is now much faster—usually completed within 5 to 7 days in many states and union territories.
• The police may visit your home to verify your address and ask a few simple questions.
• If you have a clean record and your documents are in order, this step is usually smooth.

6. Passport Printing and Delivery

• Once your application is approved, your passport is printed. If you chose the e Passport, the RFID chip is programmed with your details.
• The passport is sent to your address by secure post. You can track the status of your application and delivery on the Passport Seva Portal.

Estimated Timeframes at Each Stage

• Online application and appointment booking: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Appointment at PSK/POPSK/RPO: 1 to 2 hours (including waiting time)
• Police verification: 5 to 7 days (may vary by location)
• Passport printing and delivery: 3 to 7 days after police verification

What to Expect from Authorities

• Clear instructions at every step, both online and at the passport office
• Fast police verification in most regions, thanks to digital tools
• Secure handling of your personal and biometric data
• Delivery of your new passport to your registered address

What’s New with Passport Seva Programme 2.0?

The Passport Seva Programme 2.0 brings several improvements:

• Digital integration of addresses: Your address is now linked digitally, making updates easier.
• Faster police verification: The mPassport Police App speeds up background checks.
• Better security: The RFID chip in the e Passport uses advanced technology to prevent tampering and forgery.
• Global standards: India’s e Passport meets international rules, making travel smoother in over 120 countries.

Practical Tips and Common Questions

• Do I need to upgrade to an e Passport now? No. Wait until your current passport expires or needs replacement.
• Can I travel abroad with my old passport? Yes, as long as it’s valid and in good condition.
• Is the e Passport more expensive? No, the fees are the same as for traditional passports.
• What if I lose my e Passport? Report it immediately. The process for replacement is similar to that for traditional passports.

Case Study: Rohan’s Experience

Rohan, a resident of Pune, had a passport that was about to expire. He decided to apply for an e Passport when renewing. He filled out the online form, scheduled his appointment, and completed his biometric enrollment at the PSK. Police verification was done within a week, and he received his new e Passport in less than two weeks. At the airport, he noticed that the automated gates made his immigration process much faster.

Final Takeaways

• No rush to switch: Use your current passport until it expires or becomes unusable.
• Choose e Passport at renewal: Opt for the e Passport when you apply for a new one if it’s available in your area.
• Enjoy better security and convenience: The RFID chip in the e Passport protects your data and speeds up travel.
• Stay informed: For the latest updates and to start your application, always use the official Passport Seva Portal.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, India’s move to e Passports under Passport Seva Programme 2.0 is designed to make travel safer and easier, but there’s no need to worry about your current passport’s validity. Follow the steps above, and you’ll be ready for your next journey with confidence.

Learn Today

e Passport → A passport with an embedded RFID chip storing biometric data for security and quick immigration.
RFID chip → A small electronic chip that stores personal and biometric data in e Passports securely.
Passport Seva Programme 2.0 → India’s upgraded passport service improving speed, security, and convenience with digital tools and e Passports.
Biometric Data → Unique physical information like fingerprints and photos used to verify a person’s identity.
Police Verification → A background check step usually done by police before passport issuance to confirm identity and address.

This Article in a Nutshell

India introduced e Passports with RFID chips in 2024 to enhance security and speed at airports. Traditional passports remain valid until expiry, with the e Passport offered at renewal. The Passport Seva Programme 2.0 improves convenience through digital integration and faster police verification nationwide by 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com