The e-Passport contains an embedded electronic chip that securely stores the passport holder’s personal and biometric information. This upgrade aligns India with global standards followed by several developed countries and strengthens the overall passport ecosystem.
According to the official Passport Seva website, an e-Passport is a hybrid passport that combines both paper and electronic features. It looks similar to the existing passport but includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna embedded inside the passport booklet.
This chip securely stores:
Personal details of the passport holder
Biometric information
Digitally signed data for authentication
You can identify an e-Passport by a small golden chip symbol printed on the front cover, below the Ashoka emblem. While the appearance remains largely unchanged, the technology inside makes it far more secure than traditional passports.
The Government of India launched e-Passports to:
Improve passport security
Prevent duplication and tampering
Reduce identity fraud
Enable faster immigration clearance
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a press release dated November 12, confirmed the successful rollout of PSP V2.0, Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP V2.0), and e-Passports for both residents in India and Indians living abroad.
The biggest advantage of an e-Passport is data integrity. The personal information printed in the passport booklet is also digitally signed and stored in the chip, making it extremely difficult to alter or forge.
With encrypted biometric data and digital signatures, creating fake or duplicate passports becomes nearly impossible. This significantly reduces passport-related fraud.
At international airports, immigration officers can verify data quickly using electronic readers, which helps reduce waiting time and speeds up border clearance.
The e-Passport complies with international standards, allowing immigration authorities worldwide to authenticate it securely.
There is no need to panic if you already have a regular passport.
The Passport Seva authority has clarified that:
All existing passports remain valid until their expiry date
Passport holders do not need to replace their current passport immediately
e-Passports will be issued by default once a passport office is technically enabled
Under PSP V2.0, every new or renewed passport will automatically be issued as an e-Passport. Applicants do not need to fill out any separate form or select an upgrade option.
The application process for an e-Passport is exactly the same as the regular passport process. The upgrade is internal and does not change the steps for applicants.
Step 1:
Visit the official Passport Seva portal: passportindia.gov.in
Step 2:
Register as a new user by creating a User ID. Select the nearest Regional Passport Office (RPO) based on your current address.
Step 3:
Log in using your credentials and click on “Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport.”
Step 4:
Choose:
Fresh Passport (for first-time applicants)
Re-issue of Passport (for renewal or changes)
Step 5:
Fill in the application form carefully with accurate details.
Step 6:
After submitting the form, go to View Saved/Submitted Applications and click on Pay and Schedule Appointment.
Step 7:
Pay the applicable fee online and book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or designated Post Office.
Step 8:
Once payment is successful, you will receive a receipt containing the Application Reference Number (ARN) and appointment details via SMS.
The launch of the e-Passport marks a significant upgrade in India’s travel documentation system. With better security, faster immigration clearance, and global compliance, e-Passports are set to make international travel smoother and safer for Indian citizens.
For applicants, the process remains simple and familiar, while the technology works silently in the background to offer stronger protection and convenience. As passport offices across the country become fully enabled, e-Passports will soon become the new standard for Indian travelers.
