India has officially launched Passport Seva 2.0 on June 25, 2025, marking a major milestone in the nation's journey toward seamless, secure, and digitally enhanced travel services. This upgraded system brings e-passports with embedded RFID chips, faster online police verification through the mPassport Police App, and expanded service delivery via mobile passport vans and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore all facets of Passport Seva 2.0—from eligibility criteria and application steps to its impact on travelers and frequently asked questions. Let’s begin our journey into India’s digital passport transformation.
What is Passport Seva 2.0?
Passport Seva 2.0 is the upgraded version of India’s passport issuance system under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP). Introduced on Passport Seva Divas, it leverages cloud computing, contactless biometric e-passports, mobile vans, and enhanced pop-up centers.
The aim? To simplify procedures, accelerate police-required clearances, and bring Indian passport issuance in line with global standards.
Why June 25, 2025, Matters
Held annually to honor the initiative’s founders, the 13th Passport Seva Divas on June 25, 2025 served as the launchpad for Passport Seva 2.0—the perfect day to unveil the drive for citizen-centric, tech-enabled passport service.
What is an e-Passport?
An e-passport, or biometric passport, houses an embedded RFID chip with encrypted personal and biometric data (photo and fingerprints). A gold-coloured symbol on the cover marks its identity.
These features bring contactless readability at immigration e gates and reduce fraud dramatically.
Where are e-Passports Available Now?
Initially rolled out in 13 pilot cities, the service is gradually scaling to cover the entire nation by mid 2025. The pilot phase includes:
- Nagpur
- Bhubaneswar
- Jammu
- Goa
- Shimla
- Raipur
- Amritsar
- Jaipur
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Surat
- Ranchi
- Delhi
By late June 2025, these cities are fully functional, with the "Make in India" based printing at Nashik ensuring secure domestic production.
Key Benefits of Passport Seva 2.0
- Enhanced Security: Embedded RFID chip protected by standards like BAC and EAC reduces spoofing risk.
- Faster Immigration: Contactless reading enables quicker airport clearance via e gates.
- Quicker Police Clearance: mPassport Police App slashes verification time from weeks to 5–7 days.
- Decentralised Services: Mobile passport vans and expanded POPSKs bring services closer to citizens without the hassle of visiting major centres.
- Global Compatibility: ICAO-compliant e-passports align with standards used by over 120 countries.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility aligns with the traditional passport criteria:
- Indian citizen
- Valid documents (proof of identity, residence)
- Fresh issuance or reissue applicants qualify
- Existing valid passports are not mandatory to upgrade—renewals allow opting into e-passports
How to Apply for Passport Seva 2.0
Use the Passport Seva Online Portal:
- Register or log in
- Choose “Apply for Fresh / Re-issue Passport”
- Fill application form and submit
- Pay fees and schedule appointment (PSK or POPSK)
- Print appointment receipt / ARN
- Attend the appointment for biometric capture and verification
Required Documents
Core documents include (subject to category):
- Proof of identity (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Proof of residence
- Passport-sized photos
- Birth certificate (for minors)
- Additional documents in special cases (employment, etc.)
Police Verification via mPassport App
- Police verification now integrated via the mPassport Police App
- Takes just 5–7 days
- Judges and officials can track progress via the app
- Launched in 25 states/UTs as of late June 2025
Cost Comparison: e-Passport vs Traditional
| Service Type | 36-page (Std) | 60-page (Jumbo) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh / Re-issue | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 |
| Tatkaal (Expedited) | ₹3,500 | ₹4,000 |
| Minor (up to 18 yrs) | ₹1,000 | n/a |
| Lost / Damaged Duplicate | ₹3,500 | ₹4,000 |
(All include chip; no extra charges for chip inclusion)
When Is It Mandatory?
- Not mandatory for existing valid passports
- Required when:
- Renewing an expiring passport
- Applying for first passport
- Opting voluntarily during re issue
Global Context: How India Compares
India has joined over 120 countries issuing e-passports. The system aligns with ICAO guidelines and matches advanced nations using biometric passports, modernising India’s travel documents globally.
Public and Media Feedback
Media applaud Passport Seva 2.0 as a digital-first initiative. Reddit users noticed the new navy-blue look and chip-enabled design in May 2025:
“for the first time, i can see the navy blue in the Indian passport”
Positive reception highlights user appreciation for enhanced design and features.
Upcoming Expansion Plans
- Nationwide rollout across all RPOs and POPSKs completing by mid 2025
- New service centers to be announced
- Tech upgrades include more e gate integration and police app expansion
Potential Challenges
- Data privacy concerns with RFID—minimized via encrypted storage and secure protocols
- Digital literacy: rural areas may need support in online form filling
- App adaptation: police personnel training on mPassport App
Passport Seva 2.0 vs. The Old System
| Feature | Old Passport System | Passport Seva 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Type | Paper-based, MRZ only | Chip-based, biometric e-passport |
| Police Verification Time | 2–8 weeks | 5–7 days via mPassport App |
| Security Level | Moderate | Strong (BAC, EAC encryption) |
| Service Centers | PSKs only | PSKs, POPSKs & Mobile Vans |
| Immigration Readiness | Manual scanning | Contactless e-gate compliance |
| Global Compliance | ICAO machine-readable | ICAO e-passport standards |
FAQs on Passport Seva 2.0
Q1. Is my current passport still valid under Passport Seva 2.0?
Yes, existing passports remain valid until their expiry date. You are not required to upgrade unless you are applying for a renewal or a reissue, during which you can opt for the new e-passport.
Q2. How can I apply for the new e-passport under Passport Seva 2.0?
Visit the official Passport Seva website, log in or register, fill in the application form for a fresh or reissue passport, pay the applicable fees, schedule your appointment at a PSK/POPSK, and complete your biometric verification.
Q3. What are the charges for an e-passport?
Charges are the same as the regular passport. ₹1,500 for standard 36-page and ₹2,000 for jumbo 60-page. No extra chip fee.
Q4. What documents are required to apply under Passport Seva 2.0?
You’ll need Aadhaar, proof of address, DOB proof, old passport (if reissuing), and passport-size photo (if not captured digitally).
Q5. Which Indian cities have started issuing e-passports?
As of June 2025: Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Jaipur, Goa, Nagpur, Jammu, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Surat, Amritsar, Raipur, and Shimla.
Q6. How is the police verification process different in Passport Seva 2.0?
Police verification is now app-based (mPassport), taking only 5–7 days instead of 2–3 weeks.
Q7. Can I track the status of my passport application online?
Yes, through Passport Seva Portal with your ARN. SMS and email updates also provided.
Q8. What is the role of mobile passport vans in the new system?
They serve remote/rural areas, enabling on-site documentation and biometric capture.
Q9. Is Passport Seva 2.0 mandatory for all passport holders?
No. Existing passports remain valid. For renewals/reissues, you can opt for e-passport.
Q10. Are e-passports internationally recognized?
Yes. India’s e-passports are ICAO-compliant and accepted in over 120 countries.
Q11. How long does it take to get an e-passport delivered?
Usually within 7–10 working days after verification and police clearance.
Q12. Can minors apply for an e-passport under Passport Seva 2.0?
Yes, with additional parental documents like Annexure-H and their ID proof.
Q13. Will the chip in my e-passport store travel history?
No. The chip contains personal info, biometrics, and digital signature only—no travel history.
Q14. What happens if the chip in my passport gets damaged?
You’ll need a reissue just like a damaged physical passport. Damaged chips disable e-gate access.
Conclusion
Passport Seva 2.0 is more than just an upgrade; it signifies India’s sweeping move into digital governance, delivering speed, security, and citizen convenience. By providing biometric e-passports, faster police clearances, and technology-integrated services, India ensures that modern travelers receive world-class passport services. Keep an eye out: full national rollout is set to complete by mid 2025, further simplifying your international travel journey.
Report by Toofan Express