In India, the e-passports were introduced to make the whole system more secure and faster. The e-passports are embedded with a golden chip, which contains the data about the passport holder. It includes information such as personal details and biometric details.
In this blog, we have given information about the e-passports, such as how to apply, check status, download, and their features nd benefits. Read this guide till the end to know more about the usage of e-passports.
What is an e-Passport?
An e-passport is a type of passport that contains an electronic microprocessor chip. This chip stores the personal information nd the biometric data of the passport holder. There are many benefits of the e-passports, like enhanced security and prevention from fraud.
This type of e-passports, which have chip-based technology, complies with the standards of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation). You can get faster immigration checks with e-passports.
How to Apply for e-Passport in India?
You can apply for the e-passport from the Passport Seva Portal. The online process is quite easy; you need to follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva Portal.
Step 2: Register on the website with the appropriate User ID and fill out the e-passport application form.
Step 3: Select your nearby Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) or Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Step 4: Pay the required amount of e-passport fees.
Step 5: Schedule an appointment to submit the documents.
Step 6: Visit the office for the collection of your biometric data and verification of your documents.
NOTE: The issuance of the e-passports is now limited to some of the cities in India. The eligible applicants will receive the e-passports by default.
How to Download and Check e-Passport Status?
If you want an e-passport download, then it is not possible. The e-passport is a physical document that contains an electronic chip. If you want an e-passport, then it can only be issued by the official authorities.
However, you can check your e-passport status online by using the relevant website. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Go to the online status tracker of the official website of Passport Seva Kendra.
Step 2: Enter your date of birth and the file number.
Step 3: Now, you can view the status updates of your passport application.
Features of the Indian e-Passport
Indian e-passports are equipped with modern technology, and they provide very strong protection to the identity of the holder. Here are the features of the biometric passport in India:
- There will be an embedded golden chip on the front cover of the passport.
- It stores the details of the biometrics of the individuals, like photographs, fingerprints, and iris scans.
- It stores the demographic data of the bearer, such as passport number, date of birth, name, etc.
- The e-passports are compliant with ICAO standards.
- It has a contactless electronic chip with secure access.
- It reduces the risk of duplicated or fake passports as it contains the biometric data of the holder.
Details on e-Passport
Here is the information that an electronic chip in the biometric passport stores securely:
- Photograph of the Passport Holder
- Fingerprints
- Issuing authority's digital signature
- All the demographic details like name, gender, date of birth, address, etc.
- Unique Passport ID number and Issue/Expiry dates
How the Biometric e-Passport Works?
The e-passport India works on scanning them at the airports. Here is the process by which it works when scanned at the immigration checkpoints:
- The e-chip passport transmits the secured data wirelessly.
- The system at the airport matches the traveler's live scan with the biometrics added in the passport.
- The verification process through the e-passports is way faster, and it is more secure. It prevents impersonation and tampering to avoid fraud.
Benefits & Uses of e-Passport
Here is how the e-passport strengthens identity protection and enhances your travel experience:
- It protects your data and provides enhanced security.
- It provides you with access to the e-gate, which makes the immigration process a lot faster.
- There are very few chances of identity fraud.
- They are accepted globally under the guidelines of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
- It provides a streamlined verification at all the international airports.
Difference Between e-Passport and Regular Passport
There are many differences between an e-passport and a regular passport in terms of their security and features. Here is a table representation:
| Feature |
e-Passport |
Regular Passport |
| Embedded Chip |
Yes |
No |
| Biometric Data Storage |
Yes (iris, photo, fingerprints) |
No |
| Fast Immigrations |
Yes |
No |
| Security Level |
High (digital encryption) |
Basic |
| Prevention of fraud |
Strong |
Limited |
NOTE: If you are applying for a renewal of a passport or a new passport in the eligible cities, then most likely you will receive an e-passport by default. E-passports make international travel much safer and easier with features like enhanced security, biometric data integration, quicker immigration, and many more.
List of Indian Cities issues e-Passports
E-Passports are not issued all over India. There are certain cities in which these types of passports are being issued. As of 2025, here are the selected cities:
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Checnnai
- Kochi
- Lucknow
- Hyderabad
- Ahemdabad
- Guwahati
- Kolkata
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