Passport & Consular Services

e-Passport India: Benefits, How to Apply & Download, Check Status Online

autohr img By Vipul Jain | 24 Oct, 2025

e-Passport India

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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Visament: Trusted Platform for Passport Application

If you want to know about a trusted platform for the passport application in India, then Visament is the best option. We have a team of professionals who are experts in their fields of providing the best services for passports. Our website is very easy to navigate, and you can apply for passports from the comfort of your home. 

We also provide real-time updates about your application through our website. You can get 24/7 assistance from our experts. We also provide other services like visa and OCI card services. 

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot download an e-passport online. It is a physical document with an electronic chip on it.

There are many benefits of e-passports in India, such as better identity protection, faster immigration checks, and reduced risks of fraud.

The validity of e-passports is similar to that of regular passports. It is valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.

You can use your e-passports for both domestic and international travel. It is especially used in those countries that have biometric verification systems and e-gates.

E-passports were launched on April 1, 2024. It was a project under the Passport Seva Program.

Yes, you can upgrade your regular passport to an e-passport by applying for renewal. When your current passport is near its expiry date ot you are applying for a new one, then you can go for the e-passport.

Generally, it takes around 35-40 days to get an e-passport through normal processing. If you want a Tatkaal e-passport, then it takes 1 to 3 days to issue.

There is a symbol for the e-passports by which you can recognise them. Look for a small, golden chip symbol on the front cover of your passport. If it is present, then your passport is an e-passport.

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