Passport Rules 2026: Faster, Simpler, Fully Digital from Feb 15
New norms prioritise Aadhaar, speed up police checks and expand passport centres nationwide.
- New rules aim to simplify applications and reduce delays
- Aadhaar and key government IDs prioritised as main documents
- Digital police verification to cut processing time
- More passport centres planned for smaller towns and rural areas
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 6th Feb: The Government of India has introduced a new set of passport regulations for 2026, aimed at simplifying the application process, strengthening security and speeding up service delivery across the country. The updated rules will come fully into force after February 15.
The revised framework is designed to make passport issuance and renewal more efficient while reducing fraud and unnecessary delays. Applicants have been advised to familiarise themselves with the new norms in advance to avoid rejections or processing setbacks.
Under the new system, the list of acceptable documents has been streamlined and digitised. Mandatory proofs such as Aadhaar and other government-issued identification will be given priority, reducing the need for multiple certificates and repeated visits to passport offices. Officials have cautioned that applications with incomplete or incorrect documents may be rejected, stressing the importance of accuracy while uploading paperwork online.
A major change has been introduced in the police verification stage, traditionally the most time-consuming part of passport issuance. Verification will now be conducted largely through digital channels, enabling coordination between agencies and significantly reducing the processing time. In several cases, verification may be carried out after passport issuance, allowing faster delivery to applicants.
The government has also upgraded the passport portal to make the process more user-friendly. Applicants can now fill forms, upload documents, and book appointment slots online without intermediaries. Real-time notifications and tracking features will allow applicants to monitor their application status more easily.
For minors, the rules have been clarified to allow smoother processing. Parental consent, digital birth certificates and school identification documents will be accepted to speed up the issuance of passports for children.
In addition, the government plans to expand passport service centres across the country, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas, to improve accessibility.
The new rules aim to balance speed, security and convenience, offering a smoother experience from application to issuance. Applicants planning to apply or renew passports have been advised to prepare their documents in advance of the February 15 deadline.
