With India embracing digitalization of citizen services, the most effective innovation is the Indian ePassport. By making traveling abroad more secure and convenient, this new-age passport integrates biometric identification with encryption-based storage—setting a new standard for identity security and international mobility.
In this detailed guide, we cover all you want to know about the Indian ePassport—its features, advantages, requirements, and application process. We also emphasize how businesses and institutions can continue to verify passport validity through reliable passport verification services such as those provided by OnGrid.
What Is an Indian ePassport?
An Indian ePassport is a contemporary chip-enabled passport that safely stores an individual’s biometric and personal data. The RFID chip embedded in it is compatible with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) norms, which makes it machine-readable and widely accepted at automated border control systems across the globe.
Introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the ePassport is a major improvement over the old booklets, with improved security, accelerated immigration clearance, and improved resistance to tampering or identity theft.
What Information Is Stored on an ePassport?
The Indian ePassport contains the following information in its chip:
Holder’s name, gender, date of birth, and address
Passport number, issue and expiry date
Digitized photo and biometric fingerprint information
A digital signature for verification
Electronic key to identify tampering or cloning efforts
This biometric-supported identity system guarantees higher accuracy and international compatibility for international travel.
Key Benefits of the Indian ePassport
1. Greater Security
The built-in chip uses multiple layers of encryption, making the ePassport virtually impossible to copy, edit, or counterfeit.
2. Quicker Immigration Processing
Machine-readable information and biometric compatibility enable ePassports to be read more quickly at e-gates, particularly in nations that have automated border control systems.
3. Tamper Detection
Any attempt to alter the chip data is detected automatically, making it impossible to use fraudulently.
4. Global Acceptance
The Indian ePassport conforms to ICAO requirements, allowing wide global acceptance at international border crossings.
5. Basis for Digital Identity
As India develops its digital governance infrastructure, the ePassport can be a key to secure online identification and services in the future.
Who Is Eligible for the Indian ePassport?
Indian ePassport is being issued on a phased basis. As of 2025:
Diplomatic and official passport holders have already started receiving ePassports.
Ordinary citizens requesting new or renewed passports can be issued an ePassport based on the roll-out in their area.
Applicants have to give biometric information (photograph and fingerprints) at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs).
The Indian government eventually plans to issue ePassports to all citizens across the country.
How To Apply For An ePassport in India: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for an ePassport in India is a streamlined process designed to ensure convenience, security, and speed. Managed via the official Passport Seva Online Portal, the process involves biometric data collection, digital form submissions, and physical verification. Below is a reorganized and comprehensive guide to help you through every step.
Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Online Portal
Visit the official Passport Seva website and click on the “Register Now” link. Fill in your personal details, create a login ID, and complete your registration.
Step 2: Log In and Choose Application Type
Once registered, log in to the portal using your credentials. Navigate to “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
Select “Fresh Passport” if you’ve never held a passport of the same category (ordinary, diplomatic, or official).
Select “Re-issue” if you are renewing or replacing an expired, expiring, or lost passport of the same category.
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form
Enter your details carefully in the form, including:
Personal information
Current and permanent address
Identity details (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
Review all entries before submission to avoid errors that could delay processing.
Step 4: Pay Passport Fees and Book an Appointment
Once your form is submitted:
Pay the applicable passport fee via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
After successful payment, proceed to schedule an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO)
Step 5: Save or Print the Application Receipt
After booking the appointment, download or print the Application Receipt. This contains your Application Reference Number (ARN) or Appointment Number, which will be needed at the PSK.
✅ Tip: Carrying a printed copy is optional, but recommended for smoother entry.
Step 6: Attend Your Appointment at PSK/RPO
Visit your chosen PSK or RPO on the scheduled date and time. Carry:
The original documents (proof of identity, address, birth, etc.)
Self-attested photocopies of each document
Your ARN/appointment receipt (digital or printed)
For minors under 4 years: Carry a recent passport-size photo with a white background.
Step 7: Biometric Data Collection and Document Verification
At the PSK/RPO:
Your photograph, fingerprints, and other biometric data will be captured digitally.
All documents submitted will be thoroughly verified by officials.
Step 8: Police Verification (If Required)
Depending on the type of application and your profile, police verification may be required either before or after passport issuance.
Step 9: Track Your Application Status
Track your application in real-time using your ARN on the Passport Seva portal. Updates include appointment status, dispatch updates, and police verification status.
Step 10: Receive Your ePassport
Once your application is approved and police verification (if applicable) is cleared, your ePassport will be printed and dispatched via secure courier to your registered address
This handbook ensures you’re completely ready for your ePassport application—from registration to doorstep delivery. Need to go a notch higher? If you’re an employer, fintech platform, or HR service provider who requires passport verification services, OnGrid provides hassle-free verification to confirm identity documents onboarding or compliance verification
What Does an Indian ePassport Look Like?
Physically, the ePassport looks much like the old navy-blue passport but with one very visible distinction—a thicker back cover that contains the embedded chip. The chip cannot be seen but contains encrypted information as well as biometric information.
The Indian ePassport also bears the ePassport symbol on the cover, just as those found in the US, UK, and EU countries.
Recent Updates on Indian ePassport Rollout
Up to March 2025, the Ministry of External Affairs has commenced ePassport printing at the Delhi and Bengaluru facilities. Expansion is set to gain speed with the introduction of chip-writing infrastructure to key PSKs in the near future
Why Passport Verification Still Matters
Although the ePassport provides a robust identity protection layer, passport details verification remains an essential process in various fields, such as:
Financial services (KYC compliance)
Employment and HR onboarding
Visa and travel agency services
Government benefit distribution
Insurance and background screening
This is where OnGrid’s passport verification services provide significant value
OnGrid’s Passport Verification Services
OnGrid provides secure and scalable passport verification services for employers, financial institutions, and digital platforms. For onboarding a new employee, or identity verification for compliance, OnGrid facilitates fast and safe confirmation of passport information.
Features of OnGrid’s Passport Verification:
Faster verification : OnGrid expedites the passport verification process, ensuring swift validation to meet your urgent hiring needs.
Enhanced accuracy : Rely on OnGrid for accurate passport verification, minimizing errors and ensuring reliable results for informed decision-making.
Data security : OnGrid prioritizes the security of passport verification data, implementing robust measures to safeguard sensitive information throughout the verification process.
Seamless candidate experience : Provide a smooth onboarding process for international candidates. Eliminate the hassle of manual document verification.
Explore the service here → https://ongrid.in/services/passport-verification
Final Thoughts
The Indian ePassport is a big step towards secure, hassle-free, and universally accepted digital identity. With its wider adoption, citizens will experience expedited immigration, enhanced identity-theft protection, and a hassle-free travel experience.
But regardless of whether you’re a financial institution, employer, or platform, passport verification is still important to ensure compliance and trust. Solutions like those offered by OnGrid ensure that all documents you bring on board are verified, accurate, and authentic.
Get ready for the future of identification—with India’s ePassport and trusted passport verification at your side.
FAQs
1. What is an Indian ePassport and how is it different from a regular passport?
An Indian ePassport is a chip-enabled passport that securely stores your biometric and personal details. Unlike a traditional passport, it contains an embedded RFID chip that makes international travel faster, more secure, and less prone to forgery.
2. Who is eligible to get an Indian ePassport?
Currently, ePassports are being issued in phases. Diplomatic and official passport holders have started receiving them, and ordinary citizens applying for fresh or renewed passports may also get an ePassport, depending on the regional rollout.
3. How can I apply for an Indian ePassport online?
You can apply via the Passport Seva Online Portal by registering, filling out the application form, paying the required fee, booking an appointment, and visiting the Passport Seva Kendra for document and biometric verification.
4. What documents are required for an Indian ePassport application?
You’ll need identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN), address proof, birth certificate (if applicable), and passport-size photographs (for minors under 4). Original documents and self-attested photocopies must be carried to the PSK appointment.
5. What does an Indian ePassport look like?
Visually, it looks similar to the regular navy-blue Indian passport but includes an ePassport symbol on the cover and a thicker back page to house the embedded RFID chip
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