The Indian e-passport is the next step in modernizing travel documents — offering a secure, chip-enabled design with faster immigration clearance. But what if your old passport has expired? Can you directly renew it as an e-passport?
In this guide, we explain what an e-passport is, how to renew your expired passport as an e-passport, the fees, documents, process, and FAQs.
1. What is an E-Passport in India?
An e-passport is a biometric, chip-enabled passport that stores your personal data securely in an embedded electronic chip. This makes it harder to forge and speeds up immigration checks.
It looks like a regular passport but has a small chip symbol on the front cover.
2. Can I Renew My Expired Passport as an E-Passport?
Yes. If your passport is expired — whether recently or for several years — you can apply for a reissue and choose the e-passport option during the application process.
3. Time Limit for Renewal After Expiry
There’s no strict time limit for converting your expired passport into an e-passport. However:
- If expired less than 3 years → Renewal is straightforward.
- If expired over 3 years → It will be treated as a fresh application with full police verification.
4. Documents Required for E-Passport Renewal After Expiry
- Expired passport (original)
- Self-attested copies of first & last page of old passport
- Proof of current address (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
- Proof of date of birth (if not in old passport)
- Passport-size photographs (if required at your PSK/POPSK)
Special Cases:
- Lost/Damaged expired passport → Submit police report or affidavit.
- Address change → Provide new address proof.
5. Step-by-Step Process for E-Passport Renewal After Expiry
Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Portal.
Step 2: Login/Register and select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport”.
Step 3: Fill the form, selecting E-Passport as the type.
Step 4: Upload documents (if required) and pay fees online.
Step 5: Book an appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Step 6: Submit documents and biometric data at the center.
Step 7: Complete police verification (if applicable).
Step 8: Track status online until delivery.
6. Fees for E-Passport Renewal After Expiry (2025)
| Passport Type | Normal Fee | Tatkaal Fee (Extra) |
|---|---|---|
| 36-page e-passport | ₹1,500 | ₹2,000 extra |
| 60-page e-passport | ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 extra |
No extra charge is added just for choosing an e-passport — the fee is the same as a regular passport.
7. Police Verification Rules
- Expired < 3 years and no changes in details → Verification may be skipped.
- Expired > 3 years, address change, or lost passport → Full verification needed.
8. Benefits of Choosing an E-Passport
- Higher security against forgery.
- Faster immigration clearance in the future (especially after global e-passport adoption).
- Globally recognized biometric data format.
9. Processing Time
- Normal Mode: 7–21 days
- Tatkaal Mode: 1–3 working days (subject to document clearance)
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I get an e-passport if my old passport expired 5 years ago?
Yes, but it will be treated as a fresh application with full police verification.
Q2. Is Tatkaal available for expired passport renewal as e-passport?
Yes, if you have all required documents and verification is clear.
Q3. Does the chip in the e-passport expire?
The chip’s validity is tied to the passport’s 10-year validity. It’s inactive if the passport is expired.
Q4. Can I renew my expired passport to e-passport while abroad?
Yes, through the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
Q5. Is an e-passport mandatory in India?
No. You can still choose a regular passport if preferred.
Final Verdict: E-passport renewal after expiry in India is a smart upgrade for security, convenience, and faster travel processing. The process is simple, fees are the same as a normal passport, and there’s no penalty for delay — just make sure your documents are ready.
You can read the official government details here: Ministry of External Affairs – E-Passport Info