Passport New Rules 2026: For Indian citizens, a passport is not only a means of foreign travel but also a powerful identity document. Millions of people apply for it every year, but lengthy procedures and police verification often pose difficulties. Keeping this in mind, the government has decided to implement new passport rules from February 15, 2026.

These changes aim to simplify the entire process, make it more transparent and secure, so that ordinary citizens don’t have to deal with agents and can have their passports delivered to their homes in the shortest possible time.

Digital Police Verification

Police verification used to be the most time-consuming part of the passport process, but under the new rules, this entire process has been digitalized. Through new technology and integrated systems, police verification can now be completed in just a few days. In many cases, the government is also offering “post-police verification,” meaning the passport will be issued first, and the verification formalities will be completed later.

This will be particularly beneficial for travellers who need to travel abroad in an emergency. The police department has now been directly integrated with the passport portal, eliminating the risk of files getting lost and enabling real-time data updates.

Documents and DigiLocker

To reduce the burden of paperwork, the government has not only shortened the list of documents but also made it completely digital. Aadhaar card is now given top priority, serving as proof of identity and address. Under the new rules, applicants will no longer need to carry numerous physical documents, as document verification will be completed online through DigiLocker.

However, officials have warned that uploading incorrect or incomplete documents may result in immediate rejection of the application, so it is essential to exercise extreme caution when filling out the information.

Easier Rules for Children

Passport rules for minors or children have also been significantly relaxed, with documents such as parental consent and digital birth certificates now being accepted. School IDs and other digital identity cards are now also recognized as proof of identity, allowing for faster processing of children’s passports.

The government is also expanding Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (Post Office Passport Seva Kendras) to smaller towns and rural areas so that people living in remote areas don’t have to travel to regional passport offices in larger cities. With the updated version of the passport portal, every citizen can now track their application status from their mobile phone and receive real-time notifications.

Precaution and Preparation

To avoid application rejection after the new rule comes into effect, the name and date of birth details in your Aadhaar card and educational documents must match. If there are any discrepancies in your documents, it would be wise to have them corrected before February 15th.

The government’s primary goal is to make passport services completely contactless, curbing corruption and strengthening security. The Passport Seva portal is expected to experience heavy traffic following the implementation of the new rules, so booking an appointment on time and following all digital procedures will ensure a smoother experience.

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