India’s Passport Seva 2.0, unveiled on June 25, 2025, marks a major upgrade in passport services, introducing e‑passports embedded with a secure RFID microchip to store personal and biometric data - including photos and fingerprints. These passports feature a small gold symbol below the cover emblem, signaling their advanced tech-enabled design.

Rolling out in 13 cities - including Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, and Goa - the program is expanding nationwide soon. Existing passport applicants in these locations automatically receive e‑passports; others can continue using their valid traditional passports until expiry.

One major benefit: faster police verifications via the mPassport Police App - now completed in 5–7 days across 25 states and UTs. Global recognition under ICAO standards allows swift immigration via e‑gates at foreign airports.

How to apply? Simply register/login at the Passport Seva Portal, choose e‑passport option, pay fees, book an appointment at PSK or POPSK, submit documents and biometrics, and get your passport by post.

This digital-first upgrade aligns India with over 120 countries already using biometric passports - enhancing security, reducing fraud, and delivering a smoother travel experience.