Child Passport Rules: Making a passport has become expensive, the government changed the rules related to children’s passport, passport of those below 15 years of age is valid for 5 years, it will be renewed if they turn 18, 10% discount for those below 8 years of age, know about the decision of the Ministry of External Affairs.
New Delhi. If you are planning to travel, then definitely know the changes in the rules related to passport. While getting a passport has become expensive, the rules regarding children have also changed. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has changed the rules related to children’s passport.
Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026 Under this, the validity of the normal 36 page passport issued to children below 15 years of age will now remain for 5 years or till the child turns 18 years of age. The validity of the passport will expire at the time when the period is completed first. This change has been made in Passports Rules, 1980.
Know what was the rule earlier?
According to the old rule, a 36-page ordinary passport issued to a child below 15 years of age was valid for 5 years or till the child turns 15 years of age. That is, if the child had made a passport at the age of 14, then its validity would have ended at the age of 15, even if only one year had passed since the passport was issued.
Now you can get benefits till the age of 18 years
In the new rule, the age limit for children below 15 years has been increased from 15 years to 18 years. For example, if a child has got a passport at the age of 14, then that passport will remain valid till the child turns 18, because in that case the 18 years will come before the completion of the 5 year period.
At the same time, if a child gets a passport made at a young age and the 5 years period is completed before the age of 18 years, then the validity of the passport will end on completion of 5 years. Thus in the New Testament 5 years or 18 years of age, whichever comes first, final validity limit Will happen.
10% discount for children and senior citizens
In the new passport fee system, children below 8 years of age will continue to get 10% discount on the application of new passport. Senior citizens above 60 years of age will also continue to get 10% discount on new passport applications. This relaxation is applicable on new passport applications and not on re-issue of passport.
Changes in fees for many passport services
The fee system related to passport has also been changed in 2026. This includes services like Tatkal service along with normal passport, renewal of passport, issue of new passport in lieu of lost or damaged passport and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC). The new system has come into effect from July 1, 2026.