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In March 2025, the Government introduced some major changes to passport guidelines that affect the way you apply for and use your passport.
These changes include both technological advancements and general process updates for passports. Let’s take a look at them.
The central government has started issuing e-passports, designed to make the immigration process more efficient and improve security.
While e-passports look similar to the physical ones, they come with an embedded chip that stores your personal and biometric data.
E-passports are being issued under a wider digital initiative called Passport Seva Program (PSP) 2.0. The rollout of e-passports has begun.
Applicants born after October 1, 2023 have to submit their birth certificates while applying for a passport.
Those born before the said date can submit alternative documents including PAN cards, driving licenses, school certificates, etc.
Residential addresses will no longer be printed on the last page of the passport to enhance privacy. Address details can now only be accessed by authorised officials.
Parent names will no longer be there on new passports. This is to avoid unnecessary personal disclosure, especially for single-parent families and those with family issues.
Passports will now be colour-coded to simply identification: government employees will have white passports, while diplomats will have red. The general public will have blue ones.
The centre is increasing the number of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) from 442 to 600 over the next five years to make passport services faster.
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