India is set to implement major passport changes in 2025, including the rollout of e-passport technology and the introduction of a new colour coding system. These updates aim to modernise document verification processes, strengthen national security, and align with global travel standards. Among the notable upgrades are biometric chip integration, changes in printed information, and a shift in how personal data is handled.
The key upgrade in 2025 is the introduction of e-passports, which include an embedded electronic chip. This chip securely stores biometric information such as the holder’s facial image and fingerprints, along with essential personal details. The e-passport enhances the authenticity of the document, ensures faster clearance at immigration counters, and provides a more secure international travel experience. This digital advancement is part of a larger effort to digitise citizen services across India.
Another significant change is the introduction of a colour coding scheme for Indian passports. This colour-based system will distinguish between different categories of passport holders. Ordinary citizens will continue to hold blue passports. White covers will be issued to government officials, while diplomats will carry red or maroon passports. Emergency travel documents are expected to be grey or orange in colour. This visual distinction allows for quick recognition by authorities during checks and helps streamline official processing.
From 2025, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, must submit a birth certificate issued by a recognised registrar in order to obtain a passport. This becomes the only valid proof of date of birth for newborn applicants. For those born before this date, existing alternatives like school certificates, PAN cards, voter ID cards, and driving licences remain acceptable forms of age verification.
In a move to improve personal data security, addresses will no longer be printed directly on the passport pages. Instead, residential information will be digitally encoded in a machine-readable barcode located on the final page of the passport. This change ensures that sensitive address details remain accessible only to authorised personnel while protecting the privacy of the document holder.
Read More: How to Apply for an e-Passport in India: A Step-by-Step Guide!
The updated passport format will exclude the names of the applicant’s parents from being printed. This adjustment is part of a wider effort to ensure inclusivity and safeguard the privacy of individuals in non-traditional family setups. The change also simplifies the design and data presentation in line with international norms.
The upgraded passport system, including the e-passport and colour-coded scheme, is being introduced in phases. Early implementations were launched in select cities such as Nagpur and Bhubaneswar, and the nationwide rollout is expected to be completed by mid-2025. Current passport holders do not need to take immediate action, as existing documents remain valid until their expiration date. New applicants and those renewing their passports will automatically receive the updated versions where available.
India’s passport revamp in 2025 represents a substantial shift toward security, efficiency, and privacy in citizen documentation. The adoption of biometric e-passports, a colour-coded classification, and streamlined document presentation reflects the country’s progression toward smarter and safer travel identity systems. These updates aim to bring the Indian passport infrastructure in line with global standards while catering to the evolving needs of citizens.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing.
Published on: Jun 13, 2025, 1:59 PM IST
Team Angel One
We're Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates
Get the link to download the App
