What is the validity of a new Indian passport?
A passport is more than just a travel document — it is a crucial proof of identity and citizenship. For every Indian citizen planning to travel abroad, it is essential to understand the validity of a new Indian passport. Knowing how long your passport remains valid not only ensures seamless travel but also helps with timely renewals, visa applications, and international documentation.
In this detailed guide, we explain everything you need to know about how long a new Indian passport is valid, based on your age and circumstances.
How Long is a New Indian Passport Valid?
1. For Adults (18 Years and Above)
When an individual above 18 applies for a passport, the standard validity is 10 years from the date of issue.
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Type: Ordinary Passport (36 or 60 pages)
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Validity: 10 years
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Renewal Eligibility: 1 year before expiry or up to 3 years after expiry
This 10-year period allows for visa applications, international travel, and legal verifications without interruptions. After the 10 years, you must renew or reissue your passport.
2. For Minors (Below 18 Years of Age)
Passports for minors are valid for a shorter period, depending on the applicant’s age.
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Children below 18 receive a passport that is valid for 5 years or until they turn 18, whichever comes first.
For example:
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A 5-year-old will get a passport valid for 5 years.
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A 16-year-old will get a passport valid for 2 years (up to their 18th birthday).
Once a minor turns 18, they must apply for an adult passport with a 10-year validity.
3. Validity of Passport for Infants and Newborns
Even newborn babies are eligible to receive Indian passports. These passports typically have:
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Validity: 5 years (or till the child turns 18)
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Parent(s) or guardian must apply on the child’s behalf.
Due to rapid changes in appearance and identification markers in early childhood, shorter validity ensures better identity verification over time.
Tatkal Passports – Do They Have Different Validity?
No. Whether you apply under the Tatkal or Normal passport application scheme, the validity remains the same:
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Adults: 10 years
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Minors: 5 years or till age 18
The Tatkal scheme only accelerates the processing time. It does not change the duration for which the passport is valid.
Special Cases – Short Validity Passports (SVP)
In certain exceptional or urgent scenarios, the government may issue a Short Validity Passport (SVP). These are:
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Issued with validity ranging from 1 to 5 years
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Typically provided when:
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Documents are incomplete
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There is an emergency requirement
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The applicant needs urgent travel clearance
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These passports can often be replaced with full-validity passports later, once the applicant provides the necessary documentation.
Passport Booklets: 36 Pages vs 60 Pages
It’s important to understand that:
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The number of pages in the passport (36 or 60) does not affect the validity.
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You can choose the number of pages based on your travel frequency:
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36-page passport – for regular travelers
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60-page passport – for frequent international flyers
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Regardless of the booklet size, the validity remains 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors.
Checking the Validity of Your Passport
To confirm your passport’s validity:
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Open your passport to the first information page.
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Look for the “Date of Issue” and “Date of Expiry” fields.
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Calculate the validity period from the date of issue:
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10 years for adults
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5 years or until 18 for minors
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You can also log in to the Passport Seva Portal to access your passport details and status.
Passport Validity Requirements for International Travel
Many countries have strict rules about passport validity. They often require that your passport be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
If your passport is close to expiring, you might face:
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Visa rejections
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Denial of boarding by airlines
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Immigration issues at your destination
Recommendation: Always keep your passport updated with at least 6–12 months validity before any planned international trip.
When Should You Renew Your Passport?
To avoid last-minute complications, consider the following timeline:
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Renewal Window: 1 year before expiry
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Grace Period: Up to 3 years after expiry (after which fresh application may be needed)
Also renew your passport if:
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You’ve changed your name, address, or appearance significantly
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The passport is lost, stolen, or damaged
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You've run out of blank pages for visas
FAQs: Indian Passport Validity
Q: Is there any way to extend passport validity beyond 10 years?
No. Indian law mandates a maximum validity of 10 years. Extension is not possible — you must renew.
Q: Does police verification affect validity?
No. Police verification affects issuance timing, not the validity. Once issued, the validity period is fixed.
Q: Can I travel with a passport that expires in 2 months?
It’s risky. Most countries will not allow entry if your passport has less than 6 months of validity.
Conclusion
The validity of a new Indian passport depends on the applicant’s age and specific application category:
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Adults (18+): 10 years
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Minors (<18): 5 years or until they turn 18
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Infants/Newborns: 5 years
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Tatkal or Normal applications: No difference in validity
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Short Validity Passports: Validity ranges from 1 to 5 years, under special conditions
Staying informed about your passport's validity ensures smooth travel, visa approvals, and official verifications. Always renew your passport well in advance and consult a trusted professional for seamless documentation.
We at Online Passport Agents provide fast, dedicated, and expert services for all kinds of passport and visa needs. Whether it’s a new application, renewal, Tatkal processing, minor passport, or address/name change, we offer trusted, reliable assistance from start to finish.
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