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The Ministry of External Affairs notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, published in the Gazette of India on 17 September 2026.
An ordinary 36-page passport issued to a child below 15 is now valid for five years or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first.
Earlier the cap was five years or age 15, so older children had to renew sooner. For example, a passport issued at 14 now lasts until 18 instead of lapsing at 15.
The change amends Rule 12(1A) of the Passports Rules, 1980, which are made under the Passports Act, 1967.
| Child's age at issue | Before the 2026 amendment | After the 2026 amendment |
|---|---|---|
| 5 years | Valid to age 10 (5 years) | Valid to age 10 (5 years) |
| 12 years | Valid to age 15 (3 years) | Valid to age 17 (5 years) |
| 14 years | Valid to age 15 (1 year) | Valid to age 18 (4 years) |
Parent law governing the issue, refusal, impounding and revocation of passports. It lets the Centre make rules, which is the power used here
Made under the 1967 Act. Rule 12(1A) sets the validity of minors' passports and is the provision amended in 2026
Satwant Singh Sawhney (1967) held that the right to travel abroad is part of personal liberty. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978), a challenge to a passport impounded under the 1967 Act, held that any procedure restricting it must be fair, just and reasonable
Issues passports through the Central Passport Organisation and Passport Seva Kendras; notified the amendment
General Awareness > Polity > Government Rules
GS II > Fundamental Rights (Art 21) and government policies
Rules made by the executive under powers given by an Act. The Passports Rules, 1980 are made under the Passports Act, 1967
Passport issued to citizens for personal travel, as opposed to official or diplomatic passports
Official publication through which rules and amendments take legal effect