The Central Government has issued new rules regarding passports for children. The Ministry of External Affairs has notified the Passport (Amendment) Rules, 2026. This move extends the validity of passports for children under the age of 15. Under the new rules, a standard 36-page passport issued to a child under 15 will remain valid for five years or until the child turns 18, whichever comes first.
Previously, passports for children under 15 were valid for five years or until the child reached the age of 15. For instance, if a passport was obtained at the age of 12, it remained valid only until the child turned 15—meaning a validity period of approximately three years. Previously, children were required to obtain a new passport after completing 15 years of age.
Now, this age limit has been raised to 18 years. Consequently, a passport obtained at the age of 13 or 14 can remain valid until the child turns 18. This reduces the need for frequent passport renewals and offers greater convenience to parents. A new passport can be obtained upon turning 18, which will generally remain valid for 10 years.
