From PAN to Passport: What Indians Should Actually Pay for Essential Government Documents

Dalimss News | National Desk

New Delhi, July 29, 2026

Applying for an important government document should not mean paying whatever amount an agent or middleman demands. While official charges for many essential documents remain free or relatively modest, the actual fee often depends on the type of application, mode of delivery, state, service centre and whether the request is for a fresh document, correction, reprint or delayed registration.

This distinction is important because simplified charts circulating online frequently present one amount as the complete cost, even when it represents only a basic government fee.

PAN Card: ₹107 in Some Cases, but e-PAN Can Be Free

For a regular PAN application with an Indian communication address, the prescribed charge is ₹91 excluding GST, taking the final amount to approximately ₹107.

However, eligible adults who do not already have a PAN can obtain an Instant e-PAN completely free through the Income Tax Department’s Aadhaar-based service. The applicant must have a valid Aadhaar number and a mobile number linked to it. A separate physical PAN reprint through Protean currently carries a fee of ₹50 for an Indian address.

Aadhaar Enrolment Is Free, but Updates May Cost Money

Fresh Aadhaar enrolment remains free for all residents. However, it is incorrect to assume that every Aadhaar-related service is free.

Under the current fee structure, most biometric updates cost ₹125, while a separate demographic update involving details such as name, address, date of birth, gender or mobile number costs ₹75. Document updates conducted at an Aadhaar centre also cost ₹75.

Online document updates through the myAadhaar portal are temporarily free until June 14, 2027. Certain age-based biometric updates and selected services also remain exempt from charges for specified periods.

Birth Registration Is Free When Reported on Time

A birth reported to the prescribed authority within 21 days of its occurrence is registered without any fee. One free copy of the birth certificate is also issued to the informant.

Charges may arise when the birth is registered after the prescribed period or when additional copies are requested. These fees are governed by applicable state rules and local registration authorities, meaning a single ₹10–₹50 figure cannot be treated as a uniform national fee.

Driving Licence Cost Is More Than the ₹200 Issuance Fee

The basic government fee for issuing a driving licence is ₹200. However, this is not necessarily the complete amount an applicant will pay.

The driving-competence test carries a separate fee of ₹300 for each class of vehicle. A learner’s licence, learner’s test, smart-card printing and other state-specific service charges may also be added. The final amount can therefore vary depending on the state and category of licence.

Passport Fee Revised to ₹2,500 From July 2026

Following a revision effective July 1, 2026, the normal fee for a fresh or reissued 36-page adult passport is ₹2,500. A 60-page passport costs ₹3,500.

Under the Tatkaal category, the total fee is ₹5,000 for a 36-page passport and ₹6,000 for a 60-page passport. For minor applicants below 18 years, the normal fee for a 36-page passport is ₹1,750.

Replacement of a lost or damaged passport attracts significantly higher charges.

First Voter ID Is Free

Registration as a new voter through Form 6 does not carry an application fee. The first Electoral Photo Identity Card, commonly known as the Voter ID card, is also issued free of cost.

A replacement card may attract a fee in certain circumstances, particularly when the original card has been lost, damaged or destroyed by the holder.

Income, EWS and Ration Card Charges Vary by State

Income certificates, EWS certificates and ration cards are largely handled through state governments, district administrations, municipal bodies and authorised citizen-service centres.

The government application itself may be free or carry only a nominal charge, but applicants may separately be asked to pay an authorised service, printing or facilitation fee. Consequently, no single nationwide figure can accurately represent the cost of these documents across India.

Citizens should apply only through official portals or authorised centres, ask for a proper receipt and verify every charge before making payment. Any amount demanded beyond the official fee should be accompanied by a clear explanation of the service being provided.

Important correction before publishing the graphic: “Birth Certificate” appears twice. The second entry should be identified and corrected rather than posted in its current form.