Government Document Charges 2026: How much will it cost to get a PAN card, passport, or driving license? Check the latest rate list
Government Document Charges 2026: What are the costs for obtaining a PAN card, passport, or license? Find out the new fee schedule for 2026 and understand which government services remain free of charge.
Government Document Charges 2026: Whether obtaining or updating government documents, we are often unsure about the applicable fees. In 2026, changes have been made to the charges for several essential services provided by central and state governments. Whether you need a new passport, a correction to your PAN card, or an Aadhaar update, knowing the correct fee beforehand is crucial to avoid budget issues or delays in your work.
Which government documents and services are expensive or free in 2026?
In India, the fee structures for key government identity cards and certificates used in citizens' daily lives vary. While the government provides some services entirely free of cost, others require the payment of a prescribed fee. The table below helps you easily understand the costs associated with specific documents:
| Government Document / Service | Current Fee / Charge (2026) |
|---|---|
| PAN Card | ₹107 (physical card through paper application) |
| New Passport (36 pages) | ₹2,500 |
| Voter ID (New Registration) | Free |
| Voter ID (Replacement / Duplicate Card) | ₹25 (where applicable) |
| Aadhaar (New Enrolment) | Free |
| Aadhaar (Demographic Update) | ₹75 (if done separately) |
| Aadhaar (Biometric Update) | ₹125 (in normal cases) |
| Birth & Death Certificate | Free within the prescribed period (late fees apply in case of delay) |
| Learner’s Licence | ₹150 + ₹50 test fee |
| Permanent Driving Licence | ₹200 + ₹300 driving test fee |
Additionally, disability certificates are generally issued free of cost through government services. Ration cards are also usually free, though specific state regulations apply to them.
What are the charges for certificates issued by state governments?
Certain documents fall under the jurisdiction of state governments; therefore, their fees are determined by individual states, municipal corporations, and local bodies:
Caste, Income, Residence, and Marriage Certificates: Fees for these vary according to state-specific regulations.
EWS and Senior Citizen Cards: These also have state-specific fees or rules. Vehicle Registration (RC), RC Transfer, and NOC: Fees depend on the vehicle category and the type of service.
Trade License and Migration Certificate: These are determined based on the respective municipality, business category, or university/board.
What points should be kept in mind before applying?
Fees are subject to periodic revision. Additionally, service charges may apply depending on whether you are applying online or through an offline CSC center. Therefore, before making a payment, be sure to check the latest rates on the relevant department's official portal.
Under recent changes to passport rules, the validity of passports for children under the age of 15 has been fixed at 5 years. A facility for e-visa transfer has also been introduced for new passports. Applying with accurate information will save you both time and money.
