A passbook is one of the most important documents for every bank customer. It is like a small diary given by your bank that records all the money you deposit, withdraw, or transfer. Even though we now have internet banking and mobile apps, many people still prefer to use a passbook because it gives them a physical record of their transactions.
State Bank of India (SBI), the largest public sector bank in India, has always been known for introducing customer-friendly services. Recently, SBI has taken another step towards inclusive banking by introducing new Colour Coded Passbook in SBI which is a separate colour-coded passbooks for different categories of customers. Along with that, SBI also provides options like M-Passbook (mobile passbook), facilities for updating passbooks in non-home branches, and simple processes to get a duplicate passbook if you lose it.
Let us understand everything about SBI Passbooks in simple language.
New Colour-Coded Passbooks in SBI
To make banking more inclusive and customer-friendly, SBI has introduced special passbooks with unique colours for different categories of customers.
Here’s how they are divided:
| Customer Category | Passbook Colour |
| Senior Citizens | Light Golden |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) | Purple |
| Farmers (with Kisan Credit Card) | Green |
👉 Note: The green passbook is only for farmers who have a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) with SBI.
Why did SBI introduce these colour-coded passbooks?
- Quick Identification – Branch staff can easily identify senior citizens, PwDs, or farmers and give them priority services.
- Special Assistance – Customers who need more support, like elderly people or persons with disabilities, will get special care from staff.
- Customer-Friendly Banking – It reflects SBI’s commitment to treating every customer with dignity.
- Social Responsibility – It strengthens SBI’s image as an inclusive and responsible bank.
This initiative is also in line with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) guidelines that focus on making banking accessible for vulnerable sections of society.
Normal Passbook vs. Colour-Coded Passbook
- The contents and size of the passbook remain the same as before.
- The only difference is the cover page colour, which helps in quick identification.
- For example, if you are a senior citizen, your passbook will be golden coloured, but the transaction details inside will look the same as a regular passbook.
M-Passbook: Digital Convenience at Your Fingertips
Apart from the physical passbook, SBI also provides a mobile passbook service called M-Passbook.
What is an M-Passbook?
- It is an electronic version of your passbook.
- You can use it on your smartphone by downloading the SBI YONO Lite app.
- It shows all your transactions like deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and balance updates.
Benefits of M-Passbook:
- 24/7 Access – You can check your transactions anytime.
- No Need to Visit Branch – No standing in long queues to update your passbook.
- Free of Cost – It is absolutely free for SBI internet banking users.
- Sync Option – You can update transactions manually whenever you want.
So, while physical passbooks are useful, M-Passbook is a great digital alternative for those comfortable with smartphones.
Can You Update Passbook in Non-Home Branches?
Yes! Earlier, customers had to visit only their home branch (the branch where they opened the account) to update or issue a passbook. But SBI has now made it more convenient.
👉 As per SBI’s circular (dated 19 March 2019), you can now update your passbook in any SBI branch across India, even if it is not your home branch.
This has made life much easier for people who move cities frequently or stay far from their home branch.
What if You Lose Your SBI Passbook?
Losing a passbook can be stressful, but SBI has a simple process to issue a duplicate passbook.
Steps to get a duplicate passbook:
- Write an Application – Submit a letter to your branch manager requesting a duplicate passbook. Mention the reason (lost, misplaced, or damaged).
- Attach ID Proof – Submit a self-attested photocopy of any valid identity proof (like Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID).
- Pay Charges – There are some charges for issuing a duplicate passbook.
- Get a New Passbook – After verification, the bank will issue a new passbook with a barcode of your account number.
Charges for New or Duplicate SBI Passbook
Here are the charges you need to know:
| Particulars | Charges |
| New Passbook (if old one is completed) | Free |
| Duplicate Passbook (if lost/misplaced) | ₹100 + GST |
| Printing each page in duplicate passbook | ₹40 per page |
So, if you have simply filled up all the pages of your old passbook, SBI will give you a new one free of cost. But if you lost it, you need to pay charges.
Can You Apply for SBI Passbook Online?
At present, there is no option to apply online for a new passbook through internet banking or SBI YONO. The process is completely offline.
To get a new passbook, you must:
- Visit your nearest SBI branch.
- Write an application to the branch manager.
- Attach your ID proof.
- Submit it to the bank.
After verification, you will be issued a new passbook.
Important Points to Remember
- Always keep your passbook safe because it contains important financial details.
- If you lose it, inform your bank immediately to avoid misuse.
- When you get a new passbook, check that your barcode account number sticker is properly attached.
- You can also call SBI’s toll-free number 1800 1234 or 18001600 for any queries regarding passbooks.
Final Thoughts
The SBI passbook is more than just a small booklet – it is a record of your hard-earned money. By introducing colour-coded passbooks for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and farmers, SBI has shown its commitment towards inclusive and customer-friendly banking.
At the same time, with facilities like M-Passbook, passbook updation at non-home branches, and a clear process for duplicate passbook issuance, SBI ensures that customers enjoy both traditional convenience and digital flexibility.
So, whether you are a farmer with a green passbook, a senior citizen with a golden one, or a tech-savvy youngster using M-Passbook, SBI makes sure that managing your account remains simple, safe, and accessible.
✅ Quick Recap:
- Special colour-coded passbooks: Golden (Senior Citizens), Purple (PwDs), Green (Farmers).
- M-Passbook available on SBI YONO Lite app – free of cost.
- Passbook updation possible at any SBI branch.
- Duplicate passbook charges: ₹100 + GST.
New passbook (after filling old one) – free of cost.