Tatkal Passport: Fees, application process and documents required

Sometimes, a sudden foreign trip might come up. And not having a passport in such a situation can complicate things. You may be worried about the lengthy and time-consuming process of acquiring a passport in India. But no need to feel overwhelmed! The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has set up a mechanism called Tatkal Passport to help applicants obtain a passport faster. Read ahead to understand the fees, application process and the documents involved in obtaining a Tatkal Passport in India.

What is a Tatkal Passport in India?

Tatkal Passport means a unique application scheme that allows you to obtain a passport faster than the usually time-consuming process in India. It can be an easier alternative to receive a passport that saves time and effort for applicants.

Tatkal Passport eligibility criteria

The Regional Passport Office (RPO) has the authority to decide whether one should receive a Tatkal Passport or not. This scheme is applicable to people who fall into one of the following categories. 

• Individuals who get deported from another country to India

• Indian Descent or applicants born abroad to parents who are Indian

• Residents of India who receive their citizenship as per the naturalisation or registration

• A person getting repatriated to India from another country

• Individuals needing to change their name on the passport

• Residents from the J&K (Jammu & Kashmir) and Nagaland

• Indian citizens who are Naga natives but living somewhere outside Nagaland

• Minors who are Nagaland residents

• Applicants who need short-validity passport renewal

• Applicants who change their sex or appearance (This doesn’t include changing your personal credentials like the signature)

• Individuals who need to get their passport re-issued when the original gets stolen or lost

How to apply for Tatkal Passport online

Here are the steps you can follow to apply for Tatkal Passport procedure online.

Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva portal.

Step 2: Register to make your account, then use your credentials to log in.

Step 3: Choose between Fresh or Reissuance of Passport.

Step 4: Select “Tatkal” as the type of scheme.

Step 5: Download the form and duly fill it out with accurate information, such as name, family, employment, etc.

Step 6: Submit the filled-out application online along with the requested payment.

Step 7: Download the receipt and schedule your appointment at the local PSK or Passport Seva Kendra.

Tatkal Passport fees

The Tatkal Passport charges depend on the age of the applicant and the type of application.

Application for a fresh passport

Here are the Tatkal Passport fees when you apply for a fresh passport.

Application for renewal/re-issuance of a passport

Here are the Tatkal Passport charges when you apply for its renewal or reissuance.

Documents required for Tatkal Passport

Any three of the following documents can be considered to fulfil the Tatkal Passport requirements in India.

• Voter ID

• Aadhaar Card

• Ration Card

• Certificate of OBC/SC/ST

• Arms Licence

• PAN Card

• Gas Bill

• Property Documents

• Birth Certificate

• Service Identification

• Pension Documents

• Student’s Identity Card from a recognised institution

• Kisan Passbook

• Post Office Passbook

• Bank Passbook

How long does it take to get a Tatkal Passport?

The authorities prioritise a tatkal application during its verification and processing. Usually, a Tatkal Passport is issued within 3 working days of application submission. However, the Tatkal Passport time doesn’t include the date of your application submission and police verification. In case police verification isn’t needed for your application, you will most likely receive your Tatkal Passport within a single working day after submitting the application. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few commonly asked questions and their answers to help you leverage the Tatkal Passport facility in India.

My passport got damaged, and I need to travel abroad soon. What should I do?

If your passport is in damaged condition with readable details, you can apply for a Tatkal Passport in the category of reissuance. But if the damages have made your passport details unrecognisable, then you can’t use the Tatkal scheme to get a passport issued. 

Is everyone eligible to apply for a Tatkal Passport?

No, not everyone can apply for a Tatkal Passport. You can visit the official Passport Seva platform to find which applicants are excluded from this scheme. 

Do I need to produce a certificate of verification signed by a gazetted officer for a Tatkal Passport?

No, you don’t have to produce a certificate of verification obtained from a gazetted officer for Tatkal Passport. 

What kinds of appointments can I choose from under the Tatkal Passport application facility?

You can choose between the Normal and Tatkal appointment options for the Tatkal Passport application. However, both options have the same charges. The normal appointment option is for applicants who don’t want an early appointment. 

Can I get a Tatkal Passport for my minor child?

Yes, the Tatkal Passport facility is available for minor applicants as well. You can submit your application via the Passport Seva portal along with the documents required for this specific application.

Will I have to wait until the police verification is done to receive my Tatkal Passport?

In case your Tatkal Passport application receives a “Granted” status from the Passport Seva Kendra. It will be issued without waiting for police verification. 

How can I calculate the Tatkal Passport fees online?

You can visit the online Passport Seva platform and use the available calculator to calculate the Tatkal Passport charges. 

Which payment methods are allowed to pay the Tatkal Passport fees online?

There are three payment options given for the online submission of Tatkal Passport fees: 

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• Internet Banking

However, you can choose to make the payment in cash by visiting the local Passport Seva Kendra.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.

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