How To Get Tatkal Passport In India ?

Passports are crucial documents for every individual. This government-issued official document allows us to travel to other countries and ensures smooth immigration. It has added advantage as it is considered as an authentic and official identity as well as address proof, which helps us to avail various government services.

The Consular, Passport & Visa Division under the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India is consigned with the responsibility of administering the service and issuing the passport to Indian citizens. The procedure of getting a fresh/reissue passport consists of various stages, and can be done both through online and offline channels.

Types of Passport Application

Depending on the urgency for a passport, an applicant may choose between two types of application procedures - Normal & Tatkal. The normal mode of application is considered to be the standard application process. The tatkal mode of application is applicable when one needs the passport urgently and is willing to pay additional charges to get the application processed fast. The Tatkal service can be availed for both new and renewal of passports.

The process of applying for a passport under the tatkal mode is more or less the same, but this service is accessible only to those citizens who have a genuine reason for the urgency.

Tatkal Scheme Eligibility

The jurisdictional passport office is the final decision maker for the issuance of a passport under the tatkal scheme, depending upon the urgency coupled and a few other compelling factors of the applicant. The following categories of applicants cannot avail of the tatkal facility for fresh or renewal of passport:

1. Indian citizens with citizenship by descent or registration/naturalization.  

2. Indian citizens who have been deported from other countries

3. Indian citizens who have been repatriated from a different country at the cost of the government.

4. Indian citizens who are seeking  to change their name in their passports.

5. Residents and minors of Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir.

6. Citizens of Naga origin but residing outside Nagaland.

7. Children who are adopted by Indian and foreign parents.

8. Minor children with a single parent.

9. Renewal for short passport validity.

10. Reissue of lost or stolen or unrecognizably damaged passport.

11. Reissue of passport for a change in sex or appearance.

12. Reissue of passport for a change in personal credentials such as the signature.

Application Procedure For Tatkal Passport

These are the steps to be followed in order to apply for a passport under the Tatkal mode:

1. One must first register themselves at the official portal of Passport Seva.

2. Every applicant will be allowed to set up a unique ID and password.

3. One must log in with the ID and password.

4. One must select from the two options- Fresh and Reissue.

5. One must then select the 'Tatkal' option in the 'scheme type'.

6. The application form must be filled and submitted online,

7. The payment process has to be completed.

8. One must book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

9. One has to print out the receipt of the online payment, a copy of the application form and then visit the PSK on the booked slot with all the necessary documents.

Documents Required for Tatkal Passport

These documents are required to apply for Tatkal Passport:

• Address proof - Any one document from the following list can be submitted:

1. Passbook of an active bank account which contains a photograph.

2. Rental agreement.

3. Aadhaar card.

4. Election Photo ID card.

5. Certificate from the Employer on the letterhead of reputed companies.

6. Proof of Gas Connection.

7. Electricity Bill.

8. Income Tax Assessment Order.

9. Water bill.

10. Landline or Postpaid mobile bill.

• Age proof - Any one document from the following list can be submitted:

1. Birth certificate (from the Registrar of Births and Deaths).

2. Birth certificate (issued by the Municipal Corporation).

3. If the applicant is an orphan, the declaration from the Head of the Orphanage or Child Care Home on the official letterhead confirming his/her date of birth.

4. Driving license.

5. Election Photo Identity Card.

6. PAN Card.

7. Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar

8. Present or ex-government employees may provide copies of their Service Record or Pay Pension Order (for retired government servants) duly attested by the officer or in-charge of the concerned Ministry or department.

9. Policy Bonds that are issued by the Public Life Insurance

10. School leaving certificate or Secondary certificate containing the date of birth.

• Verification Certificate as per Annexure F

• Applicants qualifying for ECNR status must submit the matriculation certificate or a proof pertaining to their graduation degree or highest attained degree in education.

Tatkal Passport Fees Payment

Tatkal passports have an additional fee of Rs. 2000. The table below contains the detailed fee structure for the same.

 

Service Required	Validity	Pages	Application Fee	Additional Tatkal Fee
Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport	10 years	36	Rs.1,500/-*	Rs.2,000/-*
Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport	10 years	60	Rs.2,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport - for Minors	5 years or till the applicant turns 18 (whichever is earlier)	36	Rs.1,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
Replacement of lost, damaged or stolen passport		36	Rs.3,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
Replacement of lost, damaged or stolen passport		60	Rs.3,500/-	Rs.2,000/-
Replacement of passport for deleting of ECR or changing personal particulars	10 years	36	Rs.1,500/-	Rs.2,000/-
Replacement of passport for deleting of ECR or changing personal particulars	10 years	60	Rs.2,000/-	Rs.2,000/-
Replacement of Passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR/ Change in personal particulars - for Minors	5 years or till the applicant turns 18 (whichever is earlier)	36	Rs.1,000/-	Rs.2,000/-

The passport application fee has to be paid online using a Credit/Debit card or Internet banking facility. Alternatively, an applicant may generate a bank challan and make the payment at any SBI branch. However, the Tatkal charges of Rs.2000 cannot be paid online and has to be paid in person at the PSK during the passport interview.

Time Taken For Tatkal Passports

Unlike the normal applications, a tatkal passport application indicates quick verification and faster processing. The passports issued under the tatkal scheme is dispatched within three days from the date of the passport interview at the Passport Seva Kendra, provided that the applicant has successfully furnished all the required documents and paid the tatkal fees. Applications under the tatkal scheme not only guarantee an early appointment but also ensure a quick processing through a separate queue.

When can One Expect to Receive the Tatkaal Passport?

Once the PO or PSK marks the passport issuance status as 'granted', one may expect to receive the passport in:

1. If police verification is not needed, the passport will be dispatched within one day after the application submission date.

2. If police verification is needed after issuance of the passport, then the passport will be dispatched on the 3rd day after the submission of the application.