The tatkal passport service is a fast-track service provided by the Indian government for urgent passport applications. This service is designed to aid individuals with emergency travel plans or unexpected travel due to work or medical reasons. The process is relatively faster than the regular passport application process, and an individual can receive their passport within 1 to 3 days, subject to verification. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about tatkal passports, fees, documents required, the application process, and Passport PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) locations for smooth processing.
Benefits of the tatkal passport facility
The tatkaal passport service offers numerous advantages for individuals requiring urgent passport issuance. This facility is ideal for those with immediate travel needs or unforeseen circumstances. Here are the key benefits:
- Expedited processing: The tatkal passport service ensures quick processing, significantly reducing the time taken for passport issuance compared to the regular procedure.
- Widespread availability: This facility is accessible across passport offices in the country, ensuring convenience for applicants in various locations.
- Flexible application process: Applicants can apply online or visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra, making the process user-friendly and accessible.
- Minimal documentation: The service requires fewer documents compared to regular applications, provided specific guidelines are met.
- Shorter waiting period: With a processing time of 1 to 3 working days, subject to verification, it caters to urgent travel needs efficiently.
The tatkaal passport facility ensures a seamless process for obtaining passports quickly and reliably.
How to apply for tatkal passport?
The Tatkal passport service in India is designed to expedite the passport issuance process for those in urgent need. Applicants can choose to tatkaal passport apply either online or offline, depending on their preference and convenience. Below are the steps for both application processes.
Online tatkal passport application process
- Register on Passport Seva portal: Visit the Passport Seva Portal and create an account using a valid email ID. Complete the registration process by verifying your email.
- Login and fill application form: Log in to your account and select the ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport’ option. Choose the Tatkal scheme and fill out the application form with accurate personal details.
- Pay the fees: Pay the Tatkal passport fees online. The fee for Tatkal service is higher than the regular passport service. Ensure you select the correct payment option and complete the transaction.
- Book appointment: After payment, schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). Select a convenient date and time for the appointment.
- Print application receipt: Print the application receipt containing the Appointment Reference Number (ARN). This receipt is necessary for your appointment.
- Visit PSK: On the passport appointment date, visit the PSK with the required documents, including proof of urgency, identity, and address. Submit your documents, complete biometric data capture, and attend the verification process.
Also, read: How to check passport application status
Offline tatkal passport application process
- Obtain the application form: Visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or District Passport Cell (DPC) and obtain the passport application form. Alternatively, you can download the form from the Passport Seva Portal.
- Fill out the form: Complete the application form with accurate details. Ensure you select the Tatkal option and attach a recent passport-sized photograph.
- Collect required documents: Gather all required documents, including proof of identity, address, and the urgency of your need for a Tatkal passport. Ensure you have both original documents and self-attested photocopies.
- Pay the fees: Visit an authorised bank to pay the Tatkal passport fee. Collect the payment receipt, which you will need to submit along with your application form.
- Submit the application: Submit the completed application form, payment receipt, and required documents at the PSK or DPC. You will receive an acknowledgment receipt with your Application Reference Number (ARN).
- Attend appointment: You will be assigned an appointment date to visit the PSK. On the appointment day, complete the biometric data capture and attend the document verification process.
By following these steps, applicants can successfully apply for a Tatkal passport through either the online or offline method, ensuring a quick turnaround for their urgent travel needs.
Also, read: How to apply for reissue of passport
Details of tatkal passport fees
The Tatkal passport service offers expedited processing for those in urgent need of a passport, but it comes with additional fees. Below is a breakdown of the Tatkal passport price:
Service |
Fees |
Validity |
Passport Pages |
Fresh passport/re-issue of passport with 36 pages |
Rs. 3,500 |
10 years (5 years for minors) |
36 pages |
Fresh passport/re-issue of passport with 60 pages |
Rs. 4,000 |
10 years |
60 pages |
Fresh passport/re-issue of passport with 36 pages for minors |
Rs. 3,000 |
5 years |
36 pages |
Replacement of passport (36 pages) due to lost, damaged or stolen passport |
Rs. 5,000 |
Remaining validity of original passport or up to 10 years |
36 pages |
Replacement of passport (60 pages) due to lost, damaged or stolen passport |
Rs. 5,500 |
Remaining validity of original passport or up to 10 years |
60 pages |
Replacement of passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR/ change in particulars |
Rs. 3,500 |
Validity of the original passport |
36 pages |
Replacement of passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR/ change in particulars |
Rs. 4,000 |
Validity of the original passport |
60 pages |
Replacement of passport (36 pages) for deletion of ECR/ change in particulars for minors |
Rs. 3,000 |
Validity of the original passport |
36 pages |
Tatkal passport fee payment mode
The cost of tatkal passport varies for minor and adult applicants and as per the number of pages chosen. The payment for tatkal passport fees can be made through various modes to ensure convenience for applicants:
- Online payment: Most Passport Seva Kendras accept online payments through credit/debit cards, internet banking, or other digital payment methods. Ensure that your chosen mode of payment is supported at the PSK or POPSK you are visiting for tatkal passport.
- Cash payment: Some PSKs may also accept cash payments for tatkal passport fees, but it's essential to confirm this beforehand. If cash payment is accepted, make sure to bring the exact amount as change may not be readily available.
Also, read: e-Passport
Tatkal scheme eligibility
The Tatkal scheme is available to individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are the key points to consider:
- Urgent travel needs: Applicants must have a valid reason for needing the passport urgently, such as medical emergencies, urgent travel for education, employment, or other significant reasons.
- Verification: Applicants under the tatkal scheme may be subject to post-verification. This verification is carried out after the issuance of the passport and is meant to ensure the authenticity of the documents submitted.
- Avoid misuse: The tatkal scheme is designed to address genuine urgent passport needs. It is not intended for individuals to bypass the regular application process without a valid reason.
- Indian citizens: Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for a Tatkal passport.
- Complete documentation: Applicants must provide all required documents, including proof of identity, address, and date of birth.
- Clean police record: Applicants should have a clean police record with no adverse reports. Previous police verification should not indicate any criminal activity or illegal behaviour.
- No pending legal restrictions: Applicants must not have any ongoing legal cases or restrictions that would prevent them from traveling abroad.
- Clearance of previous issues: Any previous passport issues, such as revocation, impounding, or cancellation, must be resolved before applying under the Tatkal scheme.
- Government employees with NOC: Government employees must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective department to be eligible.
- Additional fee payment: Applicants must be willing to pay the additional Tatkal fee for expedited processing.
- Verification of documents: Documents submitted must be verified and attested as per the guidelines set by the passport authorities. For example, annexures and affidavits must be correctly filled and notarised.
- Pre-verification requirements: In some cases, pre-police verification may be required. Applicants must comply with any pre-verification requirements specified by the passport office.
By ensuring all these criteria are met, applicants can successfully apply for a Tatkal passport and receive expedited processing.
Who is ineligible for tatkal passport application?
Individuals may be ineligible for a Tatkal passport under the following circumstances:
- Adverse police verification report: Applicants with a previous adverse police verification report are not eligible. This includes cases where an applicant has a criminal record or has been involved in illegal activities.
- Incomplete documentation: Applicants who fail to provide complete and accurate documentation as required by the passport authorities during the tatkal passport appointment will not qualify for the Tatkal scheme.
- Court cases or legal restrictions: Individuals with ongoing court cases or legal restrictions related to travel are ineligible for a Tatkal passport.
- Previous passport issues: Applicants who have had their passports revoked, impounded, or cancelled previously due to any violation of passport regulations are not eligible.
- Misrepresentation or fraud: Any instances of misrepresentation, fraud, or provision of false information in the application can lead to ineligibility.
- Government employees without NOC: Government employees without a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their department are not eligible for a Tatkal passport.
- Pending investigations: Individuals under investigation for serious offenses may be deemed ineligible until the matter is resolved.
Documents required for tatkal passport
To ensure a smooth tatkal passport application process, applicants must provide specific documents. The documents required for Indian passport may vary based on the type of passport application (fresh, renewal, etc.), but commonly required tatkaal passport documents include:
Proof of identity:
Valid government-issued photo ID such as Aadhar card, voter ID, or PAN card.
Proof of address:
Documents like utility bills, rental agreement, or voter ID that establish the applicant's residential address.
Date of birth proof:
Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any other document confirming the applicant's date of birth.
Passport size photographs:
Recent passport-sized photographs with specific dimensions as per the guidelines.
Police verification:
While police verification is a standard procedure for passport applications, tatkal applicants may undergo a faster process. It is advisable to be available for any required verification.
How much time does it take for tatkal passport?
The tatkal passport scheme is renowned for its quick processing time, providing relief to individuals with urgent travel needs. While the exact time may vary based on factors such as the applicant's location and the volume of applications, tatkal passport processing time generally 3-5 days.
- Verification process: After the biometric verification at the PSK or POPSK, the application goes through a verification process. This includes a quick review of the submitted documents.
- Dispatch and delivery: Once the verification is complete, the passport is dispatched for delivery. Applicants can track the status of their application online using the application reference number.
- Delivery time: The delivery time for tatkal passports is expedited, and in many cases, applicants receive their passports within a week of applying.
The tatkal passport service is an excellent option for individuals with urgent travel plans or requiring a passport issuance in a short amount of time. The application process is simple, and the government is committed to delivering the passport within 1 to 3 days, subject to verification. However, it is crucial to provide all the necessary documents and proof of urgency to ensure timely processing of the tatkal passport application.
Read for other passport-related services
| Passport fees in India | Types of passports in India | Non-ECR passport |
