Tatkaal Passport: Process, Fees, Documents, Renewal  & Processing Time  

A Tatkal passport is an expedited passport service in India that offers faster processing than the standard procedure. It is available for new passports, renewals, and reissues due to loss, damage, or theft. Typically, the Tatkal passport is processed within 3–5 working days, making it ideal for emergency travel. 

Key Highlights: 

• Extra Fee: Charges are higher than normal passport fees and vary based on the number of pages and applicant category.
• Application Modes: Can be applied online via the Passport Seva portal or offline at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) / District Passport Cell (DPC) 
• Eligibility Restrictions: Not available for cases involving damaged passports, major name changes, or deportation history.

What is a Tatkal Passport?

A Tatkal passport is a fast-track passport service for citizens who need their passport urgently. It is available for new applications, renewals, and replacements. Unlike the standard process, Tatkal significantly reduces waiting time, with police verification conducted either before or after issuance.

This service is ideal for individuals requiring emergency travel, such as urgent work commitments, medical reasons, or unforeseen travel needs.

Documents Required for Tatkal Passport Application

An applicant who wishes to submit an application for reissue of a passport under the Tatkaal scheme shall submit 3 supporting documents (only 2 supporting documents in the case of a minor applicant) from the list provided below:

Tatkal Passport Documents Required for Applicants Aged 18 Years and Above  

• Aadhaar Card or e-Aadhaar containing the 12-digit Aadhaar number or 28-digit Aadhaar enrolment ID printed on the Aadhaar enrolment slip issued by UIDAI 
• Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) 
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) 
• Driving license (valid and within the jurisdiction of the State of submission) 
• Bank Passbook, Kisan Passbook, or Post Office Passbook 
• Student Photo Identity Card issued by a recognised educational institution 
• Birth Certificate issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 
• Service Photo Identity Card issued by the State/Central Government, PSUs, local bodies, or public limited companies 
• Pension documents, such as ex-servicemen’s pension books, pension payment orders, widow/dependent certificates, or old age pension orders, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or Other Backwards Class certificates 
• Arms license issued under the Arms Act, 1959 
• Ration Card 

Tatkal Passport Documents Required for Applicants Below 18 Years (submit any two)

• Aadhaar Card or e-Aadhaar with 12/28-digit ID 
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) 
• Student Photo Identity Card from a recognised educational institution
• Birth Certificate issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 
• Ration Card Last passport issued (in case of reissue only)

How to Apply for a Tatkal Passport Online

To apply for a Tatkal Passport, you have to follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website and log in or sign up.
• Step 2: Select “Apply for a Fresh Passport” and fill out the application form.
• Step 3: Choose “Tatkal” as the service type during the application process.
• Step 4: Pay the Tatkal fee, which is in addition to the regular passport charges.
• Step 5: Schedule your Tatkal appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) by selecting a convenient time slot.

How to Apply for a Tatkal Passport Offline

If you need a passport urgently and prefer submitting your application in person, the Tatkal scheme allows you to apply at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or District Passport Cell (DPC) for faster processing. Follow these steps to complete your offline application smoothly.

• Step 1: Visit your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or District Passport Cell (DPC) to collect the passport application form.
• Step 2: Fill out the application form, select the Tatkal scheme, and attach a recent passport-sized photograph.
• Step 3: Gather all required documents, including proof of identity and proof of address.
• Step 4: Pay the Tatkal fee and keep the receipt safely.
• Step 5: Submit the completed application, documents, and payment receipt at the PSK or DPC to receive an acknowledgement receipt with your Application Reference Number (ARN).
• Step 6: Attend your PSK appointment for biometric data collection and document verification to complete the process.

Tatkal Passport Fees

The Tatkal scheme provides fast-track passport issuance for urgent cases, but requires additional fees. The details are as follows:

How to Pay the Tatkal Passport Fees 

You can pay the Tatkal passport fee using online or offline methods: 

Online Payment Options: 

• Debit Card 
• Credit Card 
• Internet Banking

Offline Payment Options:

• At your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
• Using a State Bank of India (SBI) challan
• Tatkal Passport Eligibility

The Tatkal scheme is designed for individuals who need a passport urgently.

• Applicants above 18 years: Must submit at least three documents from the required list.
• Applicants under 18 years: Must submit at least two documents from the required list.

Eligibility is also subject to the passport office’s discretion based on urgency and other factors.

List of Ineligible Categories for Tatkal Passport

The Tatkal scheme is not available for certain applicants to ensure proper verification, security, and eligibility compliance. The following categories are ineligible:

General Ineligible Cases:

• Major change in name
• Current address outside the jurisdiction of the RPO
• Minor applications with Annexure C (e.g., minors whose parents are divorced or separated)
• Applicants repatriated from abroad at government expense
• Applicants deported to India or who traveled on an Emergency Certificate
• Persons of Naga origin, including minors under 18, or residing outside Nagaland
• Persons of Jammu & Kashmir origin, including minors under 18
• Applicants attracting Section 6(2)(e) or 6(2)(f) (criminal court cases)
• Applicants with adverse police reports, under watch list, habitual passport losers, or previous travel on forged/fake passports 

Fresh Issue Cases:

• Citizens of India by Registration or Naturalization (granted citizenship by MHA)
• Children adopted by Indian or foreign parents
• Children born out of wedlock with a single parent
• Children born via surrogacy
• Minors with a single parent

Re-Issue Cases:

• Lost or stolen passport case
• Re-issue of short validity passports
• Passport damaged beyond recognition
• Change in sex, appearance, or signature
• Change or correction of date of birth or place of birth
• Change of father/mother/spouse name

Time Taken for a Tatkal Passport

The Tatkal passport is processed faster than the normal procedure, usually within 3–5 working days. Processing times may vary based on your location and the volume of applications.

• Verification: After your biometric data is collected at the PSK or POPSK, the application undergoes a verification of submitted documents.
• Dispatch and Delivery: Once verification is complete, your passport is dispatched. You can track the status online using your application reference number (ARN).
• Delivery Time: Most Tatkal passports are delivered within a week of application, ensuring quick access for emergency travel.

Note: Tatkaal Appointment Rescheduling

The rescheduling option for Tatkaal appointments has been restricted to 'ONE' only i.e. you will be given only one chance for rescheduling after booking your appointment, effective from 01st April, 2023.

Click here to know the Tatkal Appointment Opening Time

Tatkaal Passport Renewal

Renewing your passport under the Tatkaal scheme in India is the fastest way to obtain a reissued passport, typically within 1–7 working days.

• Eligibility for Tatkaal Passport Renewal
• The passport must not have expired for more than 3 years.
• The applicant must have a valid visa if abroad 
• Tatkaal service is not available for certain categories (check the official list)
• Only applicable for adults (18+) and minors (<18) with a prior passport.

Process for Tatkaal Passport Renewal 

Fill out the online application: 

• Visit Passport Seva 
• Choose Reissue/Renewal → Tatkaal option. 

Pay Tatkaal fees online: 

• Fees are higher than normal passport processing fees.
• Book an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or the Regional Passport Office (RPO).

Visit PSK/RPO in person with:

• Original documents
• One set of self-attested photocopies
• Document verification and biometrics at PSK.

Passport issued quickly: usually 1–7 working days after successful verification.

Documents Required for Tatkaal Passport Renewal

All other documents are the same for both new and reissued Tatkaal passports. The only extra document for renewal is the previous passport.

For Adults (18 years and above):

Applicants must submit any 3 documents from the following list:

• Aadhaar Card or e-Aadhaar (12-digit Aadhaar number or 28-digit enrolment ID)
• Voter ID / Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence (valid, within state of submission)
• Bank / Kisan / Post Office Passbook
• Student Photo Identity Card (from recognised institution)
• Birth Certificate (under Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969)
• Service Photo Identity Card (Govt/PSU/local body/public limited company)
• Pension document (ex-serviceman’s pension book, pension order, widow/dependent certificate, old-age pension order)
• Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe / Other Backward Class Certificate
• Arms Licence (under Arms Act, 1959)
• Ration Card
• Last passport issued (mandatory for reissue; can count as one document) 

For Minors (below 18 years):

Applicants must submit any 2 documents from the following list:

• Aadhaar Card / e-Aadhaar
• PAN Card
• Student Photo Identity Card (from recognised institution)
• Birth Certificate
• Ration Card
• Last passport issued (mandatory for reissue)

Important Tips:

• Always carry originals and one set of self-attested photocopies.
• Ensure all documents are valid and legible to avoid delays.
• The previous passport is the only document that differentiates renewal from a new passport under Tatkaal.

Difference Between Regular and Tatkal Passport

The key difference between a Regular passport and a Tatkal passport is the processing time. Tatkal is designed for urgent travel, while regular passports follow the standard procedure.

Conclusion

A Tatkal passport is the fastest way to obtain a passport in India for urgent travel needs. With processing typically completed in 3–5 working days, it significantly reduces waiting time compared to the regular process. To ensure a smooth application, make sure you have all the required documents, pay the applicable Tatkal fees, and apply either online through the Passport Seva portal or offline at a PSK/DPC.