Complete Guide to Tatkal Passport: Fees, How to Apply & Essential Documents

The Tatkal Passport system offers a quicker and more straightforward way to obtain a passport. Instead of waiting for weeks, you can get your passport in just a few days with this method. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the Tatkal Passport, including its application process, fees, and other vital details.

Who Can Apply for a Tatkal Passport?

The Regional Passport Office decides who can get a Tatkal Passport. Not everyone qualifies for this scheme. Eligible categories include:

• People of Indian descent were born abroad.
• Those sent back to India from other countries.
• Individuals returning to India after being abroad.
• Indians who received citizenship through registration or naturalization.
• Residents of Nagaland, Jammu, and Kashmir.
• Naga-origin Indians living outside Nagaland.
• Those renewing short-term passports.
• Applicants with significant name changes.
• Young residents of Nagaland.
• Those reapplying after losing or having their passport stolen.
• Individuals with the major appearance or gender changes. Note: Changes like signature updates don’t qualify for Tatkal.

Additionally:

• Adopted children of Indian or foreign parents.
• Minors with only one parent.

Who Can’t Apply for a Tatkal Passport?

While many Indians can apply for a Tatkal Passport, some categories are excluded:

• Major name changes.
• Applicants living outside their Regional Passport Office’s jurisdiction.
• Minors with specific parental situations.
• Individuals are sent back to India at the government’s expense.
• Those deported or using emergency travel documents.
• Naga or J&K origin individuals, including minors.
• Those with criminal court cases or negative police reports.
• First-time applicants in specific categories.
• Re-applicants in certain situations, like lost passports or major changes.

How to Apply for a Tatkal Passport Online:

1. Register on the Passport Seva website.
2. Log in using your credentials.
3. Choose ‘Fresh/Re-issue’.
4. Select “Tatkal” as the scheme.
5. Download, fill out, and submit the application form.
6. Pay online and print the receipt.
7. Schedule an appointment at your local Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Tatkal Passport Fees:

Payment Methods:

• Online: Internet Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card.
• Offline: Cash at PSK or via State Bank of India challan.

Required Documents:

Submit any three of these:

• Aadhaar Card, Voter Card, Caste Certificate, PAN Card, Ration Card, Arms License, Service ID, Property Documents, Gas Bills, Driving License, Birth Certificate, Pension Documents, Bank/Post Office/Kisan Passbook, Student ID from a recognized institution.

Tatkal Passport Processing Time: What to Expect?

When you apply for a Tatkal Passport, the authorities expedite its verification and processing. Typically, a Tatkal Passport is dispatched within three business days following the application. However, this timeline doesn’t account for the day you submitted the application or the police verification process. If your application doesn’t require police verification, you can anticipate receiving your Tatkal Passport just one business day after submission.

Processing Time:

• With police verification: Dispatched by the third working day.
• Without police verification: Dispatched within one working day.

Normal vs. Tatkal Passport:

• Normal: 30-45 days processing.
• Tatkal: 1 day without police verification, 3 days with verification.

Note: Tatkal applications have extra fees in addition to the standard application fee.

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Tatkal Passport FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Q: I have an urgent international trip, but my passport is damaged. What should I do?

A: If the details on your damaged passport are still legible, you can apply for a reissued Tatkal Passport. However, if the damage has rendered the details unreadable, the Tatkal scheme won’t be applicable.

Q: Can anyone apply for a Tatkal Passport?

A: No, there are specific eligibility criteria for the Tatkal Passport. You can check the official Passport Seva website for a list of exclusions.

Q: Is a verification certificate from a gazetted officer necessary for a Tatkal Passport?

A: No, you don’t need a verification certificate from a gazetted officer for the Tatkal Passport application.

Q: What appointment types are available for Tatkal Passport applications?

A: You have two options: Normal and Tatkal appointments. Both come at the same cost. The Normal option is for those not seeking an expedited appointment.

Q: Can minors avail of the Tatkal Passport service?

A: Yes, minors can apply for a Tatkal Passport. Ensure you provide all necessary documents when applying through the Passport Seva portal.

Q: Do I need to wait for police verification to get my Tatkal Passport?

A: If the Passport Seva Kendra grants your Tatkal Passport application, it will be processed without awaiting police verification.

Q: How can I determine the fees for a Tatkal Passport online?

A: The Passport Seva website offers a fee calculator to help you determine the Tatkal Passport charges.

Q: What online payment methods are accepted for the Tatkal Passport fee?

A: You can pay using:

• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• Internet Banking

Alternatively, you can opt to pay in cash at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra.