The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has incorporated the provision of the Tatkal passport to help applicants obtain a passport more quickly than usual, enabling immediate travel to foreign countries. Tatkal passports are particularly useful, especially in emergencies abroad. As the name suggests, this passport is issued and dispatched faster as the RPO (Regional Passport Office) prioritizes these applications.
The sections below highlight the application process, the documents required, and the Tatkal passport fees involved in obtaining a passport in India.
How to Apply for a Tatkal Passport?
Here are the steps to apply for a Tatkal passport:
Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Portal and log in using your credentials.
If applicants do not have an existing account, they can create one by selecting ‘New User Registration’. After registration, they will be redirected to their home page, where they will see a list of services.
Step 2: Choose either ‘Fresh’ or ‘Re-issuance’ of the passport from the options displayed on the screen.
Step 3: In the scheme type, choose the ‘Tatkal’ option and download the application form.
Step 4: Fill in the relevant details and submit the application form.
Step 5: Click on the ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’ link on the ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’ screen to schedule an appointment. Then, initiate the payment and take a printout of the receipt.
Step 6: Schedule your Tatkal passport appointment at the local Passport Seva Kendra.
It is important to note that applicants will only be able to obtain the passport if their application status is displayed as ‘Granted’.
Also Read: Check Your Passport Application Status
List of Ineligible Categories for Obtaining Tatkal Passport
Besides understanding what a Tatkal passport entails, one must also be aware of the eligibility criteria for obtaining it. Not everyone can apply for a Tatkal passport; there are certain factors considered by the authorities before accepting an application.
The following conditions preclude an applicant from applying for a Tatkal passport:
- Indian residents who have acquired citizenship through registration or naturalization.
- Individuals who have undergone significant name changes.
- Minor children with a single parent (applicants requiring Annexure C).
- Applicants of Indian descent born abroad.
- Those repatriated from another country at government expense.
- Residents of Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir residing outside their respective regions.
- Individuals of Naga and Jammu and Kashmir origin, including minors.
- Those with pending criminal court cases (applicants falling under sections 6(2)(f) and 6(2)(e)).
- Those with current addresses outside the RPO’s jurisdiction.
- Individuals who have made significant changes to personal credentials, such as their signature.
- Individuals whose passport has been stolen, lost, or damaged beyond recognition.
- Children adopted by foreign or Indian parents, or children born out of wedlock.
- Applicants who have opted for short-validity passport renewal.
- Those with significant changes in appearance or gender.
- Individuals deported to India from foreign countries.
For a better understanding of the eligibility for a Tatkal passport, refer to the official ‘Passport Seva’ platform.
Documents Required for Tatkal Passport
Applicants must submit documents from the list below to meet the Tatkal passport requirements.
- Voter ID
- Ration Card (latest/updated)
- PAN card
- Property documents
- Birth certificate (issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969)
- Aadhaar card
- Arms licence
- Service identification card (issued by State or Central Government)
- Pension documents
- Bank Passbook/Kisan Passbook/Post Office Passbook (with recent transactions updated and applicant’s photo attested)
- Student ID card from a recognized institution
- Scheduled Tribe, Scheduled Caste, or Other Backward Class certificate
- Pension documents for retired government employees, ex-servicemen’s widows, or dependents.
Also Read: Check the Required Documents for Passport Application
Tatkal Passport Application Fee
The application fee for a Tatkal passport depends on factors such as the applicant’s age and the number of pages in the passport.
The table below outlines the Tatkal passport fees, which apply to both fresh passport applications and renewals.
| Applicant’s Age | Passport Pages | Validity | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 15 years | 36 pages | 10 years | ₹3,000 |
| 15 years and above | 36 pages | 10 years | ₹3,500 |
| 15 years and above | 60 pages | 10 years | ₹4,000 |
Refer to the table to understand the Tatkal passport fee when applying for a Tatkal passport renewal or re-issuance.
Read more: How is police verification for passports done in India?
Conclusion:
Regular passport application involves a lengthy process and requires extensive preparation and formalities. On the other hand, the Tatkal passport facility ensures an accelerated passport application process. It is especially useful in urgent situations. However, before applying for it, one must be well-informed about the specific requirements and conditions for this passport.
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What is the difference between a normal and a Tatkal passport?
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