What is Tatkal Passport, Fees and How to Apply?

A Tatkal passport is an urgent passport service in India that ensures faster issuance than the normal process. It is available for fresh passports, renewals, and reissues in cases of loss, damage, or theft. The Tatkal passport time for processing is usually 3-5 working days, making it ideal for emergency travel.

Key Highlights:

• Extra Fee: Higher than normal passport charges for urgent delivery. Varies based on the number of pages required and categories.  
• Application Modes: Online via Passport Seva portal or offline at PSK/DPC.
• Eligibility Restrictions: Not available in cases like damaged passports, major name change, or deportation history.

What is Tatkal Passport?

A Tatkal passport is a fast-track passport service designed for citizens who need their passport urgently. It applies to fresh applications, renewals, or replacements. Unlike the standard process, Tatkal reduces waiting time significantly and ensures faster processing with police verification done either before or after issuance.

This service is intended to assist individuals with emergency travel requirements, such as unforeseen work commitments or medical reasons. 

How to Apply for Tatkal Passport Online?

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

• Step 1: Visit the official Passport Seva website and log in/sign up. 
• Step 2: Go to the "Apply for Fresh Passport" option and fill out the application form.
• Step 3: During the application process, select the “Tatkal” option for service type. 
• Step 4: Complete the fee payment, which is over and above the regular passport application fee. 
• Step 5: After payment, schedule your Tatkal appointment at the nearest PSK by choosing a suitable time slot. 

How to Apply for Tatkal Passport Offline?

These are the steps to apply for the Tatkal passport in the offline mode:

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

Tatkal Passport Fees

The Tatkal passport application gives you a fast-forward issuance but requires additional fees, the details of which are given below:  

How to Pay the Tatkal Passport Fees?

You have three options available to pay the Tatkal passport fee online:

• Debit Card
• Internet Banking
• Credit Card

On the other hand, you can pay the Tatkal passport fee offline at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra or use a State Bank of India challan.

Time Taken for Tatkal Passport

The Tatkal passport time for processing is usually 3-5 working days. However, the processing times may vary depending on your location and the current volume of applications. 

• Verification: After the biometric data is collected at the PSK or POPSK, the application undergoes a verification process. This involves a swift review of the submitted documents.
• Dispatch and Delivery: Once the verification is complete, your passport will be dispatched. You can track the progress of your application online using your application reference number.
• Delivery Time: The Tatkal passport is delivered faster, and in most cases, you will receive it within a week of the application date.

Tatkal Passport Eligibility

Any individual above the age of 18 can apply for a Tatkal passport by providing a minimum of three documents from the list of required documents. For applicants under the age of 18, at least two of the listed documents must be submitted. 

However, under the Tatkal system, the passport office has the final say on issuance based on urgency and other factors. Noting this, certain applicants are not eligible to apply or reapply under this scheme:

• Individuals applying for a passport because their current one is damaged beyond recognition
• Applicants who have undergone a name change (significant)
• Naga-origin citizens living outside Nagaland
• Minors residing in Nagaland
• Citizens born outside India to Indian parents (of Indian descent)
• Applicants seeking a change in sex or appearance
• Applicants reapplying due to a lost or stolen passport
• Indian citizens are granted citizenship based on naturalisation or registration
• Children adopted by Indian and foreign parents
• Individuals requesting a change in personal details, such as their signature
• Minor children with a single parent
• Applicants who have been deported to India from other countries
• Individuals applying for passport renewal with a short validity period
• Individuals repatriated from abroad at the government's expense

Documents Required for Tatkal Passport

Here is the list of documents required to prepare a Tatkal passport:

• PAN Card
• Post Office Passbook
• Arms License
• Pension Documents
• Property Documents
• Bank Passbook
• Certificate of OBC/SC/ST
• Voter ID
• Birth Certificate
• Student’s Identity Card from a recognised institution
• Aadhaar Card
• Kisan Passbook
• Ration Card
• Service Identification

Difference between Regular and Tatkal Passport

Below is a detailed comparison between a regular passport and a Tatkal passport, with the most crucial factor being the faster Tatkal passport time taken for issuance.

A Tatkal passport is the quickest way to get a passport in India for urgent travel. Tatkal passport time for processing is usually 3 to 5 days. It saves time compared to the regular process. Ensure you have the required documents, pay the applicable Tatkal fees, and apply online or offline for a smooth experience.

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