Tatkal Passport – A passport is an essential government-issued document that allows individuals to travel freely to different countries. It facilitates smooth immigration when entering another country and acts as a valid identity and residence proof, enabling the holder to access various public and private services. The Ministry of External Affairs manages the issuance of passports for Indian citizens through its Passport and Visa Division. This article provides updated information on Tatkal Passports as of 2025.
What is a Tatkal Passport?
The normal passport application process is typically used by applicants who do not face time constraints. In contrast, the Tatkal Passport service is designed for those who require immediate passport issuance. The Tatkal option comes with an increased fee for expedited processing. Applicants can utilize the Tatkal service to obtain new passports as well as renew their existing or expired passports.
It’s important to note that the overall application procedure under the Tatkal scheme remains largely similar to that of regular applications. However, only individuals with legitimate, urgent reasons for needing a passport quickly can use this expedited service.
It is crucial to be cautious, as several online platforms falsely claim to expedite Tatkal passport services; the Indian government is the sole authority for passport issuance.
Understanding Passports
The Government of India operates under the Passport Act of 1967, enabling the issuance of various travel documents, including ordinary passports, official passports, diplomatic passports, emergency certificates, and Certificates of Identity (COI). If you have unexpected travel needs, you can apply for a Tatkal passport. The official government website provides dedicated information regarding Tatkal services.
These passports are issued without the usual delays, catering to the needs of those who prioritize efficiency. With some additional fees, Tatkal passports can be secured quickly.
Types of Passport Applications
There are two types of passport applications you can submit based on your specific needs and urgency:
- Normal Passport Application
- Tatkal Passport Application
Normal applications follow a standard procedure for those without a pressing timeline. In contrast, Tatkal applications facilitate quicker processing but come at a higher cost, catering to urgent passport needs.
Eligible applicants for the Tatkal scheme must present valid reasons for applying under this option.
Eligibility Criteria for Tatkal Passport
The decision to issue a passport under the Tatkal scheme rests with the relevant passport office. They assess the applicant’s circumstances and the urgency of the request. Certain individuals are ineligible for Tatkal applications, including:
- Indian citizens who obtained their status through naturalization or registration.
- Born abroad to Indian citizens.
- Those repatriated by the government.
- Individuals who were deported to India.
- People with significant name changes.
- Residents of Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir.
- Parents of only minor children.
- Adopted children.
- Those seeking temporary extensions of passport validity.
- Damaged, stolen or lost passports.
- Significant appearance or gender changes.
- Changes in signature or other personal details.
Required Documents for Tatkal Passport
To apply for a Tatkal passport, you will need the following documents:
- Verification Certificate as outlined in Annexure F.
- Election Card
- Service Photo Identity Card
- Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes/ Other Backward Castes Certificate
- Freedom Fighter Identity Card
- Arms License
- Ration Card
- Property Documents
- Pension Documents
- Railway Photo Identity Card
- PAN Card
- Bank Passbook
- Student Identity Card from an accredited institution.
- Driving Licence
- Birth Certificate
- Gas Connection Bill
Tatkal Passport Fee Structure
The fee structure for various passport services under the Tatkal scheme is detailed below:
Application for New Passport
The charges for a new passport, valid for 10 years unless stated otherwise, are as follows:
For Individuals Below 15 Years:
| Pages | Fee |
| 36 pages | INR 3,000 |
| 60 pages | Not Available (Only 36 pages passports will be issued) |
For Individuals Aged 15 to 18 (valid for 5 years or until they turn 18):
| Pages | Fee |
| 36 pages | INR 3,000 |
| 60 pages | Not Available (Only 36 pages passports will be issued) |
For Individuals Aged 15 and Above:
| Pages | Fee |
| 36 pages | INR 3,500 |
| 60 pages | INR 4,000 |
Passport Renewal Fees
The fees for renewing or reissuing an expired passport are as follows:
For Individuals Below 15 Years:
| Pages | Fee |
| 36 pages | INR 3,000 |
| 60 pages | Not Available (Only 36 pages passports will be issued) |
For Individuals Aged 15 to 18:
| Pages | Fee |
| 36 pages | INR 3,000 |
| 60 pages | Not Available (Only 36 pages passports will be issued) |
For Individuals Aged 15 and Above:
| Pages | Fee |
| 36 pages | INR 3,500 |
| 60 pages | INR 4,000 |
Tatkal Passport Processing Time
The Tatkal passport application undergoes a quicker verification process compared to standard applications. Generally, passports are issued within 1-3 days after the application is submitted to the relevant Passport Seva Kendra. The start date is considered as the date when the applicant submitted all necessary documents.
If police verification is required, the Tatkal passport will be dispatched to the applicant by the third day after submission, excluding the application date. If police verification is not required, the passport will typically be sent within one day of the application, excluding application day.