Tatkal Passport

A Tatkal passport means a fast-track passport service introduced by the Indian government for those who need a passport urgently. Unlike the regular application process, which can take several weeks, the Tatkal scheme allows you to obtain your passport in just a few days.

This scheme is available for both new passport applications and renewals, making it a convenient option for those facing time constraints. However, the expedited service comes at a cost — Tatkal passports have higher fees compared to regular passports. Despite the additional cost, it is a reliable option for anyone needing a passport on short notice.

The key difference between a Normal passport and a Tatkal passport is the processing time, making the Tatkal scheme ideal for urgent travel needs. However, there are several other differences, as outlined below:

To apply for a Tatkal passport, you must submit any three of the documents mentioned below to meet the requirements.

Also Read: The List of Documents Required for an Indian Passport

The Tatkal passport scheme is designed for individuals who need a passport urgently due to unforeseen travel requirements. However, not everyone is eligible to apply under this scheme. The final decision on approval rests with the Regional Passport Office (RPO).

Who Are Eligible?

• Adults (18+ years old): Must submit at least three valid documents from the prescribed list.
• Minors (below 18 years old): Need to provide at least two valid documents.

Also Read: New Passport Rules for Indians

Who is NOT Eligible for a Tatkal Passport?

The Tatkal scheme is meant for genuine emergencies and cannot be used to bypass regular procedures. The following individuals cannot apply for a Tatkal passport:

• Deported Individuals – Those who have been deported from another country to India.
• Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) – Applicants born abroad to Indian parents.
• Naturalised Citizens – Residents who obtained Indian citizenship through naturalisation or registration.
• Applicants with Name Changes – Those requesting a name change on their passport.
• Residents of Certain Regions – People from Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland.
• Nagaland Natives Living Elsewhere – Indian citizens are originally from Nagaland but reside outside the state.
• Minors from Special Cases:

Those residing in Nagaland.

Children with a single parent.

• Applicants Seeking Special Modifications:

Those renewing passports with short validity.

Individuals requesting sex or appearance changes (excluding minor updates like a signature change).

Also Read: Passport Renewal: A Step-By-Step Guide

Also Read: A Complete Guide to Passport Fees in India

Applying for a Tatkal passport is similar to applying for a new passport or a passport renewal. The application process can be done online, after which you need to schedule a Tatkal passport appointment for your in-person interview at the passport office.

If you are thinking, ‘What is Tatkal passport application?’, there are generally two ways of doing the application process:

• Option 1: Download the e-form, fill it out, and re-upload it.
• Option 2: Fill in the e-form online and submit it.

Option 1: Step-By-Step On How To Download, Fill and Re-Upload the E-Form

1. Visit the Passport Seva Kendra website.
2. Register for a new account and log in after your account has been verified and validated.
3. Click the “Download E-Form” option on the homepage’s forms and affidavits tab.
4. Choose the “Fresh or Re-issue of Passport” option.
5. Next, choose the Tatkal option.
6. Your browser will start downloading a zip file, which you need to extract once it is done downloading.
7. After extraction, you will be left with a PDF file, which is the e-form.
8. Fill in the downloaded e-form with all your relevant details and click the “Validate and Save” button at the bottom.
9. An XML file will be generated, which you need to upload onto the website.
10. To do this, choose the “Upload E-Form” option. Ensure the file you are uploading is in an XML format, as the site does not accept PDF files.
11. Choose the appropriate appointment slot for you from the given list.
12. After choosing, you will be directed to the next page, where you must pay the application fee.
13. You can pay through a credit card (Master Card or Visa), debit, internet banking (SBI and Associate Banks only), or an SBI Bank challan.
14. Once you have completed the payment, print out your application receipt containing your Application Reference Number (ARN).

After this, you must visit the PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) office or RPO (Regional Post Office), where you have booked your appointment with all your basic documents, including your printed application receipt.

Option 2: Step-By-Step On How to Fill and Submit the Form Online

If you choose to do the application process entirely online, the process is quite similar. It is also a lot quicker compared to option 1.

Here is how you do that:

1. Register and log in to the Passport Seva Kendra website.
2. Click on the “Apply For A New Passport” option.
3. Click the highlighted link to fill out the application form online.
4. Fill out the form with all your relevant details and click submit.
5. After which, you will have to pay the application fees and schedule an appointment slot.
6. Print out your application receipt, as it is needed during your in-person interview at the passport office.

When applying for a Tatkal passport, you can pay the fees using one of the following methods:

Online Payment Options

• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• Internet Banking

Offline Payment Option

• Cash Payment – You can also choose to pay in cash by visiting your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

If you are thinking, ‘tatkaal passport comes in how many days’, you can get the answer here. Tatkaal passport applications are given high priority during verification and processing. In most cases, a Tatkal passport is issued within 3 working days from the date of submission.

However, this timeline does not include:

• The date of application submission.
• The police verification time, if required.

If your application does not require police verification, you may receive your passport within a working day after submission.

A Tatkal passport is a lifesaver for those who need to travel abroad on short notice. With its expedited processing, it eliminates the long waiting periods of a regular passport, making last-minute international trips possible. However, while securing your passport is essential, it is just one part of ensuring a smooth and hassle-free journey.

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