A passport is an official document which ensures smooth immigration into another country. It also doubles up as an authentic official document, helping us to avail various government and private services as it acts as an address and identity proof.
While the passport application process is an exhaustive one, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has made arrangement for quick dispensation of passports under the ‘Tatkaal scheme’. Known as Tatkaal passports, applicants needing to travel abroad urgently can apply for and receive their passport within a few days.
How to apply for Tatkaal Passport?
The steps to apply for a Tatkaal passport have been listed below in brief. A more detailed guide can be found here. (interlink to passport application page).
- Register yourself on the official portal of Passport Seva
- Login with your ID and password
- You will be presented with two options- Fresh and Re-Issue. Choose the applicable option
- Select 'Tatkaal' option in the scheme type
- Download the application form and fill the form
- Submit the form online
- Complete the payment procedure
- Print out the receipt online payment
- Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Service Kendra
Tatkal Passport Fees Payment
Given below is the fee structure and payment process for Tatkaal passports:
Fresh passport
| Applicant’s age | Number of pages | Fee |
| Below 15 years | 36 pages | Rs.3,000 |
| Between 15-18 years (validity till applicant reaches 18 years) | 36 pages | Rs.3,000 |
| Between 15-18 years (10 year validity) | 36 pages | Rs.3,500 |
| Between 15-18 years (10 year validity) | 60 pages | Rs.4,000 |
| 18 years and above | 36 pages | Rs.3,500 |
| 18 years and above | 60 pages | Rs.4,000 |
Reissue/Renewal of passport
| Applicant’s age | Number of pages | Fee |
| Less than 15 years | 36 pages | Rs.3,000 |
| Between 15-18 years (till applicant reaches 18 years) | 36 pages | Rs.3,000 |
| Between 15-18 years (10 year validity) | 36 pages | Rs.3,500 |
| Between 15-18 years (10 year validity) | 60 pages | Rs.4,000 |
| 18 years and above | 36 pages | Rs.3,500 |
| 18 years and above | 60 pages | Rs.4,000 |
Tatkaal Passport Fee Payment Mode
There are three ways through which one can make online payment for the passport.
- Credit/Debit card
- Internet banking
- SBI bank challan
Tatkaal Scheme Eligibility
The jurisdictional passport office has the final say for issuance of passports under this scheme. This would depend on the urgency coupled with other compelling factors of the applicant. Applicants falling in the category below cannot apply/reapply for a passport under the Tatkaal scheme.
- Citizens born to Indian parents outside India (Indian descent)
- Indian citizens who've been granted citizenship status on the basis of naturalization/registration
- Applicants who've been deported to India from other countries
- Applicants who've been repatriated from a different country at government's cost
- Name change - major
- Residents of Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland
- Naga origin citizens residing outside Nagaland
- Children adopted by Indian and foreign parents
- Minor children with single parent
- Minors residing in Nagaland
- Short passport validity renewal applicants
- Reapplication due to lost or stolen passport
- Application due to passport being damaged beyond recognition
- Change in sex or appearance
- Change in personal credentials such as signature
Documents Required for Tatkal Passport
Listed below are the documents required in order to apply for Tatkal Passport
- Verification Certificate as per Annexure F
- Any 3 of the below documents:
- Election card
- Service Photo ID Card
- Certificate of SC/ST/OBC
- Identity cards of Freedom Fighters
- Arms License
- Ration card
- Property documents
- Pension documents
- Railway Photo Identity card
- PAN card issued by the Income Tax Department
- Bank passbook
- Student's Id card from a recognized institution
- Driving license
- Birth certificate
- Gas connection bill
How much time does it take for Tatkaal Passport?
As opposed to the normal application, a tatkaal application means quick verification and faster processing. Passports issued under this scheme is dispatched within 1-3 days from the time the applicant furnishes the required paperwork at the Passport Seva Kendra. Application under this scheme not only guarantees you early appointment, but also quick processing through a separate queue.
This would also depend on the police verification status of the applicant. In case of applications that do not require police verification, the passport will be dispatched within 1 working day of the application being submitted.
In case of applications that require police verification, this will be done after the issuance of the passport. The passport will be dispatched on the third working day after submission of the application form.
FAQ’s
- Can everyone apply under Tatkaal scheme?
- I have to travel overseas but my passport is damaged. What do I need to do?
- I am from Nagaland and I am an Indian Citizen. Can I apply for passport under the tatkaal scheme?
The passport office takes the final call on passport issuance under the tatkaal scheme. However, there is a list of applicants who are not allowed to apply for passport under this scheme. This list can be found in the instruction booklet, which can be downloaded from the website.
If your passport booklet is damaged but it remains recognizable (name is legible, passport number is readable, photograph on passport is intact) then you can apply for tatkaal passport reissuance. However, if your passport is damaged to an extent that it not recognizable, then you cannot apply for passport under the Tatkaal scheme.
No, if you are from Nagaland, you will not be able to apply for a tatkaal passport. This is also applicable to Naga citizens living in other states.
