What is Tatkaal passport and how does it work?

Tatkaal passport is a fast-track service offered by the government through Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) for individuals who need a passport urgently.

The service allows individuals to receive their passports quicker than the standard procedure. While Tatkaal passport has higher fees than usual, the service allows individuals to make urgent travel plans in urgent or unexpected situations.

Tatkaal passports: Key things to know

• Individuals can apply for a Tatkaal passport online or by visiting their nearest Passport Seva Kendra.

• Subject to verification, a Tatkaal passport is processed within two to three days, making it easier for people to make urgent travel plans.

• In some cases, police verification is done after the passport is issued, making the process faster.

• Applicants have to pay a higher fee to get a Tatkaal passport.

• There are several PSKs across the country, making this service accessible to all.

Tatkaal passport fees

As Tatkaal passports require additional fees, here are the details of the charges:

Documents required for the Tatkaal passport

Any individual above the age of 18 can apply for a Tatkaal passport by submitting any three of the documents specified in the List of Acceptable Documents. Applicants below the age of 18 can submit any two of the documents (from serial numbers 1 to 6) from the list.

List of Acceptable Documents as per the central government’s Passport Seva portal

• PVC Aadhaar Card/Complete Original Aadhaar Letter/e-Aadhaar Card with digital signature verified mark issued by UIDAI or Aadhaar Card (Small cut-out Aadhaar card/smart card printed by non-UIDAI entities will not be accepted.)

• Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card

• Student Photo Identity Cards issued by Recognized Educational Institutions

• Birth Certificates issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (18 of 1969)

• Ration Card (latest or updated)

• Last Passport issued (in case of re-issue only)

• Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)

• Driving Licenses (valid and within the jurisdiction of the State of submission of applicant)

• Bank Passbook or Kisan Passbook or Post Office Passbook (with applicant’s photo attested and with the latest transaction updated)

• Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe or Other backward-class Certificate

• Arms License issued under the Arms Act, 1959 (54 of 1959)

• Pension documents such as ex-servicemen's Pension book or Pension payment order issued to retired government employees, ex-servicemen's Widow or Dependent Certificates, Old Age Pension Order

• Service Photo Identity Cards issued by State/Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings, local bodies, or Public Limited Companies

Tatkaal Passport Eligibility

Certain individuals are not eligible for the Tatkaal Passport service, including:

• Individuals with a passport that is damaged beyond recognition
• Applicants who have had a major name change
• Nagaland and Jammu & Kashmir citizens
• Applicants with a lost passport
• Citizens with citizenship based on naturalisation or registration
• Children adopted by Indian and foreign parents
• Minor children with a single-parent

There are many other ineligible applicants, for which the guidelines can be found on the Passport Seva website.

How to apply for a Tatkaal passport?

To apply for a Tatkaal passport online, you can follow these steps:

For the offline process, these are the steps:

When will you receive the passport?

Tatkaal passports are generally issued within a week after the entire process is completed by the applicant. This includes the verification process, pre-police verification (if required) and the delivery time. This is an important service offered by the government, helping people to make their travel arrangements on an urgent basis.