Tatkal Passport Apply: Process, Fees & Documents

Need a passport urgently? The Tatkal scheme by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) lets you get a passport within 1–3 working days by paying an additional fee. This guide covers the complete tatkal passport application process, fees, documents, and tips.

What is Tatkal Passport?

Tatkal passport is an expedited passport issuance service offered by the Government of India through the Passport Seva portal. Under the normal scheme, a passport takes 15–30 days. Under tatkal, you can receive it in 1–3 working days after police verification (if applicable).

Tatkal service is available for:

• Fresh passport applications
• Re-issue of passports (renewal, lost, damaged)

Who is Eligible for Tatkal Passport?

Any Indian citizen who is eligible for a regular passport can apply under the tatkal scheme. However:

• You must have a valid reason for urgency (though no proof of urgency is required)
• Minors (below 18) can also apply under tatkal
• If you are applying for the first time, police verification happens after passport issuance
• If you are re-issuing with the same details, police verification may be waived

Documents Required for Tatkal Passport

Mandatory Documents

1. Proof of Present Address (any one):

   • Aadhaar card (see our Aadhaar guide)
   • Electricity bill (in applicant's name, not older than 3 months)
   • Water bill / Telephone bill / Gas connection bill
   • Voter ID card
   • Bank account passbook (with address)
   • Income Tax Assessment Order

2. Proof of Date of Birth (any one):

   • Birth certificate issued by Registrar of Births and Deaths
   • Transfer/School leaving certificate with DOB
   • PAN card
   • Aadhaar card
   • Voter ID (for age proof)

3. Annexure F (Verification Certificate):

   • This is mandatory for tatkal fresh passport applications
   • Must be signed by any one of the specified verification authorities:
     • Gazetted officer of Central/State government
     • Member of Parliament or MLA
     • Officer of PSU or statutory body
     • Notary public
   • Annexure F certifies the identity and address of the applicant
   • Download from: passportindia.gov.in

4. Self-attested copies of supporting documents

Additional Documents (if applicable)

• Marriage certificate (for married women with changed name)
• Divorce decree (if applicable)
• NOC from employer (for government employees)

Tatkal Passport Fees

Normal passport fee: ₹1,500 (36 pages) / ₹2,000 (60 pages)

Total cost for fresh tatkal passport (36 pages): ₹1,500 + ₹2,000 (tatkal fee) = ₹3,500

Note: Fees are subject to revision. Check the Passport Seva portal for latest fee structure.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Tatkal Passport

Online Application

1. Visit Passport Seva Online Portal and register/login
2. Click "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport"
3. Select application type — choose "Tatkal" under the scheme
4. Fill the application form with personal details, family information, and address
5. Upload the required documents (photograph and signature as per specifications)
6. Pay the tatkal fee online (credit/debit card, net banking, UPI, or SBI challan)
7. Schedule appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO)
8. Print the Application Receipt Number (ARN)

At the Passport Seva Kendra

1. Arrive at your scheduled appointment time with all original documents
2. Token counter — submit your ARN and get a token
3. Counter A — Document verification by officials
4. Counter B — Biometric data capture (photo, fingerprints, signature)
5. Counter C — Granting officer reviews and approves the application
6. Collect the acknowledgement receipt

After PSK Visit

• For re-issue with same details: Passport may be printed and dispatched the same day or next day
• For fresh passport: Police verification is initiated and passport is issued within 1–3 days (verification may happen post-issuance)
• Passport is delivered via Speed Post to your address

Processing Time

Important Tips

1. Book appointment early — Tatkal slots fill up fast, especially in metro cities. Book as soon as the portal opens new slots.
2. Keep Annexure F ready — For fresh tatkal passports, Annexure F is mandatory. Get it signed in advance.
3. Carry all originals — Bring original documents along with self-attested photocopies.
4. Check document specifications — Photo must be 2x2 inches, white background, and signature in black ink.
5. Track your application — Use the ARN on the Passport Seva portal or mPassport Seva app to track status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I apply for tatkal passport online?

Yes. Visit passportindia.gov.in, register, fill the form, select "Tatkal" as the scheme, pay the fees, and book an appointment at a PSK.

2. What is Annexure F and when is it needed?

Annexure F is a verification certificate required for all fresh tatkal passport applications. It must be signed by a gazetted officer, MP, MLA, notary, or other specified authorities confirming your identity and address.

3. How much does a tatkal passport cost?

The total fee for a fresh 36-page tatkal passport is approximately ₹3,500 (normal fee + tatkal fee). For 60-page booklet, it is approximately ₹4,000.

4. How many days does it take to get a tatkal passport?

Typically 1–3 working days after your PSK appointment. If police verification is required before issuance, it may take longer.

5. Is police verification required for tatkal passport?

For fresh passports, police verification is done after passport issuance (post-issuance verification). For re-issue with same details, police verification may be waived entirely.

6. Can minors apply for tatkal passport?

Yes. Minors can apply under the tatkal scheme. A parent or guardian must apply on their behalf, and Annexure F is needed for fresh applications.

7. What is the difference between tatkal and normal passport?

The only difference is processing speed and fees. A tatkal passport is processed in 1–3 days instead of 15–30 days. The passport document itself is the same.

8. Can I convert my normal passport application to tatkal?

No. You cannot convert an already submitted normal application to tatkal. You would need to apply afresh under the tatkal scheme.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of India. Always verify the latest information on the official Passport Seva portal.