Need a passport urgently? There is a faster option that can help you get your passport without waiting for police verification to be completed first.
Instead of applying under the normal process, you can choose the Tatkal passport service.
Under this option, the passport can generally be delivered within 2 to 3 working days, subject to eligibility, document verification and processing.
However, faster processing comes with an additional fee, and applicants need to keep the required documents ready.
Tatkal Passport Costs More Than a Regular Passport
The Tatkal service requires you to pay an additional Tatkal fee of ₹2,000, over and above the applicable passport fee.
For a 36-page passport, the base fee is ₹2,500, along with the applicable Tatkal fee, taking the total to ₹4,500.
For a 60-page passport, the base fee is ₹3,500. With the Tatkal fee, the total comes to ₹5,500.
The exact fee should be checked on the official Passport Seva portal while applying, as fees and rules can change.
Keep These Documents Ready
Document verification is an important part of the Tatkal process. Your personal details should match across your documents.
Applicants may need:
Aadhaar card
Annexure E declaration form
Two additional valid identity documents, such as PAN card, Voter ID, Driving Licence or bank passbook
Make sure your name, father’s name and date of birth are consistent across the documents you submit.
How to Apply for a Tatkal Passport Online
Applying for a Tatkal passport is fairly straightforward.
Visit the official Passport Seva portal.
Register and log in to your account.
Select Fresh Passport or Re-issue of Passport.
Choose Tatkal under the scheme option.
Fill in your personal and address details and submit the application.
Pay the required fee and book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).
Visit the centre with the required documents for verification.
Choosing an early appointment can help complete the processing sooner, although delivery timelines are not guaranteed.
Does Tatkal Mean No Police Verification?
Not exactly.
The main difference is when the police verification takes place.
With a regular passport application, police verification is generally completed before the passport is issued.
Under the Tatkal process, the passport may be issued before police verification, subject to the applicant meeting the eligibility and document requirements.
Police verification can then take place after the passport has been issued.
So, if you need your passport urgently, Tatkal can significantly speed up the process.
However, applicants should check the latest eligibility conditions and fees on the official Passport Seva portal before applying.
