How to apply for Tatkal Passport Online

Introduction to Tatkal Passport

We live in a fast-paced world where everything—from groceries to gold—can be delivered within minutes. This speed extends to official documents, too, including a passport. Introduced on 1^st January 2000 by the Ministry of External Affairs, the Tatkal scheme expedited passport processing. It typically issues the passport within one to three days after the application is submitted and verified. This is significantly quicker than the regular passport processing time of 30 to 45 days. Therefore, the Tatkal service is more expensive and requires stricter documentation. 

Who is eligible to apply for a Tatkal passport?

A Tatkal application can be submitted for both fresh issuance and re-issuance of a passport. Indian citizens, both adults and minors, are eligible to apply under the Tatkal scheme. However, applicants must not have a criminal record. The government specifically restricts certain individuals from using the Tatkal facility. Thus, checking the list of eligible categories before applying for a Tatkal passport is essential. 

How to apply for a Tatkal passport online?

The application procedure for a Tatkal passport is straightforward and involves just a few steps: 

Step 1: Visit the official passport website <www.passportindia.gov.in>.

Step 2: Click on ‘New User Registration’ on the home page to complete the normal/tatkal passport registration.

Step 3: Fill in details such as your given name, surname, date of birth, and email ID. Then, create a login ID and password. 

Step 4: Log in using the credentials and click on ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport’. 

Step 5: Choose the Tatkal option, fill in all the required details, and submit the form. 

Step 6: Click on ‘View Saved/Submitted Applications’, then ‘Pay and Schedule Appointment’, and choose your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) location. 

Step 7:  Pay the applicable fee using a credit/debit card (MasterCard & Visa), internet banking (State Bank of India (SBI) and associate banks only) or SBI bank challan.  

Step 8: Click on ‘Print Application Receipt’ to get the application receipt with an Application Reference Number (ARN)/appointment number. 

Step 9: Visit the PSK on the scheduled date with your original documents. After successfully submitting the documents and undergoing biometric verification, your passport will be processed.

Notes: 

1. Minors (under four years) must carry a recent passport-size photo (4.5 X 3.5 cm) with a white background.
2. It is mandatory to make the fee payment online using one of the available payment modes. 
3. If the applicant does not visit the PSK within 90 days of online form submission, the application must be resubmitted. 
4. Visiting a PSK without an appointment is not allowed, except in certain emergency or medical cases, or for pre-approved categories. The final decision rests with the passport authorities.
5. The Tatkal passport registration status can be checked on the PSK website. 

Checklist for Tatkal passport documents

Applicants under the Tatkal scheme must submit comprehensive documentation. 

Here’s a checklist of essential documents: 

1. Any one proof of address, such as: 

• Aadhaar card 
• Utility bill
• Income Tax Assessment Order
• Voter ID
• Bank passbook
• First and last page of parents’ passport (for minors)

2. Any one proof of birth, such as: 

• Aadhaar card
• Driving licence 
• Permanent Account Number (PAN) card
• School leaving certificate 
• Birth certificate

Additional Read: Documents Needed for Passport Application in India

In addition to these basic documents, Tatkal applicants must mandatorily submit the following documents:

Applicants below 18 years of age (Any two)

• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• Student photo ID issued by a recognised educational institution 
• Birth certificate 
• Ration card
• Last issued passport (in case of reissue) 

Applicants over 18 years of age (Any three)

• Aadhaar card
• PAN card
• Student photo ID issued by a recognised educational institution 
• Birth certificate 
• Ration card
• Last issued passport (in case of reissue) 
• Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC) 
• Valid driving licence 
• Updated bank, Kisan or post office passbook 
• Caste certificate (Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Class)
• Arms licence issued under the Arms Act, 1959
• Pension documents 
• Service photo identity cards issued by governments, public sector undertakings, local bodies or public limited companies

Additional Read: How to Apply for a Minor’s Passport in India

Conclusion

The Tatkal passport scheme significantly shortens the application processing time, helping individuals with urgent travel requirements. The online application process further simplifies the task. To ensure a smooth application, it is crucial to clearly understand the procedure for a Tatkal passport, check eligibility, and gather all required documents before submission.

Additional Read: Police Verification Process for Passport in India - A Complete Guide