
Difference Between Normal vs Tatkal Passport
One thing that is non-negotiable for international travel is a passport. It serves as essential proof of your identity, citizenship and nationality. There are two ways to obtain a passport in India – the normal process or the Tatkal scheme. While both ultimately provide the same valid travel document, they differ in terms of processing time, fees and documentation requirements. This article explores these differences to help you choose the right option based on your needs.
Difference between normal and Tatkal passport
Before diving into the key differences between a normal passport and a Tatkal passport, let’s understand what each option entails.
To obtain a passport in India, applicants must go through the following steps:
- Register and apply for a passport by visiting the official Passport Seva website.
- Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) on the scheduled date with original documents for biometric verification and other formalities.
- Wait for the PSK to initiate a police verification process to confirm your identity and address.
- Wait for the passport to be processed and dispatched.
The normal passport application process follows these standard steps and typically takes between 30 and 45 days. This option suits individuals who do not have any immediate travel plans.
The Tatkal scheme is a fast-track version of the normal application process, designed for people with urgent travel requirements. The passport is usually delivered within one to three days, and in most cases, police verification is done after passport issuance. However, this expedited service comes with a higher fee and requires additional documents.
Normal vs Tatkal passport - Key differences
Particulars | Normal | Tatkal |
---|---|---|
Issuance time | 30 to 45 days | One to three days |
Fees | Lower | Higher |
Police verification | Before issuance | After issuance, in most cases |
Suitable for | Those who do not have immediate travel plans | Those who have immediate travel plans |
Documents | Standard identity, birth and address proof | Standard documents plus additional declaration and verification documents |
Difference between the application procedure and documents
Application procedure
The application procedure is largely similar for both normal and Tatkal passports. The key difference lies in selecting the correct service type when completing the application form.
Steps to apply:
- Visit www.passportindia.gov.in
- Register by filling in your basic details and creating a login ID.
- Log in with your credentials and fill out the application form, choosing the preferred mode – normal or Tatkal.
- Pay the fees applicable as per your service and book an appointment slot by choosing your preferred PSK location.
- Visit the PSK with original documents and complete the formalities, including biometric verification and document verification.
Note: If you do not visit the PSK within 90 days from the date of the online application, you will have to start afresh and resubmit the application.
Documents required
Typically, these are the documents needed while applying for a passport:
Basic documents (Applicable to both services)
- 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)
- Any one proof of identity, such as:
- Aadhaar card
- Permanent Account Number (PAN) card
- Voter ID
- Driving licence
- Government ID
- Any one proof of birth, such as:
- Aadhaar card
- Driving licence
- PAN card
- School leaving certificate
- Birth certificate
Additional Read: Documents Needed for Passport Application in India
Additional documents for Tatkal applicants
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
Normal vs Tatkal passport fees
Service | Application fee | Additional Tatkal fee |
Fresh passport/Reissue of passport (36 pages, 10-year validity) | ₹ 1,500 | ₹ 2,000 |
Fresh passport/Reissue of passport (60 pages, 10-year validity) | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
Fresh passport/Reissue of passport for applicants below 18 years (36 pages, 5-year validity or until 18 years) | ₹ 1,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
Replacement of passport due to loss, damage or theft (36 pages) | ₹ 3,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
Replacement of passport due to loss, damage or theft (60 pages) | ₹ 3,500 | ₹ 2,000 |
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) | ₹ 500 | NA |
Replacement of passport for deletion of ECR or change in personal details (36 pages, 10-year validity) | ₹ 1,500 | ₹ 2,000 |
Replacement of passport for deletion of ECR or change in personal details (60 pages, 10-year validity) | ₹ 2,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
Replacement of passport for deletion of ECR or change in personal details (36 pages, for minors, 5-year validity or until 18 years) | ₹ 1,000 | ₹ 2,000 |
Notes:
- The fee structure may change as per the directions of the Ministry of External Affairs.
- The ECR or Emigration Check Required status applies to individuals travelling to certain countries for employment and involves additional checks.
Conclusion
Both the normal and Tatkal passport services help obtain a passport. The Tatkal option expedites the process and ensures quick issuance but comes at a premium cost and with stricter documents. Evaluate your urgency and budget carefully before choosing a particular route.
Additional Read: Types of Passports: Everything You Must Know to Travel
Additional Read: How to Apply for a Minor’s Passport in India