How to Apply for Tatkal Passport ā Fees, Documents & Fast-Track Process
Complete guide to apply for Tatkal passport in India. Fees, required documents, Annexure F, processing time, and appointment tips.
What Is a Tatkal Passport?
The Tatkal scheme allows Indian citizens to get a passport on an urgent basis ā within 1 to 3 working days instead of the usual 30ā45 days. Introduced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), this fast-track option is available at all Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) across India.
Whether you need a passport for a sudden job opportunity abroad, a medical emergency, or last-minute travel, the Tatkal route is your fastest legal option.
Related: For the standard passport process, see our step-by-step passport application guide. For renewals, check the passport renewal guide.
Who Is Eligible for Tatkal Passport?
Any Indian citizen can apply under the Tatkal scheme. There are no special eligibility criteria beyond the normal passport requirements:
- Fresh passport applicants (first-time)
- Re-issue applicants (renewal, damaged, lost, name change, address change)
- Adults and minors (under 18)
- Both 36-page and 60-page booklets
- Available for ECR and ECNR category passports
The only difference from a normal application is the additional fee and the requirement for a verification certificate (Annexure F) for faster processing.
Tatkal Passport Fees ā Complete Comparison
The Tatkal fee is an additional ā¹2,000 on top of the normal passport fee. This surcharge is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
| Application Type | Normal Fee | Tatkal Additional Fee | Total Tatkal Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh/Re-issue ā 36 pages (10-year validity) | ā¹1,500 | ā¹2,000 | ā¹3,500 |
| Fresh/Re-issue ā 60 pages (10-year validity) | ā¹2,000 | ā¹2,000 | ā¹4,000 |
| Minor (under 18) ā 36 pages (5-year validity) | ā¹1,000 | ā¹2,000 | ā¹3,000 |
Payment methods accepted: Credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, and SBI challan.
Tip: The fee is the same whether you apply at a PSK or RPO. There is no extra charge for the mPassport Seva app.
Documents Required for Tatkal Passport
You need all the standard passport documents plus a few Tatkal-specific ones.
Standard Documents (Same as Normal Passport)
- Proof of Identity: Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, or driving licence
- Proof of Address: Aadhaar card, utility bill (water/electricity/gas ā not older than 3 months), bank passbook, rental agreement with registration
- Proof of Date of Birth: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, Aadhaar card, or PAN card
- 2 recent passport-size photographs (white background, 3.5 cm Ć 3.5 cm)
Tatkal-Specific Documents
Annexure F ā Verification Certificate (Critical)
This is the most important document for Tatkal processing. Annexure F is a verification certificate that must be signed by one of the following:
- Gazetted officer of Central/State Government
- Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)
- First Class Judicial Magistrate
- Group A officer of a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) or statutory body
- Head of a recognized educational institution (where the applicant studied)
The signatory must provide their name, designation, office address, and official stamp/seal on the Annexure F form.
Download Annexure F from the Passport Seva portal under "Downloads ā Annexures."
Annexure I ā Self-Declaration (For Lost/Damaged Passport)
If you're applying for a Tatkal passport because your previous one was lost or damaged, you'll also need Annexure I ā a self-declaration explaining the circumstances of the loss.
What If You Don't Have Annexure F?
You can still apply for Tatkal without Annexure F, but:
- Police verification will happen before passport issuance (not after)
- Processing time increases to 3ā7 working days instead of 1ā3 days
- Your passport may carry a one-year validity restriction in some cases
Bottom line: Get Annexure F signed if at all possible. It significantly speeds up the process.
How to Apply for Tatkal Passport ā Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal
- Go to passportindia.gov.in or download the mPassport Seva app
- Create an account or log in to your existing account
- Verify your email address
Step 2: Fill the Online Application Form
- Click "Apply for Fresh Passport / Re-issue of Passport"
- On the first page, select "Tatkal" under the Application Type dropdown
- Fill all sections: personal details, family details, present/permanent address, emergency contact
- In the document upload section, upload scanned copies of all required documents including Annexure F
Step 3: Pay the Tatkal Fee
- After submitting the form, you'll be redirected to the payment page
- Pay the full Tatkal fee (ā¹3,500 for 36-page booklet) via credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI
- Save the payment receipt ā you'll need it at the PSK
Step 4: Book an Appointment
- After payment, book an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO)
- Tatkal appointments are available alongside normal ones ā select any available slot
- Pro tip: Tatkal slots fill up fast. Book as early as possible, ideally right when new slots open (usually around 6ā7 PM for the next day)
Step 5: Visit PSK/RPO on Appointment Date
Carry the following to your appointment:
- Printed application form (with application reference number)
- Original documents + self-attested photocopies of all uploaded documents
- Original Annexure F (signed and stamped by the authorized signatory)
- Payment receipt
At the PSK, you'll go through these counters:
- Counter A ā Document verification and token generation
- Counter B ā Biometric data capture (photo, fingerprints, signature)
- Counter C ā Final verification by passport granting authority
Step 6: Police Verification & Passport Delivery
- With Annexure F: Passport is typically issued within 1ā3 working days. Police verification happens after passport issuance (post-issuance verification).
- Without Annexure F: Police verification is done before issuance, which adds 3ā7 working days to the process.
Your passport is delivered via Speed Post to your registered address. Track it using the passport status tracking tool.
Learn more: Understand the full police verification process for passports.
Tatkal Passport Processing Time
| Scenario | Expected Processing Time |
|---|---|
| With Annexure F | 1ā3 working days from PSK visit |
| Without Annexure F | 3ā7 working days (pre-issuance police verification) |
| Lost passport (Tatkal) | 7ā14 working days (mandatory police verification) |
| Normal passport (for comparison) | 30ā45 days |
Note: Processing times are estimates. Actual time may vary based on your RPO workload, police verification speed, and document completeness.
Police Verification for Tatkal Passport
Police verification is handled differently for Tatkal applications:
- With Annexure F: The passport is issued first, and police verification happens after you receive it. If adverse findings come up during verification, the passport can be revoked.
- Without Annexure F: Police verification must be completed before the passport is printed and dispatched. A police officer will visit your address to verify your identity and residential details.
Tips for Smooth Police Verification
- Keep your Aadhaar address updated to match your current address
- Inform your local police station in advance if possible
- Keep original documents ready at home
- Be available at your registered address during the verification window
For a detailed breakdown, see our complete guide to passport police verification.
Appointment Booking Tips for Tatkal Passport
Getting a Tatkal appointment can be challenging due to high demand. Here are some practical tips:
- Book early: New appointment slots typically open around 6ā7 PM for the next day. Be ready at your computer.
- Try multiple PSKs: If your nearest PSK is full, check other PSKs in your city or nearby districts.
- Use the mPassport Seva app: Sometimes slots appear on the app before the website.
- Avoid Mondays and post-holidays: These are the busiest days at PSKs. Mid-week slots are easier to get.
- Check cancellations: Slots freed by cancellations can appear throughout the day ā keep checking.
- Don't use agents/touts: Apply directly through the official portal. Third-party agents charge inflated fees and may submit incorrect documents.
Important Rules & Restrictions
- Tatkal passports issued to first-time applicants carry an observation: "This passport is issued under the Tatkal scheme" ā valid for full 10 years, no functional limitation.
- ECR endorsement cannot be changed within 1 year of Tatkal issuance.
- Tatkal fee is non-refundable even if you miss your appointment or your application is rejected.
- You cannot convert a normal application to Tatkal after submission. You must submit a fresh application.
- Short-validity passports (1-year validity) may be issued if there are unresolved police verification concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for Tatkal passport online?
Yes. The entire application process ā form filling, payment, and appointment booking ā is done online at passportindia.gov.in or via the mPassport Seva app. You only visit the PSK for document verification and biometrics.
What is Annexure F, and is it mandatory for Tatkal?
Annexure F is a verification certificate signed by a gazetted officer, MP, MLA, or equivalent authority. It is not mandatory, but without it, police verification happens before passport issuance, which delays the process by several days.
How much does a Tatkal passport cost?
A Tatkal passport for a 36-page booklet costs ā¹3,500 (ā¹1,500 normal fee + ā¹2,000 Tatkal surcharge). For a 60-page booklet, it's ā¹4,000. For minors, it's ā¹3,000.
Can I get a Tatkal passport in 1 day?
It's possible but not guaranteed. With Annexure F and all documents in order, some applicants receive their passport within 1 working day of visiting the PSK. However, 1ā3 working days is the standard timeframe.
Is police verification required for Tatkal passport?
Yes, police verification is required for all passports including Tatkal. The difference is timing ā with Annexure F, verification happens after passport issuance. Without it, verification happens before issuance.
Can I apply for Tatkal passport for a child/minor?
Yes. The Tatkal scheme is available for minors under 18. The fee is ā¹3,000 (ā¹1,000 normal + ā¹2,000 Tatkal). You'll need the same documents as a regular minor passport application, plus Annexure F.
What happens if my Tatkal passport application is rejected?
The Tatkal fee of ā¹2,000 is non-refundable. You'll need to submit a fresh application (and pay again) if you want to reapply. Common rejection reasons include document mismatches, incomplete Annexure F, and address discrepancies.