Applying for a Tatkal Passport? Know the Essential Documents You Need

In urgent situations, when you need to travel abroad and cannot wait for a regular passport process, the Ministry of External Affairs offers the Tatkal Passport service. This service is designed for those who need a passport quickly, but it comes with a higher fee. However, having the right documents ready is critical for a smooth and successful application. If you’re applying for a Tatkal Passport, it’s important to ensure you’ve gathered all necessary paperwork beforehand to avoid delays.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand which documents are needed to apply for a Tatkal Passport, along with a few restrictions you should be aware of.

Documents Needed for Tatkal Passport Application

According to the official Passport Seva website, adults (18 years and above) applying for a Tatkal Passport are required to submit three key documents. These documents must confirm your address, date of birth, and non-ECR status (if applicable). For applicants under 18 years of age, only two documents are required.

Below is a list of acceptable documents:

• Aadhaar Card: You can submit your PVC Aadhaar Card, full original Aadhaar Card, or e-Aadhaar with a verified digital signature from UIDAI. Note that small cut-out Aadhaar cards or smart cards printed by non-UIDAI entities will not be accepted.
• PAN Card: The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is also an acceptable document.
• Student ID: A photo identity card issued by a recognized educational institution is valid for students.
• Birth Certificate: The birth certificate should be issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.
• Ration Card: An updated ration card is valid proof of identity and address.
• Last Issued Passport: For renewal cases, the last issued passport will be accepted.
• Voter ID Card: Your voter photo identity card is also accepted.
• Driving License: A valid driving license can be submitted, but it should be issued within the state where the application is being made.
• Bank/ Post Office Passbook: A bank passbook, Kisan passbook, or post office passbook with your photograph and attested latest transactions is accepted.
• Caste Certificate: Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, or Other Backward Class certificates are valid for the application.
• Arms License: An arms license issued under the Arms Act, 1959, is also acceptable.
• Pension Documents: For retired government employees or ex-servicemen, pension documents, including widow or dependent certificates and old-age pension orders, can be used.
• Government-issued Photo ID: Photo identity cards issued by central or state governments, public sector units, or public limited companies are also valid.

Categories That Cannot Apply for Tatkal Passport

While the Tatkal Passport service is available to most applicants, certain categories of people are not eligible for the service. Here’s a list of situations where Tatkal Passport is not applicable:

1. Significant Name Changes: Applicants who have undergone major name changes cannot apply for Tatkal.
2. Out-of-jurisdiction Addresses: Those whose current address is outside the jurisdiction of the Regional Passport Office (RPO) are not eligible.
3. Minor Applications with Annex C: Minors, especially those whose parents are separated or divorced, cannot apply for a Tatkal passport.
4. Government Repatriates: Applicants who were repatriated from abroad at the government’s expense are also excluded.
5. Deportees or Emergency Certificate Travelers: Those deported back to India or traveling with an emergency certificate cannot apply under Tatkal.
6. Naga, J&K, and Special Categories: People of Naga origin or those from Jammu and Kashmir, including minors, cannot apply.
7. Criminal Cases and Watchlisted Applicants: People involved in criminal cases or those with an adverse police report are not eligible for the Tatkal service.

Special Cases for Reissue

There are also certain special cases when applying for a reissue of a passport under the Tatkal scheme. These include:

• Lost or Stolen Passports: If your passport has been lost or stolen, you can apply for a reissue under Tatkal.
• Short-validity Passports: Passports issued with a short validity period can also be reissued under the scheme.
• Damaged Passports: If your passport is damaged beyond recognition, you can apply for a new one.
• Changes in Personal Details: Changes in your date of birth, place of birth, gender, signature, or father/mother/spouse’s name also qualify for a reissue.