Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Tatkal Passport Appointment

Applying for a Tatkal passport is essential for anyone in urgent need of traveling abroad. The Tatkal scheme offers a faster way to process passport applications, but it’s crucial to understand how to navigate the booking process effectively. This step-by-step guide will walk you through booking your Tatkal passport appointment smoothly.

Step 1: Register on the Passport Seva Portal

To start the process, you must first register on the official Passport Seva Portal. This is the primary portal through which passport services are offered by the Government of India.

Go to the Passport Seva Portal.
Click on "New User? Register Now."
Fill in your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and email address.
Create a strong password and verify your account through email.
Log in using your credentials.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Once registered, the next step is to complete the online passport application form. Here’s how:

Log in to your account and click on “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
Select the Tatkal option to ensure your application is processed urgently.
Enter your personal details accurately, such as your name, address, and date of birth.
Upload all necessary documents in PDF format (details on required documents are covered later).

Ensure that the details in your form match your documents exactly, as discrepancies can delay the process.

Step 3: Pay the Tatkal Passport Fee

The Tatkal passport application process requires a higher fee than the normal process. You will need to pay the fee before booking an appointment.

Tatkal Fee Breakdown

36-page booklet: ₹2,000 (normal) + ₹2,000 (Tatkal charges) = ₹4,000.
60-page booklet: Higher charges apply for the larger size.

You can pay the fee through:

Net Banking: Direct online payment using your bank’s net banking service.
Debit/Credit Cards: You can also use your card for payment.
UPI: Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for quick and hassle-free payments.
Challan: Generate and pay through a bank if you prefer offline payment.

Make sure to retain the payment receipt, as you’ll need it for further verification.

Step 4: Schedule Your Tatkal Appointment

After submitting your application and paying the fees, the next crucial step is to schedule your appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).

Go to the “View Saved/Submitted Applications” section of the Passport Seva Portal.
Click on “Schedule Appointment” for your submitted application.
Select the Tatkal option for an urgent appointment.
Choose your preferred Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) based on your location.
You will see available dates and time slots. Choose the earliest one to ensure faster processing.

Important Tips for Booking a Tatkal Appointment

Check Appointment Availability Early: Tatkal appointments are highly sought after and slots fill up quickly. It's best to check for appointment availability early in the morning when new slots are usually updated.
Be Quick: Since Tatkal appointments are limited, act fast once you see an available slot.
Keep Documents Ready: Make sure all your documents, including Annexures F and I, are ready for submission on the day of the appointment.

Step 5: Attend Your Appointment

Once your appointment is scheduled, prepare to visit the Passport Seva Kendra on the assigned date and time.

What to Carry to the Appointment

Application form: A printed copy of your filled-out form.
Appointment confirmation: A printed appointment confirmation receipt.
Supporting Documents: Original and self-attested photocopies of documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, proof of address, and proof of date of birth.
Annexure F and I: Ensure you have these documents ready, as they are mandatory for Tatkal applications.
Passport-sized photographs: Though the PSK will take your photograph, it’s always good to carry a few copies.

At the Passport Seva Kendra

Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
Go through the token issuance process at the entrance.
Submit your documents at the verification counter, where your original documents will be checked.
Proceed to the biometric section where your fingerprints and photograph will be captured.
After verification, you will receive an Acknowledgement Receipt. This will include the File Number to track your application status online.

Step 6: Track Your Application Status

After your appointment, you can track the status of your Tatkal passport application online.

Log in to the Passport Seva Portal.
Click on “Track Application Status”.
Enter your File Number (available on the Acknowledgement Receipt).
Monitor the progress, including the police verification and passport dispatch stages.

Step 7: Police Verification (Post-Issue)

Unlike regular passport applications where police verification is done before the passport is issued, the Tatkal passport scheme allows the passport to be issued before police verification. Once your passport is dispatched, the police verification will take place at your residential address.

Be prepared with your identification and address proof.
Make sure all details are accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays.

Step 8: Receive Your Passport

Once your application is processed and approved, your Tatkal passport will be dispatched within 1-3 business days. You can expect it to arrive at the address mentioned in your application.

Ensure that someone is available at the delivery address to receive the passport, as it requires a signature upon receipt.

Conclusion

Booking a Tatkal passport appointment involves several critical steps, from registration on the Passport Seva Portal to attending your appointment at the PSK. By following this guide, you can ensure that your application is processed without unnecessary delays. Remember to check for appointment availability early, prepare all required documents in advance, and track your application status to stay updated on its progress.

Passport Agent