Tatkal vs Normal Passport – Key Differences & Fees 2025

Applying for an Indian passport is easier than ever, thanks to the digital Passport Seva system. However, one question still confuses most Indian applicants—should you apply under the Normal scheme or choose the Tatkal scheme? Understanding the difference between Tatkal and Normal passport is important because both options help you receive your passport, but they differ in terms of processing time, fees, documentation, and urgency levels.

If you are planning international travel soon—whether for work, study, vacation, or emergency—understanding the Tatkal vs Normal Passport difference in 2025 is essential. This guide simplifies everything you need to know, including process, timelines, costs, and eligibility.

What Is a Normal Passport?

A Normal Passport is issued to Indian citizens who apply with standard processing time. It follows the usual verification steps, including police verification (pre or post-issuance, depending on the case) and takes a few weeks to be delivered.

Key Features

·       Standard processing

·       Lower fees

·       Suitable for applicants who are not in a hurry

·       Police verification may be done before or after issuance

·       Comes with both 36-page and 60-page booklet options

What Is a Tatkal Passport?

A Tatkal Passport is a fast-track service for applicants who need their passport urgently. The documentation is slightly stricter, and extra charges apply. Under the Tatkal scheme, applicants receive their passport much faster than Normal applications.

Key Features

·       Fast-track processing

·       Higher fee

·       Limited appointments due to high demand

·       Requires additional documents such as Annexure F/I (if applicable)

·       Ideal for emergencies or urgent travel needs

Tatkal vs Normal Passport – Key Differences (2025)

Feature	Normal Passport	Tatkal Passport
Processing Speed	7–30 days (varies by city & police verification)	1–3 days after submission (in many cases same-week delivery)
Fees (2025)	Lower	Higher (Tatkal charges apply)
Police Verification	Mandatory in most cases	Post-verification often allowed depending on documents
Ideal For	Regular travellers, non-urgent cases	Urgent travel, emergencies, last-minute plans
Appointment Availability	Easier to get	Limited, often booked early
Documents Required	Standard documents	Additional documents (proof of urgency & verification)
Age Groups Covered	All	All, but with extra scrutiny

Tatkal vs Normal Passport Fees 2025 (India)

The passport fee depends on:

·       Age of applicant

·       Type of booklet (36 or 60 pages)

·       Whether it’s a fresh passport or reissue

·       Processing scheme (Normal or Tatkal)

Here is a simplified 2025 fee structure:

Normal Passport Fees (2025)

Service Type	36 Pages	60 Pages
New / Reissue for 18+ years	₹1,500	₹2,000
Minor Passport	₹1,000	NA

Tatkal Passport Fees (2025)

(Tatkal charges include the Normal fee + additional Tatkal fee)

Service Type	36 Pages	60 Pages
New / Reissue for 18+ years	₹3,500	₹4,000
Minor Passport	₹3,000	NA

Note: Fees may vary slightly depending on updates from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Applicants should confirm the latest fees on the Passport Seva portal.

How Fast Is a Tatkal Passport in 2025?

Under the Tatkal scheme, the passport is typically issued within:

·       24 hours to 3 working days

This includes internal verification and printing. Many applicants receive their passports within 2 days of document submission.

How Fast Is a Normal Passport in 2025?

A Normal passport takes:

·       7 to 30 days, depending on:

o   Police verification status

o   Location

o   Workload at Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)

Metro cities process Normal passports faster due to advanced systems and higher operational capacity.

Eligibility for Tatkal Passport

Not everyone is eligible for the Tatkal scheme. Your application must meet MEA’s documentation and verification guidelines.

Eligible Applicants (Common Cases):

·       Adults applying for a fresh passport with the required documents

·       Reissue applications (renewal, expired passports)

·       Lost or damaged passports (with additional documentation)

Not Eligible Under Tatkal:

·       Minors with single-parent cases (varies)

·       Applicants with an adverse police verification history

·       Complex citizenship cases

·       Pending criminal cases (without court permission)

Documents Required for Tatkal Passport (2025)

To apply under Tatkal, you may need:

·       Aadhaar Card

·       PAN Card

·       Voter ID

·       Driving Licence

·       Old passport (for reissue)

·       Annexure F or I (as applicable)

·       Verified proof of urgency (case-to-case basis)

Documents may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Which Is Better: Tatkal or Normal Passport?

Choosing between Tatkal vs Normal depends on how urgent your travel requirement is.

Choose Normal Passport If:

·       You are applying early

·       You do not have urgent travel

·       You want to save money

Choose Tatkal Passport If:

·       You have last-minute travel

·       Your passport is lost or damaged

·       You need your passport within days

·       You are travelling abroad for emergency reasons

The only downside to the Tatkal scheme is the higher cost and limited availability of slots.

Is Tatkal Passport Priority Guaranteed?

Yes, under the Tatkal scheme, passport applications are treated as high-priority. However:

·       Appointments fill up fast

·       Documents are scrutinized more strictly

·       Same-day processing depends on PSK workload

Which One Is Faster?

Tatkal Passport is significantly faster - often issued within 1–3 days.
Normal applications may take weeks, depending on police verification and location.

Conclusion

Both Tatkal and Normal passports serve the same purpose, but the choice depends on urgency and budget. If you have time and want to save money, a Normal passport is a great option. However, for urgent travel or emergency needs, the Tatkal scheme is a reliable, fast-track solution that helps you receive your passport without long waiting periods.

By understanding the Tatkal vs Normal Passport differences, fees, timelines, and documentation, applicants in 2025 can make an informed decision and plan their travel without hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. What is the main difference between a Tatkal and a Normal passport?

The biggest difference is the processing time. A Normal passport may take 7–30 days, while a Tatkal passport is issued within 1–3 days. Tatkal applications are processed on a priority basis but cost more than Normal passports.

Q.2. Is a Tatkal passport more expensive than a Normal passport?

Yes. Tatkal passports include an additional fast-track fee. The total cost is ₹3,500–₹4,000 for adults, compared to ₹1,500–₹2,000 under the Normal scheme.

Q.3. How long does it take to get a Tatkal passport in 2025?

Most applicants receive a Tatkal passport within 24 hours to 3 working days after successful document verification at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Q.4. Can anyone apply for a Tatkal passport?

Most people can, but not everyone is eligible. Applicants with pending criminal cases, complex documentation, or adverse police verification may not qualify for the Tatkal scheme. Additional documents like Annexure F/I may be required.

Q.5. Is police verification required for Tatkal passports?

Yes, but in many cases, police verification is done after the passport is issued. This post-verification is allowed only when documents are complete and meet MEA guidelines.