Difference Between Normal and Tatkal Passport: Updated 2025

The difference between normal and tatkal passport is based on the time and process period of obtaining the passport and related fees, eligibility, and the required documents. A regular passport, which is suitable to those with a flexible plan when it comes to travelling, and a Tatkal passport, which accommodates those with an immediate need to travel. In 2025, the Indian government made a round of upgrades such as shortened processing, simplification of charges, and a streamlined application package to those applying as Tatkal passport applicants. Browsing through this guide, you will have a chance to learn mainly about the difference between normal and tatkal passport, what is the difference between normal and tatkal passport, difference between normal and tatkal passport renewal, difference between normal and tatkal passport application, and come to a proper choice in terms of your travel plans.

What is the Difference Between Normal and Tatkal Passport?

 Mainly, the difference between normal and Tatkal passport depends on processing duration, fee, eligibility, and the requisite documentation.

Also Read: Difference Between a Visa and a Passport: Complete Guide

Processing Time – Normal vs Tatkal Passport

Arguably, the most significant difference between normal and Tatkal passports is the respective processing times, which in turn exert a direct influence on your travel plans. Here are detailed timelines, verification procedures and real-life situations so that you can decide the most apt option. 

1. Standard Processing Time of Passport (30-45 days)

A typical standard normal passport application proceeds as indicated below: 

• Online/Offline Applications Submission Cool Day 1

• Verification of Documentation 3-7 days

• Police Verification (Pre-Issuance) 7-21 days (Depending on the location)

• Passport Printing Dispatch 710days

• Shipment time 2-5 days

• On average, the process takes 30–45 days (provided document accuracy and regional backlog are considered) 

   Why Does it Take So Long?

• The obligatory pre-issuance police verification slows down the process.

• Timelines are stretched in metrics that have high application volumes (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi).

•  Submit an application for a standard passport no less than two months prior to your travel date to sidestep last-minute stress. 

2. Tatkal Passport Processing Time ( 1-3 Days ) 

Under the Tatkal passport scheme, expediency takes precedence.

• Same/Next Day Appointment and Document Scrutiny

• Hastened Police Verification—be it performed post-issue or concurrently—takes roughly 1–2 days.

• Passport printing and dispatch can take up to two days.

• In sum, passports can be issued within 1–3 working days, contingent upon the absence of any documentary errors.

• By carrying out police verification after the passport is issued, waiting periods for pre-approval are obviated.

• Specially earmarked Tatkal slots at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs)

Fees And Costs Comparison of Normal and Tatkal Passport (2025 Edition)

 Fees and the primary difference between normal and Tatkal passports is the way their fees are structured. Even though normal passports are budget-friendly, Tatkal passports carry a premium cost due to their urgent processing. The following is the breakdown of all the fees we pay in 2025, with all the possible hidden charges, changes in fees depending on age, and depending on the size of the booklet, including all the fees we do not know. 

1. 2025 Passport Charges (As set by the Govt) 

• ObjectType 36-Page Booklet60-Page BookletAdditional Charges

• Economy (Adult)

• Tatkal (Adult)

• Normal (Minor)

• Tatkal (Minor)

2. Observation 

• Tatkal passports can cost anywhere from two to 2.5 times more than their ordinary counterparts.

• Frequent travellers incur an additional INR 500–1,000 when they opt for the 60-page, “Jumbo” booklet.

• Individuals under the age of 18 are granted a reduction, though they still end up paying elevated Tatkal fees. 

3. Hidden Fees and Other Expenses (Chapters 2025) 

• Numerous applicants fail to account for the extra charges that lie beyond the basic passport fee.

• Police Verification Fee- INR 500 (of the base fee must be paid in case of promised verification delays).

• Courier Charges – INR 200-300 (all locations are dependent).

• Late appointment rescheduling 500 (in case rescheduled in less than 48 hrs).

• Tatkal Urgency Surcharge 1000 rupees (non-refundable in case it is rejected).

•  Never be surprised, 1000-500 extra is always an option. 

4. Is It Cheaper to Apply for a Normal or a Tatkal Passport? 

• Under base (Adult) 1,500 3,500

• Processing Time: 30–45 days, 1–3 Days

• Best for non-emergency travel Emergencies need

• Hidden Fees

• Example:

1. Normal passport = INR 1,500 + INR 300 (courier) = INR 1,800 in total.
2. Tatkal passport = 3, 500 + 1, 000 (urgency) + 300 (courier) = 4, 800 in total.
3. 2025 Fee Changes: What is New?Tatkal Surcharge once 1,500 (in 2025, 1.000 now, it was 500 in 2024).
4. Jumbo Booklet Premium PDF Tatkal applications now cost INR 4,000, up from the earlier INR 3,500.
5. Discount for Minors Downsized – Minors now pay INR 2,500 (whereas earlier it was INR 2,000). 

Also Read: Indian Passport Renewal Fees: Costs & Charges Guide

Eligibility Criteria & Who Can Apply? 

Familiarising oneself with the eligibility criteria is essential when choosing between applying for a normal passport and a Tatkal passport. Whereas most Indian citizens can obtain a normal passport, the stringent conditions linked to Tatkal passports stem from their fast-track processing. The following details provide a comprehensive overview of the applicant profile, associated constraints, and the most recent 2025 developments. 

1. Which Indian citizens are eligible to apply for a normal passport?

All Indian citizens who satisfy the basic documentation requirements are entitled to apply for a normal passport. It comes with no urgency-related limits, and therefore, it remains the go-to option for most applicants. 

The Eligible Applicants are:

• Adults (Aged 18 and above) – eligible for both fresh applications and their renewals.

• Minors (Under 18) - it must be signed by a parent and birth certificate must be provided.

• Senior citizens- No age Limit.

• Government-Employees

• Students Study Abroad – May submit their applications along with their admission letters. 

Required Documents:

• Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID Proof of Identity

• Address Confirmation: utility bill, lease agreement, etc.

• Birth Date Certificate (School leaving certificate, birth certificate)

• Application verification is an obligatory procedure for normal passports, and the time it takes—varying from 2 to 4 weeks—depends on the issuing office’s workload. 

2. Under which category are applicants entitled to a Tatkal passport?

Although the Tatkal passport caters to immediate travel exigencies, not every applicant is entitled to it. The candidates need to have a demonstration of urgency and fulfill tough requisites. 

Eligibility urgent scenario

• Pretal

• Last-Minute Travel

• Medical Emergencies- Hospital referral or doctor certificate.

• Job Offers Abroad – Employment letter containing the joining date.

• Official/Government Duty - Urgency certificate handed out by employer. 

Tatkal Documents:

• Standard Documents (This means an ordinary passport).

• Evidence of Emergency (Flight Tickets, letter from the employer, medical evidence).

• Affidavit (Attested statement of the urgent reason).

• Time of processing: 1-3 days (in case of document verification). 

 Documentation Required for Each Application

In the process of applying for an Indian passport? The documents necessary vary substantially between regular and Tatkal passport applications. Both procedures call for fundamental identity documents; however, heartening travel evidence is mandatory for Tatkal passports. The following is an exhaustive checklist of 2025 documents with recent relaxations and special cases, respectively. 

1. Standard Documents of Everything Passport

All of the above papers are compulsory for normal as well as Tatkal passport applications. 

1. Proof of Identity (Any One) 

• Aadhaar Card along with the QR code

• PAN Card

• Voter ID

• Driving License 

2. Proof of Address (Any One) 

• Electricity/Water Bill (from the last three months)

• Rental Agreement (on which the Owner's NOC must also be obtained).

• Current/Up-to-Date Bank Passbook 

3. Date-of-Birth Proof (Any One) 

1. Birth Certificate

2. Matching Class 10 marksheet

3. Affidavit (in case of no birth proof) 

4. Further Documents for Minors 

• Parents’ passport photocopies

• School Identity Card/Bonafide Certificate

Additional Documents for TATKAL Passport

Because Tatkal pertains to urgent travel, you need to furnish evidence of urgency (the 2025 guidelines have relaxed this requirement). 

1. Accepted Type of Urgency Proof (Any One)

•  Confirmed Flight Tickets (less than 14 days of travel in the next 14 days).

• An employer’s urgency letter valid for work visas.

• Medical Certificate (for hospitalisation/foreign medical treatment)

•  Death Certificate (if travelling abroad to be with relatives)

• University Admission Letter (for students) 

2. 2025 Relaxation: 

• Affidavits for employment offers or admission letters are no longer compulsory.

• Electronic copies are acceptable: E-ticket/ Email confirmations will do. 

Also Read: Germany Transit Visa for Indians: Latest Expert Guide

Police Verification Process

Although crucial to passport issuance, the timetable and procedures for the police verification vary between normal and Tatkal passports. The knowledge of these disparities will allow you to see when delays will occur. The difference between normal and Tatkal passports in the verification of each type, shown below, is elaborated in enough detail to include the bottlenecks and tips on how to get around them to clear more quickly in 2025. 

1. Normal Passport: Verification before the Passport Is Issued 

The Process

• After your Application: As soon as you submit your documents, the Regional Passport Office (RPO) passes your particulars to the local police.

• Home Visit: This involves a visit by an officer to your place of residence where he/she checks your address, criminal record, and background.

• Approval Timeline: The expected time of approval is 7 to 21 days, depending on location. 

Major Stages of Normal Verification 

Stage

• Once the file reaches the police, applicants should wait 2–5 days for them to get in touch.

• Officer Visit 3- 10 days. Be present with IDs

• Report Submission 2-5 days. Follow up in case of delay

• Passport Printing

Where Delays Stem From? 

• Difficulty of working in Metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai): Difficulty in getting the work done.

• If you happen to be away during the visit.

• If there are open FIRs, the clearance process is withheld.

• Let your landlord/neighbor know of the forthcoming police visit.

• Have the original copies of your IDs (Aadhaar, rent agreement) at hand. 

2. Tatkal Passport: Post-Issuance Verification

 Working Process

• First the Passport, Then the Checks: Tatkal applicants obtain their documents within 1–3 days, with the verification process carried out after issuance.

• Concurrent Processing: In certain cases, the verification is carried out concurrently with the printing of the passport.

• Grace Period: After 30 days, there is the risk of canceling your passport unless you cooperate.

Major Departures from the Normal Process 

• Factor Normal Passport Tatkal Passport

• Timing

• On Travel

• Probability of Rejection

What would happen in the event that verification fails? 

• Passport Impoundment: The authorities can revoke your Tatkal passport.

• Imperative Blacklisting: The future repercussions.

Renewal & Application 

 Be it a fresh passport application or a renewal of an existing one, the procedures vary considerably between the normal and Tatkal schemes. The sections that follow present a detailed 2025 timeline, required documentation, and shrewd strategies for both scenarios. 

Difference Between Normal and Tatkal Passports Renewal

The difference between normal and Tatkal passport Renewal is governed by varying processes dictated by its urgency level. Take a look at the comparisons between the two: 

1. Normal Passport Renewal 

• Processing Cycle: 30 to 45 days (pre-issuance verification by police is done)

• Best For: Expired passports which are not going anywhere in a short time. Best For: Expired passports which are not going anywhere in a short time

• Documents Needed:

• Copy of old passport

• Address/ID address (in case changed)

• Two recent photographs 

Typical Scenario: 

Your passport is about 6 months old and you are about to plan a 2026 trip around Europe. This is a word of advice to apply to normal renewal before it's last-minute." 

2. Tatkal Passport Renewal

• Processing Time: up to three days (after the new passport has been issued)

• Ideal For: Travel on urgent journeys carried out on passports that are either expired or about to expire.

• Extra Requirements:

• Flight tickets/employer letter in case of urgent need

• The increased prices (36-page 3500) 

Emergency Scenario: 

Although your passport expires in the next seven days, you have just been offered an immediate work assignment in the USA. By opting for a Tatkal renewal, you will obtain the passport within 72 hours. 

Updates on Applying for Renewal 2025  

• Engineering the Digital: Renovals now enable e-signatures on their application forms.
• Auto-Fill Option: When you access the Passport Seva portal, it downloads the data from your old passport.

Difference Between Normal and Tatkal Passport Application

First-time passport applicants need to select normal or Tatkal in accordance with the urgency of their travel plans: 

1. Normal Passport Application  

• Processing Time 30- 45 days

• Documents:

• Birth proof

• Address/Identity proof

• No evidence of urgency is required. 

Ideal For: 

Students who submit their application six months prior to starting their study abroad programs.

2. Tatkal Passport Application 

• The Processing time: 1-3 days  

Extra Steps: 

• Provide copies of urgency (e.g. flight tickets)

• The applicant must remit premium fees amounting to INR 3,500. 

Also Read: UAE Visa Photo Size: Latest Requirements & Size

Pros and Cons: Which to Choose? 

 Whether to apply for a normal passport or Tatkal passport will be determined by your urgency of travel, the amount of money you want to spend, and how well prepared your documents are. Many advantages, limitations, and professional recommendations are provided below to make your choice. 

1. Normal Passport: Advantages and Disadvantages

The advantages and disadvantages for normal passport are: 

Advantages

• Cheaper Fare 1,500-  2,000 (compared to 3,5004,000 in Tatkal)

• Increased Eligibility - All the citizens of India are eligible

• Pre-Verification Security-Police searches that are conducted prior to issuance (less chance of cancellation) 

 Disadvantages

•  Less Fast Processing- Processing takes time (30-45 days- Not suitable in the case of emergencies)

• Policing delays in verification. Due to Policing delays in verification, timelines could be extended.

• Not so Flexible - No quickening on application 

Best For: 

• Travellers who book their trips 3+ months in advance, students who want to study abroad, or anyone who will not use the speed and wants to focus on the cost.

2. Tatkal Passport Advantages & Disadvantages 

Advantages

• High Speed Processing 13 days vs 30-45 days

• To post issuance translation certification: take passport verification after police checks (Gaskin)

• Ready to go emergency - last-minute travel visa/medical trips 

Disadvantages

• Sixth is High Cost, 22.5x higher than usual passports

• Snug as a Bug Immediacy Proof/ flight tickets/ employer letters

• Eligibility Barriers • Not available on legal matters/different regions

• Cancellation Risk - Cancellation of the passport can occur in case of verification failure 

Best For: 

• Sudden overseas postings, sudden medical critical situation or those clients who have forgotten to renew in time." 

3. 2025 Update Side-by-Side Comparison 

4. Is Tatkal Passport Worth It? Important Aspects

Consider these inquiries prior to making a decision:

1. Where and when is your trip scheduled to be?

• In two weeks? → Tatkal

• Not this soon? → Normal

2. Is the extra expense justifiable?

• Approximate total: INR 5,000, requires Tatkal fees and urgency proof.

3. Is your documentation showing proof of urgency legit?

• Three-year bans for presenting false documentation.

4. Do you belong to a high-profile risk group?

• Having lawsuits or conflicts related to your name and your address? Stay away from Tatkal.

Latest Changes in 2025 – What’s New?

 In 2025, updates have been made to the Indian passport system, which has improved to make the application process quicker and easier to follow. Tatkal and normal passports have their specifics, and one should familiarize themselves with them and how they affect the applicants.

Overview of Updates to the Passport System for 2025

1. Faster Tatkal Issuance

Normal Passport (23–38 days)

• Automated document checks streamline processes, leading to time-saving for multi-step processes.

•  Metro area passport centers now average 23 days instead of 30 days, a significant improvement.

Tatkal Passport (1–3 days)

• 12 major cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, etc.) now offer 1-day passport issuance.
• Concurrent police checks – no longer the case that all checks are post-issuance.
• “Chennai and Hyderabad PSKs are now much better for early-morning slots, especially with the increase in daily Tatkal applications.”

2. Relaxed Documentation

Normal applications are now accepted with school certificates.

Important Updates for 2025:

• Normal Applicants: School certificates recognised.

• Tatkal Applicants: No longer needed

• Affidavits for job offers

• Ticket stubs (e-tickets accepted)

• Employer stamps on urgency letters (email approvals are sufficient)

3. Fee and Payment Updates 

 New Payment Options:

• UPI AutoPay for instalment payments.

• Credit card EMI (3-month, no interest).

4. The Digital Revolution

Website and or App Improvements:

• Biometric Appointments: Recognition of faces makes it easier to queue.

• Auto-Form Fill: Scanning of old passports for 80% of renewal forms.

• WhatsApp Tracking: Updates through WhatsApp chatbots in real-time.

   PSKs in Metro Areas now offer:

• E-verification kiosks

• Bots for document scanning help.

  Also Read: Passport Types in India: Expert's Latest Guide

Frequently Overlooked Tips for Applicants 

•  Ensure there are no mistakes in the documents before final submission.

•  Get Tatkal appointments before 10 a.m. for quicker access.

•  Use the Passport Seva site to monitor the status of the application.

Latest Facts & News (2025) – Stay Ahead!

• Processing Speed Surge: Tatkal passports can now be issued within as little as 1 day post-documentation in many cities, further narrowing the gap with regular applications.

• Fee Updates: Tatkal passports cost significantly more—roughly INR 2,000 higher for adults and minors, with 2025 updates increasing the gap compared to regular passport fees.

• Proof of Urgency: Government-mandated documentation for Tatkal has become simpler; some categories are now exempt from earlier certificate requirements for verification.

• Digital Integration: Both application types now offer fully digital appointment scheduling and fee payment, streamlining the overall process for Indian citizens.

• Renewal Specifics: Tatkal renewals now require post-issuance police verification in most cases, while normal renewals usually require it before the new passport is issued.

• Increasing Tatkal Uptake: Over 25% more Tatkal applications have been processed in 2025 compared to last year, reflecting growing last-minute travel needs.

• Travel Insurance Push: Authorities and major insurers recommend travel insurance during the application process, especially for urgent cases under Tatkal.

• Expanded Eligibility: Slightly relaxed rules mean more applicants can qualify for Tatkal eligibility, but certain special categories remain ineligible.

• Jumbo Booklet Fees: Fees for 60-page “jumbo” passports are notably higher for both types – up to INR 4,000 under Tatkal.

• Passport Police Verification Backlogs: In some metros, police verification for normal passports is reported to take up to 2 weeks, occasionally delaying delivery.

 Conclusion: Making Your Best Choice

The difference between normal and Tatkal passports is described in the above blog. It is a comprehensive and inexpensive way to obtain your passport — especially if you have time to collect the full set of documents and finalise the verification steps. But for any of you who have travel deadlines or some kind of sudden stuff up, you'd better opt for a Tatkal passport. It’s more expensive, but it dramatically reduces the processing time (your passport often arrives in 1-3 days), and it’s a worthwhile investment when time is of the essence. 

Hope this blog helped you figure out difference between normal and tatkal passport, what is the difference between normal and tatkal passport, difference between normal and tatkal passport renewal, difference between normal and tatkal passport application, and more!

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