Replacing a Damaged or Lost Passport in 2025 (Tatkaal Scheme)

Indian citizens seeking to replace a damaged or lost passport under the Tatkaal scheme in 2025 must meet specific requirements. The Tatkaal scheme prioritizes urgent cases, but eligibility for lost or severely damaged passports is subject to Regional Passport Office (RPO) discretion due to security concerns.

Category	Details
Eligibility	Tatkaal available for minor damage; lost or severely damaged passports may require normal processing
Documents Required	Aadhaar card, voter ID/PAN, address proof, birth proof, photograph, Annexure F, Annexure L (lost cases), FIR copy (lost cases), damaged passport (if applicable)
Processing Time	1-3 days for minor damage; longer for lost passports due to verification
Fees	INR 3,500 (36 pages), INR 4,000 (60 pages) for adults; INR 3,000 (36 pages) for minors
Additional Notes	FIR mandatory for lost passports; police verification likely; Tatkaal approval not guaranteed

Documents Required

The following documents are mandatory for replacing a damaged or lost passport under the Tatkaal scheme:

• Aadhaar Card: Self-attested copy for identity and address verification.
• Voter ID or PAN Card: Self-attested copy as additional identity proof.
• Proof of Address: Self-attested copy of a recent document (e.g., utility bill, bank statement) not older than one year.
• Proof of Birth: Self-attested copy of birth certificate or equivalent for date of birth verification.
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photograph (4.5x3.5 cm, white background, clear facial features).
• Verification Certificate (Annexure F): Signed by a gazetted officer to verify identity and address.
• Damaged Passport (if applicable): Original damaged passport and self-attested copies of the first and last pages.
• Lost Passport Documents (if applicable):
  • FIR Copy: Self-attested copy of the police report for the lost passport.
  • Annexure L: Affidavit detailing the circumstances of the loss.
• Proof of Urgency (Recommended): Travel tickets or emergency documents to support the Tatkaal application.

Note: Original documents must be presented at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for verification. Incomplete or mismatched documents may lead to rejection or reversion to normal processing.

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for a replacement passport under the Tatkaal scheme for a damaged or lost passport:

• Online Registration: Register or log in on the Passport Seva portal (passportindia.gov.in) and select Tatkaal reissue.
• Fill Application Form: Indicate the reason as "damaged" or "lost" passport.
• Book Priority Appointment: Schedule a priority appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO).
• Visit PSK: Submit original documents, self-attested copies, and biometrics (photograph, fingerprints). Pay the Tatkaal fee.
• Police Verification: Typically required post-issuance for lost passports or significant address changes.
• Passport Issuance: If approved, passports for minor damage are issued within 1-3 days; lost passports may take longer due to additional verification.

Note: Tatkaal approval for lost passports is not guaranteed and may revert to normal processing if further scrutiny is required.

Key Considerations

• Eligibility Restrictions: Severely damaged or lost passports may not qualify for Tatkaal due to security concerns.
• FIR for Lost Passports: A First Information Report (FIR) is mandatory for lost passports and must be filed promptly with the local police.
• Verification Certificate: Annexure F, signed by a gazetted officer, is critical to avoid delays.
• Police Verification: Expect post-issuance verification, especially for lost passports, to confirm identity and address.
• Document Accuracy: All details must match previous records to avoid rejection.