Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Are you wondering what it takes to renew your Indian passport? The Tatkal method offers the possibility of passport renewals in seven days, as opposed to forty-five days. To make it easier to fill out the questionnaire and apply, read the information below.

Note: This article is about passport renewal as indicated here: http://passport.gov.in/cpv/Forms.htm and here: http://passport.gov.in/cpv/faq.htm [Question 11]

Steps

1. 1 Take new passport-sized photos (you need three photos) (35 × 35 mm).
2. 2 Photos must have:
   • White background,
   • visible ears,
   • visible facial features (eyebrows),
   • without showing teeth,
   • straight head (i.e. the head should not be tilted, etc.)
   • try not to wear glasses
3. 3 Go to the site http://www.passport.gov.in, click Online Registration, see if your city is on the list. If your city is on the list, click the button Continue.
4. 4 Read the guides on the sites: http://passport.gov.in/cpv/column_guidelines.htm and http://passport.gov.in/cpv/TatkalScheme.htm.
5. 5 Fill in the fields accordingly. Make sure you fill in as much information as possible i.e. fields like email, profession and so on.
6. 6 Check all the details. If you are unmarried or have not changed your name, make sure you enter NOT APPLICABLE... Click the button Save.
7. 7 After you have saved the document, you will be assigned a meeting time (usually in a week) and a PDF file is generated.
8. 8 Save the PDF to your computer. The next step is optional, but recommended.
   • Upload the PDF file to the site, enter the information in the remaining fields, and then download the modified file to your computer. Sending a typed document is neat and more professional than handwritten fields.
   • You can also use Adobe Acrobat Professional (PS note that Adobe Acrobat Professional is not the same program as Adobe Acrobat Reader that can be seen ubiquitous on most PCs. The Professional version is a paid version that offers more options) to complete the same task.
9. 9 Go to the site http://www.pdfescape.com/account/, register and download the PDF document. (It's free!)
10. 10 Using type, select a font (like Arial) and fill in the following fields:
    • Date of birth in words (# 4),
    • Previous passport data (# 11),
    • Profession (# 12d),
    • For minors, parents' passport details (if applicable) # 16,
    • Citizenship data (# 114) e.g. BIRTH,
    • ECNR (# 15), enter YES or NO,
    • ECNR (# 15b), enter the number corresponding to the proof document you plan to show. See http://passport.gov.in,/cpv/column_guidelines.htm and http://passport.gov.in/cpv/TatkalScheme.htm. For example, if you plan to show your convocation certificate (recommended), for example enter "I (d) PROFESSIONAL DEGREE"
    • Enter YES or NO for checklist # 17 (if you have no criminal record, this should be NO in most cases). Make sure all NOs are aligned properly.
    • Make sure you enter your emergency contact information (# 18). Provide a list of phone numbers and email addresses too.
    • Fill in the date and your location (# 19).
    • Enter three attached proofs (ration card, passbook, PAN card, birth certificate, driver's license, voting card, convocation certificate, etc.) - you need three proofs of identity from the above list, one proof of current address (bank statement , electricity bill, mobile bill, etc.). In addition, you need to list your convocation certificate (or equivalent) for ECNR.
    • On the Personal Particulars form, fill in # 2a (change of name) as NOT APPLICABLE (if yes).
    • Fill in the name of your police station in fields # 8a and # 8b, eg "[POLICE STN: COLABA]".
    • Fill in the links (# 10a & # 10b). Use the first line for the full name, the second for the address, and the third for landline and / or mobile numbers.
    • Place an "X" in the Citizenship box (# 11). You may need to increase the font size.
    • Fill in your previous passport details (# 12).
    • Repeat these PP steps (page 2).
11. 11 Download the completed form and print. Bind pages 1-4 (Form 1)
12. 12 Glue the photos in the fields.
13. 13 Please sign the appropriate fields and sign the two photographs on the PP form. You may need to use a marker.
14. 14 On Form 1, page # 1, mark the word RENEWAL in the page title. On page # 2, circle the appropriate boxes for # 13 and # 14.
15. 15 Behind each PP form, using a paper clip, attach the following: (Make sure the order remains intact). You must independently verify each copy you provide.
    • Make a copy of your old passport (first page, last page, ECNR page, note pages).
    • Make copies of all valid passport-issued visas (e.g. US visa)
    • At least one document listed from #a to #i is mentioned at http://passport.gov.in/cpv/TatkalScheme.htm (e.g. ration card)
    • Two additional documents listed #a through #n (eg PAN card, driver's license, birth certificate. Make sure you attach the documents in order of priority (ie, a through n).
    • Proof of current address (e.g. bank statement, mobile account)
    • ECNR proof (e.g. convocation certificate).
16. 16 So now you should have three packages: a fastened Form 1 form and two PP form packages with corresponding copies of documents (for example, PAN, ration card) attached behind them.
17. 17Bind all originals together, including your passport
18. 18 On the day of your appointment, take these three bags, your originals, passport, pen, additional photographs and glue to the passport office. You may have to queue for three hours before your turn comes up.
19. 19 When it's your turn, smile at the person at the counter, tell the clerk that you want to renew your passport through the tatkal system. Check if you want a regular (36-page) or jumbo (60-page) passport.
20. 20 Submit Form 1 to the clerk. To create a good impression, make the document “employee-oriented” so that he does not have to turn the document over.
21. 21 Return your old passport immediately.
22. 22 Submit two PP Form Packets.
23. 23 Keep the originals in your hand, but for the clerk to see them. Pass them when asked.
24. 24 After your documents have been verified, you must wait in line to pay the fee.
    • Fees (as of 2011-01-17) 2500 INR tatkal adult, 2100 INR (minor), 3000 INR tatkal adult jumbo
25. 25 Pay only in cash (or Demand Draft - by check).
26. 26 Get in the next line to pay your dues.
27. 27 When it's your turn, say your name. If you pay in denominations of more than INR 100, you must enter your name, phone number and serial number in the registry.
28. 28 Save the receipt you received. She will tell you when the passport has been sent. You should receive your passport the day after the date of dispatch. The whole process takes about seven days.
29. 29 Make sure you are at home when your passport is mailed to your address. You must show your identity document when you receive your passport.

Tips

• Take: additional photos
• Take: pens (blue or black ink only)
• Take: a copy of the completed application forms (just in case)
• Take: glue
• Make sure you have enough refreshed and hearty food before entering the passport office
• Take: a portable music player such as an iPod (to avoid boredom
• Withdraw INR1000 and 500 banknotes to pay fees

Warnings

• Make sure your photos are the correct size as per specifications.
• You can only renew your passport 12 months before the expiration date and beyond.
• Mobile phones cannot be used inside the office. It should be in silent mode.

What do you need

• Completed forms (main document and two forms of personal information)
• Keep: three photographs (35 × 35 mm).
• Know: your height in cm
• Know: the names, addresses and phone numbers of two people in your area for referrals
• marker
• paper clips
• stapler
• Fees (as of 2011-01-17) INR 2500 tatkal adult, INR 2100 (minor), INR 3000 tatkal adult jumbo