So, What Is Annexure F (Now Annexure B)?
Of the documents needed for getting a passport made under Tatkal Scheme in India, there is one called a ‘verification certificate’. It is referred to as Annexure F (now Annexure B).
Rightly named so. You will soon see why.
Who Can Sign Annexure B (Formerly Called Annexure F)?
For the uninitiated, this is a document that is needed compulsorily, and can only be signed by the bureaucratic elites of the system, who, I am sure fart glitter and poop rainbows. Or ride a unicorn to work, because looks like I know no one who would do the needful for me.
To be specific, these are the unicorns people who can sign your verification certificate, according to the website.
And this is the reason ↓ why no one will sign it (unless, of course, they are your parents/parents-in-law, or looking to retire in jail). [This innocent-looking terminology ‘incorrect verification’, apparently, has layers of meaning in the Indian red tape.]
Why Is No One Signing Your Annexure B For Tatkal Passport?
As the protocol states, you would need the official letterhead of the person issuing it for you for printing the document.
Most people will let you talk until this point. However, the catch lies in the second bit, which is: the document has to be accompanied by a photocopy of the person’s official identity card (grocery card in case of defense-officials), which is when the ‘F’ bit in the nomenclature of the annexure will come into play, and you will be asked to f***-off.
I reckon that the idea behind it is, that someone worth their weight in gold in the Indian bureaucratic system should vouch for me. Understandably so, for, what if while ambling around in the streets of Switzerland, I suddenly get tempted to rob a bank? Or say, while flying to Europe with Cathay Pacific, suppose I hijack the aircraft to my own backyard? What if my so-called ’emergency’ is a quick meeting with Al-Qaeda chief, at his underground base?
Here is what is likely to happen when you step out looking for someone who can issue the certificate for you (not applicable in case your parents/parents-in-law hold any of the aforementioned positions):
Would I sign Annexure B for Tatkal Passport had I the authority to do so?
No. Nor do I think that anyone in their right mind would and should because the stakes are high.
Then what am I wanting to say through this article?
That, what good is a rule that services a mere handful of the people of a nation that has 1.3 billion population? Emergencies do not crop up (the reason why the ‘Tatkal’ scheme was started in the first place) after assessing the bureaucratic elitism of a human being. This definitely needs fine-tuning and a practical approach.
Traveller-tip: Apply for an appointment only after you have your documents ready.
If you are stuck without a passport, try traveling to Bhutan in the meanwhile.
#TatkalPassport
Edit 1:
This update has come from Shubhanka, who is a reader of A Borrowed Backpack. It is about the process of converting a Tatkal application to the normal one.
“The procedure for converting a tatkal application to the normal is quite easy and simple. You don’t have to worry at all. You just have to take appointments in the normal quota. At the first counter where documents get checked, your application gets changed into a normal one.”
Edit 2:
This update has come from Archie, who is a reader of the blog.
Is Annexure F needed for the renewal of my passport?
My passport expired 5 months ago, I applied for a Tatkal one. I read that dreaded statement on the final receipt, somewhere at the bottom, that Form-F is needed.
Upon my visit, the first counter did ask if I have one, when I said no, the application was given to a “Granting Officer” who put a stamp. So, though I did get through without a Form-F but as the lady did ask so I am still not sure if they made an exception for me and it is up to the discretion of the officer OR as a process for renewal one doesn’t need.
Edit 3:
The government has finally understood how painful-to-acquire this document is. At last, it has heard us out and made a very valid change in Annexure F. True-blue bureaucratic style, it has changed its name from Annexure F to Annexure B. That’s it. The requirement for Tatkal Passport remains the same.
The Final Edit:
Hopefully, the final one.
So, after ducking the bullet for four years, we are finally seeing some change. The verification certificate, which is also known as Annexure F, or Annexure B, is no longer needed to get one’s Tatkal Passport made.
I repeat:
No, you do not need Annexure F or Annexure B to get your Tatkal Passport made.
Here are some of the queries that I am asked repeatedly, so I am answering those to clear all misconceptions about Annexure F/B:
Do I need Annexure F for the damaged passport?
– No.
Do I need Annexure B for the lost passport?
– No.
Is Annexure B, or Verification Certificate mandatory for Tatkal passport?
– No.
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hey can you just tell me that the General Manager of the PSU should be of the same state ……… My situation is like my dad works for PSU he can get it done but he stays in ranchi and i in WB so will that be a problem ??
Hi!
You might have to check if the PSU your dad works for is accepted by Passport office, and then check for this state thing. This document is an extremely complicated one, and I am assuming that this interstate thing might not work, because it didn’t in my case. But I would still request you to check with the office.
And update us too, if it does. 🙂
That’s true.
My aged parents went to PSK and literally witnessed hell. As PSK website, which is out-dated says AnnextureF or 316 Documents or Child’s Passport copy is mandatory.
I arranged all those other than AnnextureF for tatkal, but later i learned (sorry screamed by PSK official) that AnnextureF is mandatory for tatkal. We cant go by whats there in document advisor of PSK but should be in position to give officials whatever they ask for.
One suggestion for ppl who are going to PSK, carry Laptop, Printer and a Notary lawyer with you or Call up Siddaramiah right away. Otherwise you will be pushed back and forced to take new appointment and shall out money to greedy left and right.
I agree with you ArrogantPSK, though I am not sure why would you choose the name which should ideally have been the subject, had this been a mail. 😀
It is simply hell. And you are right. I did the same, and was haughtily told that the Annexure is important, but I hear some places DO allow as written on the website, though I am yet to meet anyone who has been able to bypass Annexure F. I have done my bit by writing this piece and by tweeting it to the relevant ministery. You too can choose to do yours and share the info as much as possible.
🙂
So well explained Divya. My sister has been trying for a tatkal passport and she has been running back and fro to her home town and the place where she has been married.. the last time i talked to her, she sounded frustrated and said – “the worst thing that would happen is I won’t assist my husband to the foreign land.. and now instead of all these headaches of getting documents and signatures, that option seems to be jus fine!”
Anamika, I suggest that she applies through the normal quota if she has time. It is efficient enough. Annexure F rule has to be the most useless one, and I have absolutely NO CLUE as to who it is made for. Also, the website cites it as an optional document, while in reality it is not.
I have tried tweeting it to the relevant ministery, let’s see. You too do your bit and tweet about it tagging relevant people, who can reform the rule. This stupidity has to go, for sure!
That’s true… She had 2 months.. but then Visa application had no set duration, so she thought of doing it the tatkal way. Now, however the agent has backed off and probably she will have to do it the normal way. We have already lost enough days in arranging the heaps of documents required… Hope this horror ends happily for her!
This is precisely what happens in almost all the cases I have come across. Now imagine if it were an emergency?
Anex. F is really very hard to get for common peoples. PSK at Thane says 3 optional documents are not meant for fresh tatkal passport and are for renewal only.
Yes, Nilesh. And the website doesn’t bother with clarification. The inconsistency the what the website says and what the PSK does, adds to a LOT of useless running around.
Thanks for stopping by.
Can anyone help me with “needs to be printed on the official letter-head of the person issuing it”; The Tashildar office people here don’t know what an official letter head means. What are my alternatives? Can print it on a normal paper and get the stamp and sign of the tashildar officer?
Nope. Nothing except official letter-head, whether the Tasildaar understands it or not.
This is why I am saying that this rule needs to either be modified, or removed completely. Who in an emergency will have the time to educate those Tehsildaars as to what a letter-head is?
🙂
Today I was debarred from undergoing the Tatkal Appointment Process as I did not have this certificate. However, the document advisor on passport.gov.in (http://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/docAdvisor/attachmentAdvFreshInp) clearly states that the verification certificate as per Annexure F is optional. But, the officials as Ghaziabad Passport Seva Kendra rejected the documents. Why can’t they simply write –
This impossible to have certificate is mandatory for tatkal passports.
Hi Piyush,
This is precisely why I have stated that the website tells you that it is optional, while the officials ask for it like their life depends on it. This is extremely misleading and wastes one’s time. I hope people see the light soon.
I agree with your statement that “This impossible to have certificate is mandatory for tatkal passports.”; this is precisely what I mean by this blogpost.
Please share this on social media, because THIS is the bit we need do to see the change; only then we earn our right to crib. 🙂
hi,
i want to Pass Seva kendra Mumbai Andheri ( E) same thing happened with me I was ask to bring Annexure F as per the website its say optional . I tried visiting same day to local Police Station to see SHO He said he has no powers to sign i need to see DIG /IG /DGP. I did tried visiting Taishildar office too & they got BIG NO. I have NO hope that i can get this Annexure F from anywhere & i left like not even to apply for passport but can’t ignore I need to go trough Normal process which might take 1 month or 2 months or just need to wait Hoping to get soon ?
Hi Alex, Your plight is same as mine was. And did you notice how helpless one feels when it comes documents, especially the ones as brainless as this one?
If you do not have a person to give you Annexure F, then my friend, normal quota is the only way. 🙂
Please share this post on social-media. I hope it reaches the right ears/eyes.
Going through the same stage…Thanks for the valuable post! The only option remaining is to convert my application to the normal one. Can you please suggest how can I convert my application in Tatkal quota into an application in normal quota. I have 1.5 month left for submission of my passport copy.
Check the website Shubhanka.
As far as I understand, you have to cancel the tatkal one and apply afresh through normal quota. If you apply now, you should have your passport with you within a month.
Please don’t wait for the last minute, do this now. You never know what else might they need and the deadline of passport-delivery slides.
Thank you for reading.
I did not schedule any appointment for tatkal one. Some people are advising me to apply for appointment under normal quota and the at PSK, they will give me a form that will change my application from Tatkal to normal. And then I can continue with the normal procedure to get passport. I hope it’s possible this way.
Thanks!
I hope it is, Shubhanka. Please let me know if it is so. Would edit the info on this post, and it might help a lot of people.
The procedure for converting a tatkal application to the normal is quite easy and simple. You don’t have to worry at all. You just have to take appointment in normal quota. At the first counter where documents get checked, your application gets changed into normal one. 🙂
Thank you for the update Shubhanka. Will add this as ‘edit’ in the main post, with credit to you.
Thank you for the credit! 🙂
You are welcome, Shubhanka.
Hi ppl, I called passport customer care 1800 258 1800 and enquired about Annexure F. I need only spouse name to be added to my passport and re issue the same. Passport customer care person, informed there is no need of Annexure F for this. Only old passport copy and marriage certificate copy is enough. I stressed him again saying what if they ask for Annexure F in PSK. He told not needed. Could anyone please clarify me, if he is right or do i need to get Annexure F. I need to apply for visa next month and by this time i need to get my son’s (minor) passport as well.
Hello Mohan,
I have never been in that kind of situation, so cannot help. If I were you, I would take the Customer helpline guy’s words as final one.
Regards
Divya
Thanks Divya.
One more clarification. What if i apply in tatkal and cannot produce annexure F at PSK in case they ask for it. Will they move my application to normal category and give appointment in later date OR will they process the application under normal category on same day?
They ask you to come back with right document, with a rescheduled appointment which you choose. Please go through the comments on this posts, some people have been very kind to share their experience regarding Tatkal vs normal application. I think, you can convert it to a normal one from the window itself.
Let us know how it goes. Your experience can help people in future.
Thanks
Thanks a lot for quick reply Divya.
Sure. I will update my experience.
Backpack and Shubhanka, thank you so much for the information….cheers
You are welcome, Arkajit.
Regards
Divya
You are welcome! 🙂
Hi All, Did anyone tried to lodge a compain regarding not excepting 3 other documents in place of Annexture F(as mentioned in passport sewa website)?
Hey Vinay,
Not anyone I know. Please keep us posted in case you do.
🙂
I did protest but all they said is that diff passport centre’s have diff rules and the document list is just an indication of what might be okay for submission but the final decision depends on the Passport office’s discretion.
Hey Rishabh, it doesn’t help anyone to protest with the ones who are merely carrying out what they have been told to. You can tweet it to @MEAquery on Twitter to share your experience.
Hahaah just same happened with me… “Apply normal if u dont have such approach ”
Will remember it
🙂 Thanks for reading, Shaminder.
thanks for sharing these details ;this really help!
I had a same experience when i was applying for my wife’s passport in tatkal.
same Annexure- ‘F’ story.
Thank you, Piyush!
😀
Does this form have to be filled with ink or should it printed?
It is issued by another person. Please check website for details.
The website doesn’t have the answer to this… but,thank you!
Please let me know if you figure out. Will add to the edits, so that it helps people in future.
Hey, By any chance do you know whether Annexure f would be required for applying Tatkal passport for MINOR
No clue about minors, Kartik. Sorry. Won’t be able to help. Please update us in case you figure out. That is a new query regarding this post.
So to convert tatkal into normal do I have to change the main tatkal type to normal that we enter on the first page or just the quota in the passport office?
I did not get your query one bit, @drnextdoor. Can your reframe it, please? Or I hope someone understands it and answers you. 🙂
I meant while editing the form should I select normal quota?
No, as far as I understand, that switch has to be done by the officials. Don’t do it on your own, unless you have got it changed to normal from the office itself.
Okay. Thanks
We get options where u need to decide whether to make it normal or tatkal.. One at the fist page and one among last few pages.. On last pages it’s like u will be under tatkal only but just via normal que.
Good Samaritans do exist. Long live your tribe. Simple interventions but save lot of unnecessary work.
Shukriya ji. 😀
This approach of tatkal should be stopped immediately.as common person does not know these person all signing authority should be removed and prime minister name should be kept.there’s should be audit of who are the person that get tatkal passport.
During normal passport, verification can be done by local police then why same police can not do verification before normal passport.there’s should be form for that.then why passport officer does not demand that IG etc should always verify the normal passport application.basically propose is not identified why the passport tatkal is required. When mallya can easily move outside India, it indicates that propose tho stop passport is useless.