If you are living in the USA and need to know about ‘India Passport Renewal in USA‘, you have come to the right place.
This article refers to the renewal of the ordinary passport category in the USA (ordinary Indian passports booklet for Indian Citizens).
Renew / Re-issue of Passport: You may submit an application for re-issue of passport if you need a replacement passport for any of the following reasons:
- Expiration of current passport
- Modification of existing personal information
- The current passport has run out of pages for visas/stamps
- Passport is damaged
- Lost/Stolen Passport
New passports are issued with a validity of 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors. Visa stamped on the old passport remains valid and is not canceled during this process.
A person with an Indian passport who has been living and working in the United States must apply for a new valid passport if their current passport is about to expire. You can apply up to a year in advance before the expiry of your passport.
Can an Indian passport holder renew their passport in the USA?
YES, you can renew your Indian passport in the USA.
You don’t need to travel to India or send your passport to India for renewal.
Passport Seva of the Government of India Division under the Ministry of External Affairs has a tied-up with VFS Global, to process passport-related services in the USA.
With VFS Global, India Passport renewal can be done in an organized step-by-step manner, easily for Indians living in the consular jurisdiction areas of Indian Consulates in:
Atlanta, Georgia (GA), Chicago, Illinois (IL), Houston, Texas (TX), New York, New York (NY), San Francisco, California (CA), Washington DC, District of Columbia (DC).
All passport services are offered by VFS Global. Direct services linked to passports are not accepted by Indian consulates. Indian passport services like communications and applications must go through VFS Global.
You can submit applications for a passport by mail or in-person (by prior appointment on a limited basis) and pay the applicable fees:
Call VFS Global from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday if you need help with your application: +1 800 320 9625.
*Please note that the first 5 minutes of a call to this VFS phone number are free once a week. Once you’ve used your 5 free minutes, you’ll have to wait +7 days from the date of your last call to get another free 5-minute call, or you can pay for faster service at 2.48/minute charged in 10-minute increments.
How to Renew Indian Passport in USA?
The process for Indian passport renewal in the United States is the same as applying for a new passport application.
Step1
You must fill out an online application form on Passport Seva At the Indian Embassies and Consulates website.
Step 2
When completing the online passport application form, choose the correct passport-related service, and carefully fill out all the fields including the VFS document checklist.
Step 3
Write the “Application Reference Number” (ARN) on the Passport Seva Portal form when you’ve finished filling it out, then print it out.
Step 4
Visit the VFS website to continue with the future steps of the submission procedure.
Note: The Indian Government’s Passport Division under the Ministry of External Affairs has outsourced passport/visa processing work to VFS Global. Their contract with Cox and Kings expired in Oct’2020. After you fill out and submit the form and required documents on the Passport Seva Portal, the physical application form must be delivered to the VFS India Consular Application Center in the USA.
Documents necessary for renewing an Indian passport in the USA
The following list of all the documents are necessary for Indian passport renewal in USA:
- A signed copy of the applicant’s completed online application.
- The previous passport expired with the most recent and original passport.
- 3 copies of filled Nationality Verification Form/Personal Particulars
- 3 recent colored pictures (2″ x 2″ front-facing)
- 8 pictures are needed if the passport is older than 3 years.
- A notarized color copy of the Green Card or Employment Authorization Card (EAD) and,
- Documentation of another legal status within the US such as:
- H-1B, B1 B2 visa, I-797 approval letter, current I-20, etc.
- Authentic passport: If the passport is less than 5 years old, attach the previous passport.
- Copies of the current passport’s first five (5) pages and last two (2) pages.
- The highest degree of qualification: A copy of the highest degree of education.
- US address proof:
- rental lease agreement or
- mortgage statement or
- any utility bill not older than 3 months (electricity, gas, water, etc.)
- driver’s license or state identification card, etc.
- Indian address proof:
- aadhaar card
- driver’s license
- recent bank statement
- Indian utility bill, not older than 3 months (electricity, gas, water, or landline phone)
- Form for a change of appearance and signature
- If you are applying after ten years, you must print this form, sign it, and submit it.
- List of VFS required documents:
- Print the filled, signed checklist and check each item off.
- A sample of the applicant’s declaration on plain paper is in Annexure “E”
- Certificate of birth or graduation certificate
- Self-sworn notarized affidavit
- Extra paperwork for a child’s passport
As instructed on the VFS portal system, send all the paperwork in a FedEx envelope (preferred service) or UPS only. Other submission formats might not be approved.
A single envelope may contain only one Indian passport application; duplicate applications are not be accepted.
Please take note that you might need to submit some extra paperwork. You will be able to see an exhaustive list of documents needed on the VFS website.
Passport Related Services Fees for Indian Passport Renewal in the USA
You can pay the fees associated with the passport services you wish to avail of from VFS Global. Online Payment/Payment by Card will attract a 3.5% convenience charge over the total amount payable for your case. VFS Global accepts only Visa and Master Card. You can also pay by Money Order or Banker/Cashiers’ check made in the favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.
The cost breakdown for renewing an Indian passport in the USA is as follows:
What is the processing time for the Renewal of an Indian Passport application and getting a renewed passport?
After validation of the applicant’s Police Verification Records (PVR) from the Consulate’s system, a passport will be issued.
The matter will be sent to the relevant Indian authorities for clearance if the PVR status is not included in the system.
The amount of time it takes to process a Police Clearance Certificate depends on whether clear PVR forms are available in India.
A passport application typically takes three (3) weeks to process.
Indian passport renewal processing may take up to 30 days or longer if the Police Verification Report (PVR) is unclear or pending (excluding VFS’s processing time).
Processing times in these situations are determined by the availability of precise PVR forms among concerned Indian authorities.
Applicants must specify their address exactly so that the police clearance may be completed, including the police station and district with the PIN code in India.
Tatkal – Passport Service
Tatkal Passport Reissue is an Emergency Passport Service where all applicants residing in the USA with a passport that is valid and valid visa status (“Visa Page/EAD/Green Card/I-797A Approval Notice”) are eligible to apply for re-issue of passport under Tatkal Passport Scheme with the following exceptions:
- Lost/ Stolen Passport/ Damaged beyond recognition
- Renewal of Short Validity Passport (SVP)
- Change in:
- Name
- Sex
- Appearance (Minors can apply)
- Change/ Correction of Date of birth
- Change/ Correction of Place of birth
- Change in Signature (Minors can apply)
- Change of Father/ Mother’s name
The processing time under Tatkal is 3-4 business days excluding VFS’s processing time. All other conditions like PVR Clear etc. highlighted above apply. Tatkal’s fee is $150 over and above the other fees mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions on Passport Services
How many pages are in a booklet for an ordinary Indian passport?
A typical passport has a blue cover and 36 pages for ordinary and 60 pages for the jumbo booklet. After the date of issuance, it remains valid for ten years.
What will happen to my current USA Visa in my passport?
Valid visas in the old passport are not canceled during the passport renewal process. Valid visa’s status remains as it is and you will receive your old passport (with status as canceled, remarks: contains valid visa) along with your renewed passport. Carry both passports, old/new to show current valid US Visa status while entering/exiting the USA.
I have an Indian passport with a validity of fewer than six months. Can I travel with this valid passport?
Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months to travel internationally.
What additional requirements apply if your passport hasn’t been renewed in more than three years?
If you apply for a reissue of a passport after the expiration of your existing passport more than three years ago, fresh police verification will be conducted. Processing times vary depending on whether a clear Police Verification report is available from the Indian Authority in Charge.
For a smooth process of police verification and approval, applicants should explicitly specify their Indian address along with the proper Police station, district, and phone number.
What exactly is a damaged passport?
A damaged passport is further categorized according to the severity of the damage, i.e.
- Readable passport number, legible name, and unaltered photo
- Beyond repair, mangled, entries smeared or washed away
What is the process for requesting a duplicate passport if one is lost or damaged?
Through VFS Global, you must apply for a “Re-issue” of a passport in place of the damaged/lost Passport category if you need to apply for a duplicate passport due to a lost or damaged passport. Along with the other necessary documents, a lost passport report from the police should be filed.
Can I renew my passport in person at the nearest embassy or consulate?
Not any longer. There are no longer any walk-ins accepted, and new appointments are not being scheduled. All Indian passport renewal applications should be submitted online.VFS Global must handle all Indian passport renewals in the US.
How long would it take for my new passport to arrive?
You could be able to receive your passport in as little as 30 days, which is quick depending on where in the US you reside. The processing times in Washington, D.C., and New York City are the quickest. Door-to-door delivery will take six to twelve weeks everywhere else.
Should I preserve my old passport?
YES! Your current US visa will remain in your old passport. You need to carry both your passports old and renewed for identification (passport) and residential status (Visa) when you travel.
I am in the USA on a B1-B2 visa, but I misplaced my passport there. Can I get a passport renewal?
It is recommended that B1-B2 visa holders from India who do not usually stay in the United States have passports that are valid for the duration of their trip.
Read Parent Visitor Visa to the USA – 2022 Complete Guide if your parents are coming to visit you in the USA
If a passport is lost and a replacement is required, either an Emergency Certificate (EC) or a Short Validity Passport (SPV) will be provided to the applicant to enable him to return to India after receiving approval from the original passport issuing authority in India. Indian passport renewal services are for Indian citizens currently residing in the USA.
Can I add more pages to my passport, which is nearly full but still good for another four years?
An ordinary Indian passport booklet cannot be expanded with more pages. If the passport booklet’s pages have run out, you must submit an application for a “Re-issue” of your passport using the VFS Global website under the Passport Pages Exhausted category. Your passport would be replaced. If you travel frequently then you can apply for a Jumbo booklet at the time of renewal of your passport.
The spelling of my name on the passport is incorrect. What should I do?
Please visit the consulate and return the passport for any necessary corrections if you discover any mistakes or errors in the information printed in the passport booklet according to the submitted application form.
The merit of the case, as determined by the Consulate, would evaluate any further expenses that would need to be paid. A penalty might also be levied if the facts are misrepresented.
However, applicants are urged to double-check all information while submitting an online application to prevent typos from appearing on printed passports. You must reapply for a new passport to have your personal information changed through VFS Global if you filled out your passport application form incorrectly, for example by writing your only actual name in the “Given Name” field.
What steps are involved in adding my spouse’s name to my passport?
You must apply for a “Re-issue” of your passport through VFS Global and have the requisite update made to your personal information by selecting the necessary option under Miscellaneous Services. Visit VFS Global to view the complete list of documents that must be supplied with the application.
What happens if you send incorrect information/documents for your Indian passport renewal process?
You will be given 20 calendar days to make the required changes. VFS will return your application unprocessed if it is not finished within 20 calendar days. In this case, the necessary postal fees will be deducted before refunding the consular and ICWF fee (if applicable).
After 20 days, photocopies of documents will be removed, and original documents will be sent back to the Indian Embassy or Consulate-General.
Once VFS delivers the original documents to the Embassy of India or Consulate General of India, applicants should get in touch with those offices directly to request their original documents. In this case, after deducting any applicable postal fees, only the consular and ICWF fees will be returned (if applicable).
Important Links for Passport Renewal
Visit VFS Global website for all the information about Indian passport renewal in USA. Check out this link from Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates while applying the online application form.
Conclusion
If you are an Indian Citizen living in the USA you can use consular services for passport services, without having to plan or schedule an India trip for such needs.
Always keep your passport updated for you never know when emergency situations warrant you to take a quick flight overseas. As a foreign citizen living in the USA, a passport is one of the strong proofs of identification.
FAQs
How can I renue my Indian passport? ›
Login to the Passport Seva Online Portal with the registered Login Id. Click "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport" link. Fill in the required details in the form and submit. Click the "Pay and Schedule Appointment" link on the "View Saved/Submitted Applications" screen to schedule an appointment.
How much time it will take to renew Indian passport in USA? ›The normal processing time of passport is 3 weeks.
How long is US passport renewal taking 2022? ›It may take up to 16 weeks to receive a passport, and 12 weeks for expedited processing. Applicants to Winter 2022 and Spring 2022 programs who need a new passport or who need to renew their passport should start the process immediately. Visit travel.state.gov for additional information and current processing times.
How long does Indian embassy take to process passport renewal? ›3 to 4 business days (excluding VFS's processing time), if the Police Verification Report (PVR) is clear and all documents submitted are in order. If the Police Verification Report (PVR) is not clear or pending, the processing time will be approximately 30 days or more (excluding VFS's processing time).
What is the best time to renew Indian passport? ›You can apply for a re-issue of passport up to 1 year before the expiry and not earlier. However, in case of any change of personal particulars, lost/damaged, Exhaustion of pages you may apply for re-issue of passport.
What documents should I carry for passport renewal appointment? ›Documents Required for Passport Renewal
Original old Passport. Self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of the passport. Self-attested copy of the Emigration Check Required (ECR)/Non-ECR page. Self-attested copy of the page of observation, if any, made by the Passport Issuing Authority.
A:You can apply for a re-issue of passport up to 1 year before the expiry OR within three years after the expiry of the existing passport without fresh police verification, provided there is no change in personal particulars and there is clear police report with respect to your previous passport and there is no adverse ...
How easy is it to renew Indian passport in USA? ›- Copy of the VFS Order Form.
- A Filled and Signed Checklist. ...
- Online Application Form filled and signed by the applicant.
- 3 Copies of the filled Nationality Verification Form/ Personal Particulars form and 3 photographs for personal particular form.
Tatkal Applications: Five (5) working days from the date of receiving the application at the Consulate. Normal Applications: Thirty (30) working days from the date of receiving the application at the Consulate.
Why is 2022 passport taking so long? ›Processing times for passport applications were an average of 18 weeks in 2021. Staffing shortages and mailing delays caused by the pandemic caused the extended wait times.
How long is the wait to renew USA passport? ›
Passport processing times vary — you can expect to wait between eight to 11 weeks for routine processing and five to seven weeks if you go the expedited route, according to the State Department website.
Can I walk in for passport renewal 2022? ›All applicants must be physically present at the DFA Office on your appointment schedule. The renewal process entails collecting your biometrics data and taking a photo of you. For passport photo capturing, take note of the proper attire or dress code.
Why is my Indian passport renewal taking so long? ›Indian passport renewal processing may take up to 30 days or longer if the Police Verification Report (PVR) is unclear or pending (excluding VFS's processing time).
How Long Does US embassy take to return passport? ›Visa processing takes approximately 21 workdays from the date on which the application is received by the Embassy. A further 2-3 workdays should be allowed for the return of your passport.
Can I speed up passport process? ›Make an appointment in person or over the phone
"Alternatively, look to book an appointment to one of the various passport centres across the country - that way you can speed up the process in person and have someone on hand should there be any errors.”
Furnishing of Aadhaar card will expedite processing of passport applications. Aadhaar letter/card or the e-Aadhaar (an electronically generated letter from the website of UIDAI), as the case may be, will be accepted as Proof of Address (POA) and Proof of Photo-Identity (POI) for availing passport related services.
Do we need photo for passport renewal? ›Yes, all applicants need to carry two coloured photographs (size 4.5 x 3.5 cm) with white background. Applicants should affix photographs on the printed copy of the online filled application form.
How long does it take for VFS to return passport? ›If you were advised on the day of your interview that your application is successful, you should allow approximately 7 to 10 working days for your application to be processed. If additional information or documentation was required in your case, you must allow additional time.
Do we need to carry original documents for passport renewal? ›Applicants are required to furnish original documents along with one set of self-attested photocopies of the same at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for processing.
What are the documents required for passport 2022? ›...
Documents Required for Indian Passport
- Passport application form.
- Proof of address.
- Proof of date of birth.
- Documentary proof for any one of the Non-ECR categories.
How long does it take to get Indian police clearance certificate in USA? ›
On average it takes 15 - 20 working days from the date of submission of the application to receive a response. Indian nationals residing outside India may approach the Indian Diplomatic Mission/Post, which has jurisdiction over the applicant's residence, in person and apply for a PCC.
Do we need to submit original Indian Passport for renewal in USA? ›You will need to submit your original passport at the time of lodging your application. It is recommended that you complete all required travel and then submit your application for a new passport as, once your passport application is registered for renewal, you will not be able to use your old passport.
Should police be present for passport verification? ›Do I have to present in-person for the police verification process? Yes, it is advisable that you are present for your police verification process.
How many photographs are required for Indian passport renewal in USA? ›Total of 2 photos with size 2×2 Inch are required for passport renewal. The photo should have white background and not off-white.
Can I change normal to tatkal passport in USA? ›You are suppose to apply for fresh tatkal passport. There is no provision provided to convert from normal to tatkal service.
How much is tatkal passport fees in USA? ›| TATKAL | ||
| Applicant Type | Passport Validity | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Adult - 18 years and above | 10 years | $ 242.90 |
| 10 years -Jumbo Booklet | $ 267.90 | |
| Minor - Less than 15 Years | 5 years | $ 217.90 |
'Tatkal' service is an 'Emergency' service which applicants can avail of for any type of passport service and it is subject to approval from the Consulates of India in USA.
How fast can I get a passport 2022? ›Regular Processing. 10-15 days in Manila. Express Processing. 5-7 days in Manila.
How can I speak to someone about my passport? ›You can call the HMPO at +44 (0)300 222 0000.
How long does passport renewal take June 2022? ›Average Passport Renewal Time 18.74 days
The renewal time is calculated from submitting your online or postal application to the date that you actually receive it back.
What is the fastest a US passport can be renewed? ›
Expedite a Renewal
Select this option if your international travel date is in the next 3 to 5 weeks. You must mail Form DS-82 to us unless you are eligible to renew in-person at a passport agency or center. Here's how to expedite a renewal by mail: Fill out your DS-82 application and collect your documents.
In 2021, the U. S. Department of State faced a massive backlog for new and renewed passports due to coronavirus restrictions and, subsequently, foreign travel restarting after a year-and-a-half long break.
Why is my US passport renewal taking so long? ›Since 2020, shuttered passport offices and personnel cuts at the State Department have bogged down the system, with wait times for passport renewals stretching as long as 18 weeks. A slashed number of in-person appointments makes options for emergency or last-minute travel documents elusive.
Can I wear shirt in passport photo? ›Collared shirt/decent attire. Both ears visible/both eyebrows visible (no bangs) Head scarf/veil for religious or health reasons allowed.
Can I go home with expired passport? ›Recently expired passports cannot be used to travel from the United States to an international destination or to travel to a foreign country for any length of stay longer than an airport connection en route to the United States or to a United States territory.
Can I travel to DR if my passport expires in 5 months? ›Any travel document must have at least 6 months' validity remaining to enter the Dominican Republic.
How can I renew my passport quicker? ›- Ensure your paperwork is correct. The Passport Office say the main cause of delays in the application process is 'human error' in the paperwork. ...
- Allow enough time for your application. ...
- Speed up the process by using 'Fast Track' or 'Premium' options.
A Tatkaal application is not only to get an early appointment but also for faster processing. For example, a Tatkaal application would be processed under post (police) verification.
What happens if my Indian passport expires in USA? ›What happens if my Indian passport expires in the U.S.? If your Indian passport expires in the U.S., you have to immediately apply for a passport renewal with VFS Global.
Why is my passport still with the US embassy? ›Your visa application has not yet been processed into the visa system. At some embassies, the application will remain in this status until you show up in the interview or your application is ready for review.
What happens after US passport is approved? ›
"Approved"
Once approved, the application information is digitally transferred to a book print facility where the passport is printed.
STEP 3: WAIT FOR THE DECISION
After your submission, the U.S. Embassy, or Consulate will respond to your request via email within 1-2 business days.
- Routine: 6 to 9 weeks*
- Expedited: Costs an extra $60. Takes 3 to 5 weeks.*
- Expedited at Agency or Center: Must have international travel in the next 14 calendar days.
So what can you do if your passport has been delayed? The Passport Office provides an expedited service if you can prove you are due to travel within the next two weeks. You'll need to show proof you've got a departure in 14 days or less. However, you must have applied for your passport at least 10 weeks earlier.
Can you go to passport office without appointment? ›You must book an appointment for an urgent passport application before you call or visit a centre. Use the normal service if you do not need a passport urgently.
What documents do I need to renew my Indian passport? ›- Original old Passport.
- Self-attested copies of the first two pages and the last two pages of the passport.
- Self-attested copy of the page of observation, if any, made by the Passport Issuing Authority.
- Self-attested copy of the ECR/ Non-ECR page.
- Duly filled application form.
- Printed & signed copy of the declaration form (to be attached with each application)
- Original Indian Passport (Last/Valid Indian passport at the time of Naturalization)
| Renunciation Fee Criteria | Renunciation Fee | VFS Fee |
|---|---|---|
| RENUNCIATION WITH PASSPORT - Naturalized after 1st June 2010 and has Indian passport | $175 | $15.90 |
| RENUNCIATION WITHOUT PASSPORT- Naturalized after 1st June 2010 and does not have Indian passport | $175 | $15.90 |
1) A new passport can be issued on the expiry, or up to one year before expiry of any passport, which had an initial validity of 10 years. It is necessary to have a valid visa on the previous passport. If a passport is renewed after one year from the date of its expiry, an affidavit (Form 1) is to be filled.
Is Aadhaar card enough for passport renewal? ›Aadhaar letter/card or the e-Aadhaar (an electronically generated letter from the website of UIDAI), as the case may be, will be accepted as Proof of Address (POA) and Proof of Photo-Identity (POI) for availing passport related services.
Do we need to submit original Indian passport for renewal in USA? ›
You will need to submit your original passport at the time of lodging your application. It is recommended that you complete all required travel and then submit your application for a new passport as, once your passport application is registered for renewal, you will not be able to use your old passport.
Do we need to submit old Indian passport for renewal in USA? ›Attach a notarized color copy of Green Card or Employment Authorization card or copy of legal status in the US such as H1B/ B1/ B2 Visa, whichever is applicable. Attach the original passport. If the passport is less than 5 years old, attach the previous passport too.
Can I travel to India without surrendering Indian passport? ›As per the Passports Act 1967, it is mandatory for all Indian passport holders to surrender their passports to the nearest Indian Mission/Post immediately after acquisition of foreign nationality. Misuse of Indian passports constitutes an offence under Section 12(1A) of the Passports Act 1967.
Can I travel to India without surrender certificate? ›A. No, it is not necessary for travelers to carry Certificate of Renunciation of Indian Citizenship during their travel to India.
Do you need appointment to surrender Indian passport? ›No Walk in Service : All applicants are advised to take a correct prior appointment before visiting the VFS center for submission of documents.
What happens to Aadhar card after US citizenship? ›Aadhar card is used for identity and address proof of person but citizenships is birthright to stay in India. Aadhar is one of essential document for identification but it is not for domicile Indian.. Any person can make Aadhar card by giving bank passbook and licence In India but can become permanent citizen.
Can I apply for OCI without surrender certificate? ›For OCI application only applicant need to submit surrender certificate.
Where do I surrender my Indian passport in USA? ›Once you acquire foreign citizenship you have to surrender your last Indian passport to Indian Consulate for cancellation. Consulate will cancel it and returned to you along with a 'Renunciation/Surrender Certificate' issued by Consulate.
What happens if Indian passport expires in USA? ›What happens if my Indian passport expires in the U.S.? If your Indian passport expires in the U.S., you have to immediately apply for a passport renewal with VFS Global.
How do I renew my passport in 2022? ›- Schedule an appointment online. Walk-in applicants are normally not allowed EXCEPT for emergency and special cases. ...
- Accomplish the Online Application Form. ...
- Settle the Processing Fee. ...
- Head to the DFA Site you picked. ...
- Claim your new passport.
What if Indian passport expires while abroad? ›
I assume that you are living in a foreign country for significant period of time and your passport expires/about to expire. You need to find out nearest Indian embassy. Navigate to website of that embassy and look for the link to apply new passport. Enter required details and submit the application.