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 many days will it take for Indian passport renewal in USA? ›
The normal processing time of passport is 3 weeks. Previous passports issued from Passport Issuing Authorities other than San Francisco could take much longer.
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.
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.
Does Indian passport renewal in USA require police verification? ›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 long does it take to renew Indian passport in USA Tatkal? ›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.
How fast can Indian passport be renewed? ›Passport Renewal Process in India
Once you've submitted your application for renewal of passport, it generally takes lesser amount of time than a first-time fresh passport application — four to six weeks.
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.
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 address proof is required for Indian passport renewal in USA? ›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.
What is the fee for Indian passport renewal in USA? ›| Booklet Pages | Passport Fee | VFS Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Booklet – 36 pages | $ 75.00 | $ 15.90 |
| Jumbo Booklet – 60 pages | $ 100.00 | $ 15.90 |
Is birth certificate required for passport renewal in USA? ›
NOTE: All applicants MUST submit a Long Form Birth Certificate. Short Form or abstract Birth Certificates are NOT ACCEPTABLE.
What should I wear for my passport photo? ›The State Department wants your photo to be "taken in clothing normally worn on a daily basis." However, no uniforms, or clothing that looks like a uniform, or camouflage clothing is allowed. You also can't wear a hat or head covering in your photo.
What is not allowed in a passport photo? ›not have hair in front of your eyes. not have a head covering (unless it's for religious or medical reasons) not have anything covering your face. not have any shadows on your face or behind you.
What should I wear for Indian passport photo? ›Head coverings are not permitted except for religious reasons, but the facial features from bottom of chin to top of forehead and both edges of the face must be clearly shown. Exposure and Lighting There should not be any overexposure or under‐exposure which results in an unusable photo.
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 days does it take to complete police verification of an Indian passport? ›The police verification usually takes somewhere between 2 to 3 weeks.
Is immigration check required for Indian passport? ›If you have not passed 10th standard, then your passport will be marked with a stamp displaying “Emigration Check Required”. You will need to get clearance from immigration office every time you wish to step outside India.
Can Indian passport be renewed online from USA? ›All the Indian Passport services are handled by VFS Global (https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind). Individual Indian consulates will no longer accept passport related services directly. All communications and applications associated with Indian passport renewal must be through VFS Global .
How long is the wait to renew USA passport? ›Processing time is approximately three weeks.
Is there anyway to speed up passport renewal? ›"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.”
Can I get Indian passport in 3 days? ›
How long will it take to get a Tatkaal passport? A: After successful application form submission, with final status as "Granted", you can expect your passport to be dispatched on third working day excluding the date of submission of application - without waiting for the Police Verification Report.
What is the fastest passport renewal time? ›Return to you: Pay $18.32 for 1-2 day delivery. This means you will receive your passport 1-2 days after we send it. Include the $18.32 fee with your passport fee in your check or money order payable to the U.S. Department of State for fastest return shipping.
What documents should I carry for passport renewal? ›- Proof of age.
- Residential address proof.
- Identity proof.
- 2 passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
- Attested photocopies of the first and last pages of your existing passport booklet.
- Original existing booklet.
- 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.
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.
Do I have to surrender my old passport when renewing? ›The old passport may be sent separately from your new passport. We recommend keeping your old passport in a safe place as it is considered proof of your U.S. citizenship. If your old passport is linked to a valid visa, you can still use the valid visa. You must travel with both your new and old passport in this case.
Does passport number change after renewal? ›The answer to this question is yes – your passport number will change when you update your passport. In this blog post, we will discuss the process of updating your passport and how to find your new passport number.
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.
Does reissue of passport change passport number? ›Will my passport number change after getting my passport re-issued? No, your passport number will remain the same after you get your passport re-issued.
Can I use US address for Indian passport renewal in USA? ›Indian address proof for passport renewal is only required if you want the Indian address to be printed on your new passport. If you are okay with a US address printed on a renewed passport, you do not need to provide any Indian address proof. Recent Bank Statement from Indian Government bank.
Which documents need to be notarized for Indian passport renewal? ›
Notarized photocopy of the residential proof of the applicant such as Home Mortgage Bill, Utility bills, State ID, Driver's License, or Rental Lease Agreement. For applicants above the age of 60 who do not have the above documents, a copy of State ID can be submitted.
Do I need to submit my old passport when renewing Indian passport? ›Old passport booklet: The applicant is also required to submit his/her expired passport booklet before availing a new passport. Self-attested copy of first and last pages of the booklet: The individual is needed to submit self-attested copies of the first two and last two pages of the old passport booklet.
How do I contact VFS in USA? ›You may call us via phone Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 20:00 hours EST for assistance with completing your application: Passport and Visa Services: +1 800 320 9625 * Other Services (Visa, OCI, Renunciation, GEP & PCC): +1 800 320 9693 *
What documents can be used as proof of birth for passport? ›89, only Birth Certificate issued by the Municipal Authority or the Office of the Registrar of Births & Deaths is acceptable. contain the name of child, a declaration on plain paper signed by parents, is required to be submitted specifying the name of the child.
What documents show proof of citizenship? ›Proof of U.S. citizenship: You must either provide your most recently issued passport, an original U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240), a naturalization certificate, or a certificate of citizenship.
What are the documents required to renew Indian passport? ›- Proof of age.
- Residential address proof.
- Identity proof.
- 2 passport-sized photographs of the applicant.
- Attested photocopies of the first and last pages of your existing passport booklet.
- Original existing booklet.
- Visit the official website of Passport Seva.
- Select the option 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport. ...
- Once you fill in the form, click on 'Validate'.
- After verifying all the details, upload this form and submit it.
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.
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.
Is Aadhaar card mandatory for passport renewal? ›Although Aadhaar has become mandatory for many services, it is still an optional document when it comes to the renewal of a passport at PSK. Aadhaar can be used either as proof of date of birth or address. However, it is not the only document that can be used as proof.
How long does it take to renew an expired Indian passport? ›
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).
How long after my passport expires Can I renew it? ›Can I renew my passport if it's expired? Yes, but the passport must have been issued within the last 15 years.