How and When to Renew Indian Passport in USA

If your current passport validity has expired or is nearing expiry you can renew your Indian Passport, renewal process can be completed in the United States.

This article on Indian Passport Renewal USA will give details on the renewal of the ordinary passport category in the USA also known as the Ordinary Indian passports booklet for Indian Citizens.

An Indian Passport Holder can renew it in the USA?

YES. There is no need to exit the USA or travel to India, or even send your passport to India for renewal. The Indian Passport renewal process can be completed in the USA.

The government of India under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) runs Passport Seva. The MEA has a tie-up with VFS Global, to process all passport-related services in the USA.

With VFS Global and Indian Consulates, India Passport renewal in the USA can be done, easily.

What is the Process to Renew an Indian Passport in USA?

Indian passport renewal in USA is a fairly simple process:

Step1

Fill out an online application form on Passport Seva At the Indian Embassies and Consulates website.

Step 2

After completing the online passport application form, select 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 and completing it out, then take a printout.

Step 4

Visit the VFS website to continue with the further steps for the submission procedure.

Note: After submitting 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 Required for Indian Passport Renewal in USA

All the Documents required for passport renewal in the USA:

• A signed copy of the completed online application form
• Current passport
• Copies of the current passport’s first five (5) pages and last two (2) pages
• 3 copies of filled Nationality Verification Form/Personal Particulars
• 2 colored pictures (2″ x 2″ front-facing), most recent
• 8 pictures are needed if the passport is over 3 years old
• USA Address Proof, any one of them:
  • Lease Rental Agreement
  • Mortgage Statement
  • Utility bill not older than 3 months (electricity, gas, water, etc.)
  • USA-issued Driver’s License or State Identification Card, etc.
• Indian Address Proof:
  • Indian utility bill, not older than 3 months (electricity, gas, water, etc.)
  • India-Issued Drivers License
  • Aadhar Card
  • A Recent Bank Statement
• A notarized color copy of the Green Card or EAD Card (Employment Authorization Document) and,
• Documentation of another legal status within the USA such as:
  • H-1B, L1 Visa, I-797 approval letter, Current I-20, etc.
• Authentic passport: If the passport is less than 5 years old, attach the previous passport
• The highest degree of qualification: A copy of the highest degree of education
• 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

Annexure and current list of requirements, always check for updated requirements

As per the VFS portal system, all the paperwork should be sent in a UPS or FedEx envelope only. Other forms of shipping or mailing may not be approved and accepted. A single envelope should contain only one Indian Passport Renewal Application; Duplicate or more than one application will 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.

Please Note: When you renew your passport in the USA your current address in the USA will be updated in the booklet basis the address proof you provided. If for any reason you need your Indian address in your passport you can renew it on your trip to India, basis on your Indian address proof your new booklet will show your India Address.

When should you apply for a Fresh Passport?

If you need a fresh passport for any of the following reasons:

• Previous Passport Expired, about to expire
• Existing Personal Information Modification
• Passport Pages Exhausted Category
• Lost or Damaged Passport
• Passport is Stolen

A new passport will be issued with a validity of:

• 10 years for adults
• 5 years for minors

The visa stamped on the old passport remains in a valid visa status and does not get canceled during this process. If you travel outside the USA and need to return to the USA you can use your fresh passport and old one with a valid visa to enter the United States.

You can apply for Indian Passport renewal in the USA up to a year in advance before the expiry of your passport so don’t wait for the current passport to expire its validity, apply for renewal of your passport early.

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/cashier’s check made in favor of “VFS Services (USA) Inc.

Renewal of an Indian Passport Application Processing Time

A passport application typically takes three (3) weeks to process.

Processing times in these situations are determined by the availability of precise PVR forms among concerned Indian authorities. 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).

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. 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:
  • Change in Name
  • Change in Sex
  • Change of 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 the Tatkal passport scheme 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.

Which Indian Consulate serves my State?

Indian Consulates are in the following States:

• Atlanta, Georgia (GA)
• Chicago, Illinois (IL)
• San Francisco, California (CA)
• Houston, Texas (TX)
• New York City, New York (NY)
• Washington D.C.

Note:

• Indian Consulates in the USA do not accept or offer any direct services linked to Indian passport renewal. You can get information on consulate services on Indian Government Website or the Consulate website
• All passport services get handled by VFS Global
• Indian passport services including applications and any communication needs go through VFS Global
• You can submit applications for a passport in person or by mail
• In-person is by prior appointment only on a limited basis
• A passport renewal application fee must be paid to process your application

Passport Application Centres

• Operating hours are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.
• You can call them from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday for any help with your application
• For assistance call +1 800 320 9625 with passport and visa information handy*Note: first 5 minutes of a call to this VFS phone number are free once a week. On the usage of your free 5 minutes, you need to wait for 7+ days to get an additional free 5-minute call. Alternatively, you can pay for faster service at 2.48/minute charged in 10-minute increments. Please check for the latest process and address of VFS application centers on the VFS Global website.

Frequently Asked Questions on Passport Services

I have an Indian passport with a validity of fewer than 6 months, do I need a fresh passport or can I travel with the current valid passport?

Your passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months to travel internationally.

Are there any additional requirements that apply if the passport hasn’t been renewed in more than 3 years?

You will be subject to a new round of fresh police verification if you submit an application to have a passport reissued after the expiration of your existing passport more than three years ago. The amount of time it takes to process an application is contingent on a number of factors, one of which is whether or not an accurate Police Verification Report is available from the Indian Authority in Charge.

Applicants have the responsibility of clearly stating their Indian address alongside the correct Police station, district, and phone number in order to facilitate a smooth and efficient process of police verification and approval.

Can I renew my passport in person at the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate?

No. The passport renewal process is handled by VFS Global. All Indian passport renewal applications should be submitted online.

How long would it take for my new passport to arrive?

Your passport can arrive in as little as 30 days, depending on where in the US you reside. Door-to-door delivery will take 6 to 12 weeks in some places.

What is the process for requesting a duplicate passport if one is lost or damaged?

Apply for a “Re-issue” of a passport in the damaged/lost Passport category along with the other necessary documents, a lost passport report from the police should be filed.

Do I need to preserve my old passport?

Your current US visa will remain in your old passport you need to preserve your old passport.

Can a B1-B2 visa holder get their passport renewed in the USA?

Indian passport renewal services are for Indian citizens currently residing in the USA. 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 and have an at-least 6-month validity.

Lost Passport while traveling on B-1/B-2 Visa? An Emergency Certificate (EC) or a Short Validity Passport (SPV) will be provided to an Indian citizen to enable a return to India. an EC or SPV is issued only after receiving approval from the original passport issuing authority in India.

My passport is valid for a few years more, can I add more pages as they are exhausted?

If your passport booklet has run out of pages you can apply for renewal of a passport renewal in the USA. Your passport application form can state the reason for renewal.

What can I do to get the spelling of my name corrected in my Passport?

Always check for correct details in the renewed passport booklet. If you find errors then contact VFS Global. The case is usually decided by the consulate depending on whose error it was. If all details are correct in the passport application form and supporting documents then you will receive a corrected passport booklet. Else, the merit of the case, as determined by the Consulate will decide the course of action and fees to be paid. If facts are misrepresented then you may need to pay a penalty or fine.

How do I get my spouse’s name added to my passport?

You can add the name of your spouse by applying for a “Re-issue” of your passport. The application needs to follow the same steps as explained in this article through VFS Global and have the requisite update made to your personal information by selecting the necessary option under Miscellaneous Services. Visit VFS Global Website for details.

Important Links

VFS Global website for all the information about Indian passport renewal in the USA.

This link is from Passport Seva at Indian Embassies and Consulates while applying the online application form.

Conclusion

If you are living in the USA you can use consular services provided by the Indian Embassy or passport services by MEA’s Passport Seva, you can avail of these services while being in the USA and don’t have to take a trip to India.

Emergency situations can arise at any time when you need to travel at a moment’s notice, not having an updated and renewed passport can become challenging at such times. Keep your passport updated for emergency situations that may warrant you to take a quick international flight. As an Indian citizen living in the USA, a passport is one of the strong proof of identification.