Indian Passport Renewal in USA Checklist: Hello everyone, Since I have gone through the Indian passport renewal application process in the USA, I believe sharing my experience could be beneficial to others in the USA seeking to renew their Indian passports.
Table of Contents: Indian Passport Renewal in the USA Checklist
This Indian passport renewal application process might be updated in the future, so please make sure to check the VFS global website for the latest checklist before dispatching your final documents. I have attached the Indian passport renewal document checklist for your convenience below. You can also view it from here.
Indian Passport Renewal Application Form
The first step is to file your Indian passport renewal application online on the Government of India website. Once you go to this website, choose your region/country as 'AMERICAS', then select the country as 'USA'.
This will redirect you to a separate portal where you can select 'Register to apply for Passport Services'.
Related: How to apply for a US passport for minors
The registration process will ask you to enter the consulate details, your personal information and create a new login ID and password. Once submitted, your login ID will be created and then you can use these login credentials to log back in.
I have selected the San Francisco Consulate. Please check which consulate you belong to by referring to this blog, which provides information about the Consulate General of India (CGI) office that covers your state. It has also email and phone number details that you may need later.
Once registered, fill out all the information it will ask for, such as applicant details, passport printable address, and other addresses, family details, emergency contact details, previous passport details, other details, and self-declaration.
Related: How to expedite green card processing
Once you fill out all the information, an ARN (application reference number) will be generated for you and you have to use this number to make payment in the second step at the VFS global website.
After your application is submitted an application form PDF will be generated. Download it and save it since you need to post this along with the other supporting documents.
Indian Passport Renewal Fees in USA
Indian Passport Renewal Fees in USA: The second step in the Indian passport renewal process is the fee payment and the courier envelope. You need to register on the VFS global website and pay the application and shipping fee. Go to the VFS global website, select "Passport" and fill out the form.
Indian Passport Renewal in USA Fees Example
Here are sample passport renewal registration fee details. Please note that these fees may vary based on your selection and potential changes in the fee structure in the future.
If you're a new user, you need to register to make the payment. If you're already registered, you can simply go to the 'Back to login' page.
The next step is to log in, create a new application, add a new customer, and enter all your information, including the ARN number, passport number, personal details, etc. You will be prompted to make the payment when required.
I paid $132 for my Indian passport renewal application in the USA. Payment can also be made using a cashier's check or money order, but I chose to use a credit/debit card for convenience.
By the way, you might find my post about applying for a B1/B2 visa for parents useful. You can refer to it below.
Related: How to apply for the B1/B2 visa for parents
After submitting the payment, a PDF application confirmation letter will be generated for your login. Download this document, as you'll need to post it. A courier label will also be generated for you, and you should print both documents. You can choose to use your courier service, but I opted for the one provided by VFS.
Indian Passport Renewal Documents Checklist
The third step in the Indian passport renewal process in the USA is submitting your passport renewal application along with the required supporting documents. Below is the document checklist for the re-issue of the passport.
Please note that this checklist has been updated; mine was slightly different. This checklist includes all the documents you need to send, but since everyone's situation may vary, please double-check which documents you specifically need to submit for your Indian passport renewal in the USA.
You can see the documents that I included for passport renewal:
Government application form: Original form and signed
Two passport-size photos: Original (follow guidelines for photographs)
Current Indian passport and copy of the first five and last two pages of the passport: Original and a copy
Annexure E: Download from here, Original (mandatory)
Copy of valid visa status: Notarized color copy
Proof of address like a driver's license: Notarized color copy
Fee payment: Application confirmation letter generated during fee payment
Indian address proof like an Aadhar card (since my Indian address was changed I had to include this)
Marriage certificate: To add my spouse's name to the passport
Checklist: Filled and signed, this will serve as the cover page in your documents package.
Since I used the VFS-provided courier label, I simply placed all the documents in the envelope, labeled/superscribed it as 'RE-ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT IN LIEU OF EXISTING PASSPORT ADULT', and affixed the courier label. I then dropped it off at FedEx.
Indian Passport Renewal Tracking
You can track your application status online here. After your application has been verified by the Indian consular application center and every document is good, the Indian embassy will issue you a new passport and send it back to you along with your previous original passport. The old passport will definitely be invalidated by a hole. You will receive your old and new passports in the same courier parcel.
Indian Passport Renewal in USA Processing Time
Typically, you can expect to receive a new Indian passport in 4 to 6 weeks. I received mine in 5 weeks, and my husband received it in 4 weeks. You can apply for a new passport up to one year before its expiry date. If needed, there is also a Tatkal service available for passport renewal. You can also refer VFS website for the above steps. Refer this.
Feel free to comment below with any questions; I'll do my best to answer them. Best of luck with your passport renewal process! You might also enjoy reading my next post on obtaining an OCI card for your child.
FAQs
Can you please clarify whether the envelope should be superscribed as 'RE-ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT'?
Yes, when submitting your documents for passport renewal, the envelope should be superscribed as "RE-ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT IN LIEU OF EXISTING PASSPORT ADULT". This labeling helps ensure that your application is correctly identified and processed by the authorities.
Next: How to apply for an OCI Card
Related Posts
✔ Go to Main Menu
✔ Sample invitation letter for B1/B2 visa for parents
