Lost Indian Passport in the USA: Reissue, Processing Time, Fees, and Emergency Certificate
Updated: Mar 1
If your Indian passport is damaged, lost, or stolen in the USA, the first step is to immediately report the incident to the local police station where you live or where you think you lost your passport and obtain a police complaint report. A copy of the police report will be useful when you apply for a fresh passport.
The next step is to inform the Indian consulate and then apply for the re-issue of the passport on the VFS website. If you have to travel back to India in an emergency then apply for an Emergency Certificate.
Table of Contents: Lost Indian Passport in the USA
What happens to the Visa Stamp?
If an Indian passport is lost in the USA with F1, J1, H1B, or B1/B2 visa stamps, and you plan to return to the US, you will need to get new stamping done separately once you obtain a fresh passport. Unfortunately, you cannot get it within the US; you have to travel back to India to complete the stamping process.
If you are currently in the United States and happen to lose your visa, you can stay in the US for the authorized period mentioned on your I-94 'admit until' date. However, if your authorized stay is over, you will need to fly back regardless.
Make sure to have the following documents with you if you plan to travel to India with a new passport and without a visa:
Police report for the lost passport
New Passport
Old passport copy (if available)
Old visa copy (if available)
Latest I-94 copy
DS-2019 for J1 visa, I-797 for H1B or L1 and I-20 for F1 (if applicable)
Emergency certificate (if applicable)
Any other Indian IDs like DL, Aadhar Card, etc.
To leave the United States and enter India, you must have a valid passport. That's why getting a new passport is necessary.
How to Apply for Lost Indian Passport in the USA
Visit the local police station and report your passport is lost or stolen with details of the incident.
Report lost/stolen passports to your embassy, preferably via email for your records. You can find the Indian embassy's physical address and other contact information here. Note that the embassy won't assist you with the passport application; VFS Global will handle the process.
Apply for re-issue of passport on VFS website under lost category:
Start here to apply for a passport.
The process is similar to passport renewal steps.
Print the online passport application form.
Post the application along with the required documents to VFS Global.
Get a fresh passport in 3 to 5 weeks (without visa stamps).
If you have to travel early, apply for an Emergency Certificate. This link is for CGI-SF.
Lost Indian Passport in the USA - Processing Time
The normal processing time for a lost or stolen passport in the USA is 3 to 4 weeks. There is no Tatkal service for a lost/stolen passport. The passport is issued after checking the applicant's Police Verification Records (PVR) in the consulate system.
Police verification for Indian passport renewal in USA (VFS)
If the Indian embassy can't find your PVR records, then they will send your case to authorities in India, and it might take longer to process. If the Indian embassy is waiting for the Police Verification Report (PVR), it could take around 30 days or more (not counting VFS's processing time).
To avoid additional delay, make sure you mention the correct address where you live in India so that your police verification goes smoothly. Be specific and include your police station, district, and PIN code.
Lost Indian Passport in the USA - Fees
The minimum fee for the re-issue of a passport in case of lost or stolen is $167.90. This could vary depending on the passport booklet pages.
Passport Type | Total Passport Reissue Fees |
Ordinary Booklet (36 Pages) | $167.90 |
Jumbo Booklet (60 Pages) | $192.90 |
FAQs on Lost Indian Passport in the USA
Do I need to report a stolen Indian passport?
Yes, it is important to report the loss of the passport to the nearest police station and obtain the police complaint report. Additionally, you should also report to the Indian embassy. You can find the contact details of the Indian embassy in the US here.
How to report a lost or stolen Indian passport?
You need to visit the nearest police station in your area and report the incident. Keep a copy of the lost passport/visa if available. Try searching your email, phone images, and laptop; typically, you will find a copy.
Can a US Visa be replaced in the USA?
No, you can not apply for a new visa with a new passport within the US.
Can I apply for an H1B visa extension using a new passport within the US?
Yes, you can apply for an extension using a new passport. If you have to travel outside the US and re-enter then you will need a visa stamp.
I lost my passport and I am flying tomorrow, what to do?
You need to visit the CGI in person after applying online for an Emergency Certificate (EC). Bring the necessary documents and your EC application to the counter on the appointment day. Note that only a few people get appointments each day, between 9 AM and 12 PM. It works on a first-come, first-served basis.
What is an Emergency Certificate?
An emergency certificate is issued for one-way travel to India after verifying your Indian nationality. It's issued only in case of an emergency.
What's the processing time for the Indian Emergency Certificate?
The processing time for an Emergency Certificate can vary from a few days to a week, depending on the urgency. Nevertheless, the Emergency Certificate (EC) is issued only after confirming Indian nationality and passport details.
What's the fee for an Emergency Certificate?
The fee for an Emergency Certificate is $17. Fees need to be paid through two separate money orders or cashier's cheques of $15 and $2. Personal cheques, credit, and debit cards are not accepted.
What is the fastest way to replace a lost passport?
There is no Tatkal or expedited service for replacing a lost passport. In case of emergency travel, apply for an emergency certificate, which you can obtain relatively faster depending upon the urgency.
How much does it cost to replace a lost passport?
The fee is $167.90 for 36 pages booklet.
How long to replace a lost passport?
It can take up to 3 to 5 weeks.
Does your passport number change when you renew it?
The fresh passport will be assigned a new passport number, without any visa stamps, and will be valid for 10 years.
Can I travel within the country to apply for a passport without having a passport?
Typically, for domestic flights, you are not required to have a passport. However, you'll need to provide a valid form of government-issued identification, such as a driver's license or state ID. If you've lost your passport and are in the process of applying for a new one, it's wise to check with the airline and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for their specific identification requirements, as they may have updated policies or special considerations.
Can I use my lost passport if I find it?
If you report to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that you lost your visa, and then you find it later, your visa won't work for future trips to the United States. You need to apply for a new visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in that case.
