How To Renew Indian Passport In The USA

As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) living in the USA, travelling to India to renew your passport can be very tiring. However, in recent times, the government has simplified the passport renewal process. In this effort, the government is letting the Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) handle all the passport services. As an NRI, it is important to understand the renewal process and the necessary documents involved.

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Important Information To Know Before Applying For Passport Renewal

The Indian Embassy and consulates no longer offer passport-related services. VFS Global now handles all passport applications.
It is important to fill out an online order form on the passport seva portal, whether you are applying in person or by mail. When you submit the VFS application, it must include a copy of the order form, as it makes real-time tracking easy for VFS.
When filling out the application, make sure you have an Indian address. It could be your own home address or a relative’s address. This will come in handy during police verification.
The Indian phone number you enter during the application process must work during the entire renewal process.

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Step-by-Step Process To Tenew Indian Passport In The USA

Passport renewal in the USA is a two-step process. Firstly, you must register and fill out a form on the passport seva portal, and then fill out the form on the VFS Global portal. The following steps will guide you through the entire renewal process.

Go to the passport seva portal and register yourself.
You will get an email to verify your email address, verify your email and log in to the portal.
Once you log in, you will be directed to the applicant homepage. Select "Apply for an Ordinary Passport" and fill out the form with the necessary details.
After filling out the application, make sure you select Reissue of passport. The reason must be that validity expired within three years or is due to expire. Then, select the booklet size. Opt for a booklet of 36 pages, which is the standard size. If you travel a lot, choose 60 pages. For the type of application, choose Normal or Tatkaal based on urgency.
In the next step, click Next, fill out the entire form with all the details, and save the application. Once the application is saved, the Application Reference Number (ARN) is generated. Make sure you save this number or note it down somewhere, as it will be useful later.
Once you fill out the application, verify and submit it. After submitting it, the application is locked so no changes can be made.
Print the completed application form. Make sure it is printed one-sided and not double-sided.
Next, go to the VFS website, register, and verify your email address.
Log in to the VFS portal, click Create a new application, and fill in the details. Here, you will be asked to add a new customer. While adding the new customer, one of the first details you must fill in is the ARN number generated on the passport seva portal. Once done, click on submit.
The portal will redirect you to the customer list screen. Note down the reference number given here. Then, select the courier option; the most preferred option is the VFS courier service. Here, enter your own US residence address.
Next, click on confirm application. You will be redirected to the payment site. The payment is accepted through Visa or Mastercard or a money order or checks made in favour of VFS Services (USA) INC.
Once the payment is made, download the shipping labels and send the application. You must send the application based on your state of residence and the Indian consular application centre responsible for handling the application.

Here's a list of all Indian offices in the United States and their respective jurisdiction.

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Debt Mutual Fund Information

Office	Address	Jurisdiction
Embassy of India, Washington D.C.	2107, Massachusetts Ave. Washington, D.C. 20008	Bermuda, District of Columbia, North Carolina, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia
Consulate General of India, Atlanta	5549 Glenridge Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30342	Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, South Carolina, Georgia, Puerto Rico, Tennessee, and Virgin Islands
Consulate General of India, Chicago	455 North City-Front Plaza Drive, NBC Tower Building, Suite No. 850, Chicago, IL 60611	Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
Consulate General of India, New York	3 East 64th Street, New York, NY 10065	Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont
Consulate General of India, Houston	4300 Scotland Street, Houston, TX 77007	Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado, and Nebraska
Consulate General of India, San Francisco	540 Arguello Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94118	Alaska, Arizona, Guam, Hawaii, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming

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Documents Required For NRI Passport Renewal

Once the application is filled out and a shipping label is generated, you will have 15 days to collect all the required documents and send your application to VFS. Make sure you arrange the documents in the order of the VFS checklist, with the checklist on top.

Here’s a list of all the documents necessary for the passport renewal.

Three 2*2 inch photographs on a white background. Make sure your eyes and ears are visible.
Government passport renewal application form
Expiring passport and all other old passports. Make sure you include the original and photocopy of the same.
Change of appearance – signature form (if any)
Online payment receipt
If you are married and want to include your spouse's name on the passport, make sure to include your spouse's passport's front page with a picture and the back page along with your green card. Include this if it is only asked in the VFS checklist. The checklist doesn't mention this for some people, so you do not need to include it in the documents. Make sure you sign on the photocopy of your spouse’s passport.
If the checklist asks for a photocopy of the marriage certificate, make sure you sign on the photocopy.
Photocopy of the first five pages and last three pages of your existing passport. Make sure you sign on each page.
US address proof: A photocopy of the rental lease agreement, home mortgage bill, or utility bill within the last three months of the application. Make sure you sign on the photocopy.
Photocopy of your driver’s license or state ID
Indian address proof. Include it only if you want to add or change the current Indian address in the passport. A valid Indian address proof is an Indian utility bill, Aadhar card, driver's license, or recent bank statement, along with the front page with your photo. Make sure you sign on the photocopy.
US legal status – Current valid US visa, dependent visa or i797 or green card, or employment authorization or valid i20. If you have a B1 or B2, it is not valid for reissued passports, and i94 is not valid proof either. Make sure you sign on the photocopy of the visa.

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Conclusion

The government has tried to simplify the passport renewal process over the years and will continue to do so. It is always advisable to refer to the VFS website or Indian portal for the latest information, as the process or document checklist keeps updating frequently.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How do I renew my Indian passport in the USA?

You can renew your India passport in the USA by filling out two applications, one in the passport seva portal and the other in the VFS portal. Once you complete your application, you must mail it and the documents to the respective Indian consulate office.

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What documents are needed for Indian passport renewal in the USA?

The VFS offers a detailed checklist of documents required for passport renewal. The necessary documents include the application form, passport-sized photographs, US and Indian address proof, a US visa, and any other documents required based on your application.

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Can I apply for a renewal of my Tatkal Indian passport in the USA?

Yes, you can apply for Tatkal passport renewal. You can select the Tatkal option while filling out your application in the passport seva portal.

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How long does it take to renew an Indian passport in the USA?

Once you fill out the application, it will take three weeks for your application to be processed.

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What is the fee for renewal of an Indian passport in the USA?

The passport renewal fee for an ordinary 36-page passport for adults 18 and above is USD 92.90. For a 60-page booklet, it is USD 117.90. In the case of Tatkal, an additional USD 150 will be charged as your application is processed in 3-4 working days. Online payments through card will have a convenience fee of 3.5%, which is over and above the total payment. If you are paying through check or money order, it must be in favour of VFS Services (USA) INC.

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Can I track my Indian passport renewal status online?

Yes, you can track your application status online on the VFS website. To do so, visit the tracking link and enter the application reference number and your date of birth.

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Do I need to provide my US address when renewing an Indian passport?

Yes, you must provide your US address to renew your Indian passport in the USA.

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Can I stay in the USA with an expired Indian passport?

Yes, you can stay in the USA with an expired Indian passport if your US visa status is valid.

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What should I do if my Indian passport is damaged in the USA?

If your passport is damaged or lost, you need to reapply for a new one. However, you won’t have a Tatkaal option in this case. The cost of applying for a new passport with a 36-page booklet is USD 167.90, and a 60-page booklet is USD 192.90.

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