Guide For Indian Passport Renewal For NRI Kids

As an NRI parent, it is important to keep your child's passport up to date for international travel and official purposes. The Indian government has streamlined the entire process of passport renewal, allowing you to renew your kids' passports online. This guide will help you understand the important steps in the passport renewal process.

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Why Should NRIs Renew Passports On Time For Kids?

Ensuring your kid's passports are always renewed and valid is crucial. There are several reasons why you must renew your child's passport. Firstly, it is an important document for international travel. Without a passport, your kid won't be able to travel or even apply for a visa. Secondly, it is an important proof of identity for Indian citizens outside India. Moreover, a valid passport is important for maintaining your NRI status.

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Process Of Renewing An Indian Passport Online For NRI Kids

As an NRI, you can renew your kid’s passport online in India or abroad.

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Process of renewing your application in India

Step 1: Fill out the online application on the official passport website and pay the renewal fees.
Step 2: Submit the documents online or at a designated centre.
Step 3: Book an appointment at the nearest passport, Seva Kendra.
Step 4: Attend the appointment with all the necessary documents for a physical verification.
Once approved, you will receive the passport by mail, or you will have to pick it up.

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Process of renewing your kid’s passport abroad

To renew your kid’s passport online while staying aboard, you must follow a two-step process. First, you must register on the passport seva portal and then fill out the form on the VFS Global Portal.

Step 1: Register yourself on the passport seva portal and fill in the forms with the necessary information. Then verify your email and fill out the form.
Step 2: Save the Application Reference Number (ARN) generated after submitting the application.
Step 3: Go to the VFS Global Portal, register yourself, and verify your email address.
Step 4: Login, complete the application with all necessary details, and submit the form.
Step 5: Choose the courier service to receive the passport. Since you are staying abroad, make sure you enter your residential address.
Step 6: Pay and select the Indian consular application centre based on your country of residence.
Step 7: Collect all required documents and submit them with the application within 15 days.
Step 8: Once the application is processed, you will receive your kid’s new Indian passport.

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List Of Documents Required For Passport Renewal

The following documents are necessary to apply for your NRI kid's Indian passport.

Printed copy of the government application form. Minors are not supposed to sign on the application. They can write their name or leave a thumb impression on their left hand.
Two photographs of 2*2 inches taken in the last six months. Make sure the kid’s eyes and ears are visible.
Current original Indian passport and copies of the first five and last two pages of the passport.
Change of appearance form for signature (if any). This form has to be notarized.
Annexure E – a declaration by the applicant. Your child must sign this form.
Annexure D—a declaration by the parent. Both parents must sign this form and have it notarized.
Have a notarized colour copy of the valid visa status in the country of residence.
Valid proof of address in the country of residence.
Self-attested copy of parent’s Indian passport.
Notarized copy of parent’s legal visa status in the country of residence.
Applicant’s birth certificate.
Annexure C – if the parents are separated or share joint custody of the minor child.
A copy of the death certificate if one of the parents is deceased.
A notarized copy of the affidavit for the name change (if any) and a newspaper advertisement.
A valid Indian address proof.

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Common Mistakes To Avoid While Renewing Indian Passport For NRI Kids

Below are some common mistakes to avoid while filling out and submitting the passport application form for your NRI child online.

Selecting the wrong jurisdiction while filling the form on the government portal and VFS Global portal.
Using smallcase to fill out the application form. The form must always be filled in capital letters.
Not signing the form and application wherever necessary.
Details such as name, surname, date of birth, gender, passport number, place of issue, residential address, etc, are different on the previous and current passport applications.
Not submitting all the necessary documents on the checklist.
Printing the application on both sides of a paper. The application must be printed one-sided.

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Conclusion

The Indian government has simplified the passport renewal process for NRIs living abroad. The process and document checklist could vary depending on the country of residence and individual circumstances. Hence, it is always advisable to refer to the VFS website or Indian portal for the latest information, as the process or document checklist is updated frequently.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the processing time for Indian passport renewal for NRI kids?

The normal processing time for renewing an Indian passport for NRI kids is around three weeks. In the case of Tatkal, it will take 3-4 working days.

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Can NRI kids renew their Indian passports while staying abroad?

NRI kids can renew their Indian passports while staying abroad through the VFS portal.

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How do you track the status of the passport renewal application online?

Your kids' passport renewal application status can be tracked online on the VFS Global portal. Visit the tracking link and enter the applicant's application reference number and date of birth.

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What should be done if there is a mistake in the renewed passport?

If there is an error in the renewed passport, you must immediately reach out to the nearest Indian consulate or embassy and provide the necessary documentation to correct the details.

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What are the guidelines for NRI kids' passport photo requirements?

The photograph must be 2*2 size (51mm * 51 mm) and taken in the last 6 months. Photographs older than the last 6 months are not accepted. The eyes must be open, the ears must be visible, and the hair must not obstruct the face. Moreover, the child must not be wearing any hair or facial accessories.

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