A lot of us have been here in the United States for a while but are not sure how to go about Renewing our Indian Passports here. Don’t worry. Here’s a guide that will help you out with every step of the passport renewal process here in the U.S.
Important Information about Indian Passport Renewal Process
All the Indian Passport services are handled by VFS Global
Individual Indian consulates no longer accept passport related services directly. Therefore, there’s no use in calling them or going there. They will direct you to the VFS website only.
All applicants for passport related activities must fill an online Order Form whether applying in person or by mail. The application must include a copy of the form. This is to enable VFS real-time tracking of the applications.
The Renewal Steps:
Like most things Indian government processes, this one too is quite simple. Who are we even kidding? Let’s just say that the process is 2 pronged and will require some patience. Also, please make sure that you use a laptop or a desktop for the entire process. The mobile sites don’t work that well.
Now, coming back to the process and step.
There are 2 parts to it.
The 1st part involves filling a form / application on the Government of India website to validate your authenticity as an Indian National.
The second part involves you filling a form / application on the VFS portal/website. This part is to validate your authenticity as a legal immigrant in the U.S and for shipping purposes.
Let’s Get Started:
Step 1:
Go to https://portal4.passportindia.gov.in/Online/index.html and Register by Clicking on ‘Register’
Step 2:
Once you’ve registered, you will get an email to verify your email. Click on it to Verify your account. Login again with your Login id and Password.
Step 3:
When you Login again, you will be taken to the Applicant Home page. There, select ‘Apply for Ordinary Passport’ and fill the form with all the details that open up.
Step 4:
In the application, make sure you select Reissue of Passport and Validity Expired Within 3 years / Due to Expire. Opt for a booklet of 36 pages unless you travel a lot.
Step 5:
Click on Next and fill the entire form. Once you click Save, your application is saved, and an Application Reference number (ARN) is generated. Please save or note down that number. It is important and will be of use later.
Make sure you have an Indian address while completing the form. It can be your own home or your relative’s address. Basically, someone to vouch for you during the police verification process. The Indian number that you give for the police verification process should be working and please select the correct police Station too.
Step 6:
Once you’ve completed the entire form, Verify and Submit your application. Once you Submit, your application is locked and no changes can be made to it.
Step 7:
Print the completed application form. Print it one-sided and not double sided.
Step 8:
Now, go to the VFS website. Click on Passport and fill in the required details on the screen that looks like the one below.
Step 9:
After you click on Proceed you will be asked to Register and activate the registration by email. Once you do that, there are chances that you might have to REDO the application again. It’s Ok. Be Patient. You’re almost done.
Step 10:
After you Login to the VFS portal, Click on Create New Application. Fill in the details and you will be asked to Add a new Customer. While adding the New customer, one of the first fields you’ll be aske to fill is Govt. Reference Number. This is the ARN number you received after filling the form on Indian Govt. website. Please enter it there.
Step 11:
Click on Submit.
You will reach the Customer List Screen. Please do note down the Reference Number on the screen.
Select Courier Option. We suggest Select VFS offered courier service. They use FedEx.
The Total cost of the entire application would be:
Passport Renew Fee: $92.90
Courier Charges: $30
Plus Convenience and Taxes.
Total: $127.20
In the Courier Service address enter you own US mailing address and not VFS address.
Step 12:
Click on Confirm Application. You will be redirected to a payment site. Once you’ve made the payment, you’ll be able to download the shipping labels and send your application package.
You’re done with the filling of forms. Now you need to collect every document and send the package the VFS’s FedEx shipping label within 15 days of generating the label.
You can submit your application at the VFS Indian Consular Application Centre based on your state of residence. Please refer to
https://www.indianembassyusa.gov.in/pages/MTk Sto verify which centre you should send your application to. Address of the centre will be mentioned on the final confirmation page along with payment transaction id.( if payment is made online).
Please note that due to the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, applications are being accepted via courier only. The In-person application submission is not available till further notice.
Documents Required:
As with any other such process, there are a few documents that you’ll need to submit with your application. Here’s a list of documents that needs to be submitted.
Arrange the documents in the order of the VFS document checklist with the checklist on top.
VFS Document checklist.
Expiring Passport (Original, most recent one). All other OLD passports, if any, are not required.
2*2 inch photographs in white background. Your eyes and years should be visible. Total 3 in number.
Government passport renewal application form
Change of Appearance / Signature Form (if any)
Online Payment Receipt.
(Optional) If you are Married and want to add your Spouse name to new passport? Then, include Spouse’s Passport’s front (page with picture) and back page (with address) OR Green Card, ONLY if asked for your case in ‘VFS document checklist’. For some people, this is NOT required. If the Checklist asks for, then you may need to include Marriage Certificate (Indian or any other) too.
Photocopy of First 5 pages of YOUR passport + last 2 pages. First page with Photo, then page numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Page number 34, 35, 36 and last page with address. Total of 10 pages.
(Optional) – For ECR Stamp – Copy of Highest Educational Qualification Degree.
USA Address proof : Any 1
Rental Lease agreement (Month to Month is acceptable) OR Home Mortgage bill – Should not have expired at the time of submission.
Any utility bill (Electricity/gas/ water/ landline telephone bill) – Must NOT be older than 3 months. Home Internet wifi bill and Mobile bill are NOT accepted.
Driver’s License OR State ID – Front and back both are required. Learning/ temporary driving license is accepted.
US bank statement is NOT a valid address proof.
Indian Address Proof – ONLY REQUIRED if you want to ADD or CHANGE current Indian Address on your current passport. You need just one of the below for it:
Any Indian utility bill (Electricity/gas/ water/ landline telephone bill) – Must NOT be older than 3 months
Aadhar Card
Indian Drivers license
Recent Bank Statement from Indian Government bank. Front page required. Should have affixed photograph.
US Legal Status
Current Valid US Visa (including dependent Visa) OR I-797 OR Green card OR Employment Authorization Card (EAD) or I- 797 approval notice or Valid I-20. B1/B2 is NOT valid visa for passport reissue. i94 is not a valid Proof either.
Important Points:
Only you should sign yourself on the photocopy of the following documents
Your passport copy - First Five and Last two pages.
Copy of Visa or Green Card or I797 approval notice.
Annexure E – Specimen Declaration of the applicant on a plain paper.
Annexure D for Child’s passport
USA Address proof.
Indian Address proof (If Applicable for you case).
Copy of Marriage Certificate (ONLY If you are married).
Spouse Passport copy (ONLY If you are married).
Notarize - Change of Appearance Form
Where can you Notarize?
Your local city library, Bank (like Bank of America, Chase), your own office are the FREE notary options for Indian passport renewal.
USPS, Fedex and other local mail shops would charge around $5+ per page of notary.
How long will it take to get me my new Passport?
Though the website mentions 2-3 weeks, you usually get your passport within 10 days.
Conclusion
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