A passport is an important document required while traveling. It acts as proof of a person's identification and nationality. In this article, we will learn about Indian Passport Renewal in the USA.
You can travel with a passport for any reason including work, vacation, education, etc.
Unlike the older passports, the new passports being issued do not have an 'ECNR' approval. The 'ENCR' is now included by default
Renewing a passport is important to keep it valid and to enjoy a smooth traveling experience. An Indian passport stays valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.
You can apply for passport re-issue or renew a passport within a year before its expiry or three years after its expiry.
To avoid any hassle, you should apply about nine months before the expiry date. Here is the process involved in applying for the Indian Passport Renewal in the USA.
Go to the VFS Global website and answer the questions visible in the widget. Fill in answers according to your passport need and category, reason for renewal, etc.
It will create a checklist of the required documents based on your answers.
These things will also be visible on the screen
Fields are already auto-populated in forms where repetitive information is requisite. It depends on your answers in the widget.
Recheck the forms and submit extra information if needed. Print out all the forms and documents according to the document checklist.
Put your signature wherever indicated. Check which documents must be self-attested or notarized, and which need a copy or color copy.
Together with all the documents, take the printout of the document checklist. Tick all the boxes when you complete the documents.
You also have to add one copy of the filled document checklist.
Your signature must be clear, readable, and inside the box. Applicants under the age of 5 can put in their thumb impression.
Right-hand thumb impression for girls and left-hand thumb impression for boys.
Ensure to print all the documents on only one side of the page. Printouts on both sides are not accepted.
Avoid stapling the photographs and documents.
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Fill out the application form at the government of India.
You will receive a web reference number. Check next to the 'WEBFILE NO' to get the reference number. It will have a format like 'USASP0421E16'.
Go back to the VFS Global website at already filled in the Government Online NRI passport. Now continue the rest of the passport renewal process online.
Enter the web reference number with the passport and DOB to proceed further. Do not add the temporary tracking ID in place of the reference number.
The VFS Global will verify all the details you provided and the details in the Government of India form.
The system will show an error if there is any mistake in either of the processes. In such a situation, you will have to start the entire application from the beginning.
You should not fill out the Government of India form online before going to the VFS Global process. It increases the chances of the details not being similar.
You get two options for applying, by shipping or in person by scheduling an appointment.
Once you apply, you can explore more about the processing and keep track of its updates.
Some Indian citizens are ineligible to apply for a passport or any consulate service:
You can submit the application form for an Indian passport in the USA to VFS Global via shipping. You can also submit the documents in person according to your jurisdiction.
Here are the details related to both the available options:
1.) For Shipping
Submitting the documents through the shipping method is the most preferable option. It is very convenient and time-saving as well.
It prevents you from waiting at the VFS Global Center and saves parking charges. You can use the shipping method in both sending the document and receiving back the passport.
If you choose this method, make sure to print the label which automatically addresses:
2.) Attention to
You will get an email once VFS Global receives your application. It will include an acknowledgment status 'received' but not verified.
After verification, you will get another email stating the outcome of your application.
3.) Walk-In (By Appointment)
While filling out the online application you can choose the Walk-in’ method.
Follow these steps to book an appointment for a walk-in:
You can book your appointment through My Account also. You can even cancel or reschedule an appointment.
Any immediate family member of the applicant can also apply. They have to visit with proper proof of their relationship and an authority letter.
If you are applying for a minor, both parents have to be present at the counter. The parent who is unable to attend must provide a consent/authority letter. It will permit the other parent to apply alone.
An Indian passport is generally valid for 10 years from the issuance date. The expiry date of the passport is indicated as Final’, or F’ after the expiry. For example, 08.05.2026 (Final) or 08.05.2026 (F).
You are not allowed to renew the passport for more than one year before the expiry of your current passport.
Whenever you issue a new passport, the old passport will be canceled and returned to you. Any valid visa in the passport is not canceled. You can use those visas till the expiry of the given visa.
You can access the My Account section for several reasons. To access the My Account section you need a web reference number, passport number, and date of birth.
When you log in you will be able to see and access the following options:
The VFS Global is not responsible for applications that get lost during transit. They are only responsible for processing the applications.
They do not affect the decision or the processing time. The Embassy/Consulate of India in the USA determines the result. If you submit any wrong document or detail your application result will get affected.
Whenever you book an appointment, you will get a reference number generated by VFS Global.
The reference number on the application form is not valid for tracking through VFS.
VFS Global is the service provider for passport services for the Embassy of India, Washington DC, or its consulate in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, New York, and San Francisco.
It started its operations on the 4th of November, 2020. Every applicant under the Consular Jurisdiction of the Embassy of India and those living in Bermuda, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia looking for passport services can use this link services.vfsglobal.com to get details.
Applicants have to pay US$ 15.90 as service charges to VFS Global and US$ 2 as a contribution to the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
The Passport Renewal application process can be stressful and confusing at the same time. Submitting an error-free application, handling all the Documents Required for Passport Renewal, and booking an appointment everything must be done accurately.
If you end up making any mistake, you may have to start the application all over again. To avoid being in such a situation make sure to get assistance.
Visament is one of the most trustworthy service providers. They have a team of experts who guide and assist the applicants throughout the Passport Renewal application process. They ensure to submit an application that gets a quick and positive response.
Visament makes the Passport Renewal Process easier and stress-free for you.
No, you have to submit your original documents. Although, you have to carry your original documents to the passport office on your appointment date. It is required for verification and self-attested copies of some documents are also required.
You cannot make changes to the application form after submitting it. You have to visit the passport seva kendra and ask the citizen service executive to make changes to the mistake you made.
Yes, you have to submit your old passport to get your passport renewed.
There are a lot of websites such as visament that can assist with police clearance certificates help, renunciation services, etc. They have professionals who can assist throughout the application process.
