Indian Passport Renewal in the USA

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.

Benefits and Eligibility of Indian Passport

You can visit 58 countries without a visa if you have an Indian passport. You can apply for a passport online. An Indian passport opens a door full of opportunities for the passport holder. A minor and an adult both can apply for an Indian passport if they meet the eligibility criteria. Let’s first look at the benefits that a person gets with an Indian passport:

➜ Benefits of Indian Passport

A passport is the main travel document to travel outside India. It can be used as proof of residence or identity. An Indian passport provides numerous benefits such as:

• Visa-Free Travel: A person with an Indian passport can travel to several countries without a visa or they can obtain a visa on arrival. This includes Bhutan, Mauritius, Maldives, Thailand, Iran, etc.
• Consular Services: An Indian passport holder can get access to consular services through the Indian embassies and consulates across the world. It can help the passport holder during emergencies, legal matters, or lost passports.
• Dual Citizenship: In India, dual citizenship is not permitted. However, an Indian passport can permit you to hold citizenship in another country in some situations. Provided that you abide by the laws of both countries.
• Proof of Identification: The Indian passport acts as valid proof of identification both internationally and domestically. It is often needed for various services like when opening a bank account or when applying for any government schemes.
• Global Connections: A person can build connections and network globally, It can aid them in increasing career and business opportunities. They also get to take part in cultural exchange and promote Indian heritage globally.

➜ Eligibility for Indian Passport

To avail of all the benefits of an Indian passport, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria which are as follows:

• You must be a citizen of India
• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Children between 15-18 years old can apply for a 10-year validity passport.
• If you have a matriculation (class 10) qualification or higher, then you are eligible for a non-ECR passport.
• For minors below the age of 18, the passport is valid for five years or until the minor turns 18, whichever is earlier.

How to apply for Indian Passport Renewal in the USA

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.

➜ Visit the Official Website for Passport Renewal

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

• Processing time: The processing time for every application will vary depending on some situations. Such as police verification reports, the complexity of the case, etc.
• Required Documents: Several documents are required to be submitted to apply for Indian passport renewal. Like Photographs, application forms, etc.
• Passport Renewal Fee: The fee amount for a passport renewal will vary depending on some factors. For adults, the fee is $ 117, For minors the fee is $92. 90, etc
• A document checklist: It will include a list of the required number of documents, and letters. Whether original or their copy, self-attested or notarized documents, etc.
• A temporary number: You can use this number to apply later on the website like if it gets disconnected. Note down this number somewhere or you will have to start the application all over again.

➜  Gather the Required Documents for Renewal

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.

Signature: 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.

Application: Ensure that all the documents are on only one side of the page. Printouts on both sides are not accepted.

Avoid stapling the photographs and documents.

➜ Complete the Indian Government Application Form

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.

Submitting the Application

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.

You May Also Like to Read: Renunciation of Indian Passport in USA

Who Is Not Eligible for Passport Renewal?

Some Indian citizens are ineligible to apply for a passport or any consulate service:

• B1/B2 Applications will only be accepted under the lost and damaged category. No need to get prior approval from the consulate. The San Fransico will issue short-validity passports only.
• AS6, AS7, AS8, and CO8, C visa holders are ineligible for re-issue or any other services related to passports.
• Refugees from India cannot get an Indian passport. However, for returning to India, they can apply for travel documents through CBP. U.S. border protection (CBP) officer will grant an Emergency Certificate at departure. It is good for one-way travel from the US to India.

Submitting Your Application for Indian Passport Renewal in the USA

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:

➜ 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:

➜ Attention to

• IPAC Zip Code
• Passport Application
• VFS Global IPAC NAME
• IPAC Location
• C/O Passport Department
• IPAC Address

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.

➜ 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:

• Choose your date of appointment
• Select a convenient time slot
• If the date/time you chose is already booked, it will display the next available option.
• You will receive a confirmation of the date and time for your appointment.
• Visit VFS Global in person at the selected appointment date and time to submit the documents.

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.

Understanding Fresh Passport vs. Indian Passport Renewal

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.

My Account

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:

• Make payment
• Download and print the shipping label
• View Service details
• Track Application Status
• View Applicant’s details
• Download and print the payment receipt
• Upload missing/extra documents required
• Buy shipping and other value-added services
• Download and print documents and forms

Processing The Application

1. The processing timings are not confirmed and may vary from time to time.
2. Even if the applicant meets all the requirements for acquiring a specific service. The consular officers have the right to ask for any extra original document at any stage.
3. The applicant must submit the demanded documents to the consular officer. It is important for inspection and satisfaction before the service starts.
4. Services where prior approval is important from the authorities in India or elsewhere. In such cases, the processing time takes approximately thirty business days.
5. The Consular officer can call an applicant for a personal interview at any time.
6. The applicants should avoid making telephonic or written inquiries during the processing time.
7. The consulate will send back the following applications:
   • Are not completed/incomplete
   • Missing any supporting documents
   • Handed over with insufficient fees
8. The application is returned in the return postage/envelope that was supplied with the application that was meant to return the completed application/documents.
9. The Indian government is not liable for any inconvenience or problems that you face due to rejections or delays of the application.
10. Whenever you get a new passport, your old passport will be canceled and sent back to you. Any visa in the old passport is still valid until its date of expiry. You will have to carry both passports while traveling to use the visa in the old passport.
11. If for any reason you want someone else to pick up your processed passport, you must submit an authority letter to pick up the passport.
12. Your passport will be sent back to the address mentioned on the application, If you Change your Address For an Indian Passport in the USA during the application processing then please inform the India passport application center.

Note

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).

Fee For Indian Passport Renewal In The USA

The amount of fee for Indian passport renewal in the USA depends on the age of the applicant and the type of passport:

Service	Fee
For an adult aged 18 years or older (10-year passport)	$117.90
For a minor aged between 15 to 18 years (10-year passport)	$92.90
For a minor aged between 15 to 18 years (10-year jumbo passport)	$117.90
For minors under the age of 15 (5-year passport)	$67.90
For lost/stolen/damaged passport (36-page passport)	$150
For lost/stolen/damaged passport (60-page passport)	$175
Indian Community Welfare Fund	$2
Service charge to VFS Global	$15.90
Convenience charge for online or card payments	Up to 3.5%

How to Check the Application Status of Indian Passport Renewal in the USA

Step 1. Navigate To The Passport Seva Website - Visit the official Passport Seva website for India which is the Passport Seva Portal

Step 2. Login To Your Account - Log in using your User ID and password, if you already have an account. In case you don’t, you need to create an account on the portal first.

Step 3. Search For “Track Application Status” - After logging in, search for the “Track Application Status” link and click on it. You can find this option on the dashboard.

Step 4. Provide The Required Details - You need to provide certain details to track the status of your Indian passport renewal. The details you need to share will be:

• Your passport number
• Your application reference number or ARN that you received after submitting your Indian passport renewal application online.
• Your birth date as per your passport

Step 5. Track Application Status - After providing the necessary details, click on “Submit”. The status of your application will be displayed on the screen which can be any one of the following:

• Under Processing
• Completed
• Rejected

Step 6. Get Notification Through SMS/E-mail - Once your Indian passport renewal application is processed, the Indian embassy or consulate will notify you about the same by sending notifications to your registered mobile number or email. The notification message will include updates about when your passport gets dispatched and tracking details for the passport’s delivery.

Step 7. Get In Touch With The Indian Embassy/Consulate - You can contact directly with the Indian embassy/consulate in your region. if you cannot check your status online or if your status shows a delay or issue. Contact the Indian Consulate/Embassy where you submitted your passport renewal application. Here is a list of the major consulates in the USA:

• Indian Consulate New York:

• Phone: +1 212-774-0600 (Consular Section)
• Email: consular.newyork@mea.gov.in

• Indian Consulate San Francisco:

• Phone: +1 415-668-0683 (Consular Section)
• Email: consular.sanfrancisco@mea.gov.in

• Indian Consulate Chicago:

• Phone: +1 312-595-0405 (Consular Section)
• Email: consular.chicago@mea.gov.in

• Indian Consulate Houston:

• Phone: +1 713-626-2148 (Consular Section)
• Email: consular.houston@mea.gov.in

• Indian Embassy Washington DC:

• Phone: +1 202-340-1982 (Consular Section)
• Email: consular@indiandc.org

Step 8. Track The Status Using A Courier/Postal Tracking System (if applicable) - When your passport gets dispatched, the Indian Consulate may give you a tracking number for courier services like USPS, FedEx, and DHL. You can use that tracking number to track the status of your passport delivery.

If you find it difficult to track your application status on different portals, don’t worry you can track the status of your passport renewal application and stay updated via Visament. We have made it easy for people to track their passports, visas, OCI, and many more application statuses in just one place.

Get Assistance

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.