Are you an Indian citizen living in the USA and finding your passport renewal process confusing? You're not alone! Navigating the documentation, application, and submission process can be complex, but it doesn't have to be. This guide provides a simplified, up-to-date checklist for Indian passport renewals in the USA for 2025. Let’s break it down step-by-step to ensure a smooth renewal experience.
Renewing an Indian Passport in the USA: What’s New?
Significant changes have streamlined the process for Indian passport renewal in the USA in recent years. The most notable change is that the Indian Embassy and consulates no longer directly handle passport services.
So, the question is, how do you renew an Indian passport in the USA? The process now involves applying through VFS Global, either by mail or in person.
It's important to also note that B1/B2 visa holders cannot renew their Indian passports within the USA without prior approval from the original Passport Issuing Authority in India.
Indian Passport Renewal in the USA: Updated Checklist for 2025
To prepare for your passport renewal, it's crucial to gather all the required documents beforehand. Here’s a comprehensive checklist based on the requirements from VFS Global and Indian authorities:
Required Documents for Adult Indian Passport Renewal in the USA
- A completed and signed checklist (downloadable from the VFS Global website)
- A printed copy of the government online passport application form
- A completed VFS order form
- Two recent Indian passport-size photos (ensure compliance with official guidelines)
- Your current Indian passport, along with copies of the first 5 and last 2 pages
- An affidavit for any change in appearance or signature
- Annexure-E, duly completed and signed
- A notarized color copy of your valid visa status in the US
- A notarized color copy of a proof of your current US address
Remember to cross-reference the official passport application checklist to ensure you have all required documents and that they are notarized and copied as required.
Documents Required for Minor Indian Passport Renewal in the USA
For Indian citizens under 18, the following additional documents are needed, depending on their situation:
Documents Checklist for Minor Indian Passport Renewal in the USA
- Annexure D, completed and signed
- A self-attested copy of the first and last pages of both parents’ valid Indian passports
- Notarized color copies of both parents’ valid visa status in the US
- A copy of the minor’s birth certificate
- In cases of single parent/guardian or adoption, notarized color copies of Annexure C, along with any relevant legal documents
- For cases where parents are divorced with one having sole custody, notarized color copies of divorce decree, custody papers, and Annexure C and D
- If one parent is deceased, a copy of the death certificate along with Annexure C and D
How to Renew Your Indian Passport in the USA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have all the documents ready, follow this detailed process to renew your Indian passport in the USA:
Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form
Start by visiting the Indian Embassy’s website. Choose your specific region and the country you’re in. Then, select the Indian Embassy or Consulate that covers your state of residence.
Below is a list of all Indian foreign offices within the USA with their jurisdiction:
| 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 the 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 StreetHouston, 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 |
Once you’ve located the correct consular jurisdiction, register, log in, and click “Apply for ordinary passport.” Proceed to complete the application form, ensuring all data is accurate before submitting. Make note of the Application Reference Number to use for future references.
Step 2: Register with VFS Global and Handle Fee Payments
Go to the VFS Global’s website, sign up, and input all necessary information to complete registration. Then, you can finalize the process by paying the necessary fees for your Indian passport renewal, and any extra charges for optional services.
The current fees for Indian passport renewal in the USA are:
| Applicant’s age | Booklet size | Total cost |
|---|---|---|
| 15+ | 36 pages | USD 92.90 |
| 15+ | 60 pages | USD 117.90 |
| Under 15 | 36 pages | USD 67.90 |
These fees include both the Indian Community Welfare Fund and VFS processing charges. If you opt for Tatkaal processing, remember that there is an additional fee of $150.
Step 3: Submit the Application via Mail
After your fees are paid, you can now download and print the shipping labels needed to mail your application. Ensure you use FedEx Pak, FedEx envelope, or a FedEx reusable envelope; other packages won’t be accepted.
Be sure the return shipping address on the package matches the address you used on your application form. Keep in mind that each package should only contain one application and any containing forms for multiple applicants will be turned down.
It generally takes about three weeks to process an Indian passport renewal in the USA. If you use Tatkaal, your new passport will be returned within 3 to 5 business days. Your expired passport will be returned separately.