Renewal of Indian Passport in USA-Step by Step Guide

Second updated on June 04, 2024: As of last week, notary is not required for Affidavit for change of appearance & Signature. However, you till need to submit along with the whole package.

Updated on February 22, 2024: As of last week, it is no longer necessary to have your US address proof notarized for adult Indian passport renewal. However, for children under 18 years old, notarization of the parent’s US address proof is still required.

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You can easily renew your Indian passport in USA with VSF global. Once you understand the process, you’ll feel more confident and can complete the application smoothly.

Following these steps will help prevent any potential errors while filling it out. As you cannot modify the application once you submit it. However, if you find any errors after submission, you can certainly restart and fill it out again.
Once you know what needs to be done and the sequence to follow, completing the form is just a 30-40 minutes task.

Here is a 7-step process for renewing Indian passports for both adults and kids in the USA:

Step 1: Verify if Your Passport is Damaged

Before you even start, verify if your passport is somehow damaged or a little worn out from binding, as this is also considered a damaged passport by VFS. Below is the photo of damaged passport rejected by VFS.

Note:

• If you have a damaged passport, you can’t apply for a tatkal.
• If your passport is damaged, you will still receive your new passport with a 10-year validity (5 years in the case of minors).

Damaged vs. Normal Passport

Firstly, when you start filling out the form, pick “Damaged Passport” from the dropdown menu as the reason for requesting passport renewal.

Secondly, along with your application, you need to submit Annexure F form along with all other documents mentioned in the checklist.

Thirdly, the checklist you submit is specifically for a damaged passport.

Finally, there is an additional fee of approximately $75 for applying for an Indian passport in the damaged category.

The remaining process remains unchanged. You can find additional details on the VFS website here.

Step 2: Collect All the Documents and photos

Before starting to fill out the forms, I highly encourage you to gather all the required documents, whether they are in form of original, scanned copies, or printed copies of the IDs, as per the
Indian passport renewal checklist. 

Having IDs such as a passport, US address proof, Indian address proof, and parents’ IDs (2 IDs if you are making changes in spellings) handy while filling out the form reduces the likelihood of making errors in names or addresses (which many people make that kind of errors).

Photos printing options:

This is a recent service by VFS where you upload a digital photo (according to specifications), and they print two photos for you at a cost of under $10 (as of now).
If you choose VFS for your photos, you should receive an email around the same time you are on the VFS website making your other payment for passport renewal fees.
After uploading a photo and making the payment to VFS for photos, there is no need to send any physical photos.

Alternatively, you can get photos from CVS, Walmart, or Walgreens. You require two photos with a white background, each measuring 2 inches by 2 inches. The estimated cost for photo printing at this store is approximately $15-$20.

Review the photo specifications by VFS here.

Step 3: Read Instructions

Whether it’s your first or second time, take a moment to review the VFS instructions as some information may be updated . You’ll find all the necessary links for government forms, document checklists, prices, and contact information for Indian passport renewal on the VFS website here.

Step 4: Fill Out the Government Form

Complete the government’s online form by clicking here. Filling out the form is quite straightforward.

Three important points to keep in mind:

• Ensure that your/ parents/ spouse name matches the one on your current/expiring passport (first, middle, last name), unless you are changing names and you have IDs for the changing name.
• Make sure your US and Indian addresses match the documents you are submitting as address proof. (Yes, its compulsory to submit one Indian and One US address proof)
• Choose the correct mission (such as Houston or New York) based on your current US address.

After completing the form and reaching the preview page, I suggest comparing the preview of the new passport with the old one. They should look similar unless you are changing details like your address or any other information.

Once you submit your Indian passport application on the government website, you won’t be able to edit any details. If you discover an error after submission and wish to make changes, the only option is to start a new application.

Found an Error after making payment:

If you’ve already made a payment and later discovered an error, and you want to make changes, here’s what you should do:

Request a refund for the incorrect application with error here. Complete the query form and submit a refund request to VFS. Once you receive an email confirming that your refund is processed and you will receive the money back via cheque, you can proceed to fill out a new application and make a payment for the new application again.

Step 5:Printing Documents

Once you have completed the government form, you are prepared to print all the documents.

For adults aged 18 years and above:

• Document checklist (Signature on the last page and complete the information at the top on all pages)
• Government forms (2 signature – one on first age and second on third page and glue one photo)
• Indian passport copy  (1st five pages and last two) (I would print till the page number 5 and last information pages)
• USA address proof (color copy, notarized)
• USA visa (color copy, notarized)
• Affidavit of change of appearance and signature (glue one photo, notarized) (It is a mandatory document, even if your appearance or signature has not changed)
• Annexure E (one signature)
• Payment Receipt (Upon completing payment through VFS, you will receive an email with a PDF confirmation)
• Indian address proof (self-attested, even if you are not changing it, make a copy first and last information of the passport and submit)
• Shipping Label (You will receive an email with a link to download a one-way shipping label if payment was made to VFS, or you can create and print your own shipping label)
• Other supporting documents if applicable, such as:
  Marriage certificate + spouse’s passport copy (if adding spouse’s name),
  Annexure F (if your passport is damaged),
  Affidavit of name change (if you are changing your name)
  
  Check Other applicable supporting documents based on your condition..

Documents for minors below aged 18 years :

• Document checklist (kid’s Sign on the last page and complete the information at the top on all pages)
• Government forms (4 signature- inside box on first page and third page kid signature. On third page below the box both parents signature next to each other and glue one photo)
• Indian passport copy  (1st five pages  and last two) (I would print till the page number 5 and last information pages)
• USA address proof- one of the parent’s address is needed (color copy, notarized)
• USA visa-Kid’s (color copy, notarized)
• USA visa-Father’s (color copy, notarized)
• USA visa-mother’s (color copy, notarized)
• Affidavit of change of appearance and signature (glue one photo, signature) (It is a mandatory document, even if your appearance or signature has not changed)
• Annexure E (kid’s one signature)
• Annexure D (both parents sign in front of notary and notarized)
• Payment Receipt (Upon completing payment through VFS, you will receive an email with a PDF confirmation)
• Shipping Label (You will receive an email with a link to download a one-way shipping label if payment was made to VFS, or you can create and print your own shipping label)
• Indian address proof (self-attested, even if you are not changing it, make a copy of the passport itself and submit)
• Other supporting documents if applicable, such as:
  Annexure C – For single parent/guardian or adoption/separation cases,
  Annexure F – If your passport is damaged,
  Affidavit of name change (if you are changing kid’s name)
  
  Check Other applicable supporting documents based on your condition..

Step 6: Get documents notarized.

When scheduling an appointment for notary services for Indian passport renewal documents, ensure that you inform the notary about the specific documents you require notarization for, as not all shipping companies or banks offer notary services for all types of documents.
These days, you can also find mobile notaries who can come to your location for added convenience.

If you're in the Dallas, Plano, TX area, I'd be delighted to be your go-to notary! 🤗

With seven years of experience in Indian passport, OCI, and consulate attestation, I am always ready to assist clients with any questions they may have. Many of my clients makes payments to VFS only after I verify their whole application package, which often saves them hassle. 

Explore what my clients have to say here.

Mandatory Documents that needs notary for Adult:

1.Color copy of the applicant’s Legal status in the USA

Supporting document needs notary:
Name Change Affidavit (for those changing their name)

Mandatory Documents that needs notary for kid below 18 years:

1. Color copy of the applicant’s Legal status in the USA
2. Color copy of the Parent 1Legal status in the USA
3. Color copy of the parent 2 Legal status in the USA
4. Color copy of US Proof of Address
5. Annexure D 

Supporting document needs notary:
Name Change Affidavit (for those changing their name)
Annexure C – Only required for Cases where One parent has not given Consent

Note: Both parents and the child must be present during the notary appointment for the notarization of a minor’s passport documents.

Step 7: Make Payment and Send Documents

Once notary is done, Register with VFS Global and pay your fee here:

Once you make payment you will receive an email with PDF for a Payment receipt. Print the first three pages and include them in the package, as specified in your checklist.

In the same email you should receive a link to print one way shipping label if you have selected shipping services directly from VFS (which I recommend). Return shipping label VFS print it when they ship your old and new passport back.

Now that you have all the documents printed, signed, notarized last few steps.

You can Scan the whole application and keep it with you for any future reference (lightly recommended).

Its time to hop in you car and mail all the documents. Don’t forget your ORIGINAL passport to mail with the documents in a package.

When you go to UPS to mail documents you should receive envelope for no charge. Hand them your shipping label and keep your documents in the envelope and find a blank space on the envelope and write:  “RE-ISSUANCE OF PASSPORT IN LIEU OF EXISTING PASSPORT – ADULT” or whatever is applicable in your case as mentioned on the first page of the document checklist in red color writing.

Tracking after you have submitted:

You can track your application on VFS for the first few updates. Once VFS has sent your application to the consulate for decision-making, you can track your application on the government website. Again, when the consulate sends back your passport to VFS, you can track your application here.

Once you receive your passport, you should check all the information on the front and back to ensure it is correctly spelled.

I hope I have addressed many of your queries. However, if you still have questions and require guidance for your Indian passport renewal application, feel free to send me a WhatsApp message. We can arrange a paid 30-minute call📞.

Disclaimer: This information is purely for your guidance, I highly encourage checking on the VFS website for more updated information. Share this Article if you find it helpful to your friends and family.

#PassportRenewal #ReissueIndianPassport #PassportRenewalinUSA

You may find this article helpful:
Renewal of Indian Passport in USA-Step by Step Guide
10 Common Indian passport application mistakes you can avoid
What documents need to be Notarized for Minor Indian passport renewal in USA
What documents need to be Notarized for adult Indian passport renewal in USA
How to fill out Affidavit for Change of Appearance and Signature
How to fill out Name Change Affidavit
How to fill out Annexure C
How to fill out Annexure D
How to fill out Annexure E
How to fill out Annexure F

-Ashuni Shah