Passport is not just a valid ID proof of your nationality away from India, it is an essential document for international travel and safe re-entry into the USA. If you are scheduled to travel to India or fly back to USA with your passport set to expire within 6 months, you’re likely to face boarding denial, mostly by European airlines. Your Indian passport must be valid for 6 months or more during re-entry to the US. No doubt, you must know how to apply for Indian passport renewal in USA before booking international flight tickets for your travel.
How to renew Indian Passport in USA: A Step-by-step guide
Renewing your Indian Passport in time is as crucial as carrying essential documents while traveling outside the United States in order to ensure your smooth return. You must be wondering how to initiate the renewal process in the US itself. It is simple. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide on Indian passport renewal in USA for your convenience.
1> Visit website of Indian Embassy or your nearest Indian Consulate
The process of Indian passport renewal in USA begins by visiting the Indian Embassy website. Choose the Indian Embassy or Consulate as per your U.S state of residence. If you live in states such as Bermuda, North Carolina, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Kentucky, Virginia or West Virginia, you fall under the jurisdiction of the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.
But if you reside in Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, Puerto Rico or Virgin Islands, you can contact the Consulate General of India in Atlanta. If you live in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota or
South Dakota, you must reach out to the Consulate General of India in Chicago.
Those living in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Vermont or Rhode Island, fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India in New York. Residents of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico and Nebraska fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India in Houston. Furthermore, residents of Alaska, Guam, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Washington and Wyoming fall under the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India in San Francisco.
Each consulate at these locations covers specific states, so ensure you apply to the correct one based on your residence.
2> Register and Start the Application
Once you select the Indian Consulate as per your location in the US, register and log in to the Passport Seva Portal. Then follow these steps.
- Click on the “Apply for Ordinary Passport” button.
- Fill in the required details accurately.
- Print the completed application form.
Once submitted, a unique Application Reference Number (ARN) will be generated. You can write down or save the ARN for future tracking and reference.
3> Create a VFS Global Account
VFS Global is now the authorized service provider for Indian passport services in the USA.
- Go to the VFS Global website, create an account and log in.
- Fill out the VFS online application form.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Download and print the shipping label and the VFS checklist.
4> Gather All the Required Documents
In order to ensure your application isn’t rejected, you must prepare the following documents:
- Current Indian Passport: Original passport and a few photocopies of the first five and last two pages.
- Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos (2×2 inches) with a white background.
- Proof of Legal Status in the USA: Notarized color copy of valid visa, Green Card, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), or I-797 approval notice.
- Proof of Address: Notarized color copy of a utility bill, lease agreement, or driver’s license.
- Annexure E: Completed and signed.
- Affidavit for Change of Appearance and Signature: Notarized.
- Additional documents may be required for specific cases, such as name changes or minor applicants.
5> Mail Your Application
Now assemble your application package, including all required documents, the printed application forms, and the VFS checklist.
- Use the shipping label provided by VFS Global.
- Ensure that the return address matches the one on your application.
- Send the package via the specified courier service.
This ‘Indian passport renewal in USA’ guide is brought to you by Travel Beats, a leading overseas Indian community portal by IndianEagle.com. Once the passport renewal process is in progress, book Indian Eagle flights at the best available fares for your trip to home this summer. Search, Book, Fly. It’s that simple!
