As a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) living in the USA, renewing your Indian passport doesn’t have to be the tiring and complicated process it once was. The government has worked to simplify the passport renewal process, and with the help of VFS Global, it’s become a much more streamlined experience. The Visa Facilitation Services now handle all the passport services for NRIs, which means you can easily renew your passport without the usual hassle.
The process is straightforward, but it’s crucial to understand the necessary documents involved before starting. Whether you’re travelling to India or staying in the USA, following the updated steps will make renewing your passport much easier than before.
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How To Renew Indian Passport In USA
When it comes to renewing your Indian passport in the USA, the process has become much easier with VFS Global now serving as the authorized partner for handling passport-related services. As an Indian living abroad, the first step is to visit the Passport Seva portal to fill out the online form, and from there, you’ll be directed to the VFS Global portal. During this process, you’ll receive an ARN form, which ensures real-time tracking of your passport application.
You must also be prepared with the necessary Indian address (or a relative’s address) for police verification and provide both your Indian phone number and US phone number for updates related to the VFS process. It’s crucial to ensure that every document is in order and that your copy of the order form is saved for easy reference.
The application process can be completed without much hassle once you’ve gathered the necessary documents. Whether it’s your Indian address or a US phone number, these small details ensure the entire renewal process is smooth and hassle-free. With everything in place, the VFS system will guide you step by step, ensuring that your passport application is submitted correctly and that you’re kept updated throughout the journey.
A complete list of all Indian consular offices in the United States, along with their respective jurisdictions.
| 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 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 Street, Houston, 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 |
Step-by-Step Process To Renew Indian Passport In The USA
- Register and fill out the form on the Passport Seva portal.
- Complete email verification and proceed to the VFS Global portal.
- On the applicant homepage, select Apply for an Ordinary Passport.
- Choose a reissue of a passport if the validity has expired or will expire within three years.
- Select your booklet size: 36 pages or 60 pages, depending on your needs.
- Select the Normal or Tatkaal process according to your urgency.
- Click Next, save the application, and note down your Application Reference Number (ARN).
- Verify and submit the form; your application will be locked.
- Print the application one-sided (not double-sided).
- Go to the VFS website and create a new application.
- Add a new customer and input the reference number.
- Select the courier option and provide your US residence address.
- Confirm your application and proceed to the payment site.
- Make the payment using Visa, Mastercard, money order, or checks made out to VFS Services (USA), INC.
- Download the shipping labels after payment.
- Send your completed application to the appropriate Indian consular application centre based on your state of residence.
Documents Required To Renew Indian Passport In The USA
When renewing your Indian passport in the USA, the process can be a lot smoother if you have all the necessary documents ready. You’ll begin by filling out the application form and generating a shipping label. Make sure to follow the VFS checklist and have the required photographs with a white background, ensuring your eyes and ears are visible.
You will need to provide your expiring passport along with any old passports; both the original and a photocopy will be necessary. If your appearance or signature has changed, you’ll need to include the change of appearance/signature form. Don’t forget the online payment receipt for the government passport renewal form, as this is an essential step.
For those who are married and wish to include their spouse’s name, you’ll need a signed photocopy of the front and back pages of your spouse’s passport, along with the marriage certificate. If you’re updating your Indian address, include proof such as your Aadhaar, an Indian driver’s license, or a recent bank statement.
Additionally, you will be required to submit proof of a US address, such as a lease, mortgage bill, or utility bill (no older than 3 months). Ensure to have a signed photocopy of your US driver’s license or state ID. Additionally, please provide your US legal status documentation, such as a valid US visa, green card, employment authorization, I-20, or I-797 approval notice. B1/B2 tourist visas and I-94 forms are not acceptable.
Conclusion:
Over the years, the government has worked tirelessly to simplify the passport renewal process for NRIs in the USA. It’s now much more straightforward, especially with the introduction of the VFS website and the Indian portal, where you can easily access the latest information about the process. Since the document checklist is frequently updated, it’s crucial to monitor these platforms for any changes. If you have a lost passport or need to update passport details, the process remains easy to follow through the iNRI platform, which offers support at every step. Whether you’re simply applying for a renewal or addressing other needs, you’ll find the process clearer than ever before.
