Indian Passport Renewal for NRIs in USA

Renewing your Indian passport while residing in the USA might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward process. Whether your passport is nearing expiry, has expired, or you’ve lost it, this comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you’re well-prepared and informed.

Use it as a revision check-list, but always verify the current rules on the official VFS Global / Consulate General of India, San Francisco / Ministry of External Affairs portals for updates.

All Indian passport services in the US are routed through VFS Global for the Embassy/Consulates. You complete the Government form on Passport Seva, register/pay on VFS, and then post your application to the correct VFS Centre for your jurisdiction

Before you start: jurisdiction & service provider

1. Confirm your consular jurisdiction (Embassy Washington, DC or your regional Consulate such as New York/Chicago/Houston/San Francisco/Atlanta/Boston/Seattle). Each mission covers specific US states—check the Embassy/Consulate pages to ensure you apply to the right one. 
2. All submissions go via VFS Global (India Consular Application Centre)—not directly to the mission.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1 — Government form (Passport Seva)

• Create an account and apply for “Re-issue of Passport” at Passport Seva (Embassies/Consulates portal).

• Choose booklet size (36 or 60 pages) and correct reason (expiry/pages exhausted/change of particulars/lost).

• Save/print the ARN (Application Reference Number). 

Step 2 — Register on VFS Global (US) & pay

• Go to the VFS US – Passport page, select the right service (Normal/Tatkaal).

• Complete VFS registration, generate the document checklist, pay Govt. fee + VFS service fee + ICWF (amounts shown on VFS site/mission notices).

• Print the VFS coversheet, payment receipt, and checklist. 

Step 3 — Prepare your package

Typical items (per your category/checklist):

• Current Indian passport (original as instructed) + copies (bio page, last pages, endorsements).

• Proof of US legal status (e.g., Green Card, I-797, I-20, H-1B).

• US address proof (recent).

• Indian address (mandatory—used for police verification).

• Photos as per ICAO specs (see below).

• Any required annexures/affidavits (name change, minors, lost/stolen, etc.).

  Follow the official VFS checklist for your case. 

Step 4 — Ship to the correct VFS Centre

• Use the VFS label/address for your jurisdiction; post via a trackable courier as instructed by VFS/mission pages. (Some missions emphasize postal processing; walk-ins may be restricted.) 

Step 5 — Track & receive

• Track status on Passport Seva/VFS using your ARN/details. Your new passport is returned to your US address per the chosen courier option. Carry old + new passports together if your valid US visa is in the old booklet. 

Processing times (indicative)

• Tatkaal (urgent): ~5 working days from receipt at the mission, subject to clear Police Verification. 

• Normal: usually ~3 weeks; can extend to ~30 days if fresh PVR is required or prior passport was issued elsewhere. 

Fees (what you pay)

• Government fee (depends on booklet size/service).

• VFS service charge and ICWF contribution (amounts displayed on VFS/mission notices).

  Check the VFS fee page during registration for the exact total for your case/jurisdiction. 

Photo specifications (strict)

• Size: 2×2 inches (51×51 mm), color, plain white/very light background.

• Full-face, front view; sharp, evenly lit; no shadows/retouching; follow ICAO guidance.

  Use the VFS photo spec and any mission guidance linked below. 

Documents checklist (adults)

• Government Passport Seva application (ARN) + printed form.

• VFS registration printouts: checklist, receipt, coversheet/labels.

• Current passport (original per checklist) + copies of bio/last pages/US visas.

• Proof of legal status in the US; US address proof; Indian address.

• Photographs to spec; annexures for any change (name/address/appearance), lost/stolen FIR/report where applicable.

  Always follow the official VFS checklist that matches your scenario. 

For minors (under 18)

• Both parents’ signatures, Annexures as required, child’s US status, parents’ ID, proof of relationship; extra documents if one parent is unavailable. See VFS minor checklist. 

Special cases

• Tatkaal: Pay Tatkaal fee; processing target faster, subject to clear PVR. 

• Pages exhausted / change in particulars: apply as Re-issue and attach supporting evidence (e.g., name change decree). 

• Lost/Stolen: include police report + lost passport annexures; expect PVR and variable timelines. (See VFS checklists.) 

Common FAQs (US)

• When should I renew? You can renew well before expiry (and should, if frequent travel) to avoid issues with visas/PVR. 

• Do I have to use VFS? Yes—all passport applications in the US are routed via VFS on behalf of the Embassy/Consulates. 

• How do I track? Use Passport Seva/VFS status tools with your ARN. 

• Are photos strict now? Yes—missions/VFS enforce ICAO photo rules; use the VFS spec to avoid rejections. 

Compliance note

• Rules, fees, addresses, and timelines can change. Always cross-check with VFS Global and your Embassy/Consulate links above before you submit. 

Summary Table of all Useful Links