Renew Your Indian Passport in the USA (Step-by-Step Guide)

Check the YouTube Video on the renewal process at the end of the blog

Renewing an Indian passport in the United States has recently changed with the introduction of the new Government of India Passport SVA portal. While the process is still straightforward, it is more structured than before and requires careful attention to detail.

This updated guide explains how to renew your Indian passport by mail in the USA, step by step, using the latest system, so you can complete your application confidently and avoid delays.

Step 1: Identify Your Indian Consulate Jurisdiction

• Determine which Indian consulate serves your US state

  
  

  India has eight Consulates General across the United States, with the Embassy located in Washington, DC. Your passport application must be submitted to the consulate with jurisdiction over your state. If you send your documents to the wrong consulate, your application will not be processed and may be returned or significantly delayed.

• Check consulate functionality before shipping

  
  

  As of now, the Boston and Los Angeles consulates are not operational. Applicants in these jurisdictions must check the websites of the San Francisco or New York consulates to confirm where to send their applications.

  
  

• Verify jurisdiction using the Passport SVA website

  
  

  Visit the Passport SVA portal and use the Embassy / Consulate Connect option. Select the USA to view consulate details, including addresses and contact information. Always confirm jurisdiction before preparing your shipping label.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents Before Applying Online

• Collect mandatory and supporting documents first

  
  

  Before filling out the online application, gather all required documents. The government portal requires you to upload scanned copies, so having everything ready beforehand will make the application process smoother and faster.

  
  

• Scan documents for upload

  
  

  All documents must be scanned clearly and uploaded in PDF format. Poor-quality scans or missing documents are common causes of application delays or resubmission requests.

  
  

• Use the VFS checklist as your reference

  
  

  On the VFS website, select Passport Services and choose Reissuance of Passport. This checklist clearly outlines mandatory documents for adults, minors, lost passports, and damaged passports. This guide focuses on adult passport renewal, where the passport is neither lost nor damaged.

Step 3: Passport Photo Requirements

• Use the correct photo size and background

  
  

  Passport photos must be 2 x 2 inches, taken against a plain white background. The applicant’s head should be centered, eyes open, mouth closed, and face fully visible. Get these photos, scan and resize to 630 x 810 pixels to upload to the Passport Seva Portal.

  
  

• Avoid common photo mistakes

  
  

  Do not wear glasses, scarves, or head coverings unless required for religious reasons. Avoid shadows, blurred images, overexposure, or unnatural skin tones. The applicant must be alone in the photo.

  
  

• Affix photos correctly

  
  

  One photo must be affixed to the printed government application form, and the second photo must be affixed to the Change of Appearance and Signature Affidavit. Use a paperclip 📎instead of gluing or stapling.

Step 4: Change of Appearance & Annexure E Forms

• Complete the Change of Appearance and Signature affidavit

  
  

  Download the affidavit from the official link. If there is no change in your appearance, select “has not”. Even in cases of normal aging, notarization is strongly recommended to avoid unnecessary objections.

  
  

• Affix the photo and sign the affidavit

  
  

  Paste one passport photo, sign in the designated box, add the date, and mention the city and state in the US where the form is completed.

  
  

• Fill and sign Annexure E

  
  

  Annexure E is a mandatory declaration form. Sign it and write the US city and state where you are submitting the application. Missing signatures on Annexure E are a common cause of delays.

Step 5: Proof of Legal Status in the USA

• Submit notarized proof of legal status

  
  

  Acceptable documents include a Green Card, a valid US visa stamped on your passport, an EAD, an I-797A approval notice, or an I-94 record. These copies must be notarized.

  
  

• If your visa has expired

  
  

  Submit a notarized I-797A approval notice along with your expired visa. If the approval notice has not yet arrived, submit a notarized I-797C receipt notice or proof of filing.

Step 6: Proof of Current US Address

• Provide a valid US address proof

  
  

  Commonly accepted documents include a driver’s license or state-issued ID. You may also submit a notarized copy of a utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement.

  
  

• Special cases

  
  

  If the lease is under your spouse’s name, include your marriage certificate. Ensure the lease is signed by both tenant and landlord.

Step 7: Proof of Indian Address

• Indian address is mandatory

  
  

  Even if you are a permanent resident of the US, the Indian passport application requires an Indian address. This can be your own address or that of your parents, grandparents, relatives, or close friends.

• Submit self-attested documents

  
  

  Provide a government-issued ID showing the Indian address and self-attest the copy. If names or details have changed, include supporting documents such as court orders or birth certificates.

Step 8: Fill Out the Online Application (New SVA Portal)

• Register on the Government of India Passport Portal

  
  

  Access the portal via the VFS website under Step 1. Select Americas → USA, register, and activate your account through the confirmation email.

  
  

• Apply for Reissue of Passport

  
  

  Log in, choose Reissue of Passport, and select the reason, most applicants choose Due to Expiry. Choose between regular or Tatkal service and select a 36-page or 60-page booklet.

  
  

• Complete all sections carefully

  
  

  Fill in personal details, family details, Indian and US addresses, emergency contacts (US-based only), and previous passport details. Review everything carefully before submission. It is advisable to put someone in the US as your emergency contact, but it is not mandatory. You can also provide your parents, other relatives, or a friend's contact details as an emergency contact.

• Upload scanned documents

  
  

  Upload all required documents in PDF format, each under 1000 KB. After submission, note your Application Reference Number (ARN) and print the application form.

Step 9: Pay Fees on the VFS Website

• Register and pay via VFS portal

  
  

  After completing the government form, return to VFS Global, register, and create a new application using your ARN.

  
  

• Select courier options

  
  

  You may use the VFS-linked FedEx service using the 'Click here' link or your own courier (FedEx, UPS, or USPS). Credit or debit card payment is strongly recommended.

Step 10: Prepare Your Physical Application Package

• Arrange documents in checklist order

  
  

  Include the printed and signed government application, original passport, photocopies, notarized affidavits, proof documents, VFS receipt, signed checklist, and a cover letter.

  
  

• Follow printing rules

  
  

  Use single-sided prints only. Do not staple documents or use glue on photos. VFS also does not accept handwritten documents. Therefore, ensure that all forms are completed electronically. Only the signature would be handwritten.

  
  
  
  

Step 11: Ship Your Application to VFS

• Use the correct courier and address

  
  

  Ship your packet via FedEx or UPS to the VFS address listed on your confirmation page. Addresses vary by consulate.

  
  

• Write ARN clearly on the envelope

  
  

  This helps VFS quickly identify and process your application.

Step 12: Track Your Application

• Track via VFS and the government portal

  
  

  Use the VFS tracking page and the Passport SVA portal to monitor progress. Status updates may appear at different times on each system.

Step 13: Receive Your Renewed Passport

• Check details immediately

  
  

  Your old passport will be returned with a cancellation stamp along with the new passport. Verify your name, address, photo, and validity as soon as you receive it.

  
  

• Report errors promptly

  
  

  If you notice any mistakes, contact VFS immediately for correction instructions.

Renewing your Indian passport in the USA is straightforward when you follow the updated process carefully and prepare the required documents in advance. Attention to detail is the key to a smooth, stress-free experience.

If you found this guide helpful, please share it with others who may be renewing their passports, and feel free to leave any questions.