The Ultimate Guide to Renewing Your Indian Passport from the US (2025)

Few things create more stress for Indian citizens living in the US than realizing their passport is about to expire. Between multiple websites, detailed forms, strict submission rules, and document notarizations, the process can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: if you know exactly where to apply, which forms to use, and how to organize your documents, passport renewal is straightforward.

This guide provides a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of the 2025 renewal process, helping you avoid the most common mistakes and delays.

The Role of VFS Global

The Indian Embassy and Consulates in the US do not accept passport applications directly. Instead, VFS Global is the exclusive, authorized service provider that manages all Indian passport services in the United States.

When to Apply for Renewal

• You can apply up to 1 year before your passport expires.
• To avoid disruptions to your visa status or travel, apply 6–8 months before expiration.

Know Your Jurisdiction

Your application must go to the VFS Global center that corresponds to your state of residence:

• New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, or Washington DC.

Step 1: Fill Out the Main Application on the Government of India Portal

1. Register at the Passport Seva Portal.
2. Select “Re-issue of Passport” as the service.
3. Complete personal details carefully (include one Indian and one US address).
4. Submit the application online.
5. Download and print the final PDF with your Application Reference Number (ARN).

Step 2: Pay Fees and Get Shipping Labels from VFS Global

1. Create an account on VFS Global’s site.
2. Link your application using the ARN.
3. Pay:
   • Government passport fee
   • VFS service fee
   • ICWF (Indian Community Welfare Fund) fee
   • Mandatory two-way courier service
4. Print:
   • Payment receipt
   • Two shipping labels (inbound + return).

Step 3: Assemble Your Complete Document Package

VFS rejects incomplete or mis-ordered applications. Arrange your papers in the exact sequence given in the VFS checklist. Missing notarization or wrong photos are the most common rejection reasons.

Step 4: Mail Your Application to VFS Global

1. Place all documents in an envelope.
2. Affix the VFS shipping label (provided at payment stage).
3. Send only via the designated courier service (FedEx or UPS, as instructed by VFS).
   👉 Prepaid personal labels are not accepted.

The Definitive Document Checklist for 2025

Stack your documents in this exact order:

1. ✅ VFS Document Checklist (printed and ticked).
2. ✅ Signed the Government of India application form (ARN).
3. ✅ Original current Indian passport.
4. ✅ Self-attested photocopies of the first 5 and last 2 pages of the passport.
5. ✅ Notarized copy of valid US visa/Green Card/I-797/EAD.
6. ✅ Notarized proof of US address (Driver’s License, utility bill, lease).
7. ✅ Two recent passport photos (2×2 inch, white background, no glasses).
8. ✅ VFS payment receipt.
9. ✅ Annexure E (mandatory self-declaration form).
10. ✅ Other applicable forms:
    • Change of Appearance/Signature
    • Change of Name (with legal documents like a marriage certificate).

Processing Times and Fees

Normal Processing

• Time: 3–6 weeks
• Cost: Around $127 (all fees + courier)

Tatkaal (Urgent) Processing

• Time: 7–10 business days
• Cost: ~$250+
• Eligibility: Not available for lost/damaged passports or major changes.

FAQ

Q1: What happens if my passport is lost or stolen?

You must file a police report and apply for a re-issue under “Lost/Damaged Passport,” which requires additional documents and cannot be processed under Tatkaal.

Q2: How do I change my address or add my spouse’s name?

Submit supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, new proof of address) along with your renewal.

Q3: My US visa is in my old passport. What should I do when I travel?

Carry both passports—your new valid passport and the old one with the visa.

Q4: Can I use my own prepaid shipping label?

❌ No. VFS accepts only their courier labels for security reasons.

Q5: What is the most common reason for application rejection?

• Missing notarization of visa/Green Card
• Incorrect photo size/background
• Documents not stacked in correct order

Final Tip: Your Key to a Smooth Renewal

The secret to a stress-free renewal is attention to detail:

• Double-check every form
• Get notarizations done
• Follow the VFS checklist exactly

With the right preparation, renewing your Indian passport from the US in 2025 is a smooth process.

Download the VFS Document Checklist Here and start today with confidence.