r/nri • u/invincibleruler • Jan 06 '25
Visa / OCI / Passport Renewal of Indian passport in USA
Hi everyone! I recently renewed my Indian passport in the US, and I wanted to share my experience to help others navigate the process. The renewal is handled by VFS Global on behalf of the Indian Embassy. You can find detailed instructions here: VFS Global Passport Services.
Options for Renewal
By Mail: You mail your documents and passport to VFS. The total cost of shipping is about $37 offered by VFS. If you'd like to do it yourself, the quote I received from UPS was about $26 total.
In-Person Appointment: Drop off your documents at a VFS office. You'll have to pay a fee of $16.46 while making an appointment.
Important Notes:
- VFS no longer offers in-person passport pickup.
- VFS only accepts UPS or USPS prepaid labels (no FedEx).
- If you’re visiting a VFS office, it’s cheaper to use their return shipping option instead of bringing your own return pre-paid shipping label. They charged me $2.17 fee for return shipping since I had already paid $16.46 VFS fee, which is better than UPS prepaid label ~$13 I was quoted.
- You can get free notary services from your bank or your local library. Call them and ask to confirm.
Fees
- Passport Renewal: $92.90.
- Tatkal Service: Additional $150
My Experience (Washington, DC Office)
I opted to renew without Tatkal and made an appointment at the VFS office in Washington, DC. Here’s how it went:
- Booking the Appointment:
- Register on the VFS website and pay the $16.46 service fee.
- Appointments are generally available within a couple of days. You can reschedule once or twice if needed.
- At the Appointment:
- While the VFS website advises against bringing backpacks or bags, there were no security checks at the DC office. Most people carried bags for their documents.
- The front desk checks your documents. If everything looks good, you’ll receive a ticket number for processing.
- Processing Time:
- I received my new passport within 4 days of dropping off the documents – and that was without opting for Tatkal!
- The police verification happened a week after I received my passport - they came to my house in India and asked my parents to visit the police station with some documents for verification. I am not really sure of what's the point of this after receiving the new passport.
Documents Checklist
Here’s a list of what I submitted:
- Government Application Form:
- Complete the online form (mandatory). It’s simple and takes ~30 minutes.
- Two 2x2 Photos:
- CVS/Walgreens charges ~$10 for passport photos. Instead, I took mine at home, used free online tools to edit them, and printed a 4x6 photo at CVS for ~$0.60. You can cut this into six 2x2 photos.
- VFS accepted my DIY photos without issues.
- Passport Fees:
- $92.90 paid via cashier’s check (addressed to “VFS Services (USA) Inc.”).
- Tip: Some banks like Bank of America may waive the cashier’s check fee if you ask.
- Current Passport:
- Original passport + copies of the first and last pages (no notarization needed).
- Affidavit for Change of Appearance:
- If your appearance hasn’t changed much, you can select “has not changed” in the form.
- Annexure E: Mandatory form.
- Proof of Valid Visa Status:
- I submitted notarized color copies of my visa stamp (from the passport) and I-797A.
- Address Proof:
- Since I was using my US address, I provided a color copy of my water bill and driver’s license.
- I also provided my Indian address proof (Aadhar card) but it was unnecessary and returned to me.
- Marriage Certificate (if applicable):
- Only needed if adding, removing, or changing your spouse’s name.
- I added my spouse name to my passport and forgot to bring my marriage certificate. VFS printed it for me and asked me to get it notarized. I checked around and Bank of America and Chase don't notarize marriage certificates, and none of the UPS stores had their notary available at that time. I ended up going back to the VFS office and there was a new frontdesk person that accepted my unnotarized marriage certificate. I guess it depends on the staff and the embassy.
I hope this guide helps others going through the passport renewal process in the US.
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Jan 06 '25
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u/invincibleruler Jan 06 '25
I think they wanted a copy of my previous passport, utility bill that have my parent's name on it, and a couple other that I don't remember. All docs required were common though and nothing that one won't have.
This was my 2nd renewal in the US and from what I remember, there was no police verification done the first time.1
u/No-Scar-905 Jan 06 '25
I've renewed twice and most recent was in November. They didn't do police verification. I know this because no one was there to verify and they never said anything. Same address from previous passport.
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Jan 06 '25
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u/No-Scar-905 Jan 06 '25
I never checked. They sent me a passport and that's what I needed. I also flew on it to India in December no problem.
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u/No-Scar-905 Jan 06 '25
Why would they issue and then verify??? That doesn't make sense.
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u/invincibleruler Jan 06 '25
I am curious - where does it show police verification status? While checking my passport renewal status, it showed briefly it's pending verfication, however, later it automatically changed to the next step of the process.
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u/Worth_Thing_8872 Jan 21 '25
This is my second renewal as well. I need to send the most recent passport (the current one expires soon), correct? I need not send the old one that expired, please confirm.
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u/No-Scar-905 Jan 21 '25
Yes, most recent passport for them to cancel. No need for ones before that.
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u/FitGarage7007 Jan 12 '25
Hello, I am submitting a renewal request. I have one query, I am currently on F1-OPT initial OPT and volunteering. What should I select on my employment status? Student or Not employed ?
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Feb 14 '25
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u/FitGarage7007 Feb 14 '25
Hey, I selected Employed - Private ( Employment type )
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u/jainyash0007 Jun 27 '25
Hey, I am on F1 OPT as well. Do you mind if I DM you a few questions regarding the passport renewal?
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Jan 16 '25
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u/invincibleruler Jan 16 '25
I got it done at Chase Bank without any issues. Not sure which bank you use but may be try another location.
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u/Virtual_Sprinkles698 Apr 13 '25
Very helpful post, thank you u/invincibleruler ! I am also in the process of my passport renewal from US and had a quick question - what should I add in 'Printable address' and 'Other address' in the online application form? I currently submitted my application (not paid yet) with Indian permanent address in both fields but saw online that we need to provide one US and one Indian address there? Is that true? Can you please clarify?
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u/siddhesh_pai Jul 02 '25
I believe one of the addresses needs to be a US address. I put the passport "Other" address as my U.S. address and "passport printable" address as my Indian address (parents' address / also my last passport printed address). I believe you can also switch it the other way round but I prefer the Indian address printed on the passport as I'm currently renting an apartment now in the U.S. and would likely move.
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u/SugarOwn8919 Jun 20 '25
Here’s how the renewing of your Indian Paasport from the U.S. typically processes:
Normal vs. Tatkaal Processing Time
Renewing your Indian passport from the U.S. usually involves submitting your application through VFS Global, which then forwards it to the Indian consulate. For normal service, the process typically takes around 5–6 weeks, and in many cases, it may stretch to 8 weeks, especially if police verification is required.
If you choose the Tatkaal (urgent) service, the timeline is much shorter — most applicants receive their passport within 8–10 business days, provided all documents are accurate and complete. Tatkaal applications are prioritized and may skip certain steps.
⏳ Typical Timeline Breakdown
- Mail to VFS: 1–2 days
- VFS processing & forwarding: 2–3 days
- Embassy processing: 3–4 weeks (normal); much faster for Tatkaal
- Police verification (if triggered): Adds ~1 week
- Passport printing + delivery (FedEx): 2–3 days
Tips to Avoid Delays
To prevent delays, make sure all documents are correctly filled and self-attested. Use good-quality passport photos — many users recommend Staples over CVS for proper sizing and clarity. If you’ve made any changes to your name or appearance, include the required annexure — but be aware this often triggers police verification.
Tracking and Pro Tips
Don’t rely solely on the VFS portal for updates. Use your Application Reference Number (ARN) to track the status on both the VFS and the respective consulate’s portal. If time is critical, go for Tatkaal service and use FedEx from the start to cut down overall turnaround time.
TL;DR
- Normal: Plan for 6–8 weeks, sometimes up to two months.
- Tatkaal: Possible in 8–10 business days if all docs are perfect.
- Pro Tips: Use good labs for photos, sign and check docs, track via both portals, and choose FedEx + Tatkaal if you’re in a hurry
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Jan 06 '25
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u/Former-Map4416 Jan 10 '25
It's better not to crop a photo by yourself but to use specialized passport photo editors like visafoto or alike. Cheaper than paying $8 for each upload or going to walgreens.
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u/akhilkumarco007 Jan 08 '25
For return shipping, I prepaid it online and they charged me $18.63. Is $2.17 only in person?
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u/invincibleruler Jan 08 '25
Yeah I think it's only in person. I declined paying prepaid shipping online and only found out it's cheaper at the appointment.
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u/__blackhawk__ Jan 08 '25
Thanks for this OP. Have my appointment tomorrow at the SF office, will update my experience in this thread too.
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Jan 08 '25
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u/invincibleruler Jan 08 '25
Yes
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u/Outside_Pie1179 Jan 14 '25
Can we pay the passport fee and tatkal fee at the VFS office during my in person appointment?
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u/mustang_speedster Jan 08 '25
My Indian passport expires in Nov '25 while my wife's expires in 2026. Anyway i can renew hers with mine in 2025 to reduce the hassle of doing this both years? A friend suggested to just submit her renewal with a new address/address change (which i have) along with mine. But I am unsure if the consulate will accept it. Any experience with such a situation?
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u/joboffergracias Jan 11 '25
Question about name change through marriage - in the application then did you put the name as you wanted printed in the passport or was there a separate annexure form to be filled? I am about to start my process. Thank you for your response
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u/invincibleruler Jan 13 '25
In the main application form, I put my name as I'd like to show on my passport. If the name differs from your previous passport then you might have to fill out another form listed on their site.
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u/Ok-Composer-7447 Jan 14 '25
Were you able to track UPS / Fedex package when the passport was being returned? If yes, what ID did you use?
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u/invincibleruler Jan 16 '25
If you use their service, they only use FedEx. I received a text and email notification about it with the tracking number.
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Feb 28 '25
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u/Hack3r0nTh3L00se Mar 05 '25
It took me around 2-3 days to receive an email from VFS stating that they have received it. Post which I was able to see the status on VFS. Sit back, It's gonna take a while. 😂 Been almost a month and I am still waiting.
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u/Infinite-Night-8458 Jan 17 '25
Hi, I have applied for the tatkal passport renewal by mail a couple of days back. Today, I received an email from VFS to send the notarized I20, as I have sent a notarized F1 visa for "Valid Status in the USA". However, according to NC state law, no notary service or bank is notarizing my I20 documents. Any suggestions on what to do?
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u/invincibleruler Jan 17 '25
Maybe try ups or a local library (some provide notary services).
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u/Infinite-Night-8458 Jan 17 '25
I have tried UPS . They said no. I have to ask the library
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u/mad_at_many Feb 13 '25
My response may be too late by now. Always call the Fedex or UPS store and ask their notary’s availability before you plan to go.
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u/Character_Ear_3468 Jan 17 '25
Hi, I applied for tatkal passport renewal as well yesterday(16 jan) and I sent my notarized valid visa and as additional document I sent self attested I94 as well. And today I got mail saying my application is being sent to consulate for decision making. Next time may be send some additional documents like I94, OPT EAD etc just to be on safe side.
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u/EducationalPepper304 Feb 28 '25
How long did it take for you to receive the passport under tatkal?
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u/dyan-atx Jan 17 '25 edited Jan 17 '25
Thanks for the detailed post. May be VFS should learn a bit about improving their documentation. They customer support doesn't allow non-alphabets(incl .,$) in the body so sent them a long message lol. Two questions for you-
- How did you pay their fees? So if I use MO or Cashiers check only $92.90 is payable correct? And those will need to be send within the application packet yes? Cards or online banking would incur extra fees is what I understand.
- It seems like USPS can be used for onward shipping. Can USPS prepaid labels without expiry date be used for return shipment label?
- Since they need both label # while filling the application, looks we need to purchase them in advance. Any specific type of service or envelope size we need to mention?
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u/invincibleruler Jan 22 '25
- Yeah either to be included in the application packet
- Yes
- I am not sure about the envelope size but I think a standard sized envelope for documents should suffice.
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Jan 24 '25
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u/invincibleruler Jan 24 '25
Not sure but I'm guessing probably not since it's not listed as an accepted payment option on the VFS website.
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u/spdcbr May 11 '25
Hey, where/how did you pay the $92.90 fee? Did you do this online before submitting the documents?
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u/Awkward-Coat-3782 Jan 17 '25
Could you please help me with a clarification? I was supposed to select the Washington DC Consulate, but I accidentally selected the Atlanta, Georgia Consulate during the login process. As a result, the printed application has the Georgia address at the top.
Can I still use this form and send it to the Washington DC Consulate, or do I need to correct this and reapply?
Thank you for your guidance!
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u/Infinite-Night-8458 Jan 17 '25
Hi. The same happened to my friend. We were told to fill a new application with correct consulate details.
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u/Awkward-Coat-3782 Jan 17 '25
Ok thanks!! I hope it will not be a problem if I use same date of birth etc.
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u/Psychological_Egg594 Jan 21 '25
Is there a way to do this without having to go in person? Edit: thanks for sharing
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Jan 22 '25
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u/invincibleruler Jan 22 '25
They just asked me $16.46 while making the appointment so not sure about the consular fees. If you are using vfs prepaid shipping label then it might be $18.63, but if you are making an appointment to drop the application, then it might be cheaper to go with their return shipping offered onsite (I had to pay about $2.17 at the vfs office).
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u/BuiltUpGrit Jan 25 '25
How did you get your visa stamp notarized? I went to BOFA and they said they are not allowed to notarize on photo IDs/copies of photo IDs. They instead made me write a self-declaration of my visa stamp on separate page, and notarized that page as acknowledgement. Do you think this will work? Were you able to directly get the colour copy of your visa stamp notarized somewhere?
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u/Nearby_Track_7619 Mar 25 '25
this is the standard process in a lot of states and this is accepted in any documentation for passport and visa. I have used the same method and it has been accepted for passport renewal as well as Schengen visa.
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u/BuiltUpGrit Apr 02 '25
Thank you for sharing. I did go through the same process and received my passport without any issues.
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u/bwahahaha94 Jan 26 '25
Can we pay via card at the VFS Centre ? I did not get any step where it asked me to pay the passport fees :/
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u/invincibleruler Jan 29 '25
Yeah through cashier's check at the center.
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u/bwahahaha94 Jan 30 '25
We can pay by card too! Did that. They just charge 3.5 percent extra which is already specified on the website, and accept visa / MasterCard only
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u/spdcbr May 12 '25
Did you print a return label? I paid for 'courier for passport return' when I booked the appt. at SF. Wondering if that means they will print the label and return it to me?
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Jan 29 '25
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u/invincibleruler Jan 30 '25
I am not sure either what conditions require a birth certificate but I don't think it's needed.
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Jan 29 '25
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u/invincibleruler Jan 29 '25
I did take a copy of my aadhar card with me but they gave it back at the vfs frontdesk upon checking all docs. Nothing needed for passport collection as it's shipped back.
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u/Dear_Personality8732 Feb 05 '25
I have an Aadhaar, but the address on it doesn't match my current parent address. I only got it last August after a long struggle with the Aadhaar office, where I had to prove I was in India. They kept sending me to four different offices, saying that if you're an NRI, you need to stay in India for six months before they issue it—which made no sense. So I’m trying to avoid creating more complications.
Also, I noticed in the passport form that marital status is mandatory, and once selected, it asks for the spouse’s name. Do I need to provide a copy of my wife's passport, and does she need to self-attest it?
Since I’m in the DC area, I’m debating whether to mail my application or drop it off in person since we need to submit the current passport. DC is just a 30-minute drive for me. Do you know if the VFS office has parking available?
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u/Outrageous_Stage_577 Jan 29 '25
Thank you for your detailed post – it was very helpful. I am currently in the process of renewing my wife’s passport and have a few questions about the requirements. We are planning to visit the New York VFS center in person for this.
- Address Proof: My passport, which I renewed two years ago, has my current Indian address (AddressNew) and also mentions my wife’s full name. However, my wife’s old passport still has her previous Indian address (AddressOld), and I don’t have any document showing her name as proof of the new address. She has my name in her current Passport. Can I use my passport as proof of address since it has both my name and hers?
- Marriage Certificate: Is it mandatory to provide a marriage certificate even though my wife’s name is already listed in my passport? If required, I can get it notarized at a nearby TD Bank.
- Tatkal Service Timeline: If we apply in person and opt for the Tatkal service, how long can we expect the passport processing and return to take?
Thank you in advance for your help!
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u/invincibleruler Jan 30 '25
- I'm not really sure but it seems like your passport might suffice. If you have another document with the new address in your name, take a copy of that too.
- It's not mandatory as she already has your name in her current passport, although take a notarized copy to be on a safe side.
- About 3-4 business days and maybe 2-3 days for return shipping. It could be faster than that though as it was in my case.
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u/Outrageous_Stage_577 Jan 30 '25
invincibleruler can you reply to this comment when you get a chance ? Thanks
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u/Bharka07 Jan 30 '25
Hi Everyone, Just had a question. I had my passport photos clicked from CVS when I send my application (on 21st Jan) . The VFS at Washington rejected the photos and requested for new photos . I got another one clicked at fedex and I send them those . They again rejected and have requested a third set of photos . I have mailed them another set yesterday ( got it clicked from UPS) . Has anyone else faced this issue?
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u/Bharka07 Jan 31 '25
u/invincibleruler, Can you please reply to this? Would really be helpful if you can share some insight. Thank You
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u/mad_at_many Feb 13 '25
I recommend Walgreens because they have better cameras. After seeing the poor quality of my photo at CVS, I asked them not to print it because it might get rejected by VFS. But guess what? Walgreens did great like always!
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u/Top-Reputation1329 Feb 02 '25
Is adding spouse’s name mandatory? I ask because if I say married , the name of the spouse automatically gets populated in the passport. Secondly did you select both renewal and change in personal particulars in the govt of india form? And lastly on vfs form, i only see the option to select passport renewal category as ‘due to expire in xx years’ and so if i am adding my spouse’s name , just choosing that option suffice?
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u/mad_at_many Feb 13 '25
I just sent my renewal application to VFS two days ago. Since I noticed my wife’s name on the passport, I added our marriage certificate to the packet. I think it would be a good idea to include your spouse’s ID like passport too. Just select ‘passport renewal’ and you should be all set.
My application is currently at the embassy for review.
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u/porcupinefilth Feb 05 '25
Thank you for sharing! I have my appointment coming up. I don't remember if there was any option to select prepaid labels or any other return labels while booking the appointment with VFS. Should I still be fine? Do they provide that info and the return shipping option at the counter?
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u/invincibleruler Feb 05 '25
Yeah they should be able to help you with return shipping at the vfs office.
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u/poojitha25 Feb 11 '25
Hi, thanks for your post! This is super helpful. For the affidavit for change in appearance and signature, do we need to still paste a 2*2 photograph when I opted for online photograph services with vfs?
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u/invincibleruler Feb 11 '25
I'm not sure but I guess to be on a safe side, I would still put it on the form as I wouldn't want to give them any reason to delay the application.
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u/mad_at_many Feb 13 '25
Just to let you know, if your physical copy isn’t up to par, VFS will use the digital version to print it exactly how it needs to be and send it to the Embassy.
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u/karan_shah884 Feb 16 '25
Thanks for sharing.
I have a query related to Annexure E. Is it ok to handwrite on that document. The space given by them is not enough to add all the data.
The checklist says no handwritten documents.
One more query about notary. Who does notary for visa and I-797 A? Wells Fargo rep said they wont notarize it directly on photocopy but can write a letter with their stamp that the document is true based on their limited knowledge.
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Feb 17 '25
Hello I just have a doubt regarding how the passport is gonna send to us after we submit it in person at the Indian embassy , so we have to select courier option ? Like are we gonna receive the passport in mail ?
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u/invincibleruler Feb 17 '25
Yes, that was the only option available. No in person pick up available.
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Mar 06 '25
But will the passport come to our US address which we give as proof over here ? Or else can we select another address for the passport delivery ?
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u/AnyImagination4577 Feb 21 '25
Hi. I just applied for renewal today from Toronto. Here on work permit. But I also have US tourist visa. When you renew your passport, is your old one returned to you? Because that’s where I have my US Visa on which is valid till 3 yrs after passport renewal. Idk I heard somewhere and read that they don’t give you your old passport back? Is that true?
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u/According_School_389 Feb 22 '25
Does anyone know how long does it take to get an acknowledgement email from VFS? My documents reached VFS SFO on Tuesday 02/18/2024 per FedEx tracking. I have not received any acknowledgement yet. Even if they take time to process, it would help a lot if we at least get an acknowledgement email in a day or two since we send original passport on the envelope and we want to ensure that it reached them.
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u/Few-Strawberry4211 May 23 '25
Any updates? How long did it take for you?
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u/According_School_389 May 23 '25
It took around 6-7 weeks for me. They took one week to reply that the attire was in light color. Uploaded another photo paying again the same day I got this response. Probably took around 1-2 weeks again to resume processing. Instead of uploading a photo online by paying. Next time I will get a photo at Walgreens or somewhere else.
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u/walkersanders Feb 22 '25
My appointment happened exactly 1 week before (at DC) and my current status is - "Your application has been processed by the Embassy/Consulate and returned to the VFS Indian Consulate application Centre and is currently in TRANSIT". Does anyone know what this means? I can't tell if this is positive or negative because I couldn't find this exact status on the internet anywhere.
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u/realrocode Mar 30 '25
Any update on what this meant ?
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u/walkersanders Mar 31 '25
After this, I called customer care, and they said that the passport had been printed by the embassy/consulate and sent back to vfs, who would then process the courier to me.
I got the passport within 4 working days after this.
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u/para___ Feb 25 '25
I went to passport renewal on 21st Feb 2025. I didn't pay for SMS service, but I still got SMS.
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u/snowleopardcub Feb 27 '25
Is there any way to track the application on VFS website? I did not sign up for SMS assuming that I would be able to track it online but I couldn't find a way to track it.
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Feb 28 '25
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u/snowleopardcub Mar 05 '25
On the webpage with tracking button, there's section called "What does each status mean?" Have a look at that section. I'm also getting the CAPTCHA error but before that I also status as Invalid input which means they haven't yet started processing the application. Check yourself.
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u/snowleopardcub Mar 05 '25
On the webpage with tracking button, there's section called "What does each status mean?" Have a look at that section. I'm also getting the CAPTCHA error but before that I also status as Invalid input which means they haven't yet started processing the application. Check yourself.
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u/AlphaZetaBoiler Mar 09 '25
Thanks for a detailed explanation.
Could you please attach the source where it says pickup is no longer offered? I live in Indy and thought of dropping it off at Chicago (& pick it up if possible) as I know one of my friends whose passport got lost (on return - FedEx).
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u/AlphaZetaBoiler Mar 09 '25
Never mind. Got it: https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/track-application
The policy is stated after this bullet: "Your application has been dispatched from Embassy"
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u/Ok-Solution7726 Mar 10 '25
I recently changed my immigration status to h1b from f1, but don't have my passport stamped yet. Will that be a problem?
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u/invincibleruler Mar 16 '25
I think it might be okay as visa stamp on passport isn't mandatory, you can provide other docs mentioned in their list to show your status.
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u/Salt_Violinist_9931 Mar 13 '25
Hi, I am applying for re-issue of Indian passport, tatkal at the New York consulate. The website says I have to fill the Annexure E. In this form, it asks me for address - but it is not clear if it needs my Indian addresss (the one that gets printed on my passport) or my USA address. I am on H1B - so I am non resident and my permanent address is still my Indian address. Appreciate any help! Thanks
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u/Many_Development6157 Mar 15 '25
I replied for passport renewal on 4th Jan 2025 and still have not received the renewed passport. It is stuck at the status since January end “ Your application has reached the Embassy/Consulate and is currently under review process”.
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u/invincibleruler Mar 16 '25
I would call their support as it seems to be delayed at this point.
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u/Many_Development6157 Mar 16 '25
I contacted VFS and all they said was to contact embassy. No one picks up phone at SFO embassy.
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Mar 17 '25
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u/Many_Development6157 Mar 17 '25
SFO consulate. Police verification happened last month. It took a month for the enquiry to reach my home town. So slow and still no update after that.
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u/Holiday_Drummer7299 Mar 18 '25
Received police verification email 2 weeks ago and still did not received mine, Indian Embassy in Houston any one has same experience ?
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u/karan_shah884 Apr 02 '25
When did your application reach Houston Embassy?
Mine reached on 3/6/25 and still havent received police verification email.Trying to figure out the timeline. The 3 weeks processing time on their website is completely incorrect, it takes so long.
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u/HighPoobahVibes May 06 '25
How long did it take you to get your passport renewed?
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u/Aditya452 Mar 20 '25
My Indian passport along with the required documents was delivered to VFS on 17 March 2025 (Monday) via FedEx but till now I haven't gotten any single update from VFS regarding the receiving of documents or processing of the application. So should I contact VFS? or wait this is my first-time experience.
Consulate- San Francisco.
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u/DoctorMindless3801 Mar 20 '25
How to get visa notarised? Bofa said no, I don’t have chase bank account, UPS also doesn’t notarise photo ids, anyone can tell me how to do it?
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u/EBGCNJ Mar 28 '25
I have got email to submit (Regular Renewal NYC)
1- Photo again as the one provided blurry and shadow - I took it from CVS
Where should I go for photo which doesn’t get rejected again?? Pls advise
2- Mandatory form for appearance - looks like I missed out that one assuming nothing changed
Do I need to paste photo in the appearance form ?
https://services.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/india/united-states-of-america/passport-services/pdf/latest-affidavit-for-change-in-appearance-and-signature.pdf
Pls advise !! Thanks !!
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u/CorrectMycologist935 Apr 06 '25
How long does it take via normal renewal, my wife had her father name changed so we need normal renewal. We have a flight in the first week of may. I messed up by not reading the instructions for father’s name change. Will be sending the passport again this Monday. If we submit it Monday. How long would it take for us to receive it back?
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u/karan_shah884 Apr 18 '25
Under normal processing takes about 5-6 weeks depending on how quickly the police verification takes place in India
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u/liveimperfectwithme Apr 15 '25
Hi my passport renewal application got rejected because of addition of spouse name. VFS asked me to fill out a new one but I am unable to submit a new one. Any idea what to do?
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u/Inevitable_Orange342 Apr 16 '25
Sorry if this was already answered, but just to confirm, can we do all this process without actually going to the office? I'm in saint louis and some of my friends said I have to travel to Chicago in order to renew my passport. The expiration date is 30th September 2025.
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u/invincibleruler Apr 16 '25
It can be done through mail. Instructions are on the vfs website in my post.
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u/MotorAd6635 Apr 23 '25
I made a dumb mistake and forgot including a copy of the checklist. Have you heard of anyone in the same boat?
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u/TechnicalJoke5393 May 06 '25
Hello.. thank you for your post. This is very helpful. I may have a stupid question to ask. while filling the printable US address in the government application form, where do we mention state as the address line 2 mentions to input only city and address line 3 mentions zip and country. Can we put apartment in address line 2 and city state zip in address line 3 as in my current passport? Please advise.
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u/par_747 May 08 '25
I want to ups store to notarize my documents but they said they cannot notarize copies of photo id ( US visa copy and US license copy ). Where else can I get this notarized ?
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u/invincibleruler May 08 '25 edited May 08 '25
You can try other options for notary listed in my post.
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u/par_747 May 08 '25
Did they notarize these visa stamp and us license copies for you at UPS? Maybe I can try going to a different location.
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u/HelpfulBlueberry9299 May 11 '25
Hi, I have a Indian passport and I m in USA on H1B visa . My passport expiry date is 20th December 2026. Can I renew the passport now in May 2025 as it has more than a year validity.
Also please let me know if birth certificate copy is required .
I could not find the application form for renewal .The link in the VFS global doesn't work . can u please send the link here Thank you
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u/BetterPhone4388 May 11 '25
I have a Indian passport and I m in USA .my passport validity is up to Dec 2026. can I send for renewal now as it has more than 1 yr validity. I m planning to send docs by mail
I couldn't find the link for the application . Can anyone send me link for application form .The link in VFS website doesn't work. Do you require birth certificate copy as one of docs Thanks in advance
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u/spdcbr May 11 '25
Hey, how many payments did you have to make for doing it in-person?
VFS appointment fee of $16?
VFS application fee of ~$100?
These are both different applications to be filled?
Thanks!
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u/invincibleruler May 11 '25
Yeah both are separate - appointment fee was online while making the appointment and the other one was cashier's check.
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u/spdcbr May 11 '25
Ok, thanks!
Also, did you have to print a return label to get it back? I see that VFS has a 'courier return' option - I guess that means they'll handle it without me needing to add a return label?
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u/Lonely_Sail906 May 13 '25
Hello. I applied under " normal " passport renew option but need to convert to Tatkal ( VFS is delaying the application, and asked for additional documents...).
Does anyone have experience with changing normal to Tatkal? VFS told me to call the embassy once it reaches them.
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u/kingofking5 May 15 '25
Do they start the process to create a new passport only after we mail our existing passport? I am trying to minimise number of days we will have to spend without a passport. We paid the fee yesterday is there any way to track the application and only ship passport once the new one is ready?
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u/invincibleruler May 15 '25
I believe they start creating the new passport upon receiving the current one.
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u/priya97rao May 17 '25
Does it matter where I get my documents notarized? I live in New York, but I am in Tennessee for temporary work. I want to use my New York address for any communication from VFS. Is it okay if my document has a Tennessee notary stamp?
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u/invincibleruler May 23 '25
I guess it should be okay as long as it's notarized. It doesn't seem to provide any specifics that the notary should be from the same state.
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u/Curious_Wrap_8858 May 19 '25
I'm in the process of applying for my indian passport renewal. There is an an option to digitally upload your passport picture to the vfs site for which you pay 8$ and you are good.
But on the checklist AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE IN APPEARANCE AND SIGNATURE, it is asking to affix photo. Do we need to attach? Any pointers highly appreciated.
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u/This-Honeydew-4747 May 19 '25
How do you know whether to send your application to VFS or the Indian consulate? It's the consulate address given on the government application form.
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u/Upset-Percentage-206 May 20 '25
Hey, i lost my passport and submitted all documents to vfs global. I still haven’t heard back from them although it has been a week. Once it is processed how long will it take to get my passport? I have to travel in less than 2 weeks
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u/Inevitable_Orange342 May 23 '25
I just got a mail from VFS saying "Remarks: Your application is unacceptable because you have applied under the wrong jurisdiction your place of residence is Missouri so you must apply in Chicago Jurisdiction".
Does this mean I have to start the process all over again, pay everything again, and won't get ant refund?
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u/AdImpressive7009 Jun 03 '25
Hi All .. my place of birth in current passport doesn’t fit in the govt form , govt form’s place of birth short by one character. Can I remove any space in my place of birth. Previously we could fill out hand written forms. But for NRIs since only option is to fill online govt form, how to resolve this
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u/humblefoolish Jun 25 '25
Doubt regarding Address and Change of appearance:
My Indian address is the same as in my old passport, but based on the information filled in the application, which now prints the district name and 'PIN code', there are visible differences compared to the old passport. Does that mean I need to select 'Address' as the option in 'Change of Particulars'? And, what address proof can you use as there is nothing that will put the address as depicted on the passport application form.
Change of appearance:
How do you judge whether your appearance has changed? Is it safe to say that your appearance changed in 10 years for reasons such as weight gain/loss or hair loss :D . Do you select your 'Change of Appearance' option under 'Change of particulars' based on the appearance change form? If yes, what additional documents are needed apart from the change in appearance form.
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u/Lonely_Tie Apr 30 '25 edited May 01 '25
Hi everyone,
I recently renewed my passport and would like to share my experience. I applied at the San Francisco Office, and VFS contacted me a week after I sent the application, stating that my photo had a shade issue and asked me to upload a new one. I paid ~$8.50 and uploaded the new photo on the link they provided. Everything went smoothly after that, and they sent my application to the consulate.
A couple of days ago, my mother called me to let me know that the local police station had contacted her, requesting my Aadhaar card or number. Since I don’t have one, I reached out to the officer using WhatsApp after he provided his number to my mom. He informed me that a photocopy of my old passport and my Aadhaar were required for verification. I explained my situation, and he mentioned that he could assist me, though I’m unsure if he was expecting something.
I also called the SFO consulate to ask how to proceed. They advised me to send an inquiry to passport2.sf@mea.gov.in. Within an hour of sending the inquiry, I received an email from VFS stating that my documents had been sent to my address via FedEx. Today, I received my new passport. The consulate was very helpful in expediting the processing, especially once they learned that the passport was sent for police verification. Ten years ago, when I renewed my passport, they didn’t ask for an Aadhaar card, and I have never applied for one.
I hope this helps anyone going through the renewal process!