I had my passport recently renewed at the Indian Consulate General in New York city. The process is really simple. I got my passport back by mail in a week, by express mail. I did apply in person.
If some of you are looking for instructions.. I will post how i did it, so it might help you.
1. Go to the Indian Consulate General, New York website and follow the link for passport renewals under consular services.
In the permanent address section – I filled the Indian address,
Other address section – I put the US address.
2. The link says “Please select ‘Reissue of Passport’ on the online form”, I did that while filling the online form.
Once you finished the online page, go to the next page , which gives a pop out with the date of confirmation, about 3 days from date you fill online application. You can go to the consulate any date on or after the confirmation date. No time for appointment is given, you are served on a first come first serve basis at the consulate for passport renewals.
3. Once you confirm the appointment date online, a PDF file opens in your browser , which is 4 pages. The PDF cannot be filled on the computer , you have to do it manually. Some of the details filled online will be automatically completed in the PDF form.
4. Prepare the rest of the documents such as
a. Take the original passport with you. You will need to submit this to the consulate officer. It will be returned to you and the stamped “cancelled with visas not cancelled”.
b. You will need 4 passport size photos in total. 2 inch x2 inch photos, with white background, showing frontal view of full face. 1 photo to paste on the application form, the PDF form you printed and filled. Paste the photo, don’t expect the consular officer to do it for you. 2 photos to be given along with the application form, that makes it 3 photos. The fourth photo is to be pasted on the Nationality Status verification form.
c. You have to print out and fill the Nationality Status Verification Form manually.
d. Prepare the copy of the proof of residence in the United States is required. Utility bill/bank statement/copy of lease agreement/driver’s license are acceptable as proof of residence.
e. I took a copy of the proof of residence in India too, because I was getting the address change on the passport of India. It does not say it is needed on the website.
f. Copy of the first five and the last two pages of the passport.
g. Copy of pages indicating U.S. Visa or original Green Card or Employment Authorization Card (EAC) or any other visa documents to be shown at the counter and a copy of both sides of documents deposited (in case applications being mailed, a notarized copy of these documents can be sent);
In case application for Green Card or EAC or Visa is pending/being processed, a copy of documents in support of this fact must be deposited;
The consular Officer also asked me for the Originals here.
h. I did not have any documents notarized, because the website said notarize the documents only when mailing. However, there was a mobile notary down the road, so there was no problem for some.
I. I had about 9 months left in the passport, but decided to start the process early. One can start the process 12 months before from the date of expiration.
J. Finally the money. The fee is 40 dollars, plus you need additional $20.00 for express mail or $10.00 for priority mail (for the passport to be returned by mail). If paying by Cash , which I did with $20 bills, don’t take any bill with $50 or higher denomination, they are particular about that. No personal checks.
H. And if this concerns you,
- The declaration at the end of the application form should be notarized if the old passport had expired more than one year ago.
- If the present passport does not contain the name of spouse and the name is to be entered in the new passport, a copy of marriage certificate must be presented.
I took the originals with me, in case the officer asks for it. Also I took a copy of my degree certificate, just to be in the safer side for ENCR check.
December 27, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Thanks Supradeep. I need to renew my passport which expires in 3 months and was planning to visit the NY consulate. Good to know that it just takes a week to get it back.
Your article was really helpfull, I saw it on Linkedin!
January 3, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Thanks for the information regarding passport renewal. I need some more information regarding Nationality status verification form (form 12) in that 12.Period of stay abroad. what information I should fill. It will be helpful if this info is sent ASAP
January 3, 2011 at 4:04 pm
I wrote the period I have stayed abroad (outside india). Just add up all the months eg, in my case it was 6 years and 4 months.. from the day i left india to current date. I really don’t think they will verify that but you must submit the completed form.
January 3, 2011 at 4:09 pm
I wrote the period I have stayed abroad (outside india). Just add up all the months eg, in my case it was 6 years and 4 months.. from the day i left india to current date. I really don’t think they will verify that but you must submit the completed form.
January 4, 2011 at 9:17 am
Thank you so much for the reply
January 4, 2011 at 9:55 am
Thanks for a detailed article, Supradeep!
Do you have any suggestions for getting Passport renewed the same day?
January 4, 2011 at 10:08 am
The consulate at NYC does offer tatkal service, but you have to qualify for that, the officer at the counter determines the case.Also, tatkal not offered by mail). Even in tatkal service it could take 1-3 days, so you may not get it on the same day.
January 6, 2011 at 10:43 am
Did you apply for the passport in dec. I applied on dec 31st. I m still waiting. Just wanted to know if holiday season might cause delay.
January 6, 2011 at 10:46 am
Mine took a week. Holidays always add to the delay. If it does not come in 10 days just call them up.
January 6, 2011 at 10:59 am
will wait and see.. unfortunately they usually dont answer the phone or respond to email 😦 . might have to go in person if it gets really delayed.
January 7, 2011 at 5:11 pm
hi Supradeep!!
I need one more information that.. Do I need to send original I-94 and notarize copy of I-94 by mail?
Thanks in advance…
January 7, 2011 at 6:24 pm
I did submit the passport with the original I-94 in it. It was returned untouched.
I suggest you make a copy of your entire copy of your application.
January 19, 2011 at 7:43 am
Hi,
Which document did you take as a proof of address in India? I am in the same boat as you, where in i need to change the Indian address on my passport.
Thanks
Prashant
January 19, 2011 at 7:54 am
I Just took a copy of the BSNL phone bill. I had a copy sent over by email. I think voter ID or ration card, electricity/telephone bills, they should be fine.
February 13, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Thanks Supradeep!!
One more question. In the Nationality Status form, what did you enter for the name of the travel agent. I came on H1B, so i was not sure, if i need to enter my company’s name
February 14, 2011 at 5:17 am
I wrote Nil, I didn’t use any agent. If your company bought you the ticket for travel, then you could write your company name I think, otherwise write nil .
February 1, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Hi Supradeep,
Thanks for the information. If the Indian address is to remain the same as in my old passport, do you still need a proof.
thanks
Shiv
February 2, 2011 at 6:19 am
I suggest you take a copy to be on the safer side. It depends on the passport officer some ask for it and others don’t.
February 2, 2011 at 1:54 pm
Thanks a ton Supradeep.
Few more doubts, if we are going in person and taking the originals then do we still need notarized copies of documents like H-1B. Also, I am assuming that if we are going to pick the passport up then we don’t have to pay the postage fees.
Shiv
February 2, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Yes, if you going in person, you don’t need to have the documents notarized.
You will not the passport on the same day, so you will have to go after 3-4 days to pick up your passport. That’s why they mail it to you. If you are going to pick it up yourself, then you don’t have to pay postage.
February 23, 2011 at 9:56 am
I think plenty of passport questions can be answered by just reading one of biggest passport faq I’ve seen here:
http://www.downloadformsindia.com/Passport-Forms/download-passport-frequently-asked-questions-faq.html?task=view
February 23, 2011 at 10:10 am
This blog is a my post, so that others can benefit from my experience of my renewal process. I do not run a consultancy for passport help or neither this is a web portal for FAQ’s for Indian Ministry of External affairs. As I have written in the blog, “Also, these were things I did, and passport renewals are lengthy and case specific. I cannot be held responsible, if things go wrong for you with your passport renewal if you followed my blog only. I am only trying to help by listing my experience with the process. Also, please read the website of the Consulate General of India, New York.”
March 29, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Hi Supradeep,
Can you tell me if I can get my new passport the same day.
Thanks
Kajal.
March 29, 2011 at 2:20 pm
As far as I know, you might not be able to get a new passport on the same day at the Indian consulate in New York City. However, through tatkal service you might be able to get it the next day or within 2 days.
April 21, 2011 at 12:27 am
Actually i did read about this. By paying an extra $60.00 fee you can expedite the process. You need to schedule an appointment in this case at any of the 13 regional passport agencies.Why don’t you give it a try?ALL THE BEST
April 22, 2011 at 10:36 am
Hi Supradeep,
I am planning to go for my passport renewal. As I have a 20 year validity and i asked Consulate people they say better to renew it and get a 10 year validity passport. I still have 7 years validity on my passport. My appointment date is 27th April. By reading your blog most of the questions are clear. One thing I read was you had mentioned your US home address in the Other address section. But, I have mentioned my Indian Home address which is in my current passport. Is that Ok?. Or do I have to refill my application. I am also changing my old Indian home address in passport to new one. Other thing is how will they send my old passport back?
April 22, 2011 at 6:37 pm
Regarding the addresses..
1. permanent address should be Indian address, other address can be Indian or US. I think it should be ok.
I put US address as, my temporary residence is in the US.
2. If you are changing the old Indian home address, put the new address on your application form and not the old one. Take a copy of a utility bill just to be safe. I did the same thing. If you have filled the old address on your application, I suggest you fill another application.
June 5, 2013 at 8:26 am
Hi
Did you bring the Orignal utility bill with you to change your address in passport ? Because I have same case as above person. I will going to submit in Washington DC Consulate for my renew process
May 5, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Hi,
I have one urgent question for Passport Renewal.. I came here on F1 Visa but for last one year I fell out of status.. my passport is expiring in next 6 months.. can I get it renewed?
Thanks.
May 5, 2011 at 3:51 pm
Hi,
If your Visa is expired, that is not out of status. But on the other hand, if you staying outside the date mentioned on I-20 or EAD ( on OPT), that is out of status. I think you will be in trouble about your valid status. The people at the consulate usually can issue your renewal only if your under valid status I think ( they donot renew passport for tourist visa). You could call the consulate and try explaining your situation.
May 6, 2011 at 12:11 am
Thanks for your quick reply.
May 10, 2011 at 11:49 am
Hi.i had renew my passport resently in US NY..but insted of my mumbai address its showg my US add, its mistalky done..now how i can change add on passport?im not havg green card or citizenship…its rentd house where stayg wd my family..
May 10, 2011 at 12:19 pm
If you point out the error, the Indian consulate will correct it. I don’t think you should be too worried about.
May 10, 2011 at 12:22 pm
ok ,let me try tomrw..thx for guiding…
June 2, 2011 at 4:59 am
Hi,
I have applied for my renewal, can I know if we need to notary the copy of I 797, when i went o bank they said they cant notary the I 797, so I have sent them the copy.. please let me know what should I do now..
June 2, 2011 at 7:52 am
Hi,
As far as I know, If you applied by mail your copies should be notarized. I have no idea why the bank didnt notarize it. You can call the consulate and ask for the update. Otherwise try the UPS store they have notaries. Good luck.
June 15, 2011 at 5:30 pm
Thanks for the detail Supra.
I do have a question though. My passport address is not my current address. I was working in a different city when I got my passport . I am not living in my home(permanent) address for past 14 years. My parents are no more and in my parental house, no one lives. I do have my ration card having my name in it as one of family member, but its almost 20 years old. I also have a Air Tel Bill which was in my fathers name and is from 2007. Also my Birth Certificate has my fathers address.
Will these documents work?
I know you are not working in Consulate, but just wanted to ask, in case you know it.
Regards
Ayush
June 15, 2011 at 5:36 pm
I did change my address too. But I took the recent telephone bill. Ration card might be better than an 5 year old bill. You could always call the consulate or email them. If they are not busy , they reply.
supra
August 26, 2011 at 11:01 am
I did put my US address in both the fields after consulting with the Houston Consulate. Now my passport has my US address. They didn’t ask for any Indian address.
I got my passport 10 days after mailing it.
Thanks
Ayush
June 15, 2011 at 5:41 pm
Thanks …I’ll try calling them.
July 17, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Hi could you please let me know in detail about tatkal scheme for renewing passport in NYC .I need to renew my passport with in two weeks since am planning to sponsor for my parents .
July 17, 2011 at 4:54 pm
You can look at the website of the NYC indian consulate general (http://indiacgny.org under passport renewal ). But Takal service cannot be used without necessity and it is decided by the passport officer at the consulate general.
July 25, 2011 at 4:55 am
Very detailed and correct information – thanks for posting. I did go to the NYC Consulate on July 11 and got back the passport in mail on July 19.
Just one tip for other readers out there – if you are planning on dropping off the documents for renewal, do go around 8 AM. The line is pretty long outside around 9 AM and you will see people trying to cut the line. The process once inside is straightforward, as long as you have your documents in order (Check the consulate website for the latest requirements).
July 25, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Hi Supradeep,
I am mailing my documents, and am a little confused about the fee.Should I take a money order for $40, and send a prepaid USPS envelope, or should I send another money order for $20, and just send a self addressed USPS envelope. Thanks for the help!
July 27, 2011 at 1:47 pm
According to the instructions.. the money is fees plus money for the mail.. all can be one a single money order, so $60. There is a pdf file on the consulate general’s website for the instruction for renewal by mail.
August 21, 2011 at 6:48 am
HI
My Indian passport expired on August 2nd 2011. I applied for renewal on July 23rd 2011 in Indian Embassy in SFO, CA. August 8, 2011 I got a letter from the embassy saying that I need to send PPP forms for further verification with Indian authorities as the police verification is mentioned as Incomplete/Blank/Adverse by previous passport issuing authorities. What does this mean? And how long will it take for me to get my passport. Did anyone experience this before?
August 21, 2011 at 8:48 am
As far as I know, PP forms are involved when you have changed address and requires police verification. The police station, which overlooks your residence area, will have sign off on your passport form. If you have included telephone bill, gas bill, etc it could help. I suggest you call up the consulate in SFO, CA and ask what you need to supply. If police verification is needed from India, as you relative to keep in touch with the police station so that process can be a little quicker. The police verification on the average takes 6-8 weeks.
August 25, 2011 at 9:15 am
Hi Sarada
I have a similar issue like yours. What happened to this? I don’t get any replies from the SF consulate.
thanks,
_Santosh
August 26, 2011 at 10:17 am
_update,
went to the consulate in the morning with 4 copies of http://www.cgisf.org/pdf/ppertpro.pdf filled with 4 photos again and a letter saying that the address in the passport correct. They pulled out the file ( 1 more hr waiting 😦 ) and said the application has been processed and I should get the the passport by the collection date.:).
September 1, 2011 at 4:38 am
Hi Santosh,
I received a similar letter from India Consulate, SFO stating that the police verification is mentioned as Incomplete/Blank/Adverse by previous passport issuing authorities. So did you receive your passport after submitting all the required documents.
Chandan
August 29, 2011 at 8:09 am
There is a website http://www.indianpassportrenewalinusa.com that explains passport renewal process specific to each Indian consualte and also the embassy in DC. For most part the process is the same in all consulates. But there are some diffrences when it comes to documents needed, processing time etc.
September 21, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Hello,
I am currently in the process of applying for a new passport after 10yrs of my old passport. Could you please help me clarify these questions?
1) The permanent address in India is different from what is there in old passport but I do not have any proof of address in my name. Can I submit land line telephone bill with my father’s name as a proof as his name in telephone bill and my passport are the same?
2) Do I have to fill separate misc forms for ECR to ECNR change and change of address or can that be done in one form with only 1 photo? Also, do I need to send two 10$ cashier’s check or one would be sufficient for these changes?
3) My marital status changed now from my previous passport, but currently I do not wish to add spouse’s name in passport. Do I still have to submit Marriage Certificate or original/notarized photocopy of spouse’s passport?
4) If we wish to get photo notarized on page 4, should the notary stamp be half on photo and half on blank part of page 4? Also do we need to sign half on photo and half going into the blank part of page 4?
Thanks in advance…
Regards,
Prashanth
September 21, 2011 at 1:46 pm
>>1) The permanent address in India is different from what is there in old passport but I do not have any proof of address in >>my name. Can I submit land line telephone bill with my father’s name as a proof as his name in telephone bill and my >>passport are the same?
If you have read my blog carefully (point 4e ), I did change the address too. A telephone bill, gas / electricity bill, bank statements should do the job.
>>2) Do I have to fill separate misc forms for ECR to ECNR change and change of address or can that be done in one form >>with only 1 photo? Also, do I need to send two 10$ cashier’s check or one would be sufficient for these changes?
I am sorry , I don’t know the answer to this one , mainly because I did not need to this.
3) My marital status changed now from my previous passport, but currently I do not wish to add spouse’s name in passport. Do I still have to submit Marriage Certificate or original/notarized photocopy of spouse’s passport?
Sorry can’t help you here too, I am not married, so never paid any attention to this.
4) If we wish to get photo notarized on page 4, should the notary stamp be half on photo and half on blank part of page 4? Also do we need to sign half on photo and half going into the blank part of page 4?
The notary will be able to explain this better for you. Half and half is usually what generally goes.
Good luck.
September 21, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Thank you Supradeep for the prompt reply. No worries about question 2 & 3… I don’t mind sending extra documentation. Thanks much for the information on question 4…
Sorry! But I am still unclear on my question 1. I read your point 4e in the blog before posting my questions, but I wasn’t sure if your name was there in the Indian address proof sent… Could you please clarify me whether the Indian address proof you sent had your name in it or not? I have a proof of Indian address only in my father’s name but not mine.
Regards,
Prashanth
September 21, 2011 at 3:28 pm
>>… Could you please clarify me whether the Indian address proof you sent >>had your name in it or not? I have a proof of Indian address only in my >>father’s name but not mine.
I submitted the telephone bill and it did not have my name on it. I had my father’s name on it.
cheers.
September 21, 2011 at 7:46 pm
Thanks a lot for the information…
Regards,
Prashanth
October 22, 2011 at 11:39 am
Hi, I’ve gone through all the comments hoping one would be similar to mine and I didn’t find one. So, I’m hoping that you have some clue. I am a US green card holder. My passport was issued in 2003 when I was a student living with my parents in Mumbai. Neither my parents nor any family now resides in Mumbai and has the Mumbai adress (where we no longer lice and no one I know lives there). Technically, our “permanent address” should be my grandmother’s home in Bengaluru but I’ve never been on her ration card or any of her bills (utility etc). My parents don’t live in India anymore either. So now- what am I supposed to put in my Permanent/other residence bracket?
Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this.
October 22, 2011 at 12:57 pm
Your case is the strangest I have heard till date. You may be able to use your grandparents address i think , but you should be able to provide some proof like a utility bill. I suggest you contact the consulate general directly with your question, they will know more about this. Sorry can’t help more than this. Good luck.
October 22, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Isn’t it?! This is what happens when you have parents that move every two years ! haha. Anyway, I DID (after I posed this comment here) find a copy of my ICICI bill with my Bangalore address on it dated March 2011. That should work, right? Even though it’s not the same as the address on my passport?
Thanks for your quick reply, btw. Really appreciate it.
October 23, 2011 at 9:04 am
Hi Anisha
I had similar issue. I put my US address as the permanent address and they are fine with it. And I got my new passport with my US address in it. So if you put your US address you will be fine. Good Luck!
October 24, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Hi Ayush
I had a similar issue can I go ahead and put both addresses as US address..right? it should work the way it has worked for you!
October 24, 2011 at 3:59 pm
Yes Jyo, you can put your US address in both the places. That works fine. All you need is proof of US address.
October 24, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Thanks Ayush, I’ll mail my application tomorrow, also you wrote that you got your passport in 10 days after mailing..did you apply through tatkal or the 60$ one..?
October 23, 2011 at 1:57 pm
Thanks, Ayush. I already printed the form out with my India address since I had proof of address.
My new headache is the photograph! (Yes, it never seems to end…) Not sure if this is a Mac problem but when I printed the form (after filling it in), the top of the emblem and the bottom with the bar code was cut off. After I resized it, now the photo box is too small for the 2X2 inches photograph to fit fully. Even with the other print (where the emblem and bar code) were cut off, the box did not actually measure 2X2 inches. Damn confusing.
Anyone else have this problem? Or am I just uniquely gifted here?
October 24, 2011 at 3:58 pm
Anisha,
I used https://epassportphoto.com/Default.aspx for my picture. I did use my own camera and used approximation and then uploaded the pic there and they shipped it to the nearest Target.
Ayush
October 24, 2011 at 4:47 pm
I did pay only $60. And though they said it’ll take around a month, I got within 10 days.
October 25, 2011 at 7:58 am
Okay! Submitted with no issues, so far. The photos weren’t exact size but she did not comment on it. She returned my India proof of address ie bank statement photocopy. Said to pick it up next week.
October 25, 2011 at 8:01 am
And by “it” I meant pp. also thnx to supradeep n ayush.
October 25, 2011 at 8:45 am
Glad to see the blog is useful. your comments are always welcome.
November 3, 2011 at 8:56 am
Good info,
I have one question.
In case of Indian address change, I may not have original copy of electricity bill, I can print the copy from (Electronic Copy)
Do they need original copy as well.
November 3, 2011 at 10:11 am
You can take the electronic copy with you when you are going personally. I took a printed copy of my bank statement when I went to the interview for the US address; or have it notarized when you mail it.
November 6, 2011 at 7:03 am
Thanks for quick reply.. One more question..
I came US before 2 months (Sep’11) and staying currently in Marriott hotel, So do not have residence proof as such (Rent agreement etc). But have changed the address in bank account with Marriott address,
such that now i have bank statement with Marriott address printed on it.
1. Is this fine,as i can only provide bank statement
2. My Indian address is changed as well, should i enter my new indian address (in permanant address section) and provide electricity bill copy(Electronic) as proof of address. (this address falls under different Policy station authority than previous address but within same area)
My Passport is expiring on 29th November ‘2011, hence do not want to take chances of policy verification again which as mentioned above could take 4 to 6 weeks).
Is that fine, or verification may not happen in this case?
Also I have Basic questions on filling up application form.
3. Point#9 – Local Car driving license No — (can i enter Indian driving license information? – i do not have US driving license)
4. Point#11 “When did applicant first leave india” — and then “when was he in india Last”…
i came us 3 / 4 times for short duration (6 months or so).. should this be the very first visit to US and current visit to US respectively
5. POint#12 – Should this be latest stay in US ( in my case around 2 months) .. will this impact passport application in US?
6 Point# 16, Did applicant ever posses any other nationality or Travel document of any other country….
I have visited genrmany for short term and has expired Schengen visa.. Do i need to mentioned same here?
Appreciate if i get response on above, quite big list…
Thanks for you time,
Regards
Anil
November 6, 2011 at 7:51 am
Hi,
lot of questions, i will try to answer what I can.
1. I don’t know what visa you are carrying, so I assume it is a non-visitor’s visa. Local address, US address is not much of a concern I think.
2. I did change of permanent address, the Indian address. I just presented the copy of the telephone bill, and no police verification was required. It finally depends on your case passport officer, some will insist on it and others will not.
3. You can write “NIL” or “NA” in the license section.
4. “when did applicant first leave india?” – your first ever departure date from india. “when was he in India last?” – your latest trip back.
5. Not sure about it.
6. You will need to provide photocopies of the visa’s issued to you from any country.
——————————
Sorry for asking tomm many Questions..
1. If i do not opt for Indian address change, do i still need to provide address proof of old indian address
I think you need, I changed the address so i had to provide proof. I think it is safer to provide the proof regardless. In anycase the final decision always is in the hands of your passport officer.
2. If i am collecting passport in person, Do i need to still provide US address proof, in my case as mentioned earlier.. bank statement with Marriott address
You will need to provide local address, US address in the application, regardless of how you collect it.
November 6, 2011 at 7:14 am
Sorry for asking tomm many Questions..
1. If i do not opt for Indian address change, do i still need to provide address proof of old indian address
2. If i am collecting passport in person, Do i need to still provide US address proof, in my case as mentioned earlier.. bank statement with Marriott address
November 6, 2011 at 4:26 pm
( I am holding L1 Visa)..
Thanks buddy for instant reply…
This blog is awsome…………..
November 8, 2011 at 11:16 pm
Immigration Naturalization Service…
[…]Renewal of Indian passport in US « Supradeep Narayana’s Blog[…]…
November 17, 2011 at 12:46 am
Hi, I had renewed my indian passport in Muscut, Sultanate of Oman, now again I wanted to renew my passport in India under Tatkal, which expires on 23.12.11.
Please do let me know about the procedure and documents required for the same
November 17, 2011 at 8:12 am
I have only posted my experience and comments of the visitors to the blog. If you have only a specific question ,which relates to the situation, visitors to the blog or I, might be able to help.
I suggest you follow the link of the Indian consulate general office in the blog or do a simple google search for it. All the information for the passport renewal and documents requirements are on the Indian consulate general’s webpages.
November 19, 2011 at 6:12 pm
hi ..I am planning to renew pp in ny indian consulate..
I went through q & a in this blog…and is really helpful.. /
i need one clarification regarding fee for express mail. The consulate site says
“self-addressed USPS Express Mail – Flat Rate Mailing Envelope only, with minimum postage of $ 18.30 (no soft pouches or legal envelopes) and for return by Priority Mail (without tracking number”
does this mean I need to pay $20 for delivery by express mail + should give them the envelope with min. postage of18.30.
I wanted to go for tatkal service, so not sure reallly whether to carry flat rate mailing envelope.
Any inputs with this regard will be helpful
November 19, 2011 at 9:04 pm
>i need one clarification regarding fee for express mail. The >consulate site says
>“self-addressed USPS Express Mail – Flat Rate Mailing Envelope only, >with minimum postage of $ 18.30 (no soft pouches or legal envelopes) >and for return by Priority Mail (without tracking number”
>does this mean I need to pay $20 for delivery by express mail + >should give them the envelope with min. postage of18.30.
>I wanted to go for tatkal service, so not sure reallly whether to >carry flat rate mailing envelope.
It is sending a self address flat rate envelop with postage of $18.30 affixed on it.
according to the consulate general NY website FAQ- Tatkal service does not apply for applications sent by mail. Moreover all applications do not qualify for an emergency service. Only after scrutinizing the submitted application, the Consulate will be able to inform whether emergency service will be granted in a particular case or not.
For more information look at http://indiacgny.org/php/showContent.php?linkid=97
November 19, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Hi..actually i am planning to go in person and plan for tatkal. if they dint accept tatkal then I would request the new passport to be mailed..
in this case should i carry the envelope + $20 or
just pay additional $20 for express mail
November 20, 2011 at 6:45 am
>Hi..actually i am planning to go in person and plan for tatkal. if they dint >accept tatkal then I would request the new passport to be mailed..
>in this case should i carry the envelope + $20 or
>just pay additional $20 for express mail
If you are going in person, you don’t have to carry the envelope, but pay the additional $20 for the express mail or $10 for priority mail.
November 21, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Hi ,
Thanks for your input. I filled the application form and took print out.
I still need inputs in manual filling.
1) I took my old passport before my graduation so ECR is enabled in my passport. Now that I am working and have my degree certificate. what should I fill in the following section
“Present Emigration status (ECR or ECNR). with documentary evidence”
should I fill ECR as my current passport has it or should I check ECNR since I will be enclosing degree certificate?
2) in the form, they are asking about name and address of two relatives/freinds
Should I give indian contact or US contact. If I am giving indian contact shall I give my parents’ name and address which is going to be same as my permanent address in passport
Thanks in advance
November 21, 2011 at 4:27 pm
>1) I took my old passport before my graduation so ECR is enabled in my >passport. Now that I am working and have my degree certificate. what >should I fill in the following section
>“Present Emigration status (ECR or ECNR). with documentary evidence”
>should I fill ECR as my current passport has it or should I check ECNR >since I will be enclosing degree certificate?
Since you have a deg certificate, I think you classify as a ECNR.
>2) in the form, they are asking about name and address of two >relatives/freinds
>Should I give indian contact or US contact. If I am giving indian contact >shall I give my parents’ name and address which is going to be same as >my permanent address in passport
I provided both indian contact and US contacts, which were not my parents. I think the additional address requests are like witnesses so different from permanent address is better.
November 21, 2011 at 6:37 pm
Thanks again for your quick response. I guess this should my last set of questions.
In page 2 of form, for point 9, they are asking for local driving license. I hope it is US driving license and not indian. correct?
Page 3, #24, did applicant registered with Indian Mission/post?If not, is he a member of any Indian origanisation?
what should we give here?
#27 and #28 are for parents to fill in case of minors which will be NIL in my case but #29 Specimen signature or TI within the space (two boxes). it that common for everyone?
because there is already one more signature request in declaration #26
November 21, 2011 at 7:29 pm
>In page 2 of form, for point 9, they are asking for local driving license. I >hope it is US driving license and not indian. correct?
Yes, US license if you have.
>Page 3, #24, did applicant registered with Indian Mission/post?If not, is >he a member of any Indian origanisation?
>what should we give here?
If you are associated with an indian mission then put it in otherwise put NIL or NA.
All the specimen signatures boxes for you (not parents ) must be completed. They will be appear on the passport.
December 4, 2011 at 6:53 pm
hi
pls advise ASAP. my passport expired (10 YR validity) JUST TWO WEEKS BACK. I NEED TO TRAVEL INDIA SOON. SO SHOULD I SEND BY MAIL OR TATKAL. ALSO I USED TO LIVE IN CA. SO SHOULD I APPLY THROUGH SAN FRANCISCO? WILL IT BE FASTER?
December 4, 2011 at 8:30 pm
>pls advise ASAP. my passport expired (10 YR validity) JUST TWO WEEKS >BACK. I NEED TO TRAVEL INDIA SOON. SO SHOULD I SEND BY MAIL OR >TATKAL. ALSO I USED TO LIVE IN CA. SO SHOULD I APPLY THROUGH SAN >FRANCISCO? WILL IT BE FASTER?
You said you used to live in CA. Each consulate general handle passport renewals only for specific states, so a resident of NY cannot renew his passport in CA.Also, Tatkal is not granted for all applicants and it is not done by mail. For Tatkal, you have to apply in person and a passport officer will review your file and decide. Each passport renewal is casewise, normally it will take week or 2 weeks, if police verification is involved it could take 6 weeks. Start the process ASAP.
December 11, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Hi,
I filled my application online, and submitted it. But I realized that the 2 of questions I filled out the wrong information. How can I change my application once it is submitted. Can I fill a new application and submit it or Is there any other way that I can change it.
waiting for your reply.
Thanks
Vinay
December 11, 2011 at 2:04 pm
If you have already sent the application with the passport by mail, then I suggest you contact the consulate immediately. If you mean the submission only on the web and not mailed the application, I think you can submit another application.
December 11, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Thanks for the reply, I didn’t send the application by mail, I have submitted the application online. I have taken appointment to go to the consulate and submit it.
So, Now I can fill out a new application and take the print out of it right? …Also since there is a application number or file number, it doesn’t make any difference with a new one right?.
Thanks
December 11, 2011 at 3:19 pm
I think you can submit another application and take that with you when go to submit the passport in person.
December 11, 2011 at 3:23 pm
Hello,
Our passport application for Renewal reached Washington DC consulate on Nov 16th. We haven’t received it yet. My GC priority date got current and I need my passport to apply for the final stage. Like to know DC processing time and whether there is any way to expedite the process. Any thoughts/suggestion will help me a lot. Thanks in Advance!
December 11, 2011 at 4:27 pm
If your passport renewal is under process, I think you can contact the consulate general and find out about the status, other than that waiting is all you can do I think! I am unaware of DC processing time, but usually they always take around 2 weeks time, with holidays in the middle they will take more time.
December 22, 2011 at 12:10 pm
Hey Supradeep,
Do you have any idea on car parking at Indian Consulate in New York? Is that ok to drive or should i take any trans? Let me know.
thanks,
KR
December 22, 2011 at 1:45 pm
Hi,
Car parking- well, it is NYC, so if you can get a cheap parking spot good luck!!
You can always take the subway to ( 59th & 5ave / 63 and lexington ) and walk. Don’t take big bags with you as there is no place to store them and you will have to leave them unattended outside and you will not be allowed to take bags inside.
supra
January 6, 2012 at 6:39 pm
good job.keep it up.you are a life saver.
January 19, 2012 at 5:11 pm
Hey Supradeep,
Recently i have sent a new passport request to the Houston consulate since my old passport was expired. I got a response from them that the original police verification 10 yrs back was adverse and has be redone. They have sent me a form to be filled up in 4 copies which i completed and sent. But still waiting since last 2 months.
Do you know where does the request in India goes to for reverification. To my home town or the to the office where the original passport was issued. Looks like the passport office here is not able to tell me clearly. I need to follow up in Inida accordingly.
-Manish
January 19, 2012 at 5:56 pm
Hi Manish,
I went the consulate in NYC. According to the website of the consulate at NYC, police verification takes about 6 weeks. The best thing you can do is, contact your relatives/friends in India and ask them to visit the police station to check if your file has arrived in India for verification. If the mentioned contacts in the application contact the police station, that might be better.
Also, in the mean time write to the Houston consulate about your status. Hope this helps.
supra
January 24, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Hi Supradeep, I have sent all the documents by mail to the consulate in SFO for passport renewal. The documents reached them on Jan 11th 2012. I have read in the consulate site that “all photocopies including photo should be notarized”. So, I didnt get approval for the photocopy of my H1B Petition. Will it be a problem? How long will they take to notify if additional documents are needed? Will all the applications go for the police verification? I have my tickets booked on March 4th. Any suggestions would help. Thanks.
January 24, 2012 at 3:44 pm
Hi,
If new documents are requested from you, I think it will take the same time as the new passport renewal without police verification. If police verification is done, the consulate will inform you and it can take between 6-12 weeks. The best thing you can do is, mail or call the consulate and try to find out about the status of your application.
good luck.
January 25, 2012 at 9:59 am
Thanks Supradeep for the response. I will wait for another week and try to email / call them.
January 25, 2012 at 8:06 am
Hi,
I need to renew my passport in US. I’m planning to do so by mail. Can I give my mailing address as different than my current address as I’m on road all the time and there will be no one to pick it up at my place. So please let me know how and where to enter the different mailing address in the application form. or is there any other method in doing it.
Please help
Thanks,
Prashant
January 25, 2012 at 8:45 am
Hi Prashant,
I am not sure you can do that, provide a mailing address be different than the current residential address. If the consulate does not mention anything, I suggest you check the FAQ section or contact them directly.
January 25, 2012 at 9:08 am
Thanks Supra.. Appreciate your prompt response.. The problem with contacting them on the phone numbers mentioned on their website is very time consuming and painful…You know what I mean….No one answers the phone..Do you have any direct number or email?..Would appreciate if you can share..
Thanks,
Prashant.
January 25, 2012 at 9:58 am
I do not have any direct number or email. I think it just depends on your luck if you are answered promptly or not.
supra
February 6, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Hi Supradeepnarayana,
Firstly, this is a great blog and appreciate all your kind support and help to the folks.
I had applied for Passport renewal to NYC office also requesting middle and last name change to husbands and attached all required documents as mentioned on the website. I received my passport back with my name-my dads name as middle name- and my husbands last name. I have sent emails and called several times to get in touch with someone at the NYC consulate but no one has replied since the last 5 days. I have to renew my license and need passport to show proof. Do you have any idea what is the procedure for receiving incorrect information typed on passport. Do I have send the application packet again? I want to get it corrected as soon as possible.
Would appreciate if you could share any information that you have heard on a similar situation.
Thanks,
Madhavi
February 6, 2012 at 2:11 pm
At this time, my suggestion is to get in touch with the consulate. May be the FAQ section on the NYC consulate general’s office might have something. Hope somebody else who reads the blog might help.
good luck,
supra
February 12, 2012 at 7:02 pm
First, of all thanks for making this blog …thanks alot4 ur patience & time …. this is a great blog and appreciate all your support & mostly all my questions were answered even before i have posted mine ….but still i have few questions…
Q1)
column 19)In the passport application form where they were asking for address you have replied that we can write friends /relatives i.e. indian relatives address & USA relatives /friends address…
but my question is do we have to write 2 address each from USA & India or 1 from india & 1 from USA is ok … as the space available is good for only 2 addresses … so how can we write 2 indian addresses & 2 USA address…do we have 2 provide a separate sheet…
Q2)
what is this nationality status verification form …. is it compulsory for everyone to fill & send it? as i did not read about this in instructions site….
Q3)as per the houston consulate they just asked us to send photos in an envelope … do we still have to send the photo with notary …. coz … i did not read about that in the instructions….
Q4)do we have to get notary of all the papers we are sending to them including the passport…&telephone bills & lease aggreement…
Q5)do we have to send them a written application form as a covering letter…that we are applying for renewal of passport….
Q6)self addressed envelope is it required…as i don’t see any provision for mailing address in the form…
thank you
dew
February 13, 2012 at 1:57 pm
wow.. lot of questions..
let me try what i can ….
>Q1)column 19)In the passport application form where they were asking for address you have >replied that we can write friends /relatives i.e. indian relatives address & USA relatives >/friends address…
>but my question is do we have to write 2 address each from USA & India or 1 from india & 1 >from USA is ok … as the space available is good for only 2 addresses … so how can we write >2 indian addresses & 2 USA address…do we have 2 provide a separate sheet…
I added 1 from the US and 1 from india.. so that is acceptable I should say.
>Q2)what is this nationality status verification form …. is it compulsory for everyone to >fill & send it? as i did not read about this in instructions site….
Yes .. must fill it , you can find it on the consulate webpage.
>Q3)as per the houston consulate they just asked us to send photos in an envelope … do we >still have to send the photo with notary …. coz … i did not read about that in the >instructions….
Documents have to be Notarized.. that is it. send photos according to instructions..
>Q4)do we have to get notary of all the papers we are sending to them including the >passport…&telephone bills & lease aggreement…
If mailing.. documents have to notarized.
>Q5)do we have to send them a written application form as a covering letter…that we are >applying for renewal of passport….
cover letter is your choice.. otherwise the officer will know you are applying for passport renewal when he/she checks the forms.
>Q6)self addressed envelope is it required…as i don’t see any provision for mailing >address in the form…
other address in your application form is your residence .. so they mail it there. Passport is mailed to the residence only.
thank you
dew
February 13, 2012 at 5:49 pm
thank you for the prompt reply…hope i shall not have anymore doubts …if i still have shall post my doubts…
thank you
dew
February 27, 2012 at 5:26 am
Thanks, this was helpful. when you changed your address in India, did they run police verification on that address? I got married long after I got my first passport. It is about time that it is going to expire. If I change india’s address, will they run police verification there? I dont mind the verification. The problem is that it is a small village and it usually takes 3 months for these guys to return the verification reports. Please advice.
February 27, 2012 at 5:47 am
Hi,
When I changed the address, they did not run the police verification. So I think I was lucky. It usually depends on the passport officer.
good luck,
s
February 28, 2012 at 2:18 pm
Hi Supradeep
your blog was extremely useful and most of my questions were answered just by reading your comments. However I still have one silly q –
what is ECR/ECNR ? Does it refer to the stamp in my passport which says “emigration check not required’?
your previous comment above suggested something about attaching a copy of your degree certificate? How does that apply here?
Thanks much!
Pashna
February 28, 2012 at 2:25 pm
Yes ECR/ECNR is regarding emigration checks. If you are not a degree ( BSc Btech etc holder) then you might require an emigration check in India. For that purpose if you include a copy of your degree certificate, if puts the matter to rest.
March 7, 2012 at 6:12 am
Also, this is not very clear on the website, but they accept the passport renewal/reissue application only between 9 AM and 12:30 PM. Its mentioned on the website in general consular section, but not on the main passport application page.
http://indiacgny.org/php/showContent.php?linkid=97&partid=96&sub=sub2
Be careful and don’t waste your time going after 12:30 PM.
March 7, 2012 at 7:45 am
As mentioned in the Blog, I expect you to go through the Indian Consulate general website in detail-as you should. This blog carries only the personal experience of my renewal process and some of the post of fellow visitors who’s comments, suggestions and experience are welcome.
supra.
March 8, 2012 at 6:04 am
Hi,
My wife passport is going to expire soon, she wants to change the address while renewing the passport, problem is we do not have any address proof on my wife’s name. Her name had been included in my son’s passport and my passport, can we use either of one of the passport for address proof?
Thanks
Niranjan
March 8, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Hi Niranjan,
I don’t think you can use a passport address as address proof. I suggest you check that with the consulate general or embassy before applying. The address proof does not have to be in your wife’s name (Mine was in my father’s name). So address proof in family member’s name or close to it should suffice.
good luck
supradeep.
March 8, 2012 at 1:29 pm
Hi, my mom and dad’s passport has expired and we have applied for a new indian passport. My sisters also need a passport, but they came to USA on my mom’s passport so they don’t have their own passports. Now, we applied for everyone for their passport, but the passports have been expired since 2004 and now it is 2012. We waited too long, now the CGNY said it is sending our apps to India for verification and that the references we listed on the apps will be visited by police and even CBI/FBI officials. This seems ludicrous to me and totally extreme. Is that seriously real? She also said it will take up to 1 year to get the passport (6 months to 1 year). Anyone else have similar storied? Any feedback would be helpful. The people at the CGNY are really stupid, they don’t know what they are doing. Anyway to expedite the process?
Where does verification take place? Passport place in Hyderabad where we used to live or shoudld my relative go to the police station in hyderabad?
Please help!
March 8, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Since your passports were expired long ago, verification of the police files and other agencies files taking place is very likely. Police verification is at the hands of the passport officer, so even if you apply for renewal before expiry your application can be recommended for police verification (even if you are not changing the address).
All police verification can easily take 6-8 weeks. It is carried out by the police station in your area of listed residence on the application.
Actually CGNY passport officer might just be following rules on this. I am sure your application will not be the first of this kind.
I think you cannot expedite the process unless you can go to the passport officer at the CGNY and convince him/her that your situation warrants urgency (they have tatkal, so there will be a corresponding tatkal for this) .
Your relative/friend visiting the police station closest to the listed residence, which receives your file, might speed up the process or you might learn the status of your application.
These things take time, so you should prepare yourself for wait time.
good luck
supradeep
March 8, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Do you think it will take 6-8 weeks? The lady on the phone implied it could take 6 months-1 year.
I am going to get my references that I listed on the application to go down to the police station to talk with them and help them verify whatever needs to be verified. Hopefully, this will expedite the process.
Are the passports made here in the USA? I mean, after they get clearance it shouldn’t take that long for them to issue the passport right?
Thanks for replying.
March 8, 2012 at 5:22 pm
The FAQ section lists police verification ( in case of change of address ) as around 6 weeks. so 6-8 weeks is normal. But as I mentioned your case is different. You are having a new passport made after its been expired for many years. So I will take 6-8 weeks at least. I really doubt 6 months to a year. I suggest you contact the
CGNY on this again. If you applied for your passport in CGNY, then you they will be made here.
Good luck
supradeep
March 13, 2012 at 2:02 pm
Hi Supradeep,
I read all of your detailed responses. I am clear about the Address Change question and I gave US address as my permanent address. But I wanted to know do we need to provide address proof if I gave different address in Nationality Status Verification Form, Option # 8 as well? Do they really care about that? Please clarify this and thanks in advance.
Thanks
Revathy
April 10, 2014 at 7:45 am
Hi – Was your question answered? Did you have to give an address proof if the Nationality Verification Form address was different than the old passport?
March 14, 2012 at 5:42 pm
Thanks Supra for your previous responses. I was doing research online and I had some new questions for you if you don’t mind answering them for me if you can.
We have already submitted our applications for fresh passports to the NY embassy. They are going to need police clearance in India they said. They are rude people working at the embassy, someone called me the other day wanting to know what service we were applying for because they received some new documents from us that they had requested. I told her that we are applying for passports and told her someone named Juhi was handling our case. S she oh, let me get her for you. . . she put me on hold then after a minute the phone was disconnected. When I called back, the phone rang 3o times so I hung up and called again. . .the same lady picked up and said “What”. I told her I was holding for Juhi and she said she’s going to call me back and then she slammed the phone without saying another word. What the hell is wrong with these people? I called all the numbers that I have and they keep picking up the phone and hanging up. They are rude and lazy. . . we are people that just want some answers from them. I just want to make sure they understand what those documents are and I hope they are processing them correctly. I mean, she is the one who called me in the first place. Why are they working there if not to help people through the passport process . . .I mean they are giving Indian people a bad name being so rude and unprofessional. I personally felt disgusted by their behavior. Has anyone gone through the same thing? It’s a bit ridiculous isn’t it?
Anyways, that’s my rant for the day through this perilous journey. . . the question I had was in regards to the police clearance. We put the same address on the app that is on the passports in India. We live in the USA now. I found this website for the hyderabad passport office. . . http://www.ap.nic.in/passport/ and I found something called the PCC Application Form. Can we send that to my relatives in India and have them get it processed in Hyderabad?
Have you ever seen the form before?
It asks for present address and permanent address. . . .is it talking about our address in India or the US? because we live here now. . .
I read online that some people say its better to get the police clearance form online and send it to your relatives and have them bring it over to the office in India because you can’t waste time waiting for them to come do it themselves.
Any thoughts?
Zoh
March 14, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Has anyone heard of the Indian Passport Seva website? Is this website legit? It says you can apply for the police clearance through it. . . I’d rather do that than wait around for these slow working bureaucrats.
the website address is: http://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/on… or the http://www.ap.nic.in/passport/AboutUs.htm.
Anyone?
March 30, 2012 at 6:33 pm
Hi Supradeep,
I have one question….
If mailing the documents, I understand that notarized photocopies are needed. I am able to get those done for US based documents, but how about Indian address proof? Do I need to get that notarized from India? I don’t think that can be notarized in US…please suggest.
I have utility bill in my father’s name and bank statement in my name. Would that work? If yes, do I need to notarize them?
Thanks in advance…
Pulkit
March 31, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Hi,
I am not sure how it works for renewal by mail for the address change. If you have the utility bill and cannot notarize it, I suggest you send the original( I am sure you can spare a bill ). Or go the notary and find out what can be done.
You can try contacting the consulate general’s office or Indian embassy and see what they say. Nothing abut that is mentioned in the FAQ.
I renewed my passport in person and took the copy of the BSNL phone bill with me to the NYCG and they were fine with it.
good luck
supra
April 9, 2012 at 9:57 am
hi sir
i want the ans.of my following que.
Point 9; local car driving licence means india or us .
Point 12:how long has applicant has resided abroad
April 9, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Local car DL is US. How long has the applicant resided.. start when to came to the US first… ( years.. months , e.g 4 years 3 months)
cheers
April 17, 2012 at 9:25 am
Thanks alot sir…
April 10, 2012 at 9:05 am
Can you please let me know if I can renew the passport with H1B petition pending?
April 15, 2012 at 2:21 pm
hi sir
i have applied for renewal of my passport by mail on 5th April 12(NY consulate), How can i check the status of my passport on line
April 16, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Hi,
I am applying for renewal of my passport which is expiring in August. Is Nationality form is must? If yes, I could see on the form( Need to submit in Six copies) does it means I need to take the xerox of filled form and need to attach photo on each form.
Thanks,
Vijendra
April 17, 2012 at 9:52 am
Hi,
You will need the nationality verification form, but don’t think there is six copies mentioned anywhere. I suggest you look at the instructions more carefully and the correct one from the Indian consulate general’s office.
supra
April 17, 2012 at 6:01 pm
Thanks for your reply. Looks currently they are asking this form only in case of loss/damage of passport. In case of renewal of passport I do not see that.
April 25, 2012 at 8:32 am
Hi,
I am leaving for India June 6th 2012,and just realised that the passport expired on April 16th 2012 ,while i was trying to apply for Advance parole.so should i go for expedite renewal or just go for normal one.also do you know anythg abt the AP..can it be applied with expired passport?
April 25, 2012 at 9:46 am
Hi,
If you are talking about the Tatkal service , then it has to be decided by the passport renewal officer at the NY Consulate General of India and it has to be in person. If AP is not that.. I am afraid, I not aware of this and you should talk to somebody at the NY Consulate General of India.
cheers
May 2, 2012 at 4:00 am
hi sir,
My i-94 is to be expired on 28 may.i m in us now.my visa will expire in2013.Recently i extented my passport from NYoffice .plz tell the procedure to extend i-94 other than india or canada visit.if visit to canada than plz tell the procedure
thanks
May 2, 2012 at 4:55 am
Hi,
I do not know the procedure for renewing I-94. You have to contact somebody who know about US immigration and customs on that.
good luck
May 4, 2012 at 3:42 pm
With VFS in place for passport renewal, they are insisting on providing US address as print address whereas I want my indian address to be the print address. Please let me know if anyone recently went to VFS office and had the indian address printed on passport
May 5, 2012 at 5:59 am
I am afraid I am not aware with the VFS procedures.
good luck.
May 12, 2012 at 8:34 am
I am also having the above question and also VFS site home says all the documents should be notarized even when applying in person … but in document required tab it says notarize only if you are mailing the docs .. Please post if you find any info on this….
May 8, 2012 at 5:43 am
My present Emigration status is ECNR. So do I need to submit the certificates again for the renewal of passport(10 year completed).
May 8, 2012 at 5:44 am
I would advise you not to take a chance by not submitting the certificates as the passport officer might request them.
good luck.
May 11, 2012 at 10:48 am
Seems like for anyone to renew their passport for a year ( Not 10 years) they have to go to the 38th Street VFSGlobal offices? Maybe I haven’t spend enough hours on their site, but there is no information for anyone who does not want to renew their passports for 10 years. Any insight on this new outsourcing that the consulate is governing?
(http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/usa/Online_Application.html)
May 17, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Hi,
I have to renew my 5yr old kid’s passport. How can I change the Indian address in her passport? Coz I dont have a proof address in my kid’s name.
May 17, 2012 at 12:24 pm
I am not sure how it works, but if I think for that you can provide your proof and supplement that with your proof that you are the parent.. may be this might help. Or, contact the consulate general about the issue.
May 21, 2012 at 3:54 pm
I was recently renewing my passport. It says about an appointment. and how can i cancel it? My appointment is on May 23, 2012
May 21, 2012 at 3:59 pm
I think if you don’t show up , i think your appointment is cancelled automatically.
May 22, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Thanks for that and then I got my passport when I was 16 and now I am 18. My passport was issued for only 3 years. And can I change my signature when I Re-issue my passport
May 23, 2012 at 4:53 pm
And I am sorry for asking you more questions. So When I was filling out the forms, I also put my surname so when I printed, the bottom of the paper with the bar code said “Joel Daniel Daniel”. Can I cancel that form and start a new one?
May 23, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Yes , I think you can cancel and start any number of applications.. just take the one you submitted with you with all the correct entries …
May 30, 2012 at 8:14 am
Hi Supradeepnarayan,
I have an urgent need to get my Passport renewed which is expiring on Oct 2012 as I need to travel to India for Medical Reasons. Do you know if there is any option to get the Passport renewed in an Emergency like this. According to the Appointment date it is mentioned the next available appointment is June 25th 2012 for NY Center. Do you think if I send my documents by Mail I may get my Passport renewed faster than that day or is there any form or contact person whom I can connect with and explain him my situation ot get my passport renewed in an emergency and not wait for this long time. Any information on this is highly appreciated.
May 30, 2012 at 8:42 am
you can try the tatkal service, it is same day or next day service. Tatkal service is not available by mail. All the information for tatkal is there on the website..
good luck
May 31, 2012 at 6:50 pm
Do we have to send the I-94 also along with the passport if we are planning to mail the docs?
June 1, 2012 at 3:38 am
I don’t think it is necessary.. But once you have your passport back you have to put the I-94 back in.
June 3, 2012 at 9:44 pm
I got deported from usa and came here on an emergency slip a year ago. I filed for renewal of passport on feb 2012 and still have not received my passport. Every time i go to passport office they tell me that refer to mission. I know that things are done quickly in US and it does not take 4 months to get a reply from US. What should i do? Please help me
June 5, 2012 at 5:48 pm
I dont understand your situation. But I do agree that it should not take 4 months. Only thing I can think of is contact them at every level at the consulate general.
June 6, 2012 at 8:02 am
I left to usa on an indian passport back in 1999 as a student. I lost my passport and my visa expired so i overstayed. I got deported from usa last year on a Emergency Certificate and was gathering all the necessary documents to apply for a passport which i have lost. i filed my application on Feb 2 2012. Its been 4 months and every time i ask for my passport i get told that theres no reply from USA which in their terms is REFER TO MISSION. Does it take really that long to get a reply from US?? I know things are done quickly in US. Or is the passport office is not playing right?? Do u understand my situation?? Please help…
June 6, 2012 at 8:07 am
I am sorry I don’t comprehend your case and I don’t have the expertise to help you . This is not that kind of blog or service. I suggest you contact an immigration attorney or something, they will know more and might be able help you. It might cost you a little for their service.
June 22, 2012 at 4:42 am
I cannot track my passport. Can you just tell me how to do that?
Thank You
June 22, 2012 at 4:45 am
I don’t know how to do that either, Look at the FAQ section or contact the consulate general of India at NYC, that is the only way I think.
June 25, 2012 at 10:03 am
https://www.vfsglobalonline.com/IHC-USA-TRACKER/
You can track the passport through the above link.
June 27, 2012 at 4:17 pm
I actually tried this but i got confused with the application reference number and all. I actually tried the number that i got when I was filling the application. It did not work
July 9, 2012 at 7:59 am
Thank you Supradeep. Reading this post and all the questions has been really helpful.
Can anyone tell me if I can use my PO Box as the permanent address? My driver’s license and all utility bills have the PO Box on them. Even the mortgage bill goes to the PO Box. We did this because we did not want important mail going to the mailbox on the road (paranoid husband). I have been in the US for 10 years and am just renewing my passport now. The only bill that has both addresses is the tax bill but that is not acceptable proof.
Thanks,
Ila
July 9, 2012 at 8:10 am
So silly of me, the street/property address is also mentioned in the mortgage bill. So that’s not a problem, thanks.
July 16, 2012 at 1:38 pm
can you comment on the marriage certificate please. I am applying by mail. Do i need to send in the copy of the notarized marriage certificate?
thanks alot
July 27, 2012 at 6:36 am
I am really curious as to why they ask friends’s address. Will they send some documents there or will call them or something
July 27, 2012 at 6:45 am
It is for reference in my view. I dont think they call anyone. but could contact in rare cases.
August 1, 2012 at 6:55 pm
HI ALL,
I just talked with VFS people and they said we cannot use phone bill as residence proof. But this forum and their website says we can do it.
Whom to trust ?
August 19, 2012 at 8:12 pm
If you are renewing your passport, then BSNL ph bill is a valid proof of address as it worked for me
August 13, 2012 at 8:50 am
Hi Supradeep,
My Passport is going to expire in march 2013, however I will be travelling to india in the month of december and in order for me to re-enter US my passport should be valid for at least 6 months which wont be the case if I dont renew it before I leave. I will greatly appreciate your help if you can answer some of my queries.
1. Do you think I can apply for the renewal now (NY consulate) and if I apply do you think I will be able to get back my passport by november 20th (this is the first time I am renewing my passport in US)?
2. I am not sure what is the permanent address in my passport. My passport has my dorm address in it. DO you think I will have to provide the proof of address if I put my permanent adress? Did they ask you for the proof of address?
3. If I am submitting my application in person do I have to get my documents notarized?
4. After filling up the online application form, do I have to wait for confirmation or I can go very next day?
Thanks
Kunal
August 19, 2012 at 2:15 pm
Sorry for the late reply.
I think renewal depends on all the conditions such as if police verification in india takes long about 2 or 3 months, otherwise it should takes 2 weeks most.
Also for the permanent address you have to supply the India address not your local address. If you have a utility bill such as a telephone bill or gas bill it will help. It also depends on the passport officer who evaluates your application.
If you are submitting in person I dont think you need it notarized. Just check with the website again.
September 1, 2012 at 1:55 pm
very helpful ,unlike the consular services’ own website.Looks like you have to work really hard to even find the fee amount.why can’t we make things simple?
September 6, 2012 at 6:38 pm
HI,
In passport re-issue applaiction (New york) there is 29 column asking for specimen signatures (two boxes). is this shold be done by applaicnt( if no children) or is this for children.please let me know .
September 24, 2012 at 10:42 am
HI Supradeep,
I have submitted my passport renewal application today.. IN the nationality verfication form, for the relatives and friends addresses column i gave the addresses of friends in US i.e US addresses.. instead of indian address.. thats a mistake.. any idea what is the best way to handle it..
Thanks
Raghu
September 24, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Hi,
Thanks much for the post. Informative. I just had a quick question: Qhat did you input on line 15 of the nationality verification form? (Where it asks for name & address of two relatives/friends in India at the permanent resident place.) My poarents live there; do I just enter their names? I got a little confused because on one hand it says relatives living at the permanent address; on the other hand it asks for their name AND address…which makes no sense.
Thanks much
September 24, 2012 at 1:00 pm
Damn..sorry for the mistake. That was line 14.
September 24, 2012 at 1:32 pm
I am not sure whether is wrong or not. You could just send in another form with a reference to your file.
October 8, 2012 at 4:03 am
Ya.. I got the passport yesterday.. Exactly in 2 weeks.. Looks like its not a big mistake. But better not to make that.. Thanks for your answers.. This blog is pretty helpful
October 13, 2012 at 10:33 am
Hi,
I applied for passport renewal at SFO for 8 year old my daughter and I received it yesterday.But I see that lastname of Father’s name is missing a alphabet. I have planned for travel on OCt 30th to India and could not contact SFO office due to holiday. Please let me know if I can travel with her to India with error in fathers name passport.Her visa is in old passsport.
What to do now?
Thanks,
Madhav
October 15, 2012 at 2:21 pm
I think you should contact the SFO office and find out if they can rectify the mistake immediately. Other than that I cannot think of anything.
October 25, 2012 at 5:36 am
Hi,
Did you have to notarize the Nationality verification form? Thanks.
November 5, 2012 at 5:05 am
Hi,
I applied for my new passport on 09/28/12 and they said that I will get my passport in 3-4 weeks.Now almost 5 weeks past but no response. I called to the Global Office and they said that it’s clearence did’t come from Mumbai.
I sent somebody to mumbai-India at local police station as well as Mumbai crime Branch and they said that they have’t received my passport application yet.So tell me what should i do, because my tkt to Mumbai india is 11-10-12.
November 26, 2012 at 8:47 am
deepak were u able to get your passport?? how long did it take? what did u do?
November 14, 2012 at 11:07 am
Hi supradeepnarayana,
This blog is very informative, thanks for your guidance. I am a M.S. student here on F-1 visa, I lost my passport some days back, I applied for new passport at vfs,NY. I applied on 2nd NOV. I have my flight to INDIA on 25th NOV. Its been almost 2 weeks and vfs has been showing the same status since 3rd NOV. I tried to talk to vfs guys, but they said that they have forwarded my application to indian embassy,NY. Then I talked to the embassy guys, they replied “talk to vfs”. vfs is showing this status..
“Application has been forwarded to the Embassy/Consulate General of India on 03/11/2012.”
Should I send an e-mail to the consulate general,NY. can u please give me his e-mail address. Please reply as soon as possible.
Thanks.
November 17, 2012 at 10:11 am
I got my passport, I just sent a mail to consulate of general.
November 27, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Hi ,
i am sai i came to usa on f1 visa and unfortunately i was out of status .Now my passport is expired and i want to go india with out any hassles.Will embassy guys can issue travel document for me? If not what should i do? please help me .TIA
November 29, 2012 at 9:05 am
Hi Sai,
I am not sure how the embassy/consulate will help. If you are on F1 then your school/University sponsoring it must be able to help. If your passport is expired, then contact your international adviser at your university’s international office ASAP.
Best of luck
December 31, 2012 at 7:53 am
If I am applying in person, do i need to notarize the documents.
January 14, 2013 at 7:28 pm
Hi,
I am Mohan , currently undergoing the same situation of my passport reissue which is about to expire in 3 months. Currently I am in India for a vacation and was thinking to reissue it with Tatkal scheme. But after going through ur blog I felt its better to do it in Turkey (country where I reside). Thanks alot.
January 21, 2013 at 5:41 pm
Hi Supradeep, Thanks for this post. It is very helpful. I have my passport expiring on June 24th 2013. In september 2012 I went to India and got my H1B visa stamped (valid thru September 30th 2014). However, the immigration officials at the port of entry told me my passport is expiring earlier than my last day of H1B validity, hence wrote 24th June 2013 as last day of stay on I94 card. However, I have two travels scheduled to India this year. One in Feb (for one week for my engagement) and another in May for about 3 to 4 weeks.(for marriage).
I reside in North Carolina hence I have to go to DC office for renewal. I see the wait time for passport renewal 1-3 weeks minimum and additional 3 to 6 weeks if extra time is required for clearance on the website. However, at this point I would like to know if I can travel to India and come back without issues in Feb 2nd week. I just need to know if the immigration officers will block my entry citing even though I have valid H1B, my passport is expiring in June this year. Once I’m back to US in Feb, I want to initiate the passport renewal process so that I can get it much before last week of May. Please let me know if you have any knowledge of this.
January 30, 2013 at 10:29 am
Hi,i went through the comments hoping to find a query similar to mine,but didnt. This is about my husband’s passport. His passport expires in Aug 2013 and we are going to India this Feb to get his O visa stamped,which is a little short of 6months from his passport expiry date. My question is Will the US consulate refuse to stamp the visa on a passport that is gonna expire within 6months of the date of stamping? Has anyone been in this situation? Alternativel, i have also been trying to get the Tatkal procedure for a speedy passport renewal done in the SFO consulate owing to this reason. would be very helpful if you could share your thoughts on that too. Thankyou.
February 6, 2013 at 9:39 am
hi,
thanks for details process. but still i got 2 questions regarding specimen signature at
Q.26 this is declaration :
i think i need to sign here
Q.29 specimen signature or T.I within the space given below:
it has 2 boxes provided
do i need to sign on both boxes? ( i am 30 yr old) renewing my passport after 10yrs.
thanks in advance
February 6, 2013 at 9:54 am
Thanks
I found answer above.
February 7, 2013 at 4:20 am
I called help line on filling application form. they are so helpful. you can find the customer care number on website http://www.vfsglobal.com/india/usa/contactus.html
most of questions are answered by this website.
good work
Thanks,
Brahma
February 11, 2013 at 5:37 pm
Hi Supradeep,
I’ve been waiting for my passport since April 21st 2012 and I am at the point of frustration that I just want to cry every time I think of my passport. I submitted the application for renewal to the VFS center in NY on the date above. I should mention that the passport had expired in 2008 but my lawyer had suggested to not renew prior to receiving my green card just in case I needed for the interview (since it has other information that may be needed). On May 4th the application status changed to “referred for clearance” and I haven’t heard anything since then. I visited the consulate twice and they keep telling me that they’ll “send a letter for confirmation of police verification” but they can’t provide me with copies of these letters. I know police officers already visited my old address in India because my family members told me they did back in August 2012. I just don’t know what else to do. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Petra
February 14, 2013 at 7:26 am
Hi Petra,
I hope you get your passport soon. All I can think off is that you keep the pressure on the consulate . Good luck.
supra
March 5, 2013 at 1:21 pm
Hi,
I am temporarily in US and need to renew my passport.
In the vfs application form should the “address to be printed in the passport” be indian address or US address? My current passport has my indian address and i would like it to remain so in my new passport. Has anyone renewed the passport through vfs and if so what was the proof submitted.
I have my interview this week and would like an earliest response. Thank you.
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April 10, 2013 at 11:43 am
Hi Supradeep,
I am preparing the application for my passport renewal and your blog is very useful. It answers most of my questions.
I have few doubts can you please clarify.
Q.13. Present Emigration Status:
** My old passport has ECNR status. So ticked ECNR. Should I also provide documentation proof for this? like sending degree certificate?
Q. 14. Profession and Business Address:
** I work as software developer in xyz company,
Should I write my role and address of my company where I work?
There is not much space in the application form to write the address. Please suggest.
Q. Proof of valid visa:
** My stamped visa in passport expired 5 years ago and I extended my H1 4 times and I have four I-797 approval notices. So in this case should I send all four I-797 approval notices or only the latest one?
Please suggest
April 19, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Thanks for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your next write ups thank
you once again.
May 20, 2013 at 12:11 pm
All the people who want to renew or reissue their passport in new york the address is change… here I m giving you a passport service address… http://www.blsindia-usa..com…. All the poeple are new from different county … no one speaks hindi… good luck for that…
July 3, 2013 at 11:59 am
Hi, I got my renewed passport today and insted of India’s address its the USA’ s address in my passport….I am on student visa here and live in rented house with friends.can any one please help me out wiith this?
what should I suppose to do next ?
May 20, 2013 at 12:12 pm
one more thing no nearest notarization …. please notarize your documents otherwise you schrewed
May 23, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Hey Nirali,
Thanks for your response.
I also have appointment on 28 May 13.
Have you submitted color photocopy of documents? is that necessary ?because bls site is very confusing.
Is notarize required if we visit personally at bls center?
What about address [printed in passport] of online form? is it indian address or us address?
Looking for your earliest reply. thanks.
May 29, 2013 at 12:25 pm
sorry its late reply… but you dont need color documents… even though u going personally you still have to notarize …. In address I followed this forum and fill my documents according to that…
June 2, 2013 at 3:42 pm
Hi,
Could anyone tell me – in NYC where can I notarize the marriage certificate and other documents that needs to be submitted for passport renewal…
June 18, 2013 at 4:48 am
I am not exactly where but I did it was near 31st near Dunkin donuts… This was store for office supply next to dunkin donuts.
June 25, 2013 at 4:12 am
Two Qns:
1. I dont want my spouse name in my renewed passport for various reasons? My old passport didnt have it either. How to do that?
2. Will the police verification go to my permanent address in India for “Re-issue of passport”?
June 28, 2013 at 10:04 am
I am re-issueig my passport in HOUSTON, I would lke to know if we go in person do we need to notorize these documents?. I want my Indian address to be printed in the PP , I have original utility bill, will that help? Please answer if any one recently re-issue at Houston.
July 3, 2013 at 3:57 pm
Hi, I got my renewed passport today and insted of India’s address its the USA’ s address in my passport….I am on student visa here and live in rented house with friends.can any one please help me out wiith this?
what should I suppose to do next ?
July 18, 2013 at 10:39 am
is it ok if i send 3.5’x4.5′ size photograph for passport renewal at Washington Dc. ? my application form may get rejected .?
please need help, thanks.
July 29, 2013 at 1:45 am
Supradeep,
I am currently in Boston,
Do you think originals documents other than the passport is required?
Is posting the documents by mail safe? Do we still have to take an appointment?
Will we be able to track the application?
Where / Who does the notarizing of the photocopies? Where can we find this information?
Assume the notary would need to see the original document before signing the documents?
Thank you.
August 1, 2013 at 1:18 pm
I have taken photo at CVS 2inch x 2 inch.. but size looks bigger while affix in online document and nationality form..am but confused, any one clarify this..please
August 4, 2013 at 7:01 am
My passport will expire in June 2014. I am planning to renew it now itself. Does passport number change on renewal?
August 4, 2013 at 8:52 am
Yes you will get a new passport number.
August 13, 2013 at 9:58 am
Hello All,
Thanks for everyone contribution. I have submitted passport (reissue) application to BLS office at Houston on Aug 02,2013. I went in person to submit the application.
Though I have booked appointment on Aug 9, I went earlier Aug 02 because I need to renew ASAP. I have went all documents and everything perfect and process completed in 20 minutes.
BLS personal was very cooperative and helpful. Process is very smooth and fine.
Few quick points (only main points) follow the procedure as per BLS web site.
a) Photo – I have taken in CVS 2×2 inch. First copy is 12$ and every additional copy 29 cents. I have taken 10 photos on safe side.
i) 1 photo -in Online application form
ii) 1Photo in Nationality verification form
iii) 3 Photos for submission.
So total 5 photos required. I have submitted appearance change document so I need one more. Only one copy of Nationality verification form is enough.
b) Coming to Affidavit – I have taken in our Office where one of the employee is Notary public. In Houston BLS office itself there is an notary public she charges 6$ per signature.
I saw many people filling the application there.
c) I have purchased USPS flat rate Express priority mail envelope is 19.95$. They will give an envelope, mailing sheet and stamp worth 19.95$. BLS personal filled all the details (I have filled To address) and pasted stamp.
d) For travel agent question – I have written my company name.
e) BLS person asked me to write a letter for signature change. My signature has changed in last 10 years. In white paper, I have written a simple plain letter to consulate general and provided the 3 specimen signature.
f) In case of applying for tatkal – please go with proper proof for tatkal. Either letter from office stating for quick renewal or reissue or in case of personal issue like marriage take a invitation card or booked tickets. Otherwise normal mode only.
g) You can pay in CASH. Take a exact change.
h) BLS personal give receipt and explain how to track the application.
I) For normal mode – she said 7 to 10 working days.
k) Please take glue, stapler etc.
l) For ECNR – they will take from current passport. I have provided a photo copy for degree certificate she said that is not required.
l) BLS personal enter all information in system and asked us verify. Please review this carefully she did spelling mistake for me, I have asked her correct the same.
Any other questions please let me know.
Regards
Lakshmanan
August 13, 2013 at 9:58 am
Hello All,
UPDATE:
I got my new passport with INDIAN ADDRESS printed on it. I submitted on Aug 2, I have collected today. So it took 8 working days to get in NORMAL mode. Hope this helps.
August 15, 2013 at 9:16 am
Hi
I am renewing my Indian passport in nyc. For address proof for India’s address, will Indian driving license suffice?
Thanks,
August 19, 2013 at 6:29 am
Hello lakshmanan,
Did you type Indian address in permanent address column and US address in other address? There is a lot of confusion in this. Everybody says there is some rule change. I printed out my application and my kids’applications with Indian address as permanent and US address as other address.
August 19, 2013 at 9:51 am
Sorry for late reply. Yes. I have printed Indian address as permanent address. I have attached a separate letter to consular general (simple letter to print Indian address) with proofs. I have provided latest Electricity bill with receipt Property tax paid receipt. Other address is US address. Let me know if you other questions.
August 19, 2013 at 9:57 am
Thanks, Lakshmanan. What is the address proof for Indian address you gave? Can I attach my Indian driving license and also ration card copy. The electricity bill and property tax etc is in my husband’s name. When did you renew your passport?
August 19, 2013 at 10:07 am
I guess you can provided any valid government address proof. Note, address they will print word by word as in proof. So please be careful. I renewed on Aug 02, 2013 in HOUSTON.
August 19, 2013 at 10:22 am
ok thankyou very much for taking the time in answering my questions.The fee for BLS is $91.20 right?
August 20, 2013 at 7:10 pm
Hi Lakshmanan,
1) Do you need to notarize the Indian address proofs? or
2) Did you submit the original ones? or
3) Just a photocopy with the letter you mentioned.
For me – my ICICI Bank account Statement has exact correct Indian address. But the Utility Bill and Property tax Bill of Indian home does not come with full correct adress. What do you suggest to submit as proof in this scenario?
Thanks for your reply.
August 19, 2013 at 10:26 am
Yes. Normal mode $91.20. Please go with exact cash or cashiers check. I paid through cash. In Houston, BLS people really helpful. Hope this helps you.
August 20, 2013 at 8:03 am
In the online application form, point number 19, names of addresses of relatives/friends. Is it relatives/ friends in USA or India? For the nationality verification form, it clearly says relatives/ friends in India. But the application form mentions nothing like that.What do I do?
August 20, 2013 at 8:42 am
I have provided address of my friends in India.
August 20, 2013 at 9:24 am
Thanks so much.
August 21, 2013 at 10:39 am
Hi Lakshmanan,
1) Do you need to notarize the Indian address proofs? or
2) Did you submit the original ones? or
3) Just a photocopy with the letter you mentioned.
For me – my ICICI Bank account Statement has exact correct Indian address. But the Utility Bill and Property tax Bill of Indian home does not come with full correct adress. What do you suggest to submit as proof in this scenario?
Thanks for your reply.
August 22, 2013 at 6:13 am
Hi PKG,
a) Yes. I notarized the Indian address proof.
b) I have submitted original Electricity Bill (latest bill) and photo copy (color – looks like original) of property tax receipt.
c) Content is below
d)I am not sure whether ICICI bank statement will be accepted as a valid proof. Even for my case utility bill and property tax receipt has slightly different address (street number is not mentioned). I mean not the exact postal address. But I have written full detailed address in the application form which was printed in passport. I guess they will cross check address with your proofs to verify the locality, area etc. I am not sure though, guessing. In my case it got worked.
From,
Your address
To,
The Consulate General of India,
Indian Consulate,
Houston, TX (*put your consulate)
Sub: Request to print permanent Indian Address.
Dear Sir,
I am hereby submitting the application for my passport re-issue. I would like to print my Indian address under permanent address section in the passport. I have submitted latest property tax receipt, electricity bill and receipt as a proof for the same.
In case need any further information or clarification; please do not hesitate to call me at [xxxxxxxxx]
Thanking you in anticipation.
Your Name and Signature
Enclosures:
1. Property tax receipt for 2013/14 issued by Revenue Department.
2. Utility Bill – Electricity Bill [June 2013] issued by BESCOM, Karnataka, India.
3. Electricity Bill paid receipt
August 22, 2013 at 7:38 am
Thanks Lakshmanan for your time and reply. I just came back from my Bank where I have account here and they notarized all photocopies except any Indian docs like Bank Account and Utility Bills having Indian address as the Banker said they can not validate the authenticity of these Original docs. Bad luck to me 😦
On a diff note – does the Photocpies of the current passport (1st 5 pages and last 2 pages) ned to be notarized too?
Thanks again!
August 22, 2013 at 8:03 am
Notarization not required for PP pages. I have a notary in my office they did for me just looking to documents. They did not ask questions.
August 22, 2013 at 11:18 am
Hello everyone,
I went to the BLS office today in NYC. I thought I will post my experience about it here so that it may be useful for others.
We arrived by 8.30am and there were about 5 to 6 people already waiting in the line. The staff were really courteous and polite. Nice clean office space with decent restrooms. I had to look for restrooms first since I had take both my minor kids.
Coming to the application. I was changing my last name from maiden to married. So those of you who are doing it. Fill in all the particulars in all the columns with your new last name(as you want it to appear in the new passport). Do not enter your maiden name anywhere. The only place which will have your maiden name will be the one in the notarized affidavit.
I had to fill in an affidavit for the minors which I missed out while assembling all the documents. The staff in the office gave us copies of the affidavit and told us to fill it in and also notarize it. So there was someone just on the same block who did the printing and notarizing. Printing charges costed $1 and notarizing he charged us $5 per document.
Even with these delays we were done by 11.30 with the whole process.
I was clearly told atleast 3 times that only the US address will be printed in the passport. The staff there said that the only way to change it to my Indian address would be to do it in India.
Anyway, I was so happy and relieved that the whole process is done.So I didnt bother about it too much.
My suggestions to people who are submitting their forms in person. Go early(after a while it gets really crowded), have everything intact, if possible take an additional print out of the application form(just in case if you make any mistakes). Preferably take photos from any professional place(we got it from cvs and they did a very good job of it).There were 2 people who were asked to take fresh photos.
Overall, a very pleasant experience.Good luck to everyone.
September 12, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Hi Lavanya,
I am going to renew my passport through postal at Houston. When i called the customer support person to check whether i can get my India address printed on my passport, they had mentioned YES(for that they asked me to send one covering letter as ‘Lakshmanan’ mentioned above and surprisingly she had mentioned that no address proof required for that which makes uncertain about the answer for me), but not sure how far it will work as there are mixed kind of answers from people in the forum. So, thought of checking with you on what address they had put on your passports as i hope you might have received your passport by this time.
It would be helpful if you can share on the outcome from your end. Thanks in advance.
September 12, 2013 at 1:49 pm
Hi Vivek
I dont know about the scenario in Houston. But in NY, I asked the person at the counter if they would print my Indian address if I gave a letter and she said no. She said that only my US address would be printed on my passport. They said that the only way to change it would be doing it in India. Yes, I received my passport two days ago and it had my US address printed on it.
Try your luck, it may work.
Lavanya
August 23, 2013 at 4:19 am
Hi Lavanya,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
August 26, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Hi Lavanya,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
September 4, 2013 at 6:40 pm
Hello,
I’ve been reading the very helpful info everyone has provided here. Thanks so much. This is a very useful blog.
I have a question about the renewal process. My passport needs to be renewed and I’m on F1 with an expired visa but a valid I-20 (i.e I am in status and my presence in US is legal). I will be renewing the passport through BLS in Chicago, however, I understand that if you’re an F1 student and your US visa has expired you need to have an interview with the Indian Consulate. Does anyone know what is asked during that interview? I know I need to take all the documents for renewal with me, but I am curious as to the questions asked during the interview.
Thanks to all for your contributions.
September 8, 2013 at 2:03 pm
Hi guys Myself Bhavin from NY ……& I have Only 2 question for Passport reissuing Procedure through Mail
1) I still confused about the Mailing address……Means On which address i have to Mail my documents at NY …………….
2) What i have to fill In Money order fees……………Means howmuch total amount i have to write down on Money order…………
September 12, 2013 at 1:55 pm
Hi Bhavin
Mailing address for NY would be:
Indian Passport Application Center
28 West 30th street,
New York-10001.
The filing fees is $91.20 for regular filing. Tatkal fees is higher. Check out which one is applicable for you in the BLS website. This is the link.http://www.passport.blsindia-usa.com/passportFee.php#10years.
Lavanya
September 12, 2013 at 3:20 pm
Thanks Lavanya for your reply…Sure will have to try my luck and see 🙂
One more question: So, you had Indian address on permanent address and US address on other address from your application, but still they printed US address in your passport..am i right? Did you submit any address proof for Indian address and if yes, was it notarized?
Thanks,
Vivek
September 12, 2013 at 3:37 pm
yes I had the Indian address on the permanent address section and US address on the other address column. She didnt even tell me to correct it. Yes even with this they printed US address on my passport. I took a notarized photocopy of my Indian address proof, but she returned it back to me telling me that it was not needed.But since you will be applying by mail no harm in sending a notarized copy of that one too.
September 12, 2013 at 3:58 pm
Great. Thanks again for sharing this.
September 14, 2013 at 7:20 am
I am having pretty bad luck with the renewal…..The application date on BLS’s website says 27 July 2013 and I have’t received my passport yet. BLS doesn’t have any more info besides what it says on their website. Consulate General(NYC) don’t answer the phone even if I call on the emergency phone number.Does anyone have a clue where can I get the info of where my passport is or what is taking so long?
September 19, 2013 at 10:58 am
Peace84,
If its of any help, I submitted my application on 22 July 2013 at BLS Chicago and I received the “Ready for Collection” message today 19 September 2013. I didn’t had to call the consulate at all. As for what is taking so long? I don’t know; they’ll contact you if there is anything that they need from you.
September 19, 2013 at 2:06 pm
Thank you Rahil….it is certainly encouraging…….after reading you reply I think I should get my passport by next week…..
September 20, 2013 at 10:16 am
First of all Thanks to Lakshmanan for All the input. I sent my application by post to BLS-NY on 8/24. They updated their system on 8/30, then sent it back on 9/13 and I got the passport on 9/16. Also, I got my Indian Address on my new passport which is different than the Indian address present on the original one. I sent notarized photocopies of last two electic bills and property tax copy and my notarized ICICI Bank Statement (print out taken from my email attachment) but I showed my ICICI Bank Check book to the Notary as original proof. Also, I wrote the letter as Lakshmanan suggested. That’s all. Only thing happened – in the new passport, for the new Indian address – the City name is replaced with my District name. I am okay with this small mistake as rest of the data and spelling is perfecto!
September 21, 2013 at 3:11 am
Thanks PKG.
October 17, 2013 at 2:30 pm
that’s good to know that you got your passport that quick. I had applied on July 27th at BLS New York and haven’t got it yet. I call up BLS, they said they don’t have any more info after talking to BLS and try to explain my situation, they hang up the phone.
October 17, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Hi
I submitted my passport to BLS New york on Oct 3rd for reissue after 10 years and they submitted to Consulate on Oct 8th. My travel date to India is Oct 24th. Called the consulate, they asked me to wait for another week, but I dont have that much time. My question is if I go to NY consulate, will they help me and give my passport or hasten the process???
October 17, 2013 at 2:36 pm
Hello Nithi…which number id you call on at NY Consulate. Can please share it with me. I call them and get voice prompts an dcan’t even leave voicemail..
October 21, 2013 at 5:15 am
Hi,
I will be applying for my Passport Renewal in NYC. I need to change my existing India Address to my New Permanent India Address in the Passport. What documents i need to carry as a proof of new Address? My Wife and Daughter’s Passport have New Permanant Address in there Passports. Can i carry there passport as a proof of address to get address in my passport changed? I don’t yet have any physical address proof from India. Can a Scanned Copy of Address proof work in this case if i need to get it from India?
December 1, 2013 at 6:15 pm
The required documents asks to submit No Status Affidavit if we are renewing the passport from NewYork Consulate, the states that the document needs 2 witnesses who should not be an American citizen, should hold a greencard and a valid indian passport….can u plz through some light on it or anyone who has gone thru this…..
December 10, 2013 at 3:53 pm
i need indian citizenship certificate so what i do please can u halp me
December 28, 2013 at 3:30 pm
After I originally left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new
comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with
the exact same comment. There has to be a way
you are able to remove me from that service?
Many thanks!
January 6, 2014 at 11:41 am
Hi,
Your blogs seems to be of great help. I applying in person and have an appointment date on 17th jan 2014. If you could help me, it would be of great help. On the application form their are two questions for address. 1) permanent address – to be printed on passport and 2) as other address.
I am in US and I still want to maintain my indian address on my passport. Can I give my indian address on permanent address column and US address in other address? In the sample form of their site it mentions as US address as permanent and indian address as other. If at all I can mention the indian address, what all proof do I need to present to me? And can it photocopied or need to be original.
January 10, 2014 at 12:32 pm
Hello All,
I have started my application for the passport renewal at Chicago Consulate:
I have few questions
1)About verification of nationality, question number 15. Name and address of travel agent involved in sending the individual abroad. Can any one help me.
2)For the permanent address proof in India , Does pan card works and does it need to be notarized?
Thanks in advance!
Best Regards,
Rajesh
January 21, 2014 at 1:07 pm
Hi All ,
Can some one Help me with my questions :
I am travelling to india next week and i want to renew my passport in india .But Currently i am staying in US .
1) I have given my US address as my present address .So will there be a Police check required ? As My Previous present address was of india .Also for the present address proof my letter from my company with address mentioned in it will be suffice ? Also i have my lease documents for 2 years .
Please let me know ,.I am so confused.
Thanks
SK
January 23, 2014 at 8:38 am
Hi,
I am about to reissue my passport at Washington …just wanted to know, is it mandatory to include Change of Name affidavit for woman applicant ….as i don’t want to change my maiden name. Also i am including notarized documents for addition of spouse name in my passport…do i still need to change my name?….Please help!! I tried calling the office hundred times but its always busy….HELP NEEDED!!
January 29, 2014 at 12:59 pm
[…] it you are good to submit the application , Thought I’m sharing my experiences I have referred to https://supradeepnarayana.wordpress.com/2010/12/23/renewal-of-indian-passport-in-us and http://sudee4u.blogspot.com/2012/11/how-to-renew-indian-passport-in-usa.html when i’ve […]