SOME USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PASSPORT

i. Please keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place. Without these relevant issuance of a duplicate passport in case of loss/damage/theft may be delayed.

ii. It is an offence under the Passports Act 1967 to give false information in the Application. Passport facilities can be denied on grounds of suppression of factual information, submission of false particulars, willful damage of passport and for making unauthorized changes in the passport.

iii. Your passport can be impounded or revoked by the Government of India under the provisions of the Passports Act 1967, in the event of which you will have to surrender the Passport to the nearest Indian Passport authority.

iv. Indian Citizenship Law Does Not Provide For Dual Citizenship and, accordingly, it is illegal for a person to possess an Indian Passport once he/she becomes citizen of another country. It may therefore, be noted that on becoming citizen of any other country (including US), the holder of an Indian passport should return the same to the nearest Indian Consular post (Embassy/Consulate). The Indian passport will be stamped "acquired US nationality" and returned to holder. Please send the Indian passport with covering letter and a self addressed stamped envelope for this purpose.

v. Please always check the expiry date of your Passport, and get it renewed well in advance of the expiry. Incase your Passport has expired more than six months back the process of renewal may take longer time.

vi. Passport should not be sent out of any country by post. It should be in the custody of the holder or especially authorized by the holder. It must not be altered or mutilated in any way. Loss, theft or destruction of Passport should be immediately reported to the nearest passport authority in India or Mission abroad and to the local police authorities.

ISSUE OF NEW PASSPORTS

How do you know that you are covered under this section?

When should you apply for the new passport ?

How do you apply/ documents required?

How much time will it take to get a new passport ?

Will you get back your old passport with your new one ?

What will happen to the valid visas on your old passport ?

Can you obtain a new passport if you are in USA on a visitor’s visa?

What are the additional requirements when passport expired more than 6 months back?

Persons holding Indian passports with 20 year validity are advised to apply for a new 10 year validity passport by following requirements applicable for issue of new passport. The new passport will be issued gratis except for applicable mailing charges. However it is clarified that the 20-Year validity passport is a valid travel document and the change is optional at the discretion of the holder.

How do you know that you are covered under this section ?

i) When there is an ‘F’ or ‘Finally’ written after the date of expiry

ii) Or passport was issued 10 years back.

When should you apply for the new passport ?

i) Within one year of expiry of your passport. For example if your passport is expiring on 31st Dec,2002, you can apply for a new one anytime starting from 30th Dec,2001.

ii) But not later than 6 months after date of expiry. If your passport is expiring on 31st Dec,2002, you can apply for a new one not later than 30th June,2003. If for any reason you have delayed applying for a new passport more than six months after expiry of your passport, see instructions below (passport expired more than 6 months back).

How do you apply/ documents required?

i) Completed application form for new passport

ii) Original existing passport

iii) 4 photographs (preferably in color, front facing, 2" X 2")

iv) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc. Copy of the marriage certificate if name of spouse to be entered in new booklet.

v) In case present passport does not contain the name of spouse and you wish to have it entered in your new passport, copy of marriage certificate may be sent.

vi) Fees of $ 40 for new passport for adult only. Please see separate instructions for child’s passport.

vii) Mail back charges (preferably $15 for return by overnight mail which is more reliable and safe. Consulate can not take responsibility for delay in receipt or loss of documents sent by certified mail. No self addressed envelope necessary. Fees for passport + mailing charges can be sent together through a single money order or cashier’s check. Please note that payments by mail can only be made through money order or cashier's check in favor of the Consulate General of India.

How much time will it take to get a new passport ?

i) If you apply at the counter in person, it may take approximately 10 working days, provided application is in order and no prior reference is required to be made to the original Passport Issuing Authority . The period may vary depending upon rush of work.

Please note that passports received at the counter in the Consulate are returned after the service only at the counter. These are NOT returned by mail.

ii) If you apply by mail, it may take approximately 10 to 15 working days excluding time taken in mail. The period may vary depending upon rush of work.

Yes. The old passport will be returned to you after cancellation.

What will happen to the valid visas on your old passport ?

The visas will not be cancelled. In case of any valid visas in the expired passport, the visa issuing authority may be approached for getting it transferred or revalidated on the new passport.

Can you obtain a new passport if you are in USA on a visitor’s visa?

Visitors from India on BI / B2 visa who are not normally resident in USA are advised to hold passports which are valid for the period of their visit. In such cases, where it becomes necessary due to unavoidable reasons, fresh passports would be reissued.

What are the additional requirements when passport expired more than 6 months back?

i) Declaration on the New Passport Application form to be notarized by the Notary Public

ii) One photograph to be pasted on the form and notarized by the Notary Public, incase there has been a change in appearance.

iii) Attach an explanation on a separate sheet of paper giving reasons for delay in applying for a new passport.

RENEWAL OF PASSPORTS (EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF CURRENT PASSPORT)

When are passports renewed ?

What are the requirements for renewing a passport?

How much time will it take?

What would be the duration of the renewal of the passport?

When are passports renewed ?

i) Passports which were issued less than 9 years back such as passports issued in India under the Tatkal scheme

ii) Passports which were issued against lost passports for short validity

iii) But NOT if your passport is completing 10 years / or there is a an F or Final written after the date of expiry- Please apply for new passport in such a case.

What are the requirements for renewing a passport?

i) Original passport

ii) Completed Passport Renewal form

iii) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc

iv) No Fee is payable for renewal but if you are applying by mail, charges for mailing back the passport may be sent through a money order/cashier's check in favor of Consulate General of India. Please see item "VII" of "new passport" requirements.

How much time will it take?

i) If you apply in person at the counter, same day if no prior clearance is required. It may take 30 –35 days if clearance has to be obtained.

ii) If you apply through mail, 3-5 working days, excluding time taken in mail. The proviso regarding clearance mentioned in i) above applies.

What would be the duration of the renewal of the passport?

i) Normally the validity of the passport will be extended up to 10 years from date of its original issue except for persons on BI/ B2 visa or where clearance has not been received from the original passport issuing authority.

ii) In cases of duplicate passports of short validity, renewal will depend upon the legal status of the applicant and receipt of clearance.

ISSUE OF ADDITIONAL PASSPORT BOOKLET WHEN PAGES ON EXISTING PASSPORT ARE EXHAUSTED

When is an additional booklet issued?

Additional booklet is issued as an extension of the existing passport when all pages of the passport are used up. The validity of the Additional Booklet remains the same as the main passport. All valid visas on the main passport remain valid after issue of additional booklet.

What are the documents required for issue of an additional booklet ?

Same as for a new passport except fee of $20

PASSPORT TO A CHILD

What is the definition of a child for issue of passport?

Is it possible to include the child’s name in one of the parent’s passport?

What should you do if the child’s name was entered in one of the parent's passport earlier?

What would be the validity of the child’s passport?

What are the requirements/ documents to be submitted for a child’s passport?

What is the procedure for applying for a passport for a child in India whose parent is staying abroad?

What is the definition of a child for issue of passport?

Children below 18 years as on the date of application of a passport are covered under this section.

Is it possible to include the child’s name in one of the parent’s passport?
NO, this is no longer done. All children should have separate passports. Age is no consideration.

What should you do if the child’s name was entered in one of the parent’s passport earlier ?

The child can still travel on this passport. However, it is advisable to obtain a separate passport for the child by getting the name deleted from parents passport.

What would be the validity of the child’s passport?

Maximum 5 years or till he/she attains the age 18 years whichever is earlier. If the child is going to be 18 years within one year, a full validity passport, which is 10years will be issued (please see instructions for Issue of New Passport)

What are the requirements/ documents to be submitted for a child’s passport?

i) New Passport application form with the Declaration and one photograph notarized.

ii) Four photographs (preferably in colour, front facing, 2"X 2")

iii) If child’s name was included in one of the parent’s passport, original passport of the parent.

iv) If child is born in USA and his name had not been entered in one of the parent’s passport, copy of his birth certificate AND both the parent's original passports.

v) Copy of the child’s legal status/ visa status

vi) A No Objection letter signed by both the parents

vii) Fees of $ 25

vii) Mail back charges (preferably $15 for return by overnight mail which is more reliable and safe. Consulate can not take responsibility for delay in receipt or loss of documents sent by certified mail. No self addressed envelope necessary. Fees for passport + mailing charges can be sent together through a single money order or cashier’s check. Please note that payments by mail can only be made through money order or cashier's check in favor of the Consulate General of India.

What is the procedure for applying for a passport for a child in India whose parent is staying abroad?

The parent should prepare an affidavit (download Specimen Form of Affidavit ). This Affidavit should be notarized. Also Download Miscellaneous services form and apply in person or by mail with your original passport, original notarized affidavit plus a copy of the Affidavit and the required fees of $ 10 Please see procedure for attestation. This Affidavit has to be submitted along with the passport application in India.

ISSUE OF NEW PASSPORT DUE TO CHANGE OF NAME OR CHANGE OF DATE OF BIRTH OR CHANGE OF APPEARANCE

a) Change of name consequent upon marriage and in cases of divorce (new passport issued with new name)
b) Change of name NOT consequent upon marriage (new passport issued with new name)
c) Change of Date of Birth (new passport issued with correct date of birth)
d) Change of appearance (new passport issued with the recent photograph)
a) Change of name consequent upon marriage (new passport issued with new name)

What are the requirements/ documents to be submitted?

i) Completed application form for new passport

ii) Original existing passport + spouse’s passport in original

iii) 4 photographs (preferably in colour, front facing, 2" X 2")

iv) Original marriage certificate + a copy of same or copy of divorce decree may be sent in applicable cases. (Original will be returned to you)

v) Sworn Affidavit in the prescribed form, duly notarized , giving both maiden and married name.

vi) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc.

vii) Fees of $ 20 for new passport

viii) Mail back charges (preferably $15 for return by overnight mail which is more reliable and safe. Consulate can not take responsibility for delay in receipt or loss of documents sent by certified mail. No self addressed envelope necessary. Fees for passport + mailing charges can be sent together through a single money order or cashier’s check. Please note that payments by mail can only be made through money order or cashier's check in favor of the Consulate General of India.

b) Change of name NOT consequent upon marriage (new passport issued with new name)

What are the requirements/ documents to be submitted?

i) Completed application form for new passport

ii) Original existing passport

iii) 4 photographs (preferably in colour, front facing, 2" X 2")

iv) Court Order or Sworn affidavit in the prescribed form – Affidavit for Change of Name , giving both names, duly notarized by a Notary Public.

v) Original newspaper clippings of the Notice for change of name in the city of domicile in USA AND in India (2 notices-one local and the other in India).

vi) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc.

vii) Fees of $ 20 for new passport

viii) Mail back charges (preferably $15 for return by overnight mail which is more reliable and safe. Consulate can not take responsibility for delay in receipt or loss of documents sent by certified mail. No self addressed envelope necessary. Fees for passport + mailing charges can be sent together through a single money order or cashier’s check. Please note that payments by mail can only be made through money order or cashier's check in favor of the Consulate General of India.

c) Change of Date of Birth (new passport issued with correct date of birth)
When is it possible to change the date of birth in the passport ? and What are the requirements / documents needed for getting the date of birth changed in the passport?

i) Since the date of birth is recorded in the passport on the basis of information provided by the applicant in his application at the time of applying for the passport for the first time, ordinarily requests for change of date of birth are not entertained except in the case when a mistake occurred while writing the date of birth in the passport or as in ii) below. In case of mistake on the part of the Passport writer, correction can be made in the existing passport itself with an endorsement. You may submit an application in the Miscellaneous services form + original passport + proof of correct date of birth such as old passport or Matriculation certificate + fee for endorsement ($10) and mail back charges through money order/cashier's check, if applying by mail (see item no. VII for requirements for Issue of New Passport)

ii) Where the date of birth is incorrect for any other reason and the applicant submits required documents in support of correct date of birth, a new passport will be issued indicating the corrected date of birth. Documents to prove correct date of birth will either be a) the original judgment by a First Class Magistrate in the area of permanent residence of the applicant in India ordering the Passport Issuing Authority to amend the date of birth or b) original Matriculation certificate indicating the date of birth.

What are the requirements / documents needed for getting the date of birth changed in the passport?

Completed application form for new passport
Original existing passport
4 photographs (preferably in colour, front facing, 2" X 2")
Original Court Order from a First Class Magistrate in India directing the Passport Issuing Authority to make the change in date of birth OR Original Matriculation Certificate.
Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc.
Fees of $ 20 for new passport
Mail back charges (preferably $15 for return by overnight mail which is more reliable and safe. Consulate can not take responsibility for delay in receipt or loss of documents sent by certified mail. No self addressed envelope necessary. Fees for passport + mailing charges can be sent together through a single money order or cashier’s check. Please note that payments by mail can only be made through money order or cashier's check in favor of the Consulate General of India.
BACK TO CHANGE OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH SECTION

d) Change of appearance (new passport issued with the recent photograph)

What documents are required for obtaining a new passport due to change of appearance?

Completed application form for new passport
Original existing passport
4 photographs (preferably in colour, front facing, 2" X 2") One photograph to be pasted on the application and notarized

Copy of existing passport (first three pages and back inner cover only)
Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc.
Fees of $ 20 for new passport
Mail back charges (preferably $15 for return by overnight mail which is more reliable and safe. Consulate can not take responsibility for delay in receipt or loss of documents sent by certified mail. No self addressed envelope necessary. Fees for passport + mailing charges can be sent together through a single money order or cashier’s check. Please note that payments by mail can only be made through money order or cashier's check in favor of the Consulate General of India.