Indian Passport renewal

                     If you are looking to renew your Indian passport and reside in the United States of America, here is a step by step procedure of how to do it. This is specific to the Indian Consulate in New York.

1. First of all, passport renewal application has to be filled online and printed out.  Use this link to fill it out. The application process involves selecting an appointment time even if you are applying by regular mail. So go ahead and select an appointment time, after which you can download or print out your application form. Again, there is no need to keep this appointment if you are applying by regular mail. Here is the link to the online application  http://passport.gov.in/nri/OnlineRegistration.jsp?pocode=USAN


2. Prepare a cover letter. Here is a link to a sample cover letter. http://suhanya-mydiary.blogspot.com/2011/12/cover-letter-for-indian-passport.html . The sample cover letter includes a list of documents needed. 

3. Here is the list of documents/attachments required by the Consulate General of India, New york.

1. Original current passport
2. Three passport size photographs (size 2 inches x 2 inches with white background)showing frontal view of full face including the one to be pasted on the top of application form;  Actually you need 4 passport size photographs. One goes on the passport renewal application form, one goes on the Nationality Status verification form and 2 of them will have to be attached to the renewal application.
3. Prescribed fee of US $ 40 for normal booklet (36 pages) or US $ 50 for Jumbo booklet (60 pages). Fee has to be paid by certified checks or money orders payable to the Consulate General of India, New York. Please note that personal checks are not accepted. Only at the Consulate counter will cash be accepted in currency notes of denomination not higher than $50.00. Cash when applying by mail is also not accepted. If delivery of documents is requested by mail – for return by Express Mail (with tracking number), please enclose a 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), please enclose a self-addressed Priority Mail envelope with a minimum postage of $4.90.  Kindly note that money once paid is not refunded on refusal of service or delay in service. Please insist on a receipt for any money paid at the counter and present the same for collection of documents between 4:30 - 5:15 p.m.
4. Copy of 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.
5. Copy of the first five and the last two pages of the passport;
6. 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);
7. 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;
8. Completed Nationality Status Verification Form; This is a new requirement.
9. The declaration at the end of the application form should be notarized if the old passport had expired more than one year ago;
10. 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 sent.
11. If the Indian passport has expired beyond a period of six months, you may be required to attach a notarized Affidavit. Details are provided on the Indian Embassy websites

Consulate address :

Indian passport renewal at New York

Consulate General Of India, New York

 3 East, 64th Street, New York, NY 10021,USA

Tel : 212-774-0600 Fax : 212-861-3788 

Tips:

1. All fee amount, application forms and rules are subject to change. Verify the current fee on the Embassy website.

2. Always send you application in a track able Overnight express insured mail, along with a prepaid mail envelope to receive back your passport.
3. Always keep the latest copy of your complete passport.
4. Keep scanned copies of your passport as well.
5. Check the Embassy website for general rules.