How to Apply for Renewal of Indian Passport in USA
If you are an Indian citizen living in the United States and your passport is about to expire, it is essential to apply for a renewal as soon as possible. Having an expired passport can lead to numerous inconveniences, including being denied entry into other countries. In this article, we will guide you through the process of applying for the renewal of your Indian passport while you are in the USA.
1. Check the Expiry Date of Your Passport
The first step in applying for a passport renewal is to check the expiry date of your current passport. If your passport expires within the next six months, it is advisable to apply for a renewal. This ensures that you have a valid passport when you need it.
2. Gather Required Documents
To apply for a passport renewal in the USA, you will need to gather several documents. These include:
– A recent color photograph that meets the passport photo requirements.
– A completed DS-82 form, which is the application for a U.S. passport.
– Proof of U.S. residency, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or lease agreement.
– Proof of Indian citizenship, such as your original passport or birth certificate.
– Any additional documents required for your specific situation, such as a police clearance certificate or marriage certificate.
3. Pay the Application Fee
The application fee for a passport renewal in the USA is $110 for adults and $80 for minors under 16 years of age. You can pay this fee by credit card, check, or money order. Make sure to pay the correct amount, as any additional fees may delay the processing of your application.
4. Submit Your Application
Once you have gathered all the required documents and paid the application fee, you can submit your application. There are two ways to do this:
– By mail: You can mail your application, along with all required documents, to the nearest passport agency or acceptance facility. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State to ensure your application is processed quickly.
– In person: Some acceptance facilities offer the option to submit your application in person. This can be a faster option, as you can receive updates on the status of your application immediately.
5. Track Your Application
After submitting your application, you can track its status online through the U.S. Department of State’s passport renewal tracker. This will allow you to stay informed about the progress of your application and ensure that it is processed in a timely manner.
6. Receive Your New Passport
Once your application is processed, you will receive your new Indian passport by mail. Make sure to check your address on the application to ensure that your passport is delivered to the correct location.
In conclusion, applying for the renewal of your Indian passport in the USA is a straightforward process. By following these steps and ensuring that you have all the required documents, you can obtain a new passport without any complications. Always keep your passport valid to avoid any travel inconveniences.
