Suppose you are an Indian citizen living in the United States and need to apply for a passport. In that case, the process is handled through the Indian Embassy or Consulate in the U.S. Since the application procedures are similar across all U.S. locations, I’ll guide you through the general steps for applying for an Indian passport in the U.S.
Steps to Apply for Indian Passport in the USA
1. Find the Nearest Indian Consulate or Embassy
India has several consulates and an embassy across the U.S. that handle passport services. The locations are as follows:
- Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
- Indian Consulate in New York
- Indian Consulate in San Francisco
- Indian Consulate in Chicago
- Indian Consulate in Houston
- Indian Consulate in Atlanta
You will need to apply through the consulate or embassy that has jurisdiction over the state in which you reside.
2. Gather Required Documents
Before starting the application, ensure you have the following documents:
- Proof of Indian Citizenship:
- Old/Expired Indian Passport (if applying for renewal)
- Birth Certificate (for first-time applicants or if the passport is lost)
- Address Proof:
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, etc.)
- Lease agreement or property tax receipt
- Bank statement or credit card statement
- Passport-size Photographs:
- You’ll need 2-3 recent passport-sized color photographs. Be sure to follow the specifications provided on the embassy/consulate website for photo dimensions.
- Visa or Resident Proof:
- U.S. Visa (if applicable), Green Card, or other valid U.S. residency proof.
- Completed Application Form:
- You will need to fill out the passport application form (available online). Depending on your situation (first-time applicant, renewal, or reissue), the form may differ.
- Annexure E (If applicable):
- For minors or applicants who need a change of name or details, you may need to provide Annexure E or other self-declaration forms (as applicable).
3. Fill Out the Passport Application Form
The application form must be completed online through the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) system, even if you are in the U.S. The form for Indian passport applications is available through the Indian Government’s Passport Seva website.
- Visit the Official Website:
Go to the Passport Seva Portal. - Create an Account:
If you don’t already have one, create an account by registering with your email and personal details. - Fill Out the Application Form:
Choose the appropriate application type, such as “Reissue of Passport” or “Fresh Passport”. Provide all the required details carefully.- For first-time applicants, you will have to fill out the form and provide birth details, identity proof, etc.
- For renewal or reissue, you need to provide your old passport details.
- Submit the Form:
Once you complete the form, submit it online.
4. Make Payment
After submitting the form, you will be prompted to pay the application fee. The fee will depend on the type of passport (normal or tatkal), the validity (36-page or 60-page), and the processing time.
- Fee for a Normal Passport:
Generally, the fee ranges from $75 to $150, depending on the passport type and validity. - Tatkal Service (for urgent processing):
The fee for urgent processing is higher, typically around $200-$250. - Payment is usually made online through credit card or money order. Check your consulate’s specific instructions for the exact payment methods accepted.
5. Book an Appointment at the Consulate/Embassy
Once you have filled out the form and paid the fee, you will need to schedule an appointment for submitting your application and documents.
- Schedule an Appointment:
After completing the online application, book an appointment at the nearest Indian Consulate or Embassy using their online scheduling system.- Visit the Embassy or Consulate website where you are applying (based on your jurisdiction) to make an appointment.
6. Submit Documents at the Consulate or Embassy
On the day of your appointment:
- Bring all original documents and photocopies (passport, proof of address, proof of identity, visa, etc.).
- Bring passport-sized photographs that comply with the embassy’s requirements.
- Bring the appointment confirmation or receipt from the online booking system.
7. Biometrics and Interview (If Applicable)
Some consulates may take biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) for passport applications, especially for first-time applicants or those renewing expired passports. This can happen on the same day as your appointment or after a subsequent visit, depending on the consulate.
For Tatkal applications, there may be an additional interview process to verify the urgency.
8. Wait for Police Verification (if required)
In most cases, a police verification will be conducted, especially for new passports or when you are applying from a new location. The consulate will coordinate with local Indian police to verify your details.
- For reissue or renewal, if there is no change of address, the police verification may be expedited.
9. Receive Your Passport
Once your application is processed and police verification (if applicable) is completed, your passport will be sent to your address by courier. The delivery time typically ranges from 7 to 15 business days.
- Tatkal Passport: If you applied under the Tatkal scheme, the processing time may be expedited, and you can receive your passport in 3-5 business days.
Where to Apply for Passport in the USA
You can apply at one of the following locations based on your jurisdiction:
- Indian Embassy in Washington D.C.
- Website: www.indianembassyusa.gov.in
- Indian Consulate in New York
- Website: www.indiacgny.org
- Indian Consulate in San Francisco
- Website: www.cgisf.gov.in
- Indian Consulate in Chicago
- Website: www.cgichicago.gov.in
- Indian Consulate in Houston
- Website: www.cgihouston.gov.in
- Indian Consulate in Atlanta
- Website: www.indianconsulateatlanta.org
Important Points to Note
- Jurisdiction: Make sure you apply to the consulate or embassy based on your residence location in the U.S.
- Tatkal Passport: This service is available for urgent cases. The application fee is higher, and you will need to provide proof of urgency.
- Police Verification: If your address in India has changed since the last passport was issued, you may need to provide a police verification report from your current residence in India.
By following the above steps and guidelines, you can easily apply for a passport in the USA as an Indian citizen.