Documents Required for Indian Passport Application in USA

Renewing your Indian passport in the United States can feel like a paperwork maze especially with notary rules, address proofs, and vague document lists floating around. Most guides repeat the same surface-level tips. This one dig deeper. It’s not just about checking boxes, it’s about understanding what matters behind each document, so your renewal doesn’t get stuck in limbo.

1.    The Core Documents: What VFS Cares About

Here’s the must-have list VFS Global expects you to get right down to the details:

  • Original current Indian passport (and a self-attested copy of the first five and last two pages, including observation pages if any)
  • Completed and signed the Government of India online application form
  • Recent passport-size photo (2×2 inches): No shadows, plain white background, matte finish preferred
  • Always print and check the latest version from their site
  • VFS courier and payment confirmation receipts

But that’s the easy part.

2.    The Notary Trap: Where Most Applicants Slip

Does VFS require notarized documents? You should submit an affidavit or address proof outside the U.S. utility bills and lease agreements.

Required Notarized Documents (Depending on Your Case):

  • Undertaking for Indian Address Proof (especially for minors or dual addresses): Notarized
  • Annexure D (for minors): Notarized by one or both parents
  • Change of appearance or signature affidavit: Notarized, if applicable

Insider tip: Many UPS stores provide notary services but don’t always notarize Indian documents. Call ahead and confirm they accept foreign forms.

3.    Address Proof: USA vs. India – Choose Wisely

For US Address Proof (any one):

  • Utility bill (within 3 months)
  • Lease agreement
  • Driver’s license
  • Bank statement
  • State ID

For Indian Address (if updating or retaining Indian address):

  • Aadhar card
  • Voter ID
  • Utility bill in parent’s or applicant’s name
  • Notarized address affidavit signed by a family member (if using their proof)

Thought most people missed this. You can submit both. US as primary and India as secondary. Just be clear in your cover letter and notary declaration.

4.    For Minors: Don’t Underestimate the Paper Trail

  • Birth certificate (copy + original for verification)
  • Copies of both parent’s passports (self-attested)
  • Marriage certificate of parents (if names differ)
  • Annexure D (notarized)
  • Consent letter (if one parent is abroad)

Pro tip: Even if the child is a U.S. citizen by birth, a valid Indian passport can still be issued under specific OCI-linked rules. Don’t confuse passport renewal with renunciation of Indian citizenship.

5.    Copy of Indian Passport: Why Every Page Matters

Don’t just copy the bio page and call it a day. Include:

  • Bio page (Page 2)
  • Address page
  • All observation pages
  • Valid visa or status document (I-797, EAD, Green Card)

Make sure each copy is self-attested. Not notarized. Just signed and dated by the applicant.

6.    The Checklist Most People Never Make:

Here’s a printable version to keep things simple:

  • Original passport + photocopies (self-attested)
  • Government of India online form
  • Passport photo (2×2 inches, matte, white background)
  • VFS checklist (latest version)
  • US address proof (utility bill, ID, lease, etc.)
  • Notarized address affidavit (if Indian address is used)
  • Annexure D (minors, notarized)
  • Parent documents (for minor renewals)
  • Status proof in the US (visa, I-797, etc.)
  • VFS payment and courier confirmation
  • Return the envelope with a shipping label (if applicable)

7.    How to Apply Without Getting Rejected:

  • Never staple your documents use clips
  • The photo should not be older than 6 months
  • Use matte finish only, glossy photos often get rejected
  • Application form signature must match your current passport
  • If your signature has changed—submit a notarized affidavit

8.    Challenging the Norm: You Don’t Need to Rush to VFS

Skip the appointment chaos. Most passport renewals are done entirely by mail.

Here’s how to do it right:

  • Prepare and organize your documents
  • Print and follow the VFS checklist like a legal contract
  • Use trackable shipping both ways
  • Write a short cover letter clarifying changes (especially name, address, or appearance)

Conclusion:

The Indian consulate doesn’t process your passport, but VFS does. And their approval is checklist-based. However, delays begin if you fail to anticipate a query from the consulate officer reviewing your scanned files. Want more checklists like this, simplified, streamlined, and made for real scenarios? Keep this page bookmarked. The next time bureaucracy throws a curveball, you’ll be ready.