Surrender indian passport is one of the first legal responsibilities you must fulfill after acquiring U.S. citizenship, in accordance with India’s citizenship rules. India does not allow dual citizenship, and holding onto your Indian passport after naturalization is a violation of the Indian Passport Act.
But the process of Indian passport surrender in the USA can feel confusing, especially when you’re dealing with embassies, applications, and document checklists.
This guide walks you through everything like documents, process, timelines, and even how to handle passport renewal situations.
Why You Must Surrender Indian Passport
Once you become a U.S. citizen, your Indian passport becomes invalid. Using it for travel or identification can result in penalties, including fines or even imprisonment under Indian law. Therefore, Indian passport surrender is legally required.
Surrendering the passport also opens the path to obtaining an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card, which offers many benefits including visa-free travel to India and the ability to live, work, or own property in India.
Documents Required to Surrender Indian Passport in the USA
The first step in the process is gathering all required documents. Here’s what you’ll need when applying:
- Your original Indian passport (with a copy of the first five and last two pages)
- A copy of your naturalization certificate
- Completed application form
- Proof of address in the USA
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Payment receipt for the surrender fee
- A notarized affidavit, if the passport was lost or expired long ago
Some consulates may request additional documents, so always verify with the Indian consulate in your jurisdiction. The documents required with the application form for surrender of Indian passport must be in order to avoid rejection.
Steps to Surrender Indian Passport in USA
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:
- Determine your consulate jurisdiction. The USA is divided into zones such as San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Houston, and Washington, D.C. You must apply to the correct consulate.
- Fill out the online application. Go to the VFS Global website (official partner for Indian consular services) and select the surrender Indian passport in the USA option. You’ll be guided to fill out the application form and upload required documents.
- Pay the fees. The fee for Indian passport surrender depends on when your Indian passport expired and when you were naturalized. Generally, it ranges from $25 to $175.
- Schedule an appointment or mail your documents. Some applicants prefer working with an agent to surrender an Indian passport in the USA to avoid mistakes, but it’s not required. You can submit the documents yourself via mail or in person if the consulate allows.
- Track your application. Once submitted, your passport application is under review at the Indian embassy/consulate. Processing can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Indian Passport Surrender in USA Processing Time
The Indian passport surrender in the USA process typically takes 15–21 business days from the date of document receipt. If your documents are incomplete or if additional verification is required, delays may occur.
It’s important not to make any travel plans until the surrender certificate is received, especially if you’re applying for an OCI card or visa.
What If You Need to Renew Instead?
Many naturalized citizens mistakenly look up how to renew an Indian passport in the USA, but once you’ve become a U.S. citizen, renewing an Indian passport is not permitted. Instead, you must go through the Indian passport renunciation process.
However, if you are still an Indian citizen and your passport is nearing expiration, then you can proceed with a passport renewal in India in the USA. The Indian passport renewal checklist in USA generally includes:
- Current valid passport
- U.S. visa status proof
- Proof of residence
- New photographs
- Completed application form
The Indian passport renewal in USA processing time ranges from 2–4 weeks, depending on the consulate.
Do You Need an Agent for Surrendering an Indian Passport in the USA?
While it’s possible to use an agent for surrender of an Indian passport in the USA, it’s not necessary unless you’re dealing with a lost passport, emergency travel, or have trouble navigating online forms.
Using a verified agent might speed up the process, especially if you need help preparing the documents required to surrender an Indian passport in the USA, but always ensure the agent is authorized and credible.
Reissue Indian Passport in USA: What Does That Mean?
The phrase reissue Indian passport in the USA often confuses people. If you’re still an Indian citizen, “reissue” applies when your passport is:
- Expired
- Damaged
- Lost
But after naturalization, the concept of “reissue” is replaced with surrender Indian passport. You cannot hold both Indian and American passports.
Checklist to Apply Indian Passport in USA (for Indian Citizens Only)
Still an Indian citizen living in the U.S.? You can apply for an Indian passport in the USA through VFS Global as well. You’ll need:
- Proof of legal status (visa, green card, etc.)
- Original current passport
- U.S. address proof
- Passport photos
- Completed application
Things You Should Remember:
- You must surrender your Indian passport after acquiring U.S. citizenship.
- Start by identifying your consulate and gathering the documents required to surrender an Indian passport in the USA.
- Use the VFS Global platform to submit your application.
- Do not search for how to renew an Indian passport in the USA if you’re a U.S. citizen. Focus on Indian passport renunciation instead.
- Use an agent only if needed, and ensure they’re certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to India before surrendering my Indian passport?
Technically no. You should not travel on an Indian passport after acquiring U.S. citizenship. Doing so is a legal offense.
What happens if I don’t surrender my Indian passport after becoming a U.S. citizen?
You may be fined by the Indian government. More seriously, it may impact your ability to get an OCI card or Indian visa in the future.
Can I apply for OCI and surrender my Indian passport together?
Some consulates allow this, but typically you need to surrender your Indian passport first and receive your surrender certificate before applying for OCI.
How can I check the status of my surrender application?
Once your passport application is under review at the Indian embassy/consulate, use your tracking number on the VFS Global site.
Can I surrender my passport if it’s expired or lost?
Yes. Even if your passport is expired or missing, you are still required to complete Indian passport surrender. A notarized affidavit will be needed in these cases.