If you’ve recently become a citizen of another country, especially the U.S., you’ve likely heard about Indian Passport Renunciation. And if you haven’t done it yet, here’s the truth: it’s a legal, emotional, and sometimes surprising step that many overlook until it becomes a problem.
Let’s break it all down, why Indian passport renunciation is required, what it really means, and what you need to know that most people won’t tell you.
It’s the Law:
The moment you become a citizen of another country, India no longer considers you an Indian citizen. According to India’s Citizenship Act of 1955, dual citizenship isn’t allowed. This means that holding onto your Indian passport even just keeping it at home after naturalizing elsewhere is actually illegal.
So yes, you’re required to renounce your Indian passport and surrender your Indian passport soon after you get your new nationality. Delaying it can lead to penalties.
It’s About More Than Just a Passport
Indian passport renunciation isn’t about legal status. If you try to apply for an OCI or any Indian visa later without completing the renunciation process, your application may be rejected. Worse, you might be seen as holding dual citizenship, which is against Indian law.
In the U.S., this could also raise questions during immigration checks or citizenship status verifications. Completing the process protects you on both sides.
Let’s Talk About the Cost
Many people hesitate because of the Indian passport renunciation fee in the USA, which is about $150. That’s just the base fee, though. Add courier services, notary fees, and documentation.
Without your renunciation certificate, you won’t be able to apply for an OCI card, which gives lifelong visa-free travel to India. Delays in settling property matters, inheritance, or even family emergencies can become unnecessarily complicated.
Many experience a sense of loss, even guilt. That’s normal. But renouncing your passport doesn’t mean cutting ties with your roots. You can still visit, reconnect, and even own property through your OCI.
Renunciation vs. Surrender – What’s the Difference?
This causes a lot of confusion. Renunciation of Indian citizenship happens when you take an oath in another country and get your new passport. Surrendering an Indian passport is the physical return of the Indian passport after that.
Once you submit your paperwork and complete the process, you’ll receive a renunciation certificate of Indian citizenship, a critical document that confirms you’re no longer an Indian citizen and have officially closed your Indian nationality file.
What Documents Will You Need?
Following the correct Indian passport renunciation checklist can save you weeks of delays. Here’s a quick overview of what’s required:
- Completed application form online (via VFS or the appropriate consulate)
- Your original Indian passport
- Copy of your U.S. Naturalization Certificate
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of payment for fees
- ID documents (driver’s license, utility bills, etc.)
- Notarized affidavit (if applicable)
The list of documents required with the application form for surrender of an Indian passport is not overly complex, but missing even one piece can mean resubmitting and waiting longer.
Submitting from the U.S.? Here’s How It Works
If you’re doing an Indian passport surrender in the USA, you’ll be sending your application, passport, and documents through them. You’ll also need passport photos that match Indian specifications.
If you’re wondering, where can I get a photo for passport surrender India, the good news is you can easily get compliant photos taken at CVS, Walgreens, or online services that provide digital prints.
What About the U.S. Citizenship and Revocation?
This rarely comes up, but let’s address it: can the United States revoke citizenship? In very rare situations, such as fraud during the naturalization process, yes. However, for most people, this is not something to worry about. Still, keeping all your immigration and nationality paperwork in order including your renunciation certificate of Indian citizenship is a smart move.
Non Citizen National?
Some people stumble upon the term non citizen national and assume it might apply to them.The term a noncitizen national of the United States refers to individuals who are not U.S. citizens but owe allegiance to the country. As an Indian-born U.S. citizen, you’re not one of them.
So if you’ve wondered, what is a non citizen national, now you know, it’s a technical term that doesn’t apply in this situation.
So, Who Are You Now?
After completing Indian passport renunciation, you might ask yourself: Who am I now? Well, legally, you’re a citizen of your new country. But your nationality’s Indian background is still very much a part of who you are. Cultural identity doesn’t disappear with paperwork.
Some people explore ideas like how to become a private citizen or reduce government interaction. That’s a whole other topic but in this context, you’re simply choosing to comply with the laws of two countries and protect your global identity.
Conclusion:
Renouncing your Indian passport is a meaningful legal action. It’s about clarity, compliance, and, most importantly, staying connected to your past while embracing your future. Let go of the document. Keep the roots. Move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between surrendering an Indian passport and renouncing citizenship?
Renouncing citizenship is the legal act of giving up your Indian nationality. Surrendering your passport is part of the process, where you return the physical document.
Do I need to renounce my Indian passport to apply for OCI?
Yes. Without renunciation, your OCI application will be rejected. You must submit your renunciation certificate of Indian citizenship along with the OCI application.
How much is the Indian passport renunciation fee in usa?
It’s usually around $150, but additional service and shipping fees can raise the cost to $200–$250.
What if I delay renouncing my Indian passport?
You may face penalties or complications when applying for Indian visas or OCI status. It’s best to complete the renounce Indian passport process promptly after gaining foreign citizenship.
What documents are needed to surrender my Indian passport?
You’ll need your old passport, U.S. naturalization certificate, photos, payment proof, and ID documents. Refer to a full Indian passport renunciation checklist to avoid delays.