I had my Indian passport renewed this week at the Indian Embassy, Washington DC. I had a little trouble finding or rather ‘confirming’ the information that I wanted. After visiting the embassy twice, I decided to write down the answers I found through the process.
A Little background -
My passport was expiring after the 10 year validity period in 2 months and I was traveling to India in a month.
The Hunt for information & the confusion
So I began my research with the Indian Embassy website. While it’s a decent website with good amount of information, it’s lacking in some areas. It provides incomplete and contradictory information. Here’s an example from two different pages -
Passport can be issued within 1 to 3 working days in an emergency /tatkal scheme for which an additional emergency fee of US$ 90 will be charged apart from the normal processing fee of US$ 40 (for normal booklet of 36 pages) or US$ 50 (for Jumbo booklet of 60 pages). “ – Link
and then
“A passport can be issued on the same day, if deposited at the Consular Counter by paying additional USD $90 subject to the satisfaction of the Consular Officer only. This service is not available for passport applications/ documents sent in mail.” - Link
Actually both the statements are true, they just apply to different situations. But the website does not say that and it confused the hell out of me. Not that there’s a whole lot of difference in the processing times but I would want to know if I am getting my passport the same day or do I have to come back. Mystery ehhh
Calling the embassy does not quite help. All you would remember from the dozen times you would call them is the Shehnai music which you would listen to after being on hold relentlessly and the fact that some one called ‘Chanderpal’ works at the embassy and he has his freaking voicemail box full!!
The Embassy does not suck
Contrary to the popular belief, the Indian embassy at Washington D.C. is not all that bad. I had heard some horror stories from a lot of people about the guys at the embassy being incompetent and the embassy being in dire straits. But I had a very nice and pleasant experience. I guess I was prepared for the worst. The staff was very polite and helpful. I would like to mention the Security Guard. I forgot his name but with his mustache, we can call him Nathulal jee 
He was very helpful and answered a few of my questions while I was waiting for the embassy to open and so was the lady at the reception. I was in and out of the embassy in less than 10 minutes both the times. So nothing wrong with the embassy or the staff. They just don’t believe in answering the phones, I guess!!
The Questions
I had the following questions which were unanswered even after reading through the fine lines on their website a dozen times. So here are the answers now -
1.Processing Time
They say the processing time is 4 to 7 working days.
2. Will my passport be issued the same day?
The passport can be issued on the same day only if the previous passport was issued in USA. If it was issued in India, it cannot be done the same day since the application must go to India for verification.
3. Should I visit the embassy or should I just mail the application?
It really depends on your situation and how much you are willing to spend. In my sister’s case, we sent her application via USPS (with delivery notification) a few months back. We paid $40+$20 for the expedited delivery. It took 14 business days for it to come back even though the website says it takes about 4-7 working days. While that was acceptable in her case, I did not have the luxury and hence decided to drop off the application and pick it up a week later. I dropped the application on a Tuesday and picked it up the following Tuesday (My passport was originally issued in India)
You have the following options available -
Option A) Drop & Pick – If time is of essence and you cannot afford a delay, you are better off dropping the application at the embassy between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm mon-fri. You will get a receipt token which is more like a Diwali mela ticket than anything else. You will get a pickup date which it seems is usually 1 week from the day you drop off the application. You come back on or after the specified date and voila – it’s ready. If you do this, it will cost you just the basic fee which is $40.
Option B) Drop & Mail – You can drop off the application at the embassy again between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm mon-fri. I am assuming you would get some kind of receipt. You can request that the passport be mailed back to you. You need to pay $20 in addition to the basic fee of $40 to exercise this option. Again this would take 3-7 business days excluding the time taken by the mail man.
Option C) Mail & Mail – You mail the application to the embassy addressed to -
Embassy of India
(Consular Wing)
2536 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20008
Make sure you send it through some kinda of priority mail with delivery confirmation. They say it takes 4 to 7 working days, excluding the time taken in mail to process the application. I did this for my sister and it took 14 working days. So I decided not to do the same for myself and opted for Option A. It’s a little painful but it’s worth it especially if you are like me and are renewing your passport which is expiring in a 2 months and are traveling to India in a few weeks. They send it back via USPS and it needs signature on delivery.
4. Can someone else collect the passport on my behalf?
Yes, you just need to hand over the all powerful token to your friend and it can be picked up by them.
5. When can I collect the passport?
Between 4:30 and 5:40 pm mon-fri
6. When can I submit the application?
Between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm
7. How do I get to the Indian Embassy in Washington DC?
I am listing the directions from Vienna, Northern VA. Please modify them according to your starting location.
1. Metro – Orange line from Vienna towards New Carrolton
2. Get off at Farragut West Metro station
3. Bus – Walk up to the 17th st NW & I st, take the bus toward Friendship heights.
4. Get off at NW Masachussets Ave & NW Belmont Road, the bus drops you right next to the Embassy of Oman with a tomb and a minaret that seems like an Islamic embassy (I could not locate the name) The Indian embassy is located right opposite to it. So cross the road and walk to your left. You would see a grey building with two elephants and the Ashoka pillar . That’s us!
Update: One of the commenter Shailaja points that “the belmont stop is a requested stop so unless u ring the bell the bus wont stop there”. So make sure you ring the bell
8. How about Parking?
There’s no parking around the embassy unless you work there and if you do, please tell me why you guys don’t answer the phone!!
The one thing I noticed on my new passport, which is actually quite interesting is – They still write the particulars with a pen, that’s right – no computers being used yet, the Indian Passports are still prone to errors and typos!! Thankfully, there weren’t any errors on mine. So make sure you verify all the information before you put that baby away in to your travel bag.
Hope this helps. Any questions, please let me know and I will try and answer them. Good Luck and Jai Hind!!
You can download the passport renewal application form here or visit this page for more information
1 Trackbacks
You can leave a trackback using this URL: http://amitabhjotwani.com/blog/2007/11/01/passport-renewal-indian-embassy-washington-dc/trackback/
[...] Jotwani’s personal experience in Renewing his Indian Passport from Washington DC consulate http://amitabhjotwani.com/blog/2007/11/01/passport-renewal-indian-embassy-washington-dc [...]
108 Comments
Amazingly useful info!
Useful info. Unfortunately I tried to avail the tatkal service for my wife’s passport since we were leaving in 2 weeks, but I was refused that service (even though we were going to India due to a death in the family). I was told that the only way I could get it on the same day is if I were leaving for India that day.
Its ridiculous, there is no in between levels of service and we are now left hanging waiting on Indian embassy to do their job in the time they said they would do it in.
Thanks for this post. It was very enlightening. We sent my wife’s passport for renewal two months ago and have heard nothing back, and of course phone calls and emails are not answered. I don’t know what we can do besides wait.
@Hari – I would suggest you visit the embassy. 2 Months is way too long a wait.
I must respectfully disagree with your assessment that the DC Embassy does not suck.
We went down there today to ask about my wife’s passport. After being told to wait by about six different people, we finally (at 2:00, when we were the only ones left in the waiting room) were told we would get the passport today.
Which we did, but I have no idea when we would have gotten the passport if we hadn’t gone down there. And we wouldn’t have had to go down there if those guys would answer the phone, or email, or reply to a fax. I’m just happy we don’t have to deal with these guys again for the time being.
I did send them $10 for return mailing, but I’m not going to try to get it back
@Hari – As I said, you need to go there for best service. They just don’t believe in answering the phone. But say what you want, you have to agree that you got the passport when you went there. You would have been waiting forever otherwise. They just wanted to see you in person to say “Happy Holi” which they did in their own special way
You certainly look at the bright side of things … Yes, we are very happy to have gotten our passport. However, I still feel that in order to not suck, an organization must answer its phones.
The passport appears to have been printed on a computer, so at least that has been upgraded.
You inspired me to write up my own experience:
http://www.kirthihari.net/wordpress/?p=133
Thanks again for the informative post!
I have a few questions on regards to the renewal of an Indian Passports of children. One of the questions I had a problem with was the one that asked “Present emmigration status (ECR or ECNR)” I don’t know whether to mark ECR or ECNR. Second, is how much would the total cost be for return mailing. Lastly, the picture requirement the passport requirement is 3.5cm X 3.5cm, but no one in our area will take that type of picture. Finally, I filed an online application and they gave me an appointment of July 31, 2008 but if I send it in early will they send me my passport back early as well.
Please send me an aswer ASAP and God will do you good
Thank You
Hi ,
I am trying to renew my passport as well since it will expire sometime june of next year(but I have to have it renewed before spetember for my US Citizenship process…. Please please please tell me where you took your pictures… I live in Arlington and I am finding it very difficult… I have an appointment with them on September 24
@Anita: I did them at Walmart. I believe you are panicking because of the weird size requirement they have. I can’t remember if that was the requirement back when I did mine. But, here’s the part you may be interested in. My cousin is also applying for a renewal and here’s how they did it. They clicked regular passport size pictures at CVS (apparently it’s the cheapest – 6 photos for 5 bucks or something) and asked them not to cut. She then cut it herself per the requirements. Hope that helps.
Sent my wife and kids passports for renewal by mail and it is almost a month. As usual no info to calls or emails. It sucks. The money order for the return mail charges was encashed 14 days back but not the original renewal fee money order. God knows what is going on. Seems need to make that DC trip to avoid which I mailed in the first place.
Thanks for your informative post! I’m not too sure if you’re still replying to comments, but I was just curious: if I choose to go and personally drop off my application and passport, and actually get the sacred receipt token, can I do so on ANY date as per my convenience? or only on the date specified by the form on their website? [https://passport.gov.in/nri/OnlineRegistration.jsp?pocode=USAW]
@Sandeep: This concept of giving out appointments is something new at the Indian embassy. This was not in place last year when I had applied for my renewal. I had just walked in back then. I would hence not be able to comment on that. My suggestion would be to turn up on the day they ask you to. I fear you may waste your time otherwise. It would however not hurt to try calling them and see if they answer the phone and then hopefully your question. Let us know how it goes. Good Luck!
I am desperately waiting for my passport sent for renewal via mail…its been 9 business days. I have an India trip in 2 more weeks. Can I fly to DC and talk to them in person to check on the status? Will they even talk to us?
@reallytensed: I am guessing you have already tried calling with no success? Where are you located?
Issuing a hand written passport in the year 2008 is not acceptable by any standards.These passports are not machine readbale and prone to errors.How much it will cost to have it machine printed?Still a long way to go for the indian bureaucracy to understand the very basic meaning of service to its citizens abroad.
Started online first renewal application on 5th December. My old passport was issued in India. It generated the appointment date for December 17th. Sent the documents on December 15th by FedEx next early morning delivery. Received by a guy name ‘V.Gopal’ on 16th. All my money orders (40+20) got cashed on 22nd of December. Passport issued on 7th January 09. They mailed it on 14th Jan and i received it on the 16th.
Received both the old and the new passport. My old passport has ECNR not required but they didn’t issue the same for the new passport even though i sent them the notarized copies of my M.S and B.E certificates.
Looks like the total turn around time is one month. Not 4 or 7 days as they say on their website. It is a waste of time to email or call them. They never respond to email and never pick the phone.
TIPS: Make sure your passport size photos that you sent them are really good. I would spend an extra money to get them at a real studio than at CVS or Walgreen.
V useful info..thank you so much …i used ur directions to get to the embassy (even the bus driver did not know where the Indian embassy was). The only thing i want to add to your directions – the belmont stop is a requested stop so unless u ring the bell the bus wont stop there. other than that, all went smoothly and i got my passport within 5 days (i dropped and picked it up personally) . As expected the ECNR stamp is missing even though my previous passport had it and I had given the necessary proof.
@shailaja I am glad you found it useful. Thanks for the tip. I have since updated the post.
Hi all,
Useful insights on passport renewal. I have already applied for a re-issue of passport via mail with all docs and 2 money order of $40 and $20. I had got an appointment date of 18-Feb-09. Sent the document on 9-Feb via USPS and it delivered to the embassy on 11-Feb.
Now my only worry after readin many blogs and feedback over web is that i should get my passport safe and sound within a months time. I had brought some passport size phots from india luckily but had to cut them into 3.5 cm X 3.5 cm.. hope they dont make this an issue. I have seen few people telling that ECNR stamp is missing.. I havent given any document to say that ECNR is needed except for tick marking in the application form. So does that mean i wont get an ECNR stamp on passport?
Could someone please tell me if they would notify me via mail or call me if there is any issue or they have issued me a passport and couriered it. Is there any way to find this unless they dont tell (calling them or mailing is out of question as seen from experience of people). I have taken express mail service with notification so in case they come to my place and am not there, how do i get it? Also what service they ususally courier it through?
I would appreciate if someone could reply these questions.
Regards,
Sanjay
Hi all,
How would you know if the money order (USPS) issued had been cashed.
Hi all,
I have sent my wife and kids passports in the month of November and no sign of them till now. Its 4 months from now. We were answered over phone couple of times to fax copies again. We did it. Now no response for last 2 months.
This reminds exactly India and atleast it works you pay there. Staff lacks discipline, committment to the work. God knows who is supervising them. He/She might also be sleeping.
I am thinking to drive down and worried if they ask an appointment for that too. Its 7hrs drive but worth rather calling or emailing them.
Do I need an appointment to drive down and pick up my family passports?
Most irritating experience we ever had in USA….
This is a useful website/blog for people gathering info on renewing their passports or the people who have already sent their documents and waiting for the passport.
I got my renewed passport back from INDIAN EMBASSY AT WASHINGTON DC in 15 working days.
I sent my documents and money order through fedex overnight with prepaid return envelope. I followed the detailed instructions given on the indian embassy’s website.
Thank you and good luck to everyone
I submitted my wife’s passport for renewal in Nov ‘08 and no sign of it yet. I went to the embassy in Feb and they said it’s pending verification from the authorities in India. It’s the renewal of short validity passport by the way.
Our guys definitely suck when it comes to things like this. India made billions of dollars just in service oriented industry and the govt sucks in that very industry. Well it’s good for all those who got their services provided for by the Indian Embassy but there are instances like mine and Raja’s that keep reminding us of our past.
Oh and if you give a phone number and don’t answer it, it’s like saying don’t call me ever again…kind of a dating rule..isn’t it?
Jai Hind!
Bhaskar
after personally visiting the embassy twice and confirming everything was OK, I filled the application as directed and visited again. To say I was disappointed would be a gross under statement. The same lady that verified everything two weeks back and advised me on the modus operandi – rejected my application with a lame excuse.
I am going through the Name Change process now.
Hopefully I might be able to renew my passport….sometime later this year.
By the way – the culprit? Bangalore passport office – with their “NEAT” handcrafted and badly laminated passports.
Hello,
I sent my passports by Fedex 2nd day delivery on Mar 3 with an appointment date of Mar 13,2009 for “Change of maiden name to married name” and “Addition of spouse name”.My husband send his Passport in the same Fedex package for “Addition of spouse name”.Some “V.Gopal” at Embassy received it in time and eversince then I’ve called them every week …more than six times….different numbers…all the voicemail box are full….nobody will reply you,even if you leave voicemail,typical indian strategy of working….even in USA…compare it with SSN office systematic way of working.We followed all the instructions via Mail delivery & money order.We’d wait till April 18 if it doesn’t arrive by then…also…we’d have to plan a trip to DC from Charlotte,NC.
On their website…it stated that 4-7 business days…it should be 40-70- business days…..
Next time,when we’d get our passports renewed…we’d drop in person and also pick it up….and stay there in DC for a week or so…atleast that would save us from all….the worried waiting period…Indian way of working…needs to be upgraded….atleast learn from US Govt…offices..
In continuation to my previous post…my husband got his UK Tourist visa application approved within a week in 2005,which he sent via mail and he got his passport with UK visa stamped in 7 working days.
Does anybody knows ,what’s the ideal time to get passport renewal 6 month prior to expiration or 1 yr or u can renew it any time?
Thanks for your time.
@G: You can get the passport renewed either 6 months before expiration or up to 1 year after expiration. But you must have a passport with a validity of at least 6 months from the date of travel for the airline to allow you to travel. If you are planning to travel, I suggest you get it renewed before travel.
Hello Amitabh,
Thanks for your reply ,suggestion & this blog.
But,we sent our passports for the name changes only,as there’s still few years left for its expiration.
Yeah,its always good to have a valid passport while travelling.
What do you suggest,should we wait till April end,as our appointment date was Mar 13 or should we go there by April 20?
Hello Amitabh,
How would you know if the money order (from the Bank) issued had been cashed,as the Bank Teller withdraws the money immediately from your account and prepares the Money Order?
@G: I think the process has changed a bit from the time I had applied in 2007. This concept of “appointment” is rather new. So am not very familiar with the process, but if I were you, I would pay them a visit sooner than later. I bet your passports are dumped in some dark corner waiting to be noticed by the inefficient staff.
Secondly about the money order – you cannot find out when the money was cashed. As you pointed out, the money is withdrawn from your account when you prepare it. I guess that’s precisely the reason the Indian embassy prefers it!
Thanks a lot Amitabh.
Yeah..we are also thinking of visiting them,but its not possible due to our hectic schedule…as we don’t have Passports,so cant’ take flight…so will have to go by car or train.
First of all I must thank amitabh for posting a wealth of information here. I had my passport renewed recently.
I had applied online and got an appointment date for March 19th 09. Since i live in MD I personally went and dropped my passport. As there was no parking availabilities I drove upto the washington cathedral left my car in the parking lot (4$ for 1 hour) and took the DC metro and a couple of stops left me close to the consulate. The counter opened at 9:30 am and I guess they had a token system and I was the second person. The lady reviewed my application and asked me if i wanted it back by express mail and I had asked for that in the application form. I paid everything in cash. And believe it or not I got my renewed passport back on March 25th 09. No Hassles and I was surprised. The only thing I notice inside the consulate is they are not interested in giving instructions and expect everything to be understood from their webpage which sometimes to me does not make sense. But I must thank this blog as I prepared myself looking into it. Hope this helps all.
@SH: Thanks a lot for the words of appreciation. I am really glad you found this post helpful. Congratulations on the brand new & shiny passport
. btw..just curious, are they still giving out handwritten passports or have they finally upgraded to computerized ones?
Oh Yeah ! its all computerized ones, including your picture which they print it out on the passport. I guess they have realized that its good
@SH: That’s awesome..it was about time!
Hello Amitabh,
We’d like to thank you for this blog information.
We got our Passports today by USPS EXPRESS MAIL,Signature reqd,all information computerized ,picture scanned and also renewed for next 10 yrs.
We sent our Passports for my name change and addition of spouse names in respective passports.
They’ve renewed it also on its own.
It took 18 business days (excluding weekends) from the Date of appointment (Mar 13,2009).
Although we sent on Mar 3,2009 and today is Apr 8,2009,so in that way it took more than 30 days.
Well,it saved our DC trip,as we live in Charlotte,NC.
Thanks once again.
Just to add…to my previous post…we sent Indian Embassy a status update letter via Priority mail(with delivery confirmation ) for our applications on Mar 28,2009.Also every week,I used to sedn them e-mails and call them 3-4 times each week.
Although our passports are issued before Mar 28,2009.
Hi
I sent in my passport to Washington DC for renewal
after the 10-year limit. Though my appointment was
on February 16th from the online system, I mailed my
application a month later. I also sent in a separate
check for $20 for return of the passport by express
mail.
Now, I am anxiously awaiting the passport because I
have important travel to India coming up in 10 days.
One point to my advantage, I hope, is that my original
passport was issued in Washington DC in 1999.
I would like to get your recommendations/suggestions
on what I should do.
Thanks a lot.
@Samanth: I would highly recommend a visit down to Washington DC since you are running against time.
I am going nuts trying to obtain a renewed passport from the Washington Embassy. My application and old passport was delivered March 18, 09, so its been almost a full month. I have since tried calling them about 300 times of which they have answered on about 3 occasions. Every time a different person picked the phone up and the discussion did not lead anywhere.
I was basically told that they’re looking for my application. I have explicitly told them that I need to travel during the first week of May 09 and they dont pay any attention to that.
Hopefully they haven’t lost my passport. I am worried sick because of this and wondering what I should do. If I decide to bite the bullet and make an expensive trip to DC, would I be able to get the passport the same day? Is it worth making this trip?
@Vikram: I can understand your pain. It’s really disgusting the way they are running the embassy here. No one to complain to. Anyway, while I can’t say for sure if you would be able to get your passport the same day, I definitely agree that a visit to DC seems inevitable. You can wait more if you can afford it, but if you are really traveling in May, you are running out of time. They really need to privatize this part, just like they have privatized the visas. Good luck and keep us posted of what comes.
Hi
I had applied for my daughter’s PIO at DC embassy last november but have not got any reply for 5 months now. i have tries calling 20 times every day but nobody answers at any number. I do not live in DC so how is it possible for me just go there for without taking 2 day leave which is difficlut to get in this down economy. What option do i have If i cant travel to dc for getting the PIO. Apparaently , they even have her US passport for the last 5 months and there is absolutely no way i am able to find any information to what is happening.
Please help if u have any suggestions
@not_living_in_dc: I hear you. Generally speaking I think we can’t complain about these morons anywhere in US since they don’t come in US Jurisdiction. But yours I think may be an exception, they have your daughter’s US passport for the last 5 months. I would suggest looking into filing a complaint with Consumer Protection Bureau (FTC) about this. Other than that, I am sorry to say, you may have to visit the embassy.
@not_living_in_dc: This is shocking. Five months? Since this concerns US passport, you should definitely try looking into filing a complaint with some US govt. agency about it.
Holding a US passport hostage for 150 days is certainly a very serious offense. Amitabh is correct that you certainly do have more options than us.
Amitabh: I am going to wait for one more week and then drive down to DC. I am taking TOEFL on May 9, so I need the pp definitely before that. Also, I am traveling to India on June 15.
I will keep you all updated.
Amitabh and others:
I have a question about how the embassy verifies your passport from India. Do they physically send our passports to the office in India that issued them or do they just send a request.
This morning the receptionist picked up the phone at embassy and said that she doesn’t have any specifics on my passport, but since it was issued in Nagpur, they will need verification from Nagpur and it can take upto 6/7 months. I was shocked. 6/7 months? Then she insisted that this information is on the embassy website. Of course it is not, but I was in no mood to argue with her about anything.
In any case, I am traveling to DC on Wednesday night and will visit embassy on thursday and if needed on friday. I don’t know if I will have any luck, but if they still don’t provide me any information, can I ask them to return my old passport without renewing it? I will just renew it when I travel to India in June.
guys, please comment on how and what to do at the Indian embassy so avoid problems and get work done swiftly (pun intended).
@Vikram: 6-7 months?? That’s insane! My passport was originally issued at Delhi and it was renewed in 7 days. That makes me believe they don’t actually “send” the passport to India. They probably just get it verified. I would think they are just finding an excuse for not doing what is supposed to be their job. About getting it renewed in India, make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel. The immigration/airline authorities require you have a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Hi Amitabh
Thats a bit of a relief. This should mean that my passport is still at the embassy. I think, like you said before, a trip there is imminent. Hopefully I can get this done in two days during my visit.
My passport expires in November, so it wont be valid for 6 months at the time of travel. Therefore, it would be a problem. So I guess my only choice is to get it done here.
I might try to see if they will convert my application to Tatkal by paying appropriate dues and do it immediately. Has anyone been able to do this?
Amithab and others,
Thanks to everyone for posting a wealth of information
reg. the Indian passport.
I was there at Washington DC earlier this week and got
the passport under Tatkal scheme. They do that if you
have a pressing reason.
I will soon a follow-up post with my observations of the
passport experience.
Hi
I submitted my documents through mail. And Embassy received them on 12th March. Still I have not received my passport. As I have to go to India next week, I want to go in person. I have a question, do I need to take appointment to go in person. Please respond on how and what to do.
@Sreedhar: I would not advise waiting for an appointment. You don’t have a lot of time. Just verify the latest timings on their website and drop by first thing in the morning. Let us know how it goes. Good luck!
@Vikram:Apparently @Samanth used the tatkal option. @Samanth: Could you please throw some light on the tatkal scheme for the benefit of all of us? Thanks!
Hi Amitabh and others,
Thanks to all of you for the valuable information. I am going to visit embassy tomorrow. Will post you my experience soon.
I got back from DC last night. The trip to the embassy was chaotic and very stressful, although I got my passport.
The rude woman behind the counter said that we haven’t yet received the verification from India and therefore can’t renew the passport yet. Then I told her that I can’t wait that long, I need to travel and I also have TOEFL exam which needs passport. So then she goes inside for 5 minutes, comes back and says, okay come back at 4:30pm, we will give you the renewed passport.
Unfortunately, they issued passport valid only for one year from the day the issued it.
Now my problem is, I need to get a F1 stamped in my passport for 5 years, as I am coming back for a PhD. But the passport is only valid for 1 year. Does US consulate issues visas that are valid more than the passport themselves?
If not, can I get my passport renewed under tatkal scheme in India? Are there any restrictions on NRIs renewing passports in India? Also, since the passport was issued in Washington DC now, will they need clearance from there to renew my passport.
I haven’t been able to find this information. And no one at the embassy was in the mood to listen to anyone. But that would be a topic of the blog I am about to write.
Vikram,
Even I sent in my passport for renewal on the exact same date as you did and I have’nt heard anything from them. I am just happy to know that you got your passport back and that visiting the embassy does help.
I do not think that they have any restrictions about getting the passport renewed in India. A friend of mine got it done recently and said he did not have any problems and that they have online tracking/status feature. He got it back in less than 2 weeks.
I intend to wait a couple more weeks and if I don’t hear back, then even I will have to visit the embassy.
Unless someone else has other suggestions.
Anand: More than likely, they’re waiting on your verification to come through. Sadly, they will not tell this to you unless you go there. If DC is close enough for you, a trip to embassy would get you update on the status. Besides one should really see the situation at the embassy first hand. It is outrageous.
I would suggest waiting for the clearance to come through, so that they issue you a 10 year passport. It’s not worth going through the hassle of renewing the passport more than once.
I am glad to hear that your friend was able to get his passport renewed in India. Did it take him 2 weeks through Tatkal scheme or regular application?
Vikram,
Fortunately I do not have any plans of travelling out of the country in the near future, so I will wait for another 2 to 3 weeks before I plan a trip to DC and hope I receive it before that.
My friend got it in 2 weeks through the regular application process
FACTS YOU MUST BE AWARE OF BEFORE APPLYING FOR TATKAL PASSPORT
Ok People…Here’s the case that happened with me…I was on a H1B visa with my previous company. Recently I changed my company so was working to get the H1B transferred to my new company (April 2009). My passport was expiring in Nov. 2009 so my attorney suggested to have my passport renewed before she sends out H1B transfer application to USCIS. So like you all I tried unsuccessfully to contact the Washington DC embassy by all means (phone, email, voicemail). Finally I filled up an online application for my passport renewal and after filling up the application the earliest available date for mailing or depositing my application was May 15, 2009. I was not able wait for that long as I needed to get the H1B transfer done before end of April’ 2009..Hence I decided to drive down to the embassy to get my passport renewed under Tatkal scheme which as per embassy’s website was a same day service.
So I arrived at embassy, like you all the experience was horrible. First of all there were no clear instructions pasted on the walls or anywhere. I was prompted to pick a number from a machine which I later realized was of no use as they were not calling out the numbers. The machine was there for a show and to waste a resource. Everybody was looking at each others faces as to how the process works (do I need to stand in line or wait and be seated till the number is called?). I asked a few people seated near me.No one had a clue. Finally I decided to get in the line, where a few were standing and they seemed to be getting response from the lady behind the counter and their applications were accepted ahead of people seating patiently(??) who came before the people in line and had number tags in their hands (the numbers are never called).
I finally got to the reception counter at 1:00 p.m and requested to process my application under Tatkal scheme. The lady told me that I needed approval from the Attache Consular and directed me upstairs to get the approval first. I went upstairs, the door was closed. The Attache Consular was supposedly out for lunch and would be back at 2:00 p.m. So I went to and asked the receptionist to accept my application under regular processing (thinking even if I get the approval, I won’t get the passport same day as it was already 1:15 p.m. past their counter times to accept applications). The lady said she will accept it even after 2:00 p.m after approval from Attache which pleased me for her being courteous to accept after scheduled time. Somehow the Attache Consular showed up downstairs and I got a chance to speak with him as there were only two people. He seemed very courteous and helpful and asked me to write an application on a plain paper requesting renewal under Tatkal citing reasons why I needed it and asked me to have my attorney fax a letter to confirm my request of urgency to which I promptly obliged. I wrote the request letter and promised to have my attorney fax the letter in next hour (which my attorney did). My application was finally accepted and they asked me to pay the additional fees of USD 150.00 for tatkal processing plus the USD 40 for regular fees. (The website still says the additional fees is USD 90.00-which definitely needs an update). I paid the fees and was told to collect my passport at 4:30 p.m.
I picked up my passport and realized that my passport was renewed for only one year. I was given a reason that they did not receive security clearance from Pune (where my original passport was issued) so they could give me the validity of 10 years so they gave me validity of one year till April 2010 (which does not help for my visa situation at all). I needed the renewal so that USCIS won’t have any problems giving me the visa until 2012.
So here I am…TOTALLY FRUSTRATED…I spent time & money traveling to DC, not to mention the additional fees of USD 150… No one at the embassy bothered to warn me of this beforehand. The Attache Consular was helpful but he could have done better job in explaining me about the security clearances and could have heard me before jumping to conclusion and rushing me.
Now I have to renew my passport again in 6 months in order to get 10 year validity (however for which I do not have to pay the fees and just the mailing cost).
So folks, here are my suggestions who are going for TATKAL & EMERGENCY PASSPORT RENEWALS especially who have similar case to mine..
1. DOUBLE CHECK WITH YOUR ATTORNEY IF YOU REALLY NEED THE RENEWAL URGENTLY IF YOU HAVE SEVERAL MONTHS REMAINING(4-6 AT LEAST). THE USCIS MAY UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES APPROVE YOUR CASE FOR EXTENDED PERIOD BEYOND PASSPORT VALIDITY IF YOU SHOW THE CONFIRMATION THAT YOU HAVE ALREADY APPLIED FOR RENEWAL (THIS COULD BE THE ONLINE CONFIRMATION AFTER YOU FILL OUT AN ONLINE APPLICATION).
2. YOUR ATTORNEY MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE TATKAL PASSPORT HASSLES AND HOW IT WORKS SO PLEASE EXPLAIN THE PROCESS TO THEM BEFOREHAND TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION.
3. BE AWARE THAT IN ALMOST ALL CASES UNDER TATKAL SCHEME YOU WILL GET ONLY ONE YEAR ADDITIONAL VALIDITY TO YOUR PASSPORT AS IT IS UNLIKELY THAT THE OFFICE WHICH ISSUED YOUR PASSPORT MAY TAKE MORE THAN A DAY TO SEND SECURITY CLEARANCES NEEDED TO GIVE YOUR PASSPORT A TEN YEAR VALIDITY.
4. ALMOST CERTAINLY YOU WILL HAVE TO RENEW YOUR PASSPORT IN NEXT 6 MONTHS IF YOU RENEW IT UNDER TATKAL SCHEME. SO USE TATKAL ONLY IF YOU HAVE TRAVELING EMERGENCY AND YOUR PASSPORT IS EXPIRING SOON.
5. THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT EMBASSY IS TO VISIT THEM IN PERSON. THEY USUALLY CHECK THEIR FAXES BUT YOU ARE NOT ASSURED OF A REPLY.
6. LOOK FOR ALL THE BLOGS AND INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR PASSPORT RENEWAL ON THE INTERNET (OTHER THAN EMBASSY WEBSITE). YOU ARE MORE THAN LIKELY TO FIND SOMEONE WITH SIMILAR SITUATION AS YOURS AND CAN LEARN FOR THEIR EXPERIENCE.
7. FINALLY, I SUGGEST YOU ALL TO SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA TO IMPROVE THE PATHETIC SERVICE OF INDIAN CONSULATE IN DC. HERE’S THE LINK:
http://www.petitiononline.com/india101/petition.html
SUGGESTIONS TO EMBASSY:
1. THE EMBASSY COULD DO A BETTER JOB BY EXPLAINING ALL THIS ON THEIR WEBSITE AND AVOID FRUSTRATION TO ALL INDIAN CITIZENS AND MOST IMPORTANTLY THEY WILL BE DOING A FAVOR TO THEMSELVES BY AVOIDING GETTING PHONE CALLS FOR PEOPLE NEEDING INFORMATION AND IRATE CUSTOMERS AT THE COUNTER.
2. ADD PHONE LINES AND HAVE REAL PEOPLE TO TAKE CALLS. THIS WILL HELP PEOPLE TO AVOID TRAVEL, EXPENSE AND ALL THE HASSLE JUST TO GET AN ANSWER FOR A SIMPLE QUESTION FOR ONE’S SPECIFIC SITUATION.
3. OR AT LEAST HAVE AN EMAIL SYSTEM WHICH GIVES PROMPT REPLIES.
4. HAVE CLEAR INSTRUCTION BOARD IN THE EMBASSY WAITING ROOM INFORMING PEOPLE OF WHETHER THEY WILL CALL OUT NUMBERS OR PEOPLE SHOULD STAND IN LINE. CALLING OUT NUMBERS IS FAIR BUT NEEDS TO BE IMPLEMENTED. LINES WILL ONLY CREATE CHAOS. WHATEVER THEY CHOOSE NEED TO COMMUNICATE CLEARLY.
5. HAVE AN INFORMATION BOARD INFORMING PEOPLE THAT THEY NEED APPROVAL FROM OFFICE UPSTAIRS FOR TATKAL/EMERGENCY PASSPORT RENEWAL SO PEOPLE DON’T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE TO GET THIS INFORMATION FROM RECEPTION COUNTER.
THANK YOU ALL FOR TAKING TIME TO READ THIS..
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR PASSPORT RENEWAL!!!
All,
I finally received my passport in the mail today. It took 1 month and 12 days for the entire process.
I wonder if anyone who had got their passport from an indian passport office has ever got back the passport in less than a month.
So if anyone is planning to apply for a renewal, just be aware that it might take anywhere from 1 month to 2 months for them to get back.
The service at INdian Embassy DC is obviously pathetic!!i had sent my passport for name change too.It took exactly one month to get the job done,but only half done!we did recieve the passport but the original marriage certificate is missing.I really dont know how to proceed.my husband drove to dc from charlotte first time when he was turned down saying he was 5 minutes late.later we mailed it .Now I think we have to travel again to get the marriage certificate.I am just hoping that its not lost.I cannot even think about the procedure back in India if i lose that!
@G if you are reading this.did u recieve ur marriage certificate along with your passports?
Hi All:
My Indian passport expires in Nov 2009, I have to make a trip to India in July for about 2 weeks.
Is it ok for me to apply for renewal after returning back from India OR is it better to get the passport renewed before I leave?
I applied for passport in March 26th by FedEx and appointment date was March 30th, 2009.
No news till to date- July 12th 2009. Tried to call many times and no one is answering the phone. I got connection once after trying 1000 times or more and got ready answer from the person.
I have one advice to people dealing with Washington Dc Embassy – don’t apply by post at all. Apply in person or use some travel agency at Washington DC to submit application by person.
I am still waiting for passport. Hope I will be able to trace my application.
Amitabh and others- Thanks for the good info.
Rajan,
I applied on Apr 10 and no news till date (Jul 28)
I am going to DC next week to see what is going on. I had a flight to catch on Jul 15 for Toronto and I missed it.
A week before my flight, lady calls up and said it will be ready for pickup on Jul 13th but that never happend.
i applied in last week of March, still no news (jul 31), phone always goes to voice mail. They have not responded to the messages i left or email i sent.
My passport was returned today. I contacted Houston CG and the person was kind enough to contact vice consul in DC and things started rolling again. My agency was partly to be blamed too as they misplaced my ticket.
Anyway, I will not be checking this in future, so if you have any questions mail me at kjohri@gmail.com.
Yes, calling or mailing DC does not help. Mail Houston CG and they promptly mail back within hours..
I went to DC embassy to renew my passport and the experience as expected was less than pleasant. 1st the lady in front desk thinks no end of herslef h^7s#gg2@*$$_+h! (this does not mean anything). May be she is not to be blamed but atleast if she has an inch of decency or better cust serv skills in how to talk to people the person in front may not feel very bad about his own country and rethink of migrating back.
1st – remember for passport renewal that the application form (4 pg form that you will take with you or mail to the embassy) needs to have your information (including your, your parents name, birth date, birth place including any ref to state) as it appears on your old passport. Which means that if your parents name if appearing as “last name, first name” on your old passport if instead appears as “first name and last name” in your applicaiton form then its not good and be prepared to be lectured. The lady keeps shouting again and again that it sd be as it appears on the old passport which she dont realize that its too late for her to be shouting because everybody sitting there has already completed the application and that they will have go back and refill (reapply) if the information does not match old passport. By the way I dont this information is mentioned on the website.
Also, please complete each and every question on the passport. Dont leave anything blank.
last and most improtant be prepared to be shouted at you by the old lady!!
Hey Amithab ive notised your have been a great help to Manny people.
I have an question and concern. I just found out few days ago that my dad who is still living in INDIA was diagnosed with a serious medical condition. I have never visited back as he always use to visit me. My indian passport has experied for over 9 years now and im not sure what to do. If i should make a trip to DC or what i know for a fact i cant mail it in since its over a year and i think they are going to give me that emergency travel document which is suppose to have me go to india to get it renewed. Could you shed some more light on my situation please?
@Ripin: My first reaction was OMG..9 years is a long time. But second thoughts, I am not even sure how you did that. You still have an Indian passport but never renewed your visa in 9 years? or are you on a GC? In any case, I think 9 years over the expiry date is still a long enough time to raise a red flag at the embassy. I am not sure what the process would be. They may even want to do a police verification back in India. I would suggest calling them first or maybe drop an email to the Houston office to see if you get a reply as to what process you need to follow. Some people have suggested Houston is a bit more responsive. If nothing helps, you should definitely visit DC. Let us know how it goes. Good Luck and here’s hoping your father gets well soon.
Hey Amit
sorry, I have been in the North Americas for over 9 years
passport as expired when i turned 16 which was 5 years ago.I am currently working on the EMERGENCY TRAVEL DOCUMENT of India. But there is a affidavit that is blocking me right now. Since it clearly states that ” I have not obtained another travel document” When i have actually done so. I was just wondering on your behalf what you think will work. My fathers doctors reports are on their way to me. And Im trying to get this emerncy travel document for two reasons. 1- Go to india and get my passport renewed since its over 5 years of expiration. 2 – My dad is very sick.
DO you personally think i have a case to present to the counselors officers ?
Thanks again Amit
Really appreciate all the help
@Ripin: I am not sure about the renewal process of a long expired passport but along with the doctor’s reports, you may have a case for an expedited renewal. I would suggest getting in touch with the embassy either via email/phone or in person asap. Good luck!
Thanks alot Amit
I have figgured out an way
Im gettin my USA TRAVEL DOCUMENT renewed and then heading to Traviasa for a entry visa.
Thanks amit for the help. And yes HOUSTON embassy acutally will pick up the calls
hmmm what is this… you need duplicate of everything and then a photo picture at the bottom and notarized by local notary… looks like these folks love to have all these documents prepared by the citizens for what? to get a passport service? come on we are in the 21st century and these folks are still living in the 18th century and looks like they have not heard anything about paper reduction act or “saving the trees”…. Good lord I am off this rat hole….
Hi,
Your post was really helpful.But I still have some questions in my mind.
1.As a Poroof of Status and Proof Of Residence we are supposed to submit Docs.Should they be in original or Photocopy.
2.After reading the categories of ECR and ECNR I understood we are eligible for ECNR.Now I already had the ECNR stamp on the old passport .Do I need to apply for the ECNR once again for the renewed passport?
3.The address asked for in the form….should we provide the Indian or US address.
Reading all the above experiences is scaring the hell out of me….Harrowing !!!
I mailed my wife’s passport which had expired to Washington DC for renewal. The passport was received by Mr. Subramaniam on March 17th 2009. So far have not received her passport back. The number I was given was 202-939-9862, 9866. Called many times. I also called 9860 – 9869 every number in the order. Left voice mails multiple times. No answer. We have to go to India in couple of weeks and I am now thinking of making a trip to DC with my wife to get her passport at the embassy. I have gone through all the posts here and want to find out what her chances are to get the passport. Her passport is already expired by more than 6 months. It seems I have no choice but to incur all these additional expenses but the India trip cannot be postponed. What I need to know is her chances of getting the expired passport renewed on the same day and if it gets renewed for how long will it be renewed, one month or one year or 10 years? Her passport was issued in India. Appreciate any help in suggesting the best approach.
Hi, thanks to all who have shared their experiences on this blog – very useful.
I need some advise on my case. I have plans to travel to India on December 18th. My wife and kids have left already and my tickets are done. Yesterday while I was trying to make an appointment at the US embassy for visa stamping, I noticed that my passport expired about 10 months back.
I think it is too late for the regular passport renewal process and that tatkal is the only option left.
Some of the earlier posts on this blog mentioned that if a passport is originally issued in India, getting it renewed in the US using tatkal will renew the passport only for 1 year.
My question are:
1) Is the 1 year calculated from the current date or from the date the passport expired.
2) I plan to get a supporting document (medical certificate of serious health condition of a close blood relative) to build my tatkal case. Is that certificate required in original or would a copy be sufficient?
I would really appreciate a prompt reply. Thanks.
I am in the process of sending out my passport renewal application to the Chicago consulate. I have a greencard–came on a student Visa in 1995 and now I am employed here, but have been back to India virtually every year. My previous passport was issued in Lucknow. I need information on the following questions. Any help is greatly appreciated. I am sorry if my questions sound dumb–but the “sample form” on Chicago consulate website completely threw me off.
1. When did applicant first leave India. (Should I say 1995 or July 2009 when I most recently left India–but that information is not included in my expiring passport?)
2. How long has applicant continuously resided abroad
(I was in India for almost a year in 1999-2000) should I count my time since 2000) or just from the last visit in July 2009.
3. Do I need to include all my previous passport or just the last passport which is expiring.
4. I do not have ECNR stamp in my passport, nor do I have any of my degrees handy. If I leave it blank would they deny my passport.
5. Any idea how much time does Chicago consulate take for processing Mail application–do they really take 30-45 days??
My passport expired after 10 years in Oct 2009. I realized that in November and applied it online and send the passport and appln by FedEx. Also I sent a DD for return courier as well. The passport was received on the next day as per FedEx. I waited for 2 weeks and called them to find out the status. As everybody had experienced the phones will ring but nobody will pickup and the voicemail will always be full. I sent emails, faxes and no use. Luckily one day after several phone calls a lady picked up and she said the passport is still under processing. They did not give an ETA for the new passport. I waited until Dec 18th and finally decided to drive to DC from Kentucky. Yeah guys it was 13 hours non-stop drive in winter. I reached DC hoped into a hotel and next day i showed up at the embassy. Stood in the line and spoke to the lady at the counter who said the passport is still under processing and will take more time. I said i drove 13 hrs to collect the passport and its been almost 7 weeks since i sent. After lot of arguments she gave a token and asked me to come at 4.30 BTW, they open only at 4.50 so try to be there at 4 PM, its a waste. I stood again in the line, however its not use because they call the people by name when they issue the PP. I FINALLY received the passport and opened it. SURPRISE—the date of birth had a typo and was overwritten and laminated. I showed the error to the counter lady and she said, if anybody says this is a tampered PP then get a letter from them and we will deal with them. For another guy the picture in the PP was not his. The lady said well you should be happy because this picture looks better than you…hehehehe…the guy was pissed off. I again argued for 30 mins and finally they wrote the correction in the first page and signed it. I got my PP for 10 years finally at 7 PM. Drove back home another 13 hours and slept like i was dead for 2 days. Then took the flight to India. Guys my advice is no matter what you do, the embassy SUCKS so deal with it.
@Dave: Wow, that’s amazing dude. Just when I think I have heard the worst, the Indian embassy keeps bettering their track record
Am glad you got it corrected, it would have been a nightmare o/w.
@Dina: Am sorry, haven’t quite been checking on the comments here. To be honest, I really don’t know the answers. All very good questions. Am not sure if you already got the answers. If you did, please reply here, for the benefit of all of us here. Thanks!
My passport was expiring in dec 2009. So just to make sure all documents are submitted properly and avoid any surprises later I went to embassy well ahead of time on Oct 22nd, to my surprise i was out of embassy in 10 min, i was so happy that day. As per date on the reciept i should have got my PP by 30th Nov .I was thinking people exaggerate embassy reviews. Now today is 11th Jan 10 and I agree with the folks bad reviews about Indian Embassy.
I called couple of time as usual VM is full and faxed a query couple of times and no one ever responded.
So finally I am planning to go in person from Richmond VA. Lets see what is kept for me.
Hello,
Me and my husband faced thesame situation a the DC office. I really want to take some action aginast the lady sitty at the counter ,she is so rude and arrogant has no sense of customer service. Does anyone knows her name ? Please let me know.
Indians are treated so bad at their embassy its a shame on our Indian government.
Sent my passport by mail and was received on Nov 23rd.
Money order cashed on Dec 23rd.
No received my passport yet.
As usual no response to Phone calls or emails.
Dont know the status and have no idea when i will receive it back.
I submitted the application by person on Jan 8th in DC consulate. I paid 50$ including 10$ for express mail service fee. I received the passport by 25th of Jan 2010. It was pretty quick.
I submitted my passport on Nov 2009 havent got it till date they say its pending police verification in India. WTF its been 2+ months I need to go back & check what the status is now
Same here. They say waiting for verification from India.
Looks like mail submission is causing 2-3 months minimum time if passport was issued in India.
I wonder how they renew soon when submitted in person? What happens to verification part?
This is crazy
I keep trying that number 202 939 9888 and its always busy. I try like 50 times in one shot. If it takes 2 months then WTF they don’t say on their website. I’m screwed because I could not give the exam without the valid passport. Since I saw on their website that it takes 3 weeks, I had send them my passport for renewal. Whats stopping that from having a system where call can keep waiting for 1 hrs rather than retry every 10 sec.
I filled an online passport renewal application two weeks back and printed their forms and sent it to the embassy by USPS. Yesterday it came back saying that I printed on the wrong form. I went through the website and it has the same forms. Can anybody please tell me what are the new forms to be printed and sent.
Thanks
Mathews
Have no idea about any new form.
May be you have to call and ask about the new form. But the problem is getting some one on phone that can answer you.
whats the number they respond on ?
Keep trying the same number you are dialling.
I tried around 200 times and was able to talk only once.
Looks like phones are just left unanswered.
Will the embassy be close on Feb 15 2010 ?
Does anyone know ? I am planning to travel there.
No idea if they are open on Feb 15th.
Please post your experience after you are back.
mtSMxU kumudpnibviv, [url=http://rxyzrrbayrxs.com/]rxyzrrbayrxs[/url], [link=http://urgarlopfomb.com/]urgarlopfomb[/link], http://mzkfcbmdsawn.com/
Vikas, Can you give an update if you visited them recently.
Still no update about my pass. Submitted for renewal in Nov 09 and still waiting.
Any update is appreciated.
Can an NRI apply for a renewal of passport in india…have been outside the country for 6 yrs now ….want to attend my bro’s wedding in india and my pp has 3 months left to expire so was wondering if I could renew it in india if possible
I have applied for a passport renewal in-person at the DC consular on April 15th. I am travelling on May 7th so I need the passport earlier than that. The lady behind told me that since my passport was issued in Houston it would take 6-8 weeks. When I asked about the 4-7 day period, she said that was only for DC issued passports. She then said I could request the houston embassy to expedite the clearance which is the main delay. When I called the houston embassy they said they cant do anything without an official request from DC. I called DC consular back and noted this to them and the receptionist just kept saying wait for 7 days and call back. What the hell??
I send my American Passport with application for an Indian Visa , for a pilgrimage to Badrinath Dham, on 15th April. I have not heard from the Indian consulate yet , and I am waiting to hear from them as early as possible , to get my reservations done ahead of time.
Can you please help. Thanking in anticipation,
yours, Mrs. Narayani verma.
Downingtown , PA 19335
I am now an American citizen , and I want to visit India as a pilgrim to Badri nath Dham. I sent my US Passport with money and application for the purpose some two weeks back. Can it be expedited, Please, so that I can get my bookings done ahead of time to save hassles.
I have to go to India to in august 2010 and and my passport will finish its 9 years by the end of may 2010. If i apply for a passport renewal by the end of may do you think i can get it by end of July. I live around DC and can afford to pay a few personal visits. I am on h1b and my original passport was issued in jalandhar.
In case i do not get my passport by July end is it possible get it under tatkal scheme if i request that in July. I know it will be issued for one year.
I have to send my passport for renewal (going to expire after 10 years). I have changes my signature and would like to include the new signature in new passport. Do I need to attach additional document (affidavit or declaration) for this?
Hello,
I too have applied for my passport renewal and it’s been 2 months. what is the normal processing time now a days? Though it says 6-8 weeks in their website, I am not sure what’s the actual.As usual..attempt to reach through phone was in vain.
Hi
After a visit to the Indian embassy at Washington today I felt it imperative that a few details need to be updated
a) The consular section would open at 9 30 although the window regains life closer to 10 am
b) Irrespective of the appointment time that your online application generates you would need to pick a token and that is the order in which the applications are accepted
c) If you are approaching for a renewal of passport make sure you download the change of appearance form (which miraculously appeared as AFFADAVIT on the website today when the powers that be in the embassy were made aware that the previous link to a change of appearance form was non functional atleast for the past one week)
d) Just to make sure what this change of appearance means- If you are renewing a passport after 10 years or that of a minor child after 5 years it is understandeable that your appearance has changed. Therefore you need to convince the embassy that this is indeed you. You do that by signing an affidavit (attached link:http://www.indianembassy.org/index.php?option=com_application#Passport%20Services), affixing your photograph and getting it notarized
e) I am not sure how one would proceed with a minor child’s passport. It would be safer to have two forms notarized. Have the child’s thumb impression on one form and have one of the parent’s sign the other to save you a drip to Dupont Circle to find a notary
f) If you are unfortunate enough to have forgotten the notary component- you can find one on either the 7th floor or 2nd floor of 11 Dupont circle or Bank of America. Do not make the mistake of working your way in to the PNC Bank (unless you have an account with them, of course) for getting documents notarized. They would not do it
g) If you are visiting the embassy to submit an application be prepared to make a return trip to pick up the passport. I believe they have done away with the priority mail self addressed return envelope.
h) when should you be back to pick it up? be prepared for a vague answer like a “definite maybe in 3 or 4 weeks”!!!!
i) don’t even think of mentioning that you live way away from dc- you may receive some unwanted advice regarding the virtues of mailing in your application instead of coming all the way to dc
j) I am not sure if this is the way it needs to be done but may save you some heartburn. For proof of residence for minor child/parents just write an application stating that they do not have a bill on their name, you are submitting a copy of the utility bill in your name, affix their photograph on the bill and get it notarized
k) I did read with interest a lot of complaints about the accountability of the embassy officials. They do not come under purview of the US Government but they are accountable under the Right to Information Act which is the only way you can get information from Government Offices back in India
l) And finally as with any other Indian government office the embassy does not provide updated info on their website ( the less we speak of the telephone the better) but expect you to work your way through it
The only saving grace is they do offer the courtesy of sitting space (especially when one recalls the long wait in the hot sun literally on the road outside us embassy awaiting turn for the visa interview) & directing you to the exact requirements for a passport renewal, but you do need to make a trip to dc to provide them with an opportunity to serve you!!!!
I would say the trip is worth the pain rather than waiting in eternal uncertainty about your only identity lying in some corner of the embassy
Hope this helps
regards
SK
Hi All,
I applied my passport renewal by post filling the online application. Appointment date was given on June 17th 2010. My package was sent earlier and received on the same day. I haven’t got my renewed passport.
It’s been 21 business days, The issue is I am moving to Dallas, TX and I did address change option in USPS so that mails will be forwarded to my new address. I don’t know whether Indian embassy will use USPS or Fedex, I tried at Fedex they do not have address change option. I sent mail regarding the address change and nobody is replying. Guys please suggest, does Indian Embassy use Fedex if we give 20$ money order for return mail.
Please let me know, whether it’s better to make a personal visit to DC and talk to them personally.
Thanks,
Sharath.
Hi All,
Finally….Ffffeeeewwww! I got the passport today morning.
Sharath.
HI All,
Can someone post the exact supporting documents for renewal of child Passport. Indian Embassy site looks bit confusing.
Thanks
Raj