Comments on: Passport renewal – Indian Embassy, Washington DC

By: Raj

Raj — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:21:30 +0000

HI All,
Can someone post the exact supporting documents for renewal of child Passport. Indian Embassy site looks bit confusing.

Thanks
Raj

By: Sharath

Sharath — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:11:09 +0000

Hi All,
Finally….Ffffeeeewwww! I got the passport today morning.

Sharath.

By: Sharath

Sharath — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:28:05 +0000

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.

By: SK

SK — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:03:25 +0000

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

By: puru

puru — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:24:12 +0000

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.

By: Sanjay Garg

Sanjay Garg — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:26:00 +0000

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?

By: Vivek

Vivek — Tue, 18 May 2010 20:52:04 +0000

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.

By: Forum Discussions Regarding Delay in Indian Passport Renewal

Forum Discussions Regarding Delay in Indian Passport Renewal — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:19:04 +0000

[...] 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 [...]

By: Narayani Verma

Narayani Verma — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:37:44 +0000

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.

By: Narayani Verma

Narayani Verma — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:32:23 +0000

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