Do you need to renew your Indian passport? Do you have questions on how to renew an Indian passport in Houston?
This blog post will cover the whole application process for Indian passport renewals in Houston. We will explain how you successfully request a passport, where you ought to go, what are the key requirements and what fees are involved. If you’re of Indian origin and live in Houston, you will certainly find this blog post useful.
In this article:
- Renewal of Indian passport in Houston – the basics
- Indian passport renewal in Houston – applying by post
- Indian passport renewal in Houston – fees included
- Renewal of Indian passport in Houston – the requirements
Renewal of Indian passport in Houston – the basics
The first thing you need to know about Indian passport services and renewals is that the Indian government doesn’t issue an extension to the validity of your travel document.
The renewal of your Indian passport will be completed by re-issuing it.
The second most important thing every applicant should know is that, at the moment, you can only apply by mail. According to the official VFS website, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person Indian passport applications are off-limits. If you wish to know if this restriction is still in effect or not, contact the Consulate General of India or the nearest VFS Global facility.
Moreover, you must send applications through courier services like FedEx or DHL, not USPS.
Indian passport renewal in Houston – applying by post
The passport application form can be found and must be completed online, on the Seva Passport website. Once you’re in, you will first need to select the kind of passport service you need:
- standard re-issuance of the passport;
- Tatkal (emergency) service.
After the application form is completed, you will need to print and sign the passport receipt. In the later stages of the process, you will be required to send it to the VFS India Consular Application Center on 2425 W Loop S suite #330 in Houston.
Before you send the application, you must pay passport renewal fees. You will find an in-depth Indian passport fees description in further sections.
You must also either set up an account on the VFS website or log in with your existing one.
Whenever you’re ready, log in using your VFS account and click the “Apply Now” button. The website will guide you as you complete the application process. Be sure to double-check every piece of information you input and, after you’re done, download the checklists and required affidavits.
The application will begin processing 48 hours after the appropriate VFS facility receives the package. The whole process usually takes about 3 (three) weeks.
Passport nearing its expiry date? Get ahead of the game and up to speed by reading:
- Indian Passport Renewal in the US – Step by Step Guide
- Bangladesh Passport Renewal in the US- How Does It Work?
- Renew an Indonesian Passport in the US – a Step by Step Guide
- Learn How to Renew a Chinese Passport in the US
- Thai Passport Renewal in the US – Guide
- How to Renew a Philippine Passport in the US?
- How to Renew a Vietnamese Passport in the US?
Indian passport renewal in Houston – fees included
The fees for passport services include the application fee, a $2 ICWFdonation, and a VFS fee of $15.90.
- 36-page passport – $75 (adults & minors between 15 – 18 years old)
- 60-page passport – $100 (adults & minors between 15 – 18 years old)
- 36-page passport – $50 (minors younger than 15 years old)
- Tatkal service – additional $150
Use money orders or bank checks to send required payment to the VFS Services under this address:
- 2425 W Loop S suite #330, Houston, TX 77027
If you wish to double-check the passport fees, you can contact an Indian consulate or an embassy.
Renewal of Indian passport in Houston – the requirements
Once you’ve completed the application’s online part, you now need to submit the physical copy, along with other required documents, by mail. Additional items include:
- the original passport;
- 2 (two) colored passport photos (2×2 inch)
- copies of the first and last 2 (two) pages of the passport;
- a copy of the Emigration Check Required (ECR);
- a copy of the page of observation (when applicable);
- a notarized color copy of the document confirming your legal status in the US (your Green Card/Employment Authorization card);
- a validity extension page (when applicable).
Passport Photo Online – perfect Indian passport photos
When you’re compiling documentation for an Indian passport renewal, you will need to provide 2 (two) passport photos too. Luckily, Passport Photo Online is the ideal app for you. It will turn your phone into a professional photo booth, producing valid passport photos 24/7. You will be able to take care of passport photos for the renewal without leaving your home.
Available on both Android and iOS platforms, our app transforms your photo into a passport-ready picture in just three seconds, all for the low cost of $6.95. If you’re looking for even more savings, take advantage of our free passport template to print your photo for under $1. Not only is this among the cheapest passport photo options available, but we also guarantee quality. Should your photo not pass official standards, we offer a 200% refund.
Renewal of Indian passport in Houston – summary
If you’re looking to renew your Indian passport in Houston, Texas, you will need to complete the application form online and submit a confirmation by a courier service.
Applicants will need to visit a Seva Passport website, fill out the application and download the receipt. Once that is done, all that’s left to do is to pay the fees and compile all required documents. They include your current passport, copies of the first and last 2 (two) pages of it, and a passport picture. You may also require copies of the page of observation and a validity extension page.
Indian passport renewal in Houston – FAQ
Here is where you will find the most common queries about Indian passport renewals in Houston, Texas.
How long does an Indian passport renewal process take in Houston?
According to the VFS website, the passport processing time is roughly 3 (three) weeks. However, the whole process begins 48 hours after the VFS facility receives the package with the required documentation.
How many photos are needed for Indian passport renewal in Houston?
Applicants will have to submit 2 (two) valid passport pictures to get the Indian passport application accepted. You can use the Passport Photo Online app to acquire perfect photos quickly and without leaving your home.
What are the Indian passport renewal fees?
Adults and minors between the ages of 15 (fifteen) and 18 (eighteen) pay $92.90 for a 36-page passport and $117.90 for a 60-page passport. The minor passport fee is $67.90.
Should you wish to apply with a Tatkal service in mind, that will command an additional fee of $150.
Where to apply for an Indian passport renewal in Houston?
You must submit the passport application online on the Seva Passport website and then send the printed passport receipt to the VFS facility at 2425 W Loop S Suite #330. Remember to send the receipt along with all the rest required items, such as your current passport, the photocopy of its first and last 2 (two) pages, or a copy of the Emigration Check Required.
Sources
Graduated from the University of Warsaw, Michał, is a biometric photography expert with an undying thirst for adventure and a writer at Passport-Photo.Online. A self-proclaimed book and movie critic as well, he’s always eager to visit to the most underrated or less popular travel destinations.
