How I renewed Indian Passport in US within 10 days?

I recently got my Indian passport renewed in the United States. It took 10 days for the entire process to complete. Hurray!



Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) is the authorized service provider for the Embassy of India across the USA for the Indian Passport services. You need to apply on the CKGS website and follow the due process. Later, during the process, you will be directed to the Government of India website to fill your online passport form and then return back to CKGS to complete the application.

Here is the link to CKGS Indian Passport Application Center: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/

On the CKGS page, click on the “Passport Application Get Started” box, (Or you can use this direct link here: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/get-started) and it will start your passport application. Make sure to keep the document listed on the page handy before you start filling out the forms.


I selected Normal application type and state I live in. The centre is automatically populated based on the state you live in. Clicking on PROCEED extends the form and asked to select the services.

I selected reissue of passport since the passport is going to expire. Also, selected two miscellaneous services - 1) change of address and 2) addition of spouse name. And filled out the applicant details, submission details, and contact information.

There are two options to submit your application.
  1. Walk-in to the consulate office
  2. Shipping through courier service
We have had a successful experience using courier service option for my daughter's OCI card, so I was pretty comfortable sending the documents through courier this time as well. I decided to go for prepaid FedEx shipping service for both sides.

Here is the list of documents I submitted for passport renewal:

  • Original Indian Passport 
  • Photographs (3) - 2"x2" & white background 
  • CKGS Online Payment Receipt 
  • Online NRI Passport Application Form 
  • Nationality Verification Form 
  • Passport copy of first five and last two pages. 
  • US legal Status 
  • US Address Proof 
  • Indian Address Proof 
  • Affidavit for change of appearance/signature form  (Sample affidavit at the end of the post)
  • Annexure E 

Since I requested to add spouse name in my passport, I submitted two additional documents though they didn’t ask for them.

  • Marriage certificate 
  • Copy of first & last page of spouse’s passport 

Here are the dates for your reference:

Aug 28: Sent the application with documents through FedEx express mail
Aug 29: Application ‘Received’ by CKGS but ‘Not Verified’
Aug 29: Application Verification is ‘Complete’. Processing of your application will continue”
Aug 29: Application ‘Under Process at CKGS’
Aug 29: Application in transit to the Indian Consulate.
Aug 30: Application is “AT EMBASSY”. Application is ‘Under Process’ at Consulate for decision making.
Sep 05: Application ‘Reviewed’ by Consulate and ‘In Transit’ to CKGS Application Centre
Sep 05: Passport ‘Received’ at the CKGS application centre and is at the ‘Sorting Facility’ where it is being processed for delivery
Sep 06: Passport picked up by FedEx
Sep 07: Received my new passport

USEFUL RESOURCES

Link to track the passport renewal application online https://passport.in.ckgs.us/trackandtrace/

Sample Online NRI Passport Application Form: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/resources/pdf/sample-passport-application-form.pdf

Sample Affidavit For Change Of Appearance And Signature For Indian Passport Renewal


Hope you find it useful!!

70 comments:

  1. Hi! - can you share the text and format of your "Affidavit for change of appearance/signature form"? Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, I have added my affidavit sample in the post for your reference. As far as I remember, it was auto-generated based on the information I filled in the form. Hope it helps. All the best!

      Delete
    2. Hi, Is it ok, if the old passport has a picture with glasses and the new photograph does not have glasses? and I will choose my appearance has not changed, is it ok?

      Delete
  2. Latest list as seen in CKGS (as of Feb 12, 2019):


    Change in appearance could be due to any of the below scenarios. Kindly click on yes above if one or more scenarios apply to you. Incorrect selection may lead to application getting rejected or marked as incomplete which may further delay the process

    1. Photo with beard on the current passport and photo without beard on the passport application

    2. Photo with moustache on the current passport and photo without moustache on the passport application

    3. Photo with glasses on the current passport and photo without glasses on the passport application

    4. Photo with turban on the current passport and photo without turban on the passport application

    5. Difference in physique in between the photo of current passport and photo on the passport application

    6. Difference in appearance due to aging in between the photo of current passport and photo on the passport application


    ReplyDelete
  3. Did you keep the Indian address on your new passport or changed it to reflect your US address? I would like to keep the Indian address that is already on the passport. Would that delay the application in any way or may cause a police verification in India?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Aanchal, I changed my address in passport to the US address because the address in my passport was not my permanent address in India. I remember they explicitly ask in the passport renewal form if you would like to update your address in the passport. I believe, you should be able to keep your current address in the passport and any sort of verification should happen only in case you request to change it. I would still recommend to confirm the same with others who had similar case. Hope it helps! All the best.

      Delete
    2. I am in similar kind of situation and dilemma. My kid's passport is up for renewal in next 6 months. India address mentioned in my kid's current passport is not our permanent address and while filling the application in CKGS I selected "yes" for "Do you want to Change your Address" as I wanted to use the USA address in the Passport.

      In the "Application for Indian Passport" where it asks for "Passport Printable Address Details" I provided USA Address and "Other Address Details" I have provided my wife's home address in India as she has Aadhar card with correct/permanent address. (Address in my Aadhar card is not correct/current permanent address in India)

      In the document checklist, the 10th items says "India Address Proof (If applicant wants to add/change Indian Address)”. Does this checklist apply in this case? If yes, and since my Kid does not have Aadhar card yet, does sending my wife's Aadhar card suffices the checklist requirement?

      Can someone please share your thoughts or experiences if you were in similar situation? Please suggest and thanks so much in advance.

      Delete
    3. Hi Sampath,

      I am also in similar situation , so was you Kid's passport renewed with US address.

      Thanks!!

      Delete
  4. If your application is in transit to the Consulate, does that mean that all the documents are proper as per checklist and that embassy can smoothly process your application? Or can the embassy still request for additional documents based on your application process once they review your case?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Does FedEx require signature at the time of
    passport delivery to our house? Or will they drop off the passport at our house address without requiring our signature? Please let me know

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, I don't remember signing when my passport was delivered. I would still recommend checking with FedEx directly. You might be able to request scheduled delivery. All the best!

      Delete
  6. Where did you notarize the documents? Banks do not notarize the affidavit directly without the "notary wording" on it. They said they would attach a document with the wording indicating which document was notarized and the seal would be on that document. Would this document be accepted?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can notarize in UPS. They charge $7 per sign or paper etc.

      If you are a member of AAA, you can get it done for free there.

      Delete
    2. That should be fine. We have done that once but can't remember if it was for passport renewal application.

      Delete
  7. Did you do tatkal to get in 10 days ? which Jurisdiction ? I see different cities have different processing times. I have 8 weeks for my current one to expire, thinking should I do normal or expedite using Tatkal

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ramesh, I applied under Normal application type and my center was San Francisco. Hope it helps! All the best.

      Delete
    2. Hi Ramesh I am in Atlanta it shows 8 weeks for me, how long did it take for you?

      Delete
  8. This was very helpful, Thank you !

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Sampath,

    I am also in similar situation , so was you Kid's passport renewed with US address.

    Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi,

    Thanks for sharing this, its really helpful. The address on my current passport is an old one, we don't live there anymore. If I put my parent's current India address, would I need to be present in India for police verification? or would you suggest I leave the old address as is.
    TIA

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, I had a similar case. To avoid any delays, I selected to print my current US address on the passport. Hope it helps - Good Luck!

      Delete
  11. Hi,

    I want to renew my passport at SF jurisdiction (according to my residence) however, i may have to travel to the east cost for business purpose and there are chances that my stay would be for 2 months at a hotel. Is there an option to choose different delivery address for shipping the renewed passport than the address you currently reside? I am worried that i may not be available when they dispatch the passport to my current address in california.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi there, I don't remember if there is an option to enter different delivery address in the form. Also, you can try contacting Fedex if they can hold the shipment until you're back. Good Luck!

      Delete
  12. Hi,

    Thanks for sharing your experience, it helps. I have a question on the number of photographs. You have mentioned 3 photographs as part of the documents. Did you send 3 photographs along with 2 photographs in change of appearance form and the passport application form? I have opted for change of appearance and attaching my photo to the change of appearance form. I am also attaching one photo to the passport application form. Do I need to send any additional photographs along with other documents? Please clarify. TIA!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am waiting for this answer too; it is very confusing

      Delete
    2. Hi there, I just sent the three pictures attached to the forms that asked for it. Hope it helps. All the best!

      Delete
  13. Hi All,
    As per my document list, it requires the US Valid status proof and Proof of residence in US, both need to notarized. Did you not get these notarized? I ask because none of the banks are ready to do it now.
    Also for change of appearance affidavit, the bank gave me Acknowledgement of individual form with notary stamp, basically saying the affidavit is certified. Did anyone face the same?

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi dear,
      I am in the same boat. The banks and UPS is not notarizing the US valid status proof and proof of residence documents. What did you do for the same? It will be very helpful if you can let me know. Thank you in advance.

      Delete
    2. Hi dear,

      I am in the same boat. The banks and UPS is not notarizing the US valid status proof and proof of residence. Could you please let me know what did you do and where did you get it notarized. It will be very helpful.

      Delete
  14. My son needs his I20 to be notorised for his renewal of passport. he is based out of boston. any advise please

    ReplyDelete
  15. HI, I need Indian Passport renewal. how long will it take. My original passport was issued in India

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got mine in 10 days and my last passport was issued in India. Hope it helps!

      Delete
  16. Hi is it true if your appearance has changed you cannot get a tatkal passport?

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi! I had a question regarding the photographs. Is the format similar to a US passport photo? Because I was planning to get the photo from CVS or Walgreens. Where did you get the photo taken?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheaper option would be to get photographs taken at Costco. Also make sure the print out is on Glossy paper and that wear plain colored shirt (no checks/ patterns / graphics etc.)

      Delete
  18. Hi I am renewing my son's (<5 yrs) passport.He need to use thumb impression (<5 yrs).In Change in Appearance affidavit (notarized), do he need to put thumb impression in the rectangle box and both parents need to sign OR only his thumb impression is sufficient?








    ReplyDelete
  19. Do they do police verification at my indian address if I am renewing my passport with in US?

    For passport printable address - I am using my current US address
    For other address - I am using my India address which is a different one from my old address.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, there was no police verification at my India address. I believe I did the same - US address for printing in passport and used India address at other places. Hope it helps!

      Delete
  20. I am in the same boat. Would they need address proof if I mention India address in Other Address Details section?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi, I heard that Your Indian passport renewal will take 3-6 weeks if the last passport was issued in India. You can get new passport in 10 days if your last passport was issued by Indian Embassy in USA. Is this true? My current passport was issued in India and I am applying for renewal from USA will it take 10 days for me too? or it will take more time? My passport already expired last month.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, my last passport was issued in India but still got it in 10 days. Not sure if things have changed now.

      Delete
  22. who signs the change of appearance form? do WE sign or the person who does the Notary signs it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. same question ! please let me know

      Delete
    2. You should sign it in front of the notary who would then notarize it. The problem is most banks do not notarize 'affirmation' documents. At least that is the case in Florida

      Delete
  23. My application has been in "Under Process at Embassy" since Feb 13th. When I mailed CKGS they said average processing time is 4-6 weeks. Has anyone else also faced it recently?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Any update on your application?

      Delete
    2. did they return your old passport or its still with them?

      Delete
    3. Did you receive your passport? if yes How many weeks they took complete the process

      Delete
    4. do you received your passport from Embassy.If yes how many weeks they took to complete the process.

      Delete
  24. do they return old passport as well with new passport?

    ReplyDelete
  25. In applicant address details -

    Is your printable address out of India -> (What does this mean) also why is there an required Other Address details , when I have only one address in India.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi All- I am applying for passport renewal and i have a question about address change. If i want to have my US address in the new passport, Should i select “Change of address” under Miscellaneous service? Because it says change of address - Indian address so i am confused whether to select or not. I see the similar question in this thread but didn’t found correct answer. Few of them selected and few are not. So not sure if i have to select or not? Please help.

    Also if i select that option, can i gave my US address in BOTH “address to be printed” and “other address” in NRI form? Kindly help asap.

    Also kindly let me know if i have to send indian address proof (i dont have on my name) in this case?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi All - I am applying for passport renewal and i have a question about address change. If i want to have my US address in the new passport, Should i select “Change of address” under Miscellaneous service? Because it says change of address - Indian address so i am confused whether to select or not. I see the similar question in this thread but didn’t found correct answer. Few of them selected and few are not. So not sure if i have to select or not? Please help.

    Also if i select that option, can i gave my US address in BOTH “address to be printed” and “other address” in NRI form? Kindly help asap.

    Also kindly let me know if i have to send indian address proof (i dont have on my name) in this case?

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hi All, I am applying for my Indian passport renewal from USA. I have kept my Printable address same as my permanent address in India, however, confused about the 'Other Address' details. Should that be my current US address or my Indian address?

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi All, I am applying for my India passport renewal from USA. While I intend to keep my printable address same as that in my old passport, I am confused about the Other Address details. Should that be my current US address or my Indian address?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Got my wife's renewed passport today. I am impressed with the processing time. CKGS received the application packet on 6 Aug and passport is in my hand today (12 Aug). That's literally 3 business days.
    Notarization done through UPS. Opted for CKGS shipping and photos from Costco. Was not sure on how many pics to include, so sent two as well in addition to the ones pasted on app form and change of appearance document.
    Indian address proofs included were Aadhar card and Indian DL.
    I did get a notification about INdian Police Verification being initiated - However, through a friend who knows someone in the consulate, was told to ignore that notification.
    All in all, despite the current COVID situation, kudos to the team in keeping this process functioning efficiently.

    Do not forget to print/cut/paste the barcode from the CKGS site to the shipping label. IIRC, no mention of this on the checklist.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I also got today notification about Indian Police Verification. I have lived here for over 20 year in the USA. My mother is currently staying with my sister in Delhi and not at the Indian address on my passport. Did you get the passport inspite of the notification. Would appreciate your reply as there is no one to contact thanks

      Delete
  31. I have submitted my CKGS application with Blue patterned shirt photo without noticing the specifications. Will it cause any issue? Have anyone received passport with patterned shirt? Please reply

    ReplyDelete
  32. Here in San Francisco, notary does not attest - Drivers License & I797. Notary can only attest that the applicant has signed that Drivers License & I797 are true copies in front of them. Is this acceptable to San Francisco consulate?

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi , I am applying for passport renewal. I stay in Missouri but i am visiting my wife in Texas and staying here for few weeks Can i notarize my Change of Apperance form from Texas ? Would that be an issue. UPS is ready to notarize.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Hi , I am applying for passport renewal. I stay in Missouri but i am visiting my wife in Texas and staying here for few weeks Can i notarize my Change of Apperance form from Texas ? Would that be an issue. UPS is ready to notarize.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi , I am applying for passport renewal. I do not see option to use CKGS shipping while collection of new passport.In the dropdown, only "I will use my only airway bill" is present. Not sure how to proceed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi,

      I faced a similar situation. I emailed CKGS and this what their response was

      Dear Sir / Madam,

      Shipping through CKGS is not available at this time.


      You are required to submit the application using your own prepaid label and
      provide own UPS label for return shipping.

      So you'll have to provide a return label along with the documents that you send them, and after you submit the application update the awb number.

      Thanks
      Shubham

      Delete