Paul BadenochRenewing your Indian passport in Houston is a critical step for Indian citizens in Texas and surrounding states to keep their travel documents valid for international trips, visa applications, or consular services. Managed through the Consulate General of India in Houston and VFS Global, the process involves an online application, document submission, and biometric capture. This comprehensive guide for 2025 walks you through the Indian passport renewal process in Houston, detailing steps, required documents, fees, and tips to ensure a smooth experience. Whether you’re planning a visit to India or exploring the globe, this guide equips you with everything you need to renew your passport with confidence.
Indian Passport Renewal Houston Process
The Consulate General of India in Houston, located at 4300 Scotland Street, Houston, TX 77007, serves Indian citizens in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Passport renewal services are outsourced to VFS Global, which operates the Indian Consular Application Centre at 1001 Texas Ave #550, Houston, TX 77002. The process requires completing applications on both the Passport Seva Portal and VFS Portal, submitting documents via mail or in-person, and undergoing biometric enrollment. Below, we outline the step-by-step process for renewing your Indian passport in Houston, based on official guidelines from the Consulate General of India and VFS Global.
Step-by-Step Process for Passport Renewal
To renew your Indian passport in Houston, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Gather Required Documents:
- Prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- Current Indian passport (original and a self-attested photocopy of the first and last two pages, including ECR/ECNR page and observation page, if any).
- Proof of U.S. address (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement, not older than 3 months; original and self-attested photocopy).
- Two recent passport photographs (2×2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months, no glasses or headwear unless for religious reasons).
- Aadhaar card (optional, self-attested photocopy if available).
- Proof of legal U.S. status (e.g., U.S. visa, Green Card, Employment Authorization Document; original and self-attested photocopy).
- VFS checklist (downloaded from services.vfsglobal.com, completed and signed).
- For name changes, include a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or legal name change document (original and self-attested photocopy).
- For minors under 18, include:
- Parents’ passports (originals and self-attested photocopies).
- Birth certificate (original and self-attested photocopy).
- Notarized parental consent form if one parent is absent.
- Annexure D (for minors under 18) or Annexure C (for minors 15–18 applying for a 10-year passport), downloaded from cgihouston.gov.in.
- For lost or damaged passports, include:
- Police report (original and photocopy for lost passports).
- Annexure F (affidavit for lost/damaged passports, notarized).
- Damaged passport (if applicable).
- Notes: Documents must be self-attested unless stated otherwise. Originals are returned after verification. Check the VFS checklist at services.vfsglobal.com for specific requirements.
- Prepare the following documents before starting your application:
- Step 2: Complete the Online Application on Passport Seva Portal:
- Visit embassy.passportindia.gov.in and select “Register” to create an account or log in with existing credentials.
- Choose “Apply for Ordinary Passport/Re-issue of Passport” and select the Consulate General of India, Houston as your mission.
- Fill out the form with accurate details, including full name, date of birth, address, and passport number.
- Upload a digital passport photo (2×2 inches, white background, JPEG, 10–300 KB).
- Submit the form to generate an Application Reference Number (ARN).
- Print the completed application form with the ARN.
- Notes: Errors (e.g., mismatched names) can delay processing. Ensure details match your current passport and supporting documents.
- Step 3: Complete the VFS Global Application:
- Visit services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-passport and create an account or log in.
- Select “Passport Services” and “Re-issue of Passport”, then enter your ARN from the Passport Seva Portal.
- Fill out the VFS form, confirming details like consulate jurisdiction (Houston) and application type (Normal or Tatkaal).
- Download and print the VFS application form, checklist, and acknowledgement letter.
- Notes: The VFS form syncs with the Passport Seva application but requires separate submission. Double-check jurisdiction to avoid rejection.
- Step 4: Pay the Passport and VFS Fees:
- Passport fees (as of 2025):
- Normal (36 pages, 10 years, adults): $75.90.
- Normal (60 pages, 10 years, adults): $100.90.
- Normal (36 pages, 5 years, minors under 15): $50.90.
- Tatkaal (36 pages, adults): $225.90 (includes $150 surcharge).
- Tatkaal (60 pages, adults): $250.90.
- Lost/damaged passport: Additional $150 surcharge on normal/Tatkaal fees.
- VFS service fees:
- Application fee: $15.90 (mandatory).
- Courier fee: $17.90 (optional, for return shipping).
- SMS updates: $2.25 (optional).
- Payment methods: Cashier’s check, banker’s check, or money order payable to “VFS Services USA Inc.” (no cash, credit cards, or personal checks).
- Notes: Prepare separate checks for passport and VFS fees. Include payment with your mailed application or bring to the VFS center. Verify fees at services.vfsglobal.com.
- Passport fees (as of 2025):
- Step 5: Submit Your Application:
- Option 1: Mail-in submission:
- Package your VFS application form, Passport Seva form, checklist, documents, and payment in a secure envelope.
- Include a prepaid, trackable return envelope (e.g., USPS Priority Mail Express or FedEx) for passport delivery.
- Send to: VFS Indian Consular Application Centre, 1001 Texas Ave #550, Houston, TX 77002.
- Use VFS’s optional shipping label (available after payment) for $30 round-trip service.
- Option 2: In-person submission:
- Visit the VFS center at 1001 Texas Ave #550, Houston, TX 77002, Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM (no appointment needed for drop-off).
- Submit your documents and undergo biometric enrollment (fingerprints and photo).
- Pay fees in-person if not prepaid.
- Notes: Mail-in is convenient but verify all documents to avoid delays. In-person submission allows immediate biometric capture. Track your application at services.vfsglobal.com using your VFS reference number.
- Option 1: Mail-in submission:
- Step 6: Biometric Enrollment:
- If mailing your application, VFS will notify you via email to visit the Houston VFS center for biometric capture (fingerprints and photo) once documents are processed.
- Schedule a biometric appointment online at services.vfsglobal.com or visit during drop-off hours (9:00 AM–2:00 PM).
- Bring your current passport and VFS acknowledgement letter.
- Notes: Biometrics are mandatory for all applicants, including minors. Tatkaal applicants may complete biometrics during initial submission.
- Step 7: Collect or Receive Your New Passport:
- Processing times:
- Normal service: 3–6 weeks, depending on Police Verification Report (PVR) clearance.
- Tatkaal service: 3–5 working days after biometric capture, if PVR is clear.
- Lost/damaged passports: 6–8 weeks, due to additional verification.
- Pick up your passport in-person at the VFS center (Monday–Friday, 4:00 PM–6:00 PM) or receive it via courier if you included a prepaid envelope.
- Your old passport will be canceled and returned with the new passport, unless lost or surrendered.
- Notes: Track status at services.vfsglobal.com or embassy.passportindia.gov.in. Contact VFS at 1-800-320-9693 or the consulate at (713) 626-2148 if delays occur.
- Processing times:
Required Documents Checklist
To avoid delays, ensure you have:
- Current Indian passport (original + self-attested photocopy).
- Proof of U.S. address (original + self-attested photocopy).
- Two passport photos (2×2 inches, white background).
- Aadhaar card (optional, self-attested photocopy).
- Proof of legal U.S. status (original + self-attested photocopy).
- VFS checklist (completed and signed).
- Passport Seva application form (with ARN).
- VFS application form and acknowledgement letter.
- Payment (cashier’s check/money order for passport and VFS fees).
- Additional documents for special cases:
- Marriage certificate or legal documents for name changes.
- Birth certificate, parental documents, and Annexure D/C for minors.
- Police report, Annexure F, and affidavit for lost/damaged passports.
Fees and Payment Details
- Passport fees:
- Normal (36 pages, adults): $75.90.
- Normal (60 pages, adults): $100.90.
- Normal (minors under 15): $50.90.
- Tatkaal (36 pages, adults): $225.90.
- Tatkaal (60 pages, adults): $250.90.
- Lost/damaged passport: Add $150 surcharge.
- VFS fees:
- Application fee: $15.90.
- Courier fee: $17.90 (optional).
- SMS updates: $2.25 (optional).
- Payment method: Cashier’s check, banker’s check, or money order to “VFS Services USA Inc.”
- Notes: Separate payments for passport and VFS fees. Verify amounts at services.vfsglobal.com or cgihouston.gov.in.
Summary Table: Indian Passport Renewal in Houston (2025)
| Step | Details | Requirements | Timeline/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gather Documents | Passport, address proof, photos, legal status | Originals + self-attested photocopies | Check VFS checklist |
| Passport Seva Application | Apply at embassy.passportindia.gov.in | ARN, printed form | Ensure accurate details |
| VFS Application | Apply at services.vfsglobal.com | VFS form, checklist | Sync with ARN |
| Pay Fees | $75.90–$250.90 (passport) + $15.90–$35.05 (VFS) | Cashier’s check/money order | Non-refundable |
| Submit Application | Mail to VFS or in-person at 1001 Texas Ave | Documents, payment | Mail: Include prepaid envelope |
| Biometric Enrollment | Visit VFS center | Passport, acknowledgement letter | Mandatory for all |
| Collect Passport | In-person or courier | Prepaid envelope for mail | Normal: 3–6 weeks; Tatkaal: 3–5 days |
Preparing for Your Application
To ensure a smooth renewal process:
- Verify Documents: Cross-check your VFS checklist at services.vfsglobal.com to confirm all documents are included. Missing items lead to rejection.
- Get Passport Photos: Obtain photos from a professional service (e.g., Walgreens at 153