Simple Guide: How to Renounce Your Indian Passport

1. Why You Should Renounce

If you have become a citizen of another country, Indian law says you must give up (renounce) your Indian passport. Doing this:

• Keeps you from paying late‑penalty fees.

• Lets you apply for an OCI card faster.

• Avoids trouble when you travel to India.

Renunciation is also called “surrender”. Both words mean the same thing.

2. Quick Look at the Whole Process

1. Choose the right service type.

2. Fill the Government form on Passport Seva and get an ARN number.

3. Register and pay on the VFS Global website.

4. Put your papers together and mail them.

5. Wait while VFS and the Consulate process your request.

6. Track your status and receive your surrender certificate.

That’s it! Most people finish in about 4 weeks if their papers are correct.

3. Step-by-step Guide

Step 1 – Choose the Right Service Type

Grace period: You must renounce within 3 years of getting your new citizenship to avoid fines.

Step 2 – Fill the Government Form (Passport Seva)

1. Go to portal3.passportindia.gov.in.

2. Choose “Surrender of Indian Passport.”

3. Type in every detail exactly as shown on your Indian passport.

4. Submit the form.

5. Write down (or print) your ARN number and sign the form.

Helpful Tip: Lost your passport? Type LOST or 00000 in the passport‑number box and choose the Lost Passportcategory. You will later send two other proofs of Indian origin (see FAQs).

Step 3 – Register & Pay on VFS Global

1. Go to https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-for-renunciation.

2. Create one profile per applicant.

3. Select the Consulate that serves your U.S. state (SF, NY, DC, Chicago, Houston, or Atlanta).

4. Pick Postal mode (easiest) or book an appointment if walk‑ins are open.

5. Pay these fees (August 2025 prices):

   • Government fee – US $25

   • ICWF (welfare fund) – US $3

   • VFS service fee – US $19–26 (varies)

   • UPS round‑trip shipping (optional) – ≈ US $30

6. Download and print the payment receipt.

Step 4 – Put Your Packet Together & Mail It

What to include (standard case)：

• Signed Passport Seva form (with ARN)

• Signed VFS confirmation page

• Original Indian passport plus copies of the first 3 and last 2 pages

• Copy of your U.S. passport (photo page)

• Copy of your naturalization certificate (if any)

• Two U.S.‑size photos (2 × 2 inches, white background)

• Money order/cashier’s check (if you did not pay online)

• Return shipping label (if you chose DIY shipping)

Pack smart: Do not staple anything. Use paper clips and a sturdy envelope.

Mail the packet with the shipping method you chose in your VFS profile. Keep your tracking number!

Step 5 – Wait for Processing

If something is missing, VFS will email you a “Hold” notice. Fix the issue quickly to keep things moving.

Step 6 – Track & Receive Your Certificate

• Go to “Track Application Status” on the VFS site.

• Enter your ARN and date of birth.

• Common statuses: Shipment Received → Under Process → Processed – Dispatched.

• You will receive:

1. 1. Your cancelled Indian passport with a big CANCELLED stamp.
   2. A Renunciation/Surrender Certificate (separate sheet or email copy).

4. FAQs (Quick Answers)

I don’t have my U.S. passport yet. Can I renounce?  No. You must upload and mail a copy of the foreign passport you now hold.

I lost my Indian passport. What proof can I send?  Any two: voter ID, birth certificate, school certificate, or one parent’s Indian passport.

I lost a certificate issued before 2020. Can the Consulate send me a copy?  No. You must apply again for a new certificate.

5. After Renunciation: Next Steps

• Get an OCI card: You can start the OCI process as soon as you receive your surrender certificate. OCI lets you live, work, and study in India for life.

• Need to visit India sooner? Apply for an e‑Tourist Visa while your OCI is pending.

Renouncing your Indian passport is paperwork‑heavy, but totally doable if you follow the steps above. Finish now and you’ll be set for your OCI card—and for stress‑free trips to India.