When you apply for an Indian passport renewal from the USA for adults 2 mandatory documents require Notarization.
Document checklist may get updated anytime. How about verifying yourself? Pull up a document checklist for Indian passport renewal from VFS and search for Notary/Notarization in the document checklist. I just like to Ctrl F and look for NOTAR, Yes just N-O-T-A-R.
Make sure your Document checklist title is aligned with your application like Checklist – Re-issue of Passport or Checklist – Re-issue of Passport Tatkal or Document Checklist for Re-issuance In lieu of Lost Passport or Document Checklist in lieu of Damaged Passport
If this is your first time applying in the USA for your Indian Passport renewal, Keep reading you will find helpful information. Okay, let’s dig deeper into each Document.
Yes, Even though your appearance and signature have not changed you still need to submit this document.
Type or Hand write? Try to type out all information but if your are not tech-savvy like me handwriting should be fine too. I have seen handwritten and typed documents accepted. I suggest doing something only if you have an explanation for it, like what to do if your long big name doesn’t fit in and you don’t have other software to do adjustments?
How to decide if your appearance has changed or not? Let me tell you, whatever you think, you have or have not changed, both answers are correct. Don’t think much, you are fine with that, just compare your passport photo and current photo 🙂
Not to mention, With the glue stick the photo within the box (please check the photo specification).
Leave signature, date, and place to fill in presence of the Notary public.
If you have a Green card, EAD, or Stamped Visa on your passports like H1B, or H4, get a color copy and front and back sides on the same page for Green card / EAD.
Tip: printing Green card / EAD front and back on the same page will save you a paper (as if you didn’t know) and depending on the Notary public (like me!) you may save $$ on Notarization as well 😉 .
When you Don’t have an approved visa: You need to submit two visas, your current visa, and your previous visa. Visa receipt of Current visa along with last expired or expiring (previous) Visa, should be notarized.
Example: Recently you applied for your H1B visa and you have received just the receipt of your H1B visa extension (I-797C), here you have to get notarized and submit your H1B receipt (current visa) + your previous visa which will be your I-797A your previously approved visa or same previous visa which is stamped on your passport.
You can find the Affidavit of the name change document here. Scroll to documents required and download. There are instructions provided which are a little complicated at first but if you read them a couple of times you get it. Even after going through the instruction, if you need more clarification you should contact VFS before even starting your application as they are the one who is going to verify your documents.
Once you fill out this affidavit of name change (except signatures). For notarizing this document you need TWO witnesses (who can be your friends), everyone must carry a valid current ID and supporting documents of name change (just in case the Notary public asks). Two witnesses and signers (applicant) must be present before a Notary public and sign the affidavit.
Feel free to contact me if you have any further queries, I am more than happy to help you.
Disclaimer: This information is purely for your guidance, I highly encourage checking on the VFS website for more updated information. Share this Article if you find it helpful to your friends and family.
