Becoming a U.S. citizen is a big milestone, but it also comes with an important responsibility for those who previously held Indian citizenship: surrendering your Indian passport. According to Indian law, once you acquire foreign citizenship, you cannot legally use or keep your Indian passport. To formalize this, you must apply for a Surrender Certificate (also called a Renunciation Certificate).
If you’re wondering how to surrender Indian passport in USA, this guide will walk you through the process, requirements, fees, and common questions.
Why Surrendering Your Indian Passport Is Necessary
India does not allow dual citizenship. This means that if you become a U.S. citizen, you must renounce your Indian citizenship. Failing to surrender your passport can cause issues, including:
Fines or penalties if you travel with an Indian passport after U.S. naturalization.
Delays in applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card.
Complications in future visa or travel applications.
The Surrender Certificate serves as proof that you’ve officially renounced your Indian citizenship and are no longer holding an Indian passport.
Where to Apply: Indian Consulates in the USA
Applications are processed through Indian consulates in the U.S., based on your jurisdiction:
San Francisco – Western states like California, Nevada, Oregon, etc.
New York – Northeast states.
Washington D.C. – Mid-Atlantic states.
Houston – Southern states.
Chicago – Midwest states.
Atlanta – Southeast states.
Each consulate may have slight differences in procedure, but most applications are routed through VFS Global, the official outsourcing partner.
Documents Required to Surrender Indian Passport
When applying for your passport surrender in the USA, you will generally need:
Completed Application Form – Available on VFS Global’s website.
Most Recent Indian Passport – Original and photocopies.
U.S. Naturalization Certificate – Proof of American citizenship.
U.S. Passport – Photocopy of the data page.
Two Passport-Sized Photos – Recent, meeting Indian photo requirements.
Payment Receipt – Consulate and VFS service fees.
Additional documents may be requested depending on your case.
Fees for Indian Passport Surrender in the USA
Fees can vary, but generally:
$175–$200 – For those who received a U.S. passport after June 2010.
$25 – For those who became naturalized U.S. citizens before June 2010.
Service Charges – Additional VFS fees for handling your application.
Always confirm the latest fees on the VFS Global portal before submitting.
Step-by-Step Process to Surrender Indian Passport
Determine Your Jurisdiction
Find your consulate based on your U.S. state of residence.Fill Out the Online Application
Use the VFS Global portal to complete and generate your surrender form.Pay the Fees
Payment is usually made online during the application.Mail Your Application
Send your completed form, supporting documents, and Indian passport to VFS Global. Some consulates also allow in-person submissions.Receive Your Surrender Certificate
Once approved, you’ll receive your Renunciation Certificate by mail. Keep it safe, as you’ll need it for applying for an OCI card or future Indian visas.
Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, but times may vary based on consulate workload, mailing delays, or peak application seasons. Using a trackable courier service is strongly recommended.
Common Questions About Surrendering Indian Passport in USA
1. Can I travel to India on my Indian passport after U.S. naturalization?
No. It’s illegal. You must use your U.S. passport along with an Indian visa or OCI card.
2. Do I need a surrender certificate to apply for OCI?
Yes, it’s mandatory. Without it, your OCI application will not be processed.
3. What if I lost my Indian passport?
You must still apply for a Renunciation Certificate, providing an affidavit about the lost passport.
Final Thoughts
Surrendering your Indian passport in the USA may seem complicated at first, but with the right documents and steps, it’s a smooth process. This certificate is more than just a formality—it’s a necessary step to avoid fines, travel issues, and delays in future applications like OCI.
If you’ve recently become a U.S. citizen, take this step as soon as possible. It ensures compliance with Indian law and helps you maintain a seamless connection to India through OCI or visa privileges.
