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Adult Passport Renewal

Passport Renewal

Photo Format (State Dept.)

Photo Format

Adult passport holders may renew their 10-year U.S. passports in person or by mail.  We reserve the right to request an interview with respect to any passport application. If choosing to apply in person, appointments are required.

To renew your passport by mail:

  1. Complete and print the DS-82. 

    Online application tips:

    • Complete the address fields completely. If you are in India, your passport will not be sent back to the United States. When you drop off your application, you can designate if you wish to pick it up or have it sent to you by registered mail to an address in India.
    • If completing an application without a social security number, you may enter all zeroes as a placeholder.
    • Expedite fee: You do not need to select the "expedite fee" option; passports printed for citizens abroad are automatically expedited.
    • Please fill out the emergency contact information even though it is not required to submit the application.
    • Do not use two-sided printing 
  2. Print and sign the application.

  3. Submit all required documents with the printed application form:

    • Two (2) studio-quality color photographs taken within the last six months measuring 2" x 2" (5cm x 5cm) with a white background. No other photo format will be accepted. More information

    • Most recent U.S. passport. This passport will be cancelled and returned by mail along with the new passport. Valid visas in the old passport will not be cancelled.
    • Properly completed and printed DS-82. The form must be signed and dated, and must include a valid telephone number (mobile or landline) and/or e-mail address. 
    • If the applicant's appearance has changed significantly since the old passport was issued, a clear photocopy of another current form of photo identification, such as a driver's license, PIO Card, etc.
    • If the applicant's surname has changed due to marriage, please include an original marriage certificate.
    • Fee payment:  If applying by mail, please submit a demand draft in favor of "US Consulate, Chennai" drawn on a national bank. Personal checks are not accepted.
  4. If you wish the new passport to be delivered to you, please be sure to indicate your correct mailing address on the application.  Your passport will be returned via courier.  Please include with your application a completed VFS courier slip for each individual applicant, available by clicking here.  Please follow the directions under “Passport Delivery or Pick Up” below in reference to the demand draft required for courier of the passport.  If you do not submit the demand draft and courier slip, we will assume that you intend to pick up your passport.

If applying by mail, please send (or deliver) all of the required documents to this address:

American Citizen Services Unit
U.S. Consulate General
220 Anna Salai at Gemini Circle
Chennai - 600006

We recommend that you use Indian registered mail or a reliable courier service that uses tracking numbers for sending in your application.  

Renewal-by-mail service is NOT available if you are:

  • A minor (under 16 years old)
  • Replacing a lost, stolen or mutilated passport
  • Renewing a 5-year passport.
  • Applicants whose passport has been expired for more than five years.

These applicants must make an appointment to apply in person and bring all of the required documents listed above.  Appointments are available for American citizens Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm.  We are closed on the last Wednesday of every month and on American and Indian holidays.

Please arrive fifteen minutes before your appointment to clear security.  Mobile phones, electronic devices other restricted items are not permitted inside the Consulate.

Fees

Complete fee information is available here. If applying in person, you may pay with cash dollars, cash rupees (at the current exchange rate), demand draft or a major U.S. credit card. Personal checks are not accepted.

Passport Processing Time

Except in emergencies, passports are printed in the United States and take approximately two to three weeks.  Please consider this timeline when renewing or applying for passports. You will receive an automated email when your passport is ready.

Passport Delivery or Pick Up

If you opt to pick up your passport, you may do so between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding the last Wednesday of the month and American and Indian holidays. You do not need an appointment to pick up your passport.

The U.S. Consulate is pleased to provide courier delivery services for U.S. passports, effective August 16, 2010.  All passports which are not picked up at the Consulate must be delivered through VFS courier services. This service will allow for timely tracking and delivery of your passports.  Please read carefully the instructions below so as to arrive at your appointment prepared.

  1. Prior to your appointment at the Chennai Consulate, obtain a demand draft in the amount of Rs. 166 per passport service drawn in favor of “VFS Global services Private Ltd”, payable at Chennai.   We cannot accept cash for this service.
  2. At the appointment, you will be asked to provide the VFS demand draft and courier slip for each individual applicant.  You may access the VFS courier slip on their website at: https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/uspassportservices.html.
  3. Passports will still be printed in the U.S., so overall processing time will remain between two and four weeks.  However, once the ACS unit provides your new passport to VFS, you will be able to check the status of your passport by entering your old passport number at the VFS website.  Please click here to track your passport.
  4. You will receive a receipt from VFS with the return of your passport.

Questions?

Email:  chennaics@state.gov