U.S. Consulate General Chennai

Passports and Reports of Birth

Passport Replacement

Our regulations do not permit us to extend the validity of an existing passport, but when a passport expires, an American citizen can apply for a new one. American citizens must apply in person for passport renewal, unless the applicant qualifies to use Passport Application Form DS-82. 

Note 1: Effective April 8, 2002, U.S. embassies and consulates overseas will no longer issue US passports abroad, except in emergency cases. Applications are accepted and forwarded to the United States for completion. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early for renewal of expiring passports.

Note 2: After accepting the passport application, the passport will be returned to the applicant and the application will be forwarded to the United States where the new passport will be issued. After the new passport is prepared it will be sent to our office. The applicant or a person he or she authorizes should then visit our office with identification, the letter of authority, the applicant's passport and the fee receipt, so that we can cancel the old passport and hand over the new passport.

Note 3: This process takes a minimum of 7 days.

Required Documents 

1. A current or expired U.S. passport (if you have lost your passport, see the Lost or Stolen Passports section below)
2. Two (2) identical photographs taken within the last six months
   
   Photograph dimensions: Photographs must be taken within the last 6 months and measure 50 mm by 50 mm in size. Pictures must be clear, front view, full face, taken in normal street attire without a hat or dark glasses, and printed on thin paper with a plain light (white or off-white) background. The photos may be in color or black and white. Digitized photos must meet the previously stated qualifications and will be accepted for use at the discretion of Passport Services.
3. Identification for applicants: Sometimes applicants look different from the photograph in the passport. We therefore recommend that applicants bring in an identification card and photographs of themselves taken over a period of several years in order to demonstrate how the physical appearance has changed
4. Properly completed DS-11 or DS-82 form (blue or black ink only)
5. Proper fees in cash (U.S. Dollars or Rupee Equivalent)

First-time application, 16 years old and over: $100.00
First-time application, under 16 years old: $85.00
Replacement of lost passport, 16 years old and over: $100.00
Replacement of lost passport, under 16: $85.00
Passport renewal, 16 years old and over: $75.00
Passport renewal, under 16: $85.00