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First-Time Adult Passport

Adult Passport: First-Time Applicant

Photo Format (State Dept.)

Photo Format

Applicants 16 years or older applying for their first 10-year validity passport must appear in person and should follow this process.  Appointments are required.

  1. Make an appointment online and print the appointment letter.  Appointments are available for American citizens Monday to 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.
  2. Complete the DS-11 passport application online.  

    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.
    • Print the form but do not use two-sided printing.

  3. Print application and bring with required documents to the interview. Do not sign the application. You will do so in the presence of the consular officer.

Required Documents

  • 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

  • Properly completed and printed DS-11. The form must include a valid telephone number (mobile or landline) and/or e-mail address. 
  • Please do not sign the application, you will be asked to do it in front of a Consular Officer.
  • Provide current or previous passport OR other proof of identify such as a drivers's license or state photo ID card

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. 169 per passport service . We cannot accept cash for this service. Please ensure that the DD is payable at Chennai and should  be made out to “VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd”. Any variation from this will not be accepted by VFS.
  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