In order to provide more efficient service to applicants, effective from 7th April 2008 application for all passport services should be filled online. For details please see Passport Section on our website. It may be noted that the Consulate will not accept non-online applications after April 7th.

Some delays may occur as a result of the transition to the new system. We regret any inconvenience on this account and applicants are requested to bear with us during this period.

I.PASSPORT RELATED SERVICES

II. MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES

1. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PASSPORT
   
   1. Please keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place. This would be required for issue of a duplicate passport in case of loss/damage/theft of the Passport.
   2. It is an offence under the Passports Act 1967 to give false information in the Application. Passport facilities can be denied on grounds of suppression of factual information, submission of false particulars, willful damage of passport and for making unauthorized changes in the passport.
   3. Your passport can be impounded or revoked by the Government of India under the provisions of the Passports Act 1967, in the event of which you will have to surrender the Passport to the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate.
   4. Indian Citizenship Act Does Not Provide for Dual Citizenship and, therefore, it is illegal for a person to possess an Indian Passport once he/she voluntarily accepted citizenship of another country. It may therefore, be noted that on becoming citizen of any other country (including the US), the holder of an Indian passport should surrender his/her Indian Passport to the nearest Indian Consular post (Embassy/Consulate). The Indian passport will be cancelled and stamped "acquired US nationality" and returned to the holder. Please send the Indian passport with covering letter and a self addressed stamped envelope for this purpose. The cancelled Indian Passport would be required while applying for registration as an Overseas Citizen of India.
   5. Please ensure that your Passport is renewed well in advance of the expiry. The Passport can be renewed if the validity is less than one year and within one year of the expiry. If the Passport is not renewed within one year of its expiry, fresh verification ;with the authorities in India is required and may result in undue delay.
   6. Passport should not be sent out of country by post. It should be in the custody of the holder or a person authorized by the holder. It must not be altered or mutilated in any way. Loss, theft or destruction of Passport should be immediately reported to the nearest passport authority in India or Mission abroad and to the local police authorities.
   
   
   
2. ISSUE OF NEW PASSPORTS
   

   When should you apply for the new passport?
   i) Apply for reissue of Passport if the final (F) validity is less than one year. For example, if your passport is expiring on 31st Dec. 2008, you can apply for a new passport from 1st Jan. 2008 onwards.
   ii) The Passport should be renewed within one year of its expiry. If for any reason you have delayed applying for a new passport beyond one year after expiry of your passport, an affidavit stating the reason for delay sworn before a Notary or a Consular Officer should be submitted along with the application.

   How do you apply/ documents required?
   i) Completed application form for new passport
   ii) Original existing passport and photocopy of first three and last two pages containing personal particulars.
   iii) Three recently taken and identical colour photographs with light background of size 3.5x3.5 cm. Photographs should show the front view of full face and should be in civil dress. Polaroid photographs, poor quality photographs and photographs taken in uniform or with dark glasses will be rejected.
   iv) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc.
   v) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   vi) Copy of Marriage Certificate, in case passport does not contain the name of spouse and wishes to have it entered in the new passport.
   vii) Fees of $ 40 for new passport of 36 pages & $ 50/- for jumbo passport of 60 pages. Please see separate instructions for child's passport.
   viii) Return mail charges of $ 20 for return by express mail which is more reliable and safe. Consulate does not take responsibility for delay in receipt or loss of documents sent by mail. No self addressed envelope is necessary. Fees for passport + mailing charges be sent together through a single money order or cashier's check in favor of the Consulate General of India.

   How much time will it take to get a new passport ?
   i) For reissue of old Passport issued from CGI, Houston, it may take 7 working days, provided application is in order and no prior reference is required. If the old Passport was issued by a Regional Passport Office in India or by other Indian Embassy/Consulate requiring prior clearance, the processing time is 30 days.
   ii) If you apply by mail, it may take 7 working days excluding time taken in mail and with the same provisos as in col (i) above.

   Will you get back your old passport with your new one?
   Yes. The old passport will be returned to you after cancellation. However, the pages containing valid visa will not be cancelled and the visa can be utilized or get it transferred to the new passport.

   What will happen to the valid visas on your old passport ?
   The visas will not be cancelled. In case of any valid visas in the expired passport, the visa issuing authority may be approached for getting it transferred or revalidated on the new passport. The Passport holder can travel on the basis of the new passport and valid visa on the old passport if both passports are carried together while traveling.

   Can you obtain a new passport if you are in USA on a visitor's visa?
   Visitors from India on BI / B2 visa who are not normally resident in USA are advised to hold passports which are valid for the period of their visit. In such cases, where it becomes necessary due to unavoidable reasons, passport would be reissued after clearance from the original Passport Issuing Authority.

   What are the additional requirements when passport expired more than one year ago?
   i) Declaration on the New Passport Application form to be notarized by the Notary Public.
   ii) One photograph pasted on the form be got notarized by the Notary Public, in case there has been a change in appearance.
   iii) If the expiry of the Passport is over 5 years, 4 copies of the Personal Particulars Form be filled with correct and complete verifiable address in India and identical passport size photographs should be pasted on each copy of the form.
   iv) Attach an explanation on a separate sheet of paper giving reasons for delay in applying for a new passport.
   
   

3. RENEWAL OF PASSPORTS (EXTENSION OF VALIDITY OF CURRENT PASSPORT)

   When are passports renewed?
   i) Passport i.e. Short Validity Passport (SVP) issued for short durations (i.e. if the original validity is less than 10 years) for any reason or short validity passports issued in India under the Tatkal scheme
   ii) Passports which were issued against lost/damaged passports for short validity
   iii)If the passport is completing 10 years / or there is a an 'F' or 'Final' written after the date of expiry, please apply for re-issue of passport in the application form for new passport.

   What are the requirements for renewing a passport?
   i) Original passport
   ii) Completed form for Extension of Validity of Passport.
   iv) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc
   v) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   vi) No Fee is payable for renewal of Short Validity Passport as fee has already been charged at the time of issuing S.V.P. If applying by mail, US $ 20 return mail charge be sent through a money order/cashier's check in favour of Consulate General of India, Houston.

   How much time will it take?
   i) The processing time is 7 days if no prior clearance is required and 30 days if prior clearance has to be obtained from the original Passport Issuing Authority.
   ii) If you apply through mail, the processing time is excluding time taken in mail. The proviso regarding clearance mentioned in i) above applies.

   What would be the duration of the renewal of the passport?
   i) Normally the validity of the passport will be extended up to 10 years from date of its original issue except when clearance has not been received from the original passport issuing authority.
   ii) In cases of duplicate passports of short validity, renewal will depend upon the receipt of clearance.
   
   

4. ISSUE OF ADDITIONAL PASSPORT BOOKLET WHEN PAGES ON EXISTING PASSPORT ARE EXHAUSTED

   When is an additional booklet/additional pages issued?
   Adding additional pages to the Passport has been discontinued. When all pages of the passport are used up, a new passport valid for 10 years will be issued. Application form and procedure for new passport is applicable. All valid visas on the main passport remain valid after issue of new booklet.
   
   

5. PASSPORT TO A CHILD
   

   What is the definition of a child for issue of passport?
   Children below 15 years as on the date of application of a passport are covered under this section. The validity of Passports issued to minor children is five years and the fee is US $ 25/- upto the age of 15 years and $ 40/- after 15 years. If the child has completed 14 years of age and below 15 years, a passport for 10 years will be issued against fee of US $ 40/-.

   Is it possible to include the child's name in the parent's passport?
   Inclusion of child's name has been discontinued. Minor child should have separate passport irrespective of his/her age. What should you do if the child's name was entered in the parent's passport earlier? If the child is less than 15 years, he/she can still legally be eligible to travel on this passport. However, most of the countries insist on separate passport for children. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain a separate passport for the child by getting the name deleted from parent's passport.

   What would be the validity of the child's passport?
   Maximum 5 years or till he/she attains the age 15 years whichever is earlier.

   What are the requirements/ documents to be submitted for a child's passport?
   i) New Passport application form with the Declaration and one photograph notarized.
   ii) The Passport held by the child (if separate passport was issued earlier)
   iii) Three recently taken and identical colour photographs with light background of size 3.5x3.5 cm. Photographs should show the front view of full face. Polaroid photographs, poor quality photographs will be rejected.
   iv) If child's name was included in one of the parent's passport, original passport of the parent.
   v) If child is born in USA and the birth has not been registered with the Indian Embassy/Consulate or name not been entered in one of the parent's passport, copy of birth certificate along with both the parent's original passports.
   vi) Copy of the child's legal status/ visa status
   viii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   ix) A No Objection letter signed by both the parents and a declaration that the child has not been registered as Citizen of another country.
   x) Fees of $ 25
   xi) Return mail charges of $ 20 for return by express mail.

   What is the procedure for applying for a passport for a child in India whose parent is staying abroad?
   (i) If one parent who is residing in India is applying for minor's passport, the parent residing abroad should send an affidavit (see Specimen Form of Affidavit in Forms) of 'no objection' attested at the Mission/Consulate, which should be submitted along with the minor's application. The notarized Affidavit, in duplicate, and the Miscellaneous services application form, original passport, fee of $ 10 should be submitted to the Consulate for attestation of the Affidavit. If the name of the child is entered in the passport of the parent residing abroad, the name should be got deleted by applying to the Consulate and the deletion certificate should also be submitted along with the minor's application. Please see procedure for attestation. This Affidavit has to be submitted along with the passport application in India.
   (ii) If both parents are residing abroad and a legal guardian in India is applying for minor's passport, the parents should send an authorization attested by the Mission/Consulate abroad to the legal guardian who would apply for the passport along with the legal guardian's Affidavit with two witnesses known to the guardian.
   
   

6. ISSUE OF NEW PASSPORT DUE TO CHANGE OF NAME OR CHANGE OF DATE OF BIRTH OR CHANGE OF APPEARANCE OR CHANGE OF PARTICULARS ON THE LAMINATED PAGES OF THE PASSPORT
   
   1. Change of name consequent upon marriage (new passport issued with new name)
      

      What are the requirements/ documents to be submitted?
      i) Completed application form for new passport
      ii) Original existing passport + spouse's passport in original along with one photocopy
      iii) 4 recently taken and identical colour photographs with light background of size 3.5x3.5 cm. Photographs should show the front view of full face and should be in civil dress. Polaroid photographs, poor quality photographs and photographs taken in uniform or with dark glasses will be rejected.
      iv) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
      v) Original marriage certificate + a copy of same. (original will be returned after verification)
      vi) Sworn Affidavit in the prescribed form, duly notarized , giving both maiden and married name.
      vii) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc.
      viii) Fees of $ 40 (A fresh passport valid for ten years in the changed name will be issued).
      vii) Return mail charges of $ 20 for return by express mail which is more reliable and safe. Consulate do not take responsibility for delay in receipt or loss of documents sent by certified mail. No self addressed envelope is necessary. Fee for passport + mailing charges should be sent through a single money order or cashier's check. Please note that fee be paid through money order or cashier's check in favor of the Consulate General of India.
      
      

   2. Change of name NOT consequent upon marriage (new passport issued with new name)
      

      What are the requirements/ documents to be submitted?
      i) Completed application form for new passport
      ii) Original existing passport
      iii) 4 recently taken and identical colour photographs with light background of size 3.5x3.5 cm. Photographs should show the front view of full face and should be in civil dress. Polaroid photographs, poor quality photographs and photographs taken in uniform or with dark glasses will be rejected.
      iv) Court Order or Sworn affidavit in the prescribed form - Affidavit for Change of Name , giving both names, duly notarized by a Notary Public.
      v) Original newspaper clippings of the Notice for change of name in the city of domicile in USA AND in India (2 notices-one local and the other in India).
      vi) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc.
      vii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
      viii) Fees of $ 40/-. New Passport valid for 10 years in the new name will be issued. new passport
      ix) Return mail back charges of $15 for return by express mail which is more reliable and safe. Consulate do not take responsibility for delay in receipt or loss of documents sent by certified mail. No self addressed envelope is necessary. Fees for passport + mailing charges be paid together through a single money order or cashier's check. Please note that payments be made through money order or cashier's check in favor of the Consulate General of India.
      
      

   3. Change of Date/Place of Birth (new passport issued with correct date of birth)
      

      When is it possible to change the date/place of birth in the passport? and What are the requirements / documents needed for getting the date of birth changed in the passport?
      i) Since the date/place of birth is recorded in the passport on the basis of information provided by the applicant in his application at the time of applying for the passport for the first time, ordinarily requests for change of date/place of birth are not entertained except in the case when a mistake occurred while writing the date/place of birth in the passport on the part of the Passport Office/Mission/Consulate.
      ii) If the date of birth/place was wrongly entered in the BC/SC (Birth Certificate/School Certificate) originally submitted along with the passport application, the authority who issued the BC/SC should correct date/place of birth in the original BC/SC.
      iii) Where the date/place of birth is incorrect for any other reason, the applicant should submit along with the application, the original declaratory Order of a First Class Judicial Magistrate (and not Sworn Affidavit attested by the Magistrate/Notary) in the area of permanent residence of the applicant in India ordering the Passport Issuing Authority to amend the date of birth.
      iv) Application for correction of date/place of birth should be submitted in the form for new passport application with the original Passport, proof of correct date/place of birth as above and fee of $ 40/- + mailing charge of $ 15/-.

      What are the requirements / documents needed for getting the date of birth changed in the passport?
      (i)Completed application form for new passport
      (ii) Original existing passport
      (iii) 4 photographs (please see specification for photographs)
      (iv) Original Court Order" (as at iii above) from a First Class Judicial Magistrate in India directing the Passport Issuing Authority to make the change in date of birth OR Original Birth Certificate/School Certificate corrected by the issuing authority/Board..
      (v) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc.
      (vi) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
      (vii) Fees of $ 40 for new passport + mailing charge of US $ 20/-.
      
      
      

   4. Change of appearance (new passport issued with the recent photograph)
      

      What documents are required for obtaining a new passport due to change of appearance?
      (i) Completed application form for new passport
      (ii) Original existing passport
      (iii) 4 recently taken and identical colour photographs with light background of size 3.5x3.5 cm. Photographs should show the front view of full face and should be in civil dress. Polaroid photographs, poor quality photographs and photographs taken in uniform or with dark glasses will be rejected. One photograph to be pasted on the application and notarized
      (iv) Copy of existing passport (first two pages and back inner cover containing personal particulars only)
      (v) Copy of Green Card (both sides, enlarged clear copy) or Employment Authorization card (clear enlarged copy) or legal/ visa status such as HIB etc.
      (vi) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
      (vii) Fees of $ 40 for new passport + mailing charges of $ 20.
      

   
   
   
7. DUPLICATE PASSPORTS (IN LIEU OF LOST/DAMAGED PASSPORTS)
   

   What are the documents required to apply for a duplicate passport?
   i) Application form for a new passport, Declaration in the form must be notarized
   ii) 6 recently taken and identical colour photographs with light background of size 3.5x3.5 cm. Photographs should show the front view of full face and should be in civil dress. Polaroid photographs, poor quality photographs and photographs taken in uniform or with dark glasses will be rejected. One photograph to be pasted on the application and notarized.
   iii) 4 copies of Personal Particulars Proforma
   iv) Police Report regarding the loss of passport
   v) Copy of lost passport
   vi) Copies of school certificates/ birth certificate/ Indian driving license / ration card/ Election Commission I.D./ employment letter/ any other photo-identification from India (whichever available)
   vii) Letter from school / college , if student
   viii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.) from the date indicated in the application such as copies of utility bills and copy of lease deed of house/ flat occupied/ bank certificate/ insurance policy
   ix) Copy of Green Card/ Employment Authorization Card, as applicable. The Consulate may demand to see the original.
   x) Letter on plain paper explaining the circumstances of loss of passport.
   xi) Fee of $ 125 for duplicate passport.
   xii) Applications for duplicate passports are normally not accepted by post. The applicant has to be personally present before the Consular Officer while filing application for a duplicate passport except when the applicant is residing very far from the Consulate. In such exceptional cases, the photograph and signature of the applicant must be notarized on a separate sheet of paper and it should be certified by the Notary Public "Seen the person and signed in my presence". In such exceptional circumstances only, mail back charges will be accepted. No self addressed envelope is necessary. Fees for passport + mailing charges of $ 20/- can be paid together through one Money Order or Cashier's Check or in cash at the counter.

   How much time will it take for the issue of a duplicate passport?
   i) Passports in lieu of lost/damaged/stolen passports issued by CGI, Houston is reissued after 7 days, subject to checks.
   ii) Duplicate passports in lieu of lost/damaged/stolen passports are issued after receipt of clearance from the original Passport Issuing Authority. It may take up to 30 days.

   What can you do if you have lost your passport and have to travel to India urgently due to an emergency like serious illness or death in the family?
   A short validity passport may be issued if a specific request is made in writing explaining the emergency with proof and all documents required for issue of duplicate passport are submitted to the Vice Consul. Such short validity passports may be issued to only those who have submitted copies of their lost passport. In all other cases, an EC (emergency certificate i.e. "one way travel document") may be issued enabling applicant's return to India.

   Will the short validity passport be extended for full validity subsequently on receipt of clearance from India?
   Yes. An application for extension of validity be submitted along with the original Passport. No fee is payable except for the return mail charge of US $ 20/-.

   What are your responsibilities when applying for a duplicate passport?
   You should furnish full, accurate and truthful information in the form. Misrepresentation of facts may result in delay/denial of passport facilities. Applications received with incomplete information will remain unprocessed. A duplicate passport may not be issued for the second loss/ damage of passport. Habitual losers of passports may be denied further passport facilities.

   Are there any special provisions if requesting person is a bonafide student?
   In case of student and trainees who are in their studies/training, a short validity passport valid for one year may be issued in lieu of lost/damaged passport on the strength of the certificate issued by the concerned educational/training institution to the effect that the individual is a bonafide student of that institution and that he/she is of Indian nationality as per the academic record submitted by him/her at the time of admission to the institution. The short validity passport is to be renewed for full validity on receipt of confirmation from the original passport issuing authority or on the expiry of three months from the date of making original reference, which ever is earlier.
   
   

8. EMERGENCY CERTIFICATE
   
   

   What are Emergency Certificates?
   An Emergency Certificate is a one way Travel Document which authorizes an Indian national to travel to India. It is issued to a citizen of India whose passport has been lost/ damaged/ stolen, and who needs to return to India urgently without waiting to complete the formalities for issue of a duplicate passport. The applicant has to provide complete information about his Indian nationality to the Consular Officer.

   What are the documents required for obtaining an Emergency Certificate?
   i) Application form for a new passport , Declaration in the form must be notarized
   ii) 6 recently taken and identical colour photographs with light background of size 3.5x3.5 cm. Photographs should show the front view of full face and should be in civil dress. Polaroid photographs, poor quality photographs and photographs taken in uniform or with dark glasses will be rejected. One photograph to be pasted on the application and notarized.
   iii) 4 copies of Personal Particulars Proforma duly filled and signed by the applicant if the applicant is not holding a passport of its validity expired for more than 5 years or the passport has been lost/damaged/stolen or the details of the passport is not known.
   iv) Police Report about the loss of passport
   v) Copy of lost passport
   vi) Copies of school certificates/ birth certificate/ Indian driving license / ration card/ Election Commission I.D./ employment letter/ any other photo-identification from India (whichever available)
   vii) Letter from school / college , if student
   viii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.) from the date indicated in the application such as copies of utility bills and copy of lease deed of house/ flat occupied/ bank certificate/ insurance policy
   ix) Copy of Green Card/ Employment Authorization Card, as applicable. The Consulate may demand to see the original.
   x) Fee of $5
   xi) Applications for issue of EC are not accepted by post or through Travel Agent. The applicant has to be present personally before the Consular Officer while filing application for an EC. Fees for EC+ mailing charges can be paid together through one Money Order or Cashier's Check (or in cash at the counter).

   How much time will this service take?
   i) If applied in person at the counter in the Consulate and no prior clearance/confirmation of particulars from India is required, EC will be issued in 7 working days.
   ii) If personal particulars/national status has to be confirmed by the PIA, the EC will be issued immediately after clearance is received.
   
   

9. EMERGENCY SERVICES
   
   

   For Emergency Services of Visa on holidays, additional fee of $35.00 is charged. The additional fee for out of turn issue of Indian Passport (accepted in the Consulate at the counter and not by mail) within 3 days is US $90.00. Passports shall not be issued on closed holidays. Emergency services are provided only in cases of genuine emergency such as death or serious illness in the immediate family. Emergency/out of turn service is not available for cases falling in the prior reference category, requiring clearance from other agencies.

   
   
   
10. FEE FOR SELECTED SERVICES
    
    

    Please consult Consular Fee Schedule For Passport Services page for details about fees of each service.
    
    

II. MISCELLANEOUS PASSPORT SERVICES

Note: If the change is on the laminated pages of the passport, it is advisable to apply for a new passport in the prescribed application form along with a fee of $ 40/-. A new passport valid for 10 years with the changes will be issued.

1. CHANGE OF ADDRESS
   

   What are the documents required for this service and how much time will this service take?
   i) Completed Miscellaneous Services form
   ii) Original passport
   iii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   iv) Fees of $ 10 for an observation/endorsement regarding change of address in the existing Passport. $ 40/- if application for a new passport of 10 years validity.
   v) Return Mail charges of $ 20/-.
   

   How much time will this service take?
   i) 7 days if the original Passport was issued by CGI, Houston and applied in person at the counter.
   ii) If applied through mail, 7 working days, excluding time taken in mail.
   iii) 30 days if original passport was issued by other Passport Issuing Authority, as prior clearance from original PIA is mandatory for this service.
   
   

2. BIRTH CERTIFICATE (This is a certification of entry in the Passport)

   Note: Please note that Birth Certificate is issued by the Registrar of Birth under whose jurisdiction the birth has occurred and where the birth is registered. However, in order to meet the requirement of those who did not register the birth and who do not possess a Birth Certificate but are required to submit proof of date of birth, a certificate of birth as per entry in the Passport is issued on application.

   What are the documents required for this service and how much time will this service take?
   i) Completed Miscellaneous Services form
   ii) Original Indian passport along with a photocopy of the pages containing particulars
   iii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   iv) Fee: $20/-
   v) Return Mail charges: $20/- .

   How much time will this service take?
   i) Same day if applied in person at the counter in the Consulate.
   ii) If applied through mail, 5 working days, excluding time taken in mail.
   
   

3. LIFE CERTIFICATE

   What are the documents required for this service?
   i) Completed Miscellaneous Services form to be submitted by the applicant in person at the Consulate
   ii) Original Indian passport along with a photocopy.
   iii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   iv) If application is sent by mail, the photograph and signatures of the applicant on the application should be notarized.
   v) In case the Life Certificate has to be submitted in a prescribed Proforma, the original signed by the applicant and a copy thereof
   vi) There is no fees for this service if it is for pension. For other purposes $ 10/- is payable.
   vii) Return mail charges: $ 20/- .
   

   How much time will this service take?
   i) If you apply at the counter in the Consulate, same day.
   ii) If applied through mail, 7 days, excluding time taken in mail.
   
   

4. MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE

   Note: Marriage Certificate is to be obtained from the Registrar of Marriages under whose jurisdiction the marriage was held and registered. However, in order to meet the requirement of Indian nationals, who does not possess a Marriage Certificate issued by the competent authority, the Consulate issues a document certifying the entry of marital status in the Passport.

   What are the documents required for this service and how much time will this service take?
   i) Completed Miscellaneous Services form
   ii) Original Indian passports of both husband and wife. At least one of the passports should have the entry of spouse's name. If both the passport do not have the entry regarding name of spouse, please see instructions below. Marriage certificate will be issued only after addition of spouse's name in both the passports.
   v) Fees: $ 20/-
   vi) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   iv) Return mail charges: $ 20/-.

   What are the documents required for obtaining entry of spouse's name?
   i) Completed Miscellaneous Services form
   ii) Original Indian passport of both husband and wife.
   ii) Copy of marriage photographs and marriage invitation card OR Indian marriage certificate (translated, if in a language other than English)
   iii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.).
   iv) Fee $10/-.
   v) Return mail charges of $ 20/-.

   How much time will this service take?
   i) If you apply in person at the counter in the Consulate, the service is provided on the same day.
   ii) If applied through mail, 7 working days, excluding time taken in mail.
   
   

5. POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE
   

   What is the procedure to apply for PCC if your passport was issued from CGI, Houston?
   i) Miscellaneous services form
   ii) Original passport and a photocopy of first 3 and last 2 pages
   iii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   iv) Copy of Green Card/Visa
   v) Fees: $ 20/-.
   vi) Return mail charges: $ 20/-.

   How much time will this service take (applicable to only those cases where passport was issued from CGI, Houston)?
   i) If you apply in person at the counter in the Consulate, the PCC is issued on the same day.
   ii) If applied through mail, 7 working days, excluding time taken in mail.

   What is the procedure to apply for PCC if passport was issued from any other Passport office/ Indian Mission?
   i) Miscellaneous services form
   ii) Original passport. Since it takes six weeks for the issue of PCC, you may submit the photocopy of the passport at the time of application and present the original for stamping at the time of issue of the PCC.
   iii) Personal particulars Proforma with 2 copies and 2 photographs
   iv) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   v) Fees of $ 20
   vi) Return mail charges of $ 20/-.
   

   How much time will this service take (in cases where the passport was issued from any other Passport Issuing Authority except CGI, Houston)?
   30 days or on receipt of clearance from Passport Issuing Authority, whichever is earlier.
   
   

6. ATTESTATION OF DOCUMENTS/POWER OF ATTORNEY

   Note: The attestation service is provided to Indian citizens. Documents submitted by other nationals will be attested only if the document is required to be submitted for a transaction in India or it originates from India. In the case of US nationals, their signature should be first got attested by the Authentication Division in the State Department before submission of attestation at the Consulate. Other nationals should get their signature on the document attested first by their Embassy/Consulate. The Consular Officer reserves the right to refuse attestation of documents the contents of which are contrary or objectionable.

   What are the documents required for getting documents/ POAs attested?
   i) Miscellaneous services form
   ii) Original + one copy of passport
   iii) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   iv) Original Documents to be attested, duly notarized and one additional copy of each document which will be retained by the Consulate.
   v) Special Requirements for attestation of Power of Attorney
   a) The name and father's name of the executant should be exactly as in the Passport. The POA should invariably state that "……I (name of applicant), ……….son of …………resident of ……… (address in India …… and address abroad) and holder of Indian Passport No. …….issued on ……. at …………… hereby …………….."
   b) A photograph of the executant(s) to be affixed on the POA and notarized by the Notary Public.
   vi) Fees: $ 10/- for attestation of documents not related to property, $ 20/- for attestation of POA/documents related to Property matter (each attestation) and $ 50/- for attestation of Commercial documents. See special instructions below for Commercial documents and Adoption papers. The fee for each attestation /signature of consular officer.
   vii) Return mail charges: $ 20/-

   How much time will this service take?
   i) If applied in person at the counter in the Consulate, the serviced document is returned on the same day.
   ii) If applied through mail, 7 days, excluding time taken in mail.

   Does the Consulate provide the stamp papers for making POAs?
   No.

   What are the special requirements for attestation of Commercial documents or Adoption documents?
   Documents pertaining to Companies (Commercial documents) and from Adoption Agencies must first be got attested by the Authentication Division of the State Department. One additional copy each of all documents be attached to the application for retention in the Consulate while the original will be returned to the applicant.
   The applicant should fill up the Misc. Service application form and attach a copy of his/her passport.
   In the case of company or agency, a letter from the company/agency should also be submitted.

   What are the special requirements for attestation of Power of Attorney/Sworn Affidavit/Signature of nationals other than Indian citizens?
   All applications, except Indian citizens, should get their signature in POA/Affidavit attested by the Authenticated Division of the State Department before submission to the Consulate. Other nationals should bet the document/signature first attested by the Consular Officer of the Embassy/Consulate of their respective country.
   
   

7. DEATH DOCUMENTS ATTESTATION

   What documents are required to be attested for shipment of dead body / remains to India?
   i) Miscellaneous services form to be submitted by the person/agency applying for registration of death.
   ii) Original passport of the deceased to be submitted for cancellation.
   iii) Death Certificate in original with a copy
   iv) Certificate from the mortuary/ crematorium (for transportation of urn containing ashes) with a copy
   v) Embalming certificate (for transportation of dead body) with a copy
   vi) Any other papers relating to the death of the individual.
   vii) There is no fee for cancellation of the passport of the deceased. However, fee of $ 1/- is payable for registration of death of Indian nationals. The fee of $ 20/- is payable by other nationals for attestation of documents and issue of NOC for carrying mortal remains/ashes to India..
   viii) Return mail charges: $ 20/-.
   

   How much time will this service take?
   i) The Service is provided immediately.
   ii) If applied through mail, 10 working days (to be sent back by overnight mail)
   
   

8. ECNR (EMIGRATION CHECK NOT REQUIRED)

   What are the documents required for this service ?
   i) Completed Miscellaneous services form
   ii) Original passport
   iii) Copy of Degree certificate or copy of green card (both sides).
   iv) Proof of residence/mailing address in USA (photocopy of Driving license/ Lease agreement/ Utility Bills etc.)
   v) Fees of $ 10
   vi) Return mail charges of $20/-.
   

   How much time will this service take?
   i) If applied at the counter in the Consulate, the service is provided on the same day.
   ii) If applied through mail, 10 working days, excluding time taken in mail.
   
   

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