Thanks to everyone for their replies. Here is the compile. As per the suggestions it’s not a good idea to go for SFO unless it is an emergency. Mail is the best option.
i have been to indian consulate at sfo last friday to renew my passport under tatkal/rush ($150 extra) service to get my passport renewed on same day. you need to have a valid reason to get your passport renewed under this service. for which you need to write a letter to consulate describing your situation, which will be reviewed and approved by vice consul at the sfo office.
the reason i had to go for tatkal/rush service is because my india trip was less than 4 weeks when i came to know that i need to have atleast 6 months of passport validity to go for stamping (at this time my passport has only 7 months to expire and didn't want to take any risk).
if we apply under normal process it might take up to 20 working days max (1 month appx).
as you still have lots of time (appx 1 yr and if not travelling in a month) you can just mail the current passport with supporting documents under normal process ($40 fee).
read below link for more information.
hope this helps.
Not a good idea unless urgent. I tried it for my son. But after standing in line for 2 hrs I reached the window and they asked for something to be notarized L. They said there is notary 3-4 blocks but only 30 min were left as they close at 12. SO I gave up and sent forms later by mail. Got passport in 2 weeks.
I did it thru post. I received in 3rd week. It took less than 20 days.
Send through Tatkal if you want in 1 week or through normal process but it take 2 months max but u should have patience as u have to send ur original passport. I got passport renewed for my daughter..
Going to SFO in person would get your renewal done on the same day but you need to ta carry a tatkal fees which you can check on the site, guess its $150 .
Make sure you reach in the morning so that they have enough time to issue your new passport.
It’s better to apply through mail in “Tatkal/Rush”(For rush you need to show a valid reason , in case if you can wait then apply in normal processing I did the same couple of months ago and got passport in just 5 days.Also attaching the cover letter which I sent to consulate for your reference.
To answer your first question: Yes, you can renew it within one year before its expiration. Check the web site of SFO consulate – I don’t think they encourage you to come there. I have sent it by mail couple of times and it comes back.
In US, you can renew your passport max 1 year before the passport expiry date.
I did it by mail. Process is simple.
Send the completed form via USPS Express Mail along with other required documents + Renewal Fees (cashier’s check) + Self Addressed USPS Express Mail envelope.
You will get your renewed passport in 2 to 5 weeks.
You will get your renewed passport in 2 to 5 weeks.
USPS Express Mail delivers the package in less than 24 hours.
Even if you go to SFO in person, you cannot get the new passport on the same day. They issue the passport on the same day only if there is any emergency or if the applicant possesses confirmed return ticket to India. If one has enough time, one can send passport and related documents through mail, too.
Please check with consulate for confirmation but AFAIK, other than tatkal-kind renewal for emergencies, there is no in-person ppt renewal supported.
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