If you’ve recently become a citizen of another country — say the U.S., Canada, or the U.K. — congratulations on your new chapter abroad! But before you can truly move forward, there’s one essential step you must take: surrendering your Indian passport.

Many people overlook or delay this part of the process, but it’s an important legal requirement for every former Indian citizen. Without surrendering your Indian passport, you could face fines, delays, or issues while applying for an Indian visa or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card.

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through why surrendering your Indian passport matters, how to do it, what documents you’ll need, and how to avoid common mistakes.

Why You Need to Surrender Your Indian Passport

Under Indian law, dual citizenship is not allowed. Once you acquire citizenship of another country, your Indian passport automatically becomes invalid. Continuing to use it — even unintentionally — can lead to penalties under the Indian Passports Act, 1967.

To formally record your renunciation, you must surrender your Indian passport to the nearest Indian Consulate or Embassy. In return, you’ll receive an official Surrender Certificate, which proves that you are no longer an Indian citizen.

You’ll need this certificate for several important reasons:

• Applying for an Indian Visa or OCI Card

• Conducting property or legal transactions in India

• Avoiding penalties for holding two citizenships

• Ensuring smooth entry into India as a foreign national

Where to Surrender Your Indian Passport

If you live abroad, you’ll surrender your passport through the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your country. For example, if you’re in the United States, the process is handled by VFS Global, the official service provider for the Embassy of India, Washington D.C. and its five Consulates:

You’ll need to apply online via VFS Global and mail your documents to the appropriate Consulate based on your residential address.

Documents Required to Surrender Your Indian Passport

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. Missing paperwork is the most common reason for delays.

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Original Indian Passport (to be surrendered)

• Copy of Naturalization Certificate (proof of new citizenship)

• Self-attested copies of the first five and last two passport pages

• Valid foreign passport copy (new nationality)

• Recent passport-size photograph (2x2 inches, white background)

• Completed online application form from VFS Global

• Payment receipt for surrender fees

If you misplaced your old Indian passport, you’ll need to provide a Notarized Affidavit of Loss explaining the circumstances.

Step-by-Step Process to Surrender Your Indian Passport

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official VFS Global website for India: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind
Select “Passport Services” → “Renunciation of Indian Citizenship.”
Fill out your details, upload documents, and print your surrender application form.

Step 2: Pay the Surrender Fees

You can pay the required fees online while completing your application.

Here’s a general overview of the current fees (as of 2025):

Keep your payment receipt — it must be included in your application packet.

Step 3: Prepare and Mail Your Application

Once payment is complete, print your completed forms, attach your photograph, and gather all supporting documents.
Mail your packet to the appropriate VFS address, using the VFS-provided courier label for secure and trackable delivery.

Pro Tip: Always keep digital copies of all documents and your tracking receipt for your records.

Step 4: Track Your Application

After submitting your packet, you can easily track its progress on the VFS website. Typical stages include:

• Application Received at VFS

• Under Process at Consulate

• Surrender Certificate Issued

Processing time usually ranges between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the volume of applications and location.

Step 5: Receive Your Surrender Certificate

Once approved, your Surrender Certificate will be mailed back to your U.S. address. This official document confirms that your Indian citizenship has been renounced and your old passport is no longer valid for travel.

Your surrendered passport will be returned to you separately, usually stamped “Cancelled due to acquiring foreign nationality.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Surrendering Your Passport

Even though the process is simple, a few small errors can cause unnecessary delays:

• Submitting incomplete forms or missing signatures

• Uploading low-quality photos or blurry scans

• Using the wrong jurisdiction

• Forgetting to include the naturalization certificate copy

• Paying the wrong fee amount

Taking a few minutes to double-check your application before mailing can save you weeks of waiting.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get the Surrender Certificate?
Usually within 2–4 weeks after submission, depending on processing speed and location.

2. Can I travel to India without surrendering my Indian passport?
No. Using your Indian passport after acquiring foreign citizenship is illegal and may result in fines or legal consequences.

3. What if I lost my Indian passport?
You can still apply for a Surrender Certificate using a Notarized Affidavit of Loss and a copy of your naturalization certificate.

4. Is the Surrender Certificate mandatory for OCI or Visa applications?
Yes. It is a required document for all OCI card or Indian visa applications.

5. Do minors need to surrender their passports too?
Yes. Every individual, regardless of age, must surrender their Indian passport once they become a foreign citizen.

Final Thoughts

Surrendering your Indian passport in USA isn’t just a bureaucratic formality — it’s a necessary step to stay compliant with Indian law and make future travel to India easier.

Once you’ve completed the passport surrender process, you’ll receive your official Surrender Certificate, which serves as a permanent record of your renunciation.

So, if you’ve recently become a U.S. or Canadian citizen, don’t delay — complete your Indian passport surrender today and ensure a smooth journey ahead for all your future visits to India.