If you’ve recently become a U.S. citizen but still hold an Indian passport, you might be at risk of penalties without even realizing it. India does not allow dual citizenship, meaning once you take the oath as a U.S. citizen, your Indian passport becomes invalid. To stay compliant, you must surrender your Indian passport in the USA and obtain a Renunciation Certificate — the official proof that you’ve given up your Indian nationality.

This complete 2025 guide will help you understand why surrendering your passport is necessary, how to apply for the renunciation certificate, and what documents you’ll need.

Why You Must Surrender Your Indian Passport

The Indian Citizenship Act of 1955 strictly prohibits dual citizenship. Once you acquire U.S. citizenship, you are legally required to surrender your Indian passport. Holding or using it afterward can result in fines and potential complications for future Indian visa or OCI applications.

By completing the surrender process, you officially renounce your Indian citizenship and gain eligibility for:

• An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card

• Various Indian visa types, such as e-Visa or Tourist Visa

• Consular assistance for travel or business visits to India

Failing to complete the surrender process could lead to penalties ranging from $250 to $500 or more, depending on how long you’ve held or used your Indian passport after naturalization.

Who Needs to Surrender Their Passport

You must surrender your Indian passport if:

• You were born in India or previously held an Indian passport.

• You have received a U.S. Naturalization Certificate confirming your American citizenship.

• You plan to apply for OCI or Indian visa services.

If you never held an Indian passport yourself (for example, if you were born in the U.S. to Indian parents), surrendering is not required.

Step-by-Step Process to Surrender an Indian Passport in the USA

Step 1: Go to the VFS Global Website
All Indian consular services in the U.S. are handled through VFS Global, an official outsourcing partner of the Indian Embassy. Begin by visiting their website and selecting your nearest Indian Consulate — for example, New York, San Francisco, Houston, or Chicago.

Step 2: Fill Out the Renunciation Application Form
Complete the online Renunciation of Indian Citizenship form. Ensure all details match your Indian passport and your U.S. naturalization certificate exactly. Even small spelling differences can cause delays.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Here’s what you’ll need for a successful application:

• Original Indian passport (valid or expired)

• Copy of your U.S. Naturalization Certificate

• Proof of U.S. residence (like a driver’s license or utility bill)

• Two recent passport-size photographs

• Signed and completed checklist from VFS Global

• Payment receipt for fees

Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
As of 2025, the total fee for surrendering your Indian passport is around $175, including both the government and VFS service charges. Payments are made online via the VFS portal.

Step 5: Mail the Application Package
Print your form, attach all supporting documents, and mail your package to the designated VFS processing center. Use a secure courier service and keep your tracking number handy.

Step 6: Track and Receive Your Certificate
You can monitor your application progress using the VFS Global tracking tool. Once your application is approved, your Surrender Certificate and canceled Indian passport will be returned to you. Keep both documents safely for future use.

Processing Time

Most applications take 2–4 weeks to process, though it may vary by consulate. To avoid delays, ensure your documents are complete, signed, and meet the required specifications.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Applicants often face delays due to:

• Missing or incorrect documents

• Mismatched details between the passport and naturalization certificate

• Incorrect jurisdiction selection

• Improper photo specifications

To prevent this, double-check your application and read the consulate’s jurisdiction map before submission.

What Happens If You Don’t Surrender Your Passport

If you continue to use your Indian passport after acquiring U.S. citizenship, you may face penalties under Indian law. For instance:

• Fines for using the Indian passport after naturalization.

• Denial or delay in getting an OCI card or Indian visa.

• Potential legal consequences under the Indian Passport Act of 1967.

Completing the surrender process immediately after naturalization ensures compliance and avoids unnecessary legal trouble.

Benefits of Surrendering on Time

Surrendering your Indian passport ensures:

• Legal compliance with Indian citizenship rules.

• Hassle-free processing for OCI and visa applications.

• Faster future approvals from Indian consulates.

• Peace of mind knowing your records are clear and updated.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I surrender my Indian passport in person at the consulate?
Most applications are processed by mail through VFS Global, but some consulates may allow in-person submissions for special cases.

Q2. Can I apply for OCI before surrendering my passport?
No. You must first receive your Renunciation Certificate before applying for OCI or Indian visa services.

Q3. What if my Indian passport is lost or damaged?
You can still apply for surrender by submitting a notarized affidavit explaining the loss along with a police report.

Q4. How long does it take to get my Surrender Certificate?
Typically, it takes between 2–4 weeks, depending on your consulate’s workload and the accuracy of your application.

Conclusion

Surrendering your Indian passport in the USA is a necessary step for every Indian-origin U.S. citizen. It’s more than a formality — it’s your legal declaration that you’ve changed your citizenship status. Completing the process on time helps you avoid penalties, ensures compliance with Indian law, and keeps your future travel and OCI applications smooth.

With proper preparation, accurate documentation, and timely submission through VFS Global, surrendering your Indian passport in 2025 is a straightforward process that ensures peace of mind and legal clarity.