Lost Indian Passport in USA? Here’s What to Do

This article was last updated and fact checked on October 11, 2024 by Mani Karthik.

Losing your Indian passport while in the USA can be a stressful experience. But don’t panic—you’re not alone, and there’s a clear process to follow to get things sorted out.

Whether your passport was lost, stolen, or accidentally damaged beyond use, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do to resolve the situation and get back on track.

1. Report the Loss Immediately

The first thing you should do after realizing your passport is lost or stolen is to report it to the local authorities. This is critical for two reasons:

• To create an official record of the loss.
• To protect yourself from any potential misuse of your passport.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Visit the nearest local police station and file a police report.
• Make sure you get a copy of the police report, as you will need this for your passport replacement application.

Pro Tip: File the report as soon as possible. Don’t delay because you’ll need it for both the passport re-issuance and any potential visa inquiries.

2. Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate

Once you’ve reported the loss to the police, your next step is to contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate nearest to your location in the USA.

• You can find your nearest consulate by visiting the official website of the Embassy of India in the USA. The USA is divided into several consular regions, and each Indian consulate handles specific states.

For example:

• New York Consulate: Serves eastern states like New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
• San Francisco Consulate: Covers western states like California, Washington, and Oregon.

3. Apply for a New Passport (Reissue Process)

To get a replacement passport, you’ll need to apply for a reissue. The process requires several documents and forms, so here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Required Documents:

• Police report: A copy of the police report you filed regarding your lost passport.
• Proof of Indian citizenship: This could be a photocopy of your lost passport (if available) or another form of identification that proves your citizenship.
• Passport Application Form: You’ll need to fill out a passport reissue application form, which can be done online through the consulate’s website.
• Two passport-size photographs: Ensure these meet the specific size and format requirements mentioned on the consulate website.
• Visa status in the USA: A copy of your valid US visa (whether it’s a student visa, work visa, etc.) or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card). This helps establish your legal status in the country.

4. Pay the Applicable Fees

The fees for getting a new passport will vary depending on whether you’re opting for regular processing or tatkal (urgent) processing. The tatkal service is quicker but costs more.

As of now, the standard reissue fees range from approximately $75 to $150, but you’ll need to check the consulate website for the latest fees and payment methods.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry, the tatkal service might be worth the extra cost, as it ensures faster processing.

5. Submit the Application

You can submit your passport reissue application either by mail or in person at the consulate. However, in certain cases, the consulate may require an in-person appointment. After submission, they will begin processing your application.

Make sure to:

• Include all necessary documents.
• Follow the consulate’s guidelines carefully for photo format, document submission, and fees.

Pro Tip: If mailing the application, use trackable mail to ensure it reaches the consulate safely.

6. Track Your Application Status

Once you’ve submitted your application, you can track the status of your passport reissue online through the consulate’s portal. The processing time for a new passport can range from 1-4 weeks, depending on the service you chose (regular vs. tatkal).

Keep checking the status regularly, and don’t hesitate to contact the consulate if there’s a significant delay.

7. Handling Your US Visa and Immigration Status

While you’re waiting for your new passport, don’t forget to address your US visa status.

• If you lose your passport with a valid US visa, unfortunately, the US visa cannot be reissued automatically with your new passport. You’ll need to contact the US Embassy to inquire about the process of reapplying for your visa, which may involve another visa interview.
• In the meantime, once you receive your new passport, carry a copy of your police report and any other documentation that explains your situation if you need to travel or deal with US immigration.

Pro Tip: Keep a scanned copy of your visa and passport in a secure place (such as cloud storage) in case of emergencies like this.

Final Thoughts

Losing your Indian passport in the USA can be stressful, but by following these steps, you can navigate the process smoothly. Report the loss quickly, gather your documents, and apply for a new passport at the Indian consulate.

Pro Tip: Always carry a photocopy of your passport and visa, so you have backup information in case of an emergency like this.

With proper documentation and timely action, you’ll have your new passport in no time!