In the Line of Fire -- Ramblings of the incoherent mind

Hi Jose,

Ouch! Best of luck in getting it done again

Shaunak

Hi Sindhu,

You are welcome :) Don't worry they usually do take time, but now days they seem to be on a super sonic speed mode [as per the comments entered by people here]
It wouldn't be a problem if you call them up and check for the status.

Thanks

Shaunak

Thank you Prem for the details

Thank you Rani for the details

Thank you :)

I sent the renewal of passport on April 3rd , reached Washington DC on 5th.
i tired to track the application, it says

Received at our Washington DC Center on 2014-04-08 , waiting for documentation check and acceptance. Kindly note it may take up to 48 working hours for status to change.

Hi Sushma,

Am sorry but can't provide any insight here, best would be to call them and get details on the next steps.

Shaunak

Thanks for taking the time to put up this useful information!

I have been trying to access the online application form but I'm getting an SSL error for quite a few days now. I tried contacting the consulate though phone/e-mail but no one responded. I see many people have applied recently through the BLS website. Is anyone else facing this problem?

Hi Anu,

Thank you :) I had to try 3 times before I could get through back when I applied, not sure how it is now.

Thanks

Shaunak

Hi Shaunak,

This blog is really great. Thanks a lot for putting up all the information.

I have 2 questions which weren't fully answered from reading the blog. Let me know your feedback:
I want to re-issue my passport from NY consulate through mail. Passport expires at end of June'14.

1. Does Lease Agreement work for address proof? I have read in some blogs that it is not accepted. I don't have any other id proof as I just came to the US.

2. I also need to go back to India during end of May and fly to another destination (Y) for a couple of months and may come back here again. My problem being, I need validity of atleast 6 months to get the visa for Y. I don't have time to do this in India and was considering applying here in US. Considering, I have just 6 weeks to leave US, is the time sufficient to get the new passport in US considering all the documents are right the 1st time (hence, the 1st question). My consulate is NY and their site mentions that it takes 6 weeks for passports that were not issued from NY.

Thanks for your help.

/Basu

Hi,

Thanks for putting your experience in this blog. most of my questions were answered here like finding file number, sending change of appearance and signature.
I applied for re-issue of passport via post on 31st march 2014 and got the renewed passport on 10th April 2014 from Chicago consulate.

Hi,
Try http instead of https. I had the same issue.

Hi Jay,

I have same case. Can you please tell me in which form i have to enter new name & in which form old name?

Thanks,

reply please

Shaunak
You did a great job explaining the process. I commend you for taking time to answer questions. You are a great help !
Best,
Ajay

Thank you so much for the post. Just like you gave us the Chicago number that works, could you please give me a Houston number that directly reaches someone in the Houston consulate that works (other than the helpline)? Thank you in advance.

My passport expired in Oct 2012, I am a green card holder. My consulate is houston

Few questions:

1) What reason should I write for not renewing the passport
2) BLS Checklist for houston applicants need to submit " a change in signature letter if any". what does this mean.
3) Do you think how long it will take them to renew the passport.

Thanks for all your help.

Hi Ramana,

Thank you :) Glad you got the passport soon

Sandy,

Did you type half of the message? I am unable to see the question

Thanks

Shaunak

Thank you Ajay. Glad it helped you :)

Hi Gankar,

Sorry I don't have the Houston number. I had the Chicago number because they had given me a call after I had asked the call centre representative to escalate my issue.

Try doing that or directly asking the call centre to provide the main office number.

Hope this helps

Shaunak

Hi Gee,

Am replying based on my opinion

1) What reason should I write for not renewing the passport

SP: Why not mention the actual reason?

2) BLS Checklist for houston applicants need to submit ” a change in signature letter if any”. what does this mean.
SP: My guess is they are asking for a letter stating that you have changed your signature from the one you had earlier.

3) Do you think how long it will take them to renew the passport.
SP: Based on fedback in the comments it seems like they are taking close to 2 weeks of time.

Thanks

Shaunak

Hi Basu,

First of all sorry for the late reply, I hadn't checked the site for long hence I guess I missed it.

1) Address Proof: - Not sure if they allow a lease document but you can use energy bill, license,state id

2) 6 weeks is enough based on the current time taken as per the comments entered by people here. Though let me tell you at my time they took more than 1.5 months to provide the passport [at that time, they were getting passports printed in India]
Also there is an option of Tatklal passport which speeds up the process if you don't want to take the risk.

Thanks

Shaunak

Hey Divyendu,

Sorry somehow this comment of yours was missed by me.

Police verification process was told by BLS, if they are stating its not going to happen then you need not worry.

Hi Kumar,

Thank you
As per what was told to me by my friends they had provided address proof for the different address. If we think of it from BLS point of view it makes sense to ask for address proof.
Check with them once to confirm

Hi Harini,

No idea regarding the dates availability for walk in. Try checking with them.

Hi Amit,

Sorry somehow I had missed replying to your question, hope it has resolved till now.

Usually if you had pasted the tracking sticker provided by BLS on your envelope, they should have updated the site with acknowledgement of receipt of the application within 1-2 days. If they havent till now you should call BLS and ask them to escalate the issue. Also it would be a good idea if you can get proof of delivery from Fedex while talking to BLS.

Hope this helps

Hi Shaunak,
Thanks for putting up all the info regarding the application process and thanks for taking time to reply the queries too. Appreciate your help. Your blog really simplified the steps. Coming to my question,

I've applied for my passport renewal(expiring in sep this year) at Houston through mail. BLS received my application package on April 2nd, updated the status on the same day as accepted,processed and submitted to Consulate on april 4th 18:00 and status as "Processing at Consulate General" on their website. since then the status remains same till even now. I've tried to call the helpline at Houston BLS and as expected it just keeps in line and never gets connected to the CSR.

At last, i decided to email 'em and in 3 days a reply came in saying "We would like to inform you that your passport application is
processing at the desk of Consulate General of India. As soon as BLSreceives the processed passport, the status on our tracking page will
be updated accordingly." All seems good, but it's been already 18 days and the status has nt changed. Is it a reason to be concerned of?

Reading the comments section here, the renewal time for the people applying at Chicago seems to be around 10 days. Why is the Houston center delaying the process? Any ideas anyone?

Thanks,
Ravi

Shaunak,

I'm applying for the "passport reissue after 10 yrs" at the New York appln center. I need to opt for the Fedex return delivery. Your notes earlier indicate that we need to send in a return envelope while mailing the docs. In the BLS order form against the Fedex Delivery Service, the "Click Here" notes indicates that NO return envelope should be enclosed but a payment for $15 should be made. It's quite confusing coz they also have a field for the "Return Envelope Airway Bill Number" which we cannot provide if we aren't supposed to send in a return envelope.

Can you please clarify what exactly should I do for the passport Fedex return delivery?

Thanks
Ragi

Hi Divyendu,

I am renewing passport for my wife and want to mention my address in India listed in the "Other Address" portion. This will be different from the address in her current passport. My passport has her name listed and also has my India address correctly listed. Is it good enough to send a photo copy of my passport page where my wife's name and my address are both listed?

Did you get your new passport back? What address did you provide eventually? If we are using a new address on the online passport form, I believe we use the same address in the Nationality verification form as well. Can you please respond with your recent experience? I need to send my wife's application really soon as it has already expired few weeks ago.

Thanks
Vibhu

Question on TOTAL number of photos -

BLS web site says -

3 copies of printed and filled Nationality Verification Form/ Personal Particulars form & 3 photographs for personal particular form

Four recent color passport size 2 inches by 2 inches (2”x2”) photo on glossy photo paper, showing full frontal view of the applicants face against a white background to be pasted on the application form. Photograph should not be stapled, paper clips are fine. For specification and example photos, please Click here, (8 photograph in case passport is expired more than 3 yrs.)

I understand I need to paste 3 photos on Nationality Verification Form and 1 photo on Application form. Where do I paste remaining 3 photos?

So total photos are 3 + 4 = 7 or just 4 ??

Thanks for the amazing write-up. It is wonderful to see the time you have spent to provide such a detailed information.

I have few question regarding the documents. Will be great if you can help here:
1. I went to BoA to get the required documents notarized. However the notary refused to notarize and sign on the photocopy itself. She told me banks don't have authority to notarize the photo copy per se. So what she did was, she signed and seal an acknowledgement letter and stapled one acknowledgement with each document. The acknowledgement states that On , , and some legal language about my name and signature within the instrument (i guess instrument means the document here). Is that acceptable? Is this how you also got your documents notarized from bank? Or do I need to get signature and seal on the photocopy itself?
2. If I go in-person, do I still need to get the documents notarized??
3. How many photographs totally need to be sent? I understand 3 goes on national verification form, 1 on application form. However what is confusing me is the following on BLS website: "3 copies of printed and filled Nationality Verification Form/ Personal Particulars form & 3 photographs for personal particular form. Four recent color passport size 2 inches by 2 inches (2”x2”) photo on glossy photo paper". So do I need to send 4 additional photographs apart from 3 on NV form and 1 on application form??
4. Do I need to get the first 5 pages and last 2 pages of my passport also notarized? (I read on another website that all photocopy needs to be notarized? BLS site doesn't mention about notarizing this)
5. You also mentioned about submitting "Change of Appearance" document. Do I need any seal/signature of notary on the photograph also?

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Hi Shaunak,

Quick question on Address to be printed, this is asked in both forms, BLS & Indian Embassy. So can i give the same address as the one printed on my old passport in both forms? Asking because BLS form has comment in the bracket saying address proof needed.

Thanks.

Hi Vibhu,

Sorry for late reply. I have not sent my application yet. I will be doing that in coming week. I called BLS Atlanta Office couple of times and I got mixed response.

Response 1 -
I can get Indian address printed, provided I provide Indian address proof (Any utility bill/spouse passport - if address to be printed is same as mentioned in spouse's passport and spouse passport has Spouse Name column endorsed with my Name)

Response 2 -
We can not get Indian address printed. Lady over there was not sure if it will really happen or not. She said this will be decided by Consulate officials and not by BLS officials. She suggested that I can try to get Indian address printed by providing the same in Passport application form along with necessary documentation. She also suggested that I should provide US address proof too just in case if Indian address is not feasible option and in order not to get my application rejected.
She asked me to write cover letter to Consulate officials mentioning my preference and let those guys decide what is feasible or not.

I am going to follow instructions mentioned in Response 2. Provide both (Indian/US) address proofs and write cover letter mentioning the same and let them take a call.

Please let me know what did you do in this regard.

Thanks,
Divyendu

Hi Shaunak, thanks for sharing your experience.

When I try to generate shipping label on USPS site it asks me to select a "Shipping Date". What should I select for "Shipping Date" of return package ? Were you asked for a shipping date when you went directly to the USPS store ?

Hi Sanjay,

Not sure about the website, I had walked in to the local office. Also I don't think you would be able to select a return date as it depends on when BLS receives your passport

Thanks

Shaunak

Hey

Yes, some of my friends got the old passport printed. I think they require proof only if you are getting the US address printed. Nevertheless its always a good idea to attach some documents/ proofs just in case.

Thanks

Shaunak

Hi Ravi,

BLS takes a lot of time, try escalating your application delay time with the BLS call centre. The BLS call centre raises a ticket and the main BLS office guys need to call you up to tell you the details.

P.S: BLS does not update status in time, my application showed submitted to consulate till the time I received the passport in hand :)

Thanks

Shaunak

Hi Ragi,

There are 2 ways in which you can receive your documents back

option 1: You send them a self addressed return envelope [I had selected this approach, hence had sent my return envelope]
option 2: you pay BLS and they send their documents by their selected courier.

Whether you send the return envelope or not depends on the option you select.

Hope this clarifies?

Thanks

Shaunak

Hi PKJ,

You can attach them with a paper clip. Also I had 3 pics on 3 national verification form and 2 attached to the application form and 1 pasted in the photo box.So in total = 3+2+1 = 6. I had done this as per the confirmation from BLS office.

Although someone here has made a comment about he not requiring 6 pics and BLS told him its only required in case of an expired passport.
My suggestion would be to verify with BLS and also I didn't want to waste time in to and fro mails with them in case of any missing document etc hence I had added more documents than required [I was really short of time and any delays would have resulted in my India trip getting cancelled]

Thanks

Shaunak

Hi Ravi,

Thank you :)

1) I have heard BOA is not providing notary signature to people, I had got it done from PNC bank here. I have attached a notarized document at the following location http://wp.me/ajWq0-62 it should give you an idea of how the notarized document looks like.
Also somewhere in one of the replies to a comment I had pasted a link which talks about places where notarization can be done, have a glance.
2) I do think in person also requires notarized documents. My logic behind that is BLS is just an administrative agency which checks if correct documents have been provided, finally the processing happens at consulate/ mission. Call them and get it verified.
3) total 6 unless its expired and 1 more if you are sending change of appearance. Check my latest response to a question on # of pics just a couple of mins back.
4) The notarized example I uploaded for you above is of 4/5 passport pages. I had done that just in case its required. They do not ask for it on their site.
5) Not on photograph but they sign on the form.

P.S: Usually companies / clients have a official notary on their payroll which do the notarization for free, find out.

Hope this helps

Thanks

Shaunak

My wife's Indian Passport of 10 years has expired and more than three months has passed.We forgot to renew it.For less than six month delay they asks t provide valid reasons. What are the valid reasons they accept and is there any format.Is it to be Notarized?. We are not doing any job. We are dependent i.e. no driving licence, not even State Identity Card or any such type documents valid given/mentioned on site. Pl. guide.

thanks for a great post. i see a lot of people complaining about banks not doing notary, actually in CA you cannot notarized a document only signature and BOA stopped doing that. so there are a lot of options i found out through yelp that there are some places which charges around 5 bucks per signature notary otherwise UPS charges 10 bucks !! hope it helps others

Thank you Lucky for the info.

Hi Shaunuk,

I have quick question to you... I have recently renewed my passport ...

But these people printed only half address on passport. like they forget to print state and zip code.

other information are printed correctly like name city dob etc.

When I ask to correct it they said u need to reapply again...

is this oK or I need to again reapply?

since I don't have permanent address in usa..

What should I do ?

Thanks
MS

Hi Sonu,

I am not sure I am in a position to give you valid reasons, but I don't think they will refuse to renew the passport because of any reasons.

Do google to find out common reasons given by others, but am sure many others also forget about renewing their passports in time :)

Hi MS,

I think having the correct address on passport always helps. having said that if you are sure you sent the complete address and the printed address is a mistake from BLS/ consulate side then you have every right to ask for a correction from their side without you having to pay the cost. Hope you had scanned and kept the forms on your side? You can use that to argue with them.

Also its not necessary they have to print the complete passport , they can always add a comment on the passport pages and have it certified / stamped by the VC of consulate.

Please note these are my views only and not any officially accepted answers :)

Hope this helps.

Shaunak

Notarized copy of spouse passport is required.

I have to apply for Son passport for Renewal and on the form Point 13: Point#13: Present emigration status ie ECNR or ECR-

On the passport nothing is mentioned about ECR or ECNR: what should i use

I have to apply for Son's ( Minor) passport for Renewal and on the form Point 13: Point#13: Present emigration status ie ECNR or ECR-
On the passport nothing is mentioned about ECR or ECNR: what should i use
Thanks
Rajeev

Hi All, This forum is helpful, we just got new passport for renewal, I applied passport renewal on April 22, sent via USPS overnight mail, BLS received next day, I called and confirmed, there was confusion about fedex transaction number, I didnt fill any transaction number as I didnt receive any even though I paid for it, but BLS agent said, its fine, no need to worry, next day got the email notification that they received the application and was keep getting email notifications about the status and status updated on BLS website also. Final Status updated to Passport dispatched on May 1st, received the passport today May 5th as FedEX didnt deliver on weekend.
Thanks

Finallly i got the passport back within 2 weeks, they sent back extra photos, i am able to track from the day1 , Thanks Pandit for the blog, which really helped me a lot while the forms

Thank you Raj, Glad you found this blog helpful.

Hi Rajeev,

The ECNR or ECR section is on the 2nd page for every passport, I am not sure if you checked the Pg 2 or if you meant ECNR stamp isn't on the main page?

Hope this helps?

Shaunak

Hi Raj,
You are welcome :) glad it helped

Hi Shaunak

Using your Post information, i reissue my Passport and got my new Passport in 8 days only...
Thanks for the helpful post.

i am also facing the similar issue. I filled out my BLS online form and I did receive an email but it just had the shipping label but no BLS form. How do I go about for a copy of BLS form? Thanks for your help.

I recently applied for Renewal of passport after 10 yrs. Thanks to your blog that I could fill the form properly. Still the whole process and the forms are so ambiguous, that a lot is left to your best guess.

1. Do you fill out the additional postal application form? 'http://passport.blsindia-usa.com/forms/BLSUSPptPostalForm.pdf '. I did and the order in which to send documents changes. Does it matter? I hope not.
2. As with most of us I was confused abt the prepaid envelopes when filling the 'http://blsindianvisa.com/orderform/passport.php' form. It turned out to be a no brainer. Opened a fedex account and did a Ground Shipping online for to and fro. A few hiccups and all went well.
3. APPLICATION FORM FOR INDIAN PASSPORT AT INDIAN MISSION/POSTS, was ridiculous. Esp Present Emigration Status (ECR or ECNR) (With documentary evidence). It does not mention what is the documentary evidence. My application is still being processed. So dont know if this will be an issue or not.
4. Photos: 'https://www.epassportphoto.com/95/Free/United%20States/Passport/step1 '. Print it in Walmart for cents.


Notarization: Went to Public Library and they notarized my documents (Free of cost). Also, went to Bank and they notarized it (free of cost). I had 2 sets of notarized documents.
The bank basically took a copy of original document and on a separate paper wrote the name of the copy (Residence proof - lease agreement), put their stamp (notary) and then asked me to sign. This went on for all documents that needed notarization. Went to UPS and showed him the Bank notarized document and he shook his head in disapproval. He said when UPS notarizes, they take a copy of the original document and on the copy itself put notary stamp along with my signature. I agreed that I would be more comfortable with this approach. But $5 for notarization per document made me wonder if it was really necessary. Asked another person for opinion and he said both are notarized document.

As mentioned my application is still under processing:

Application accepted by BLS: 30-04-2014
Appliication Processed on Date :30-04-2014
Application Processed and submitted to Consulate : 01-05-2014
Passport received at BLS Center : -
Passport handed over to Applicant : -
Passport Dispatched to Applicant :-

Hi Shaunak,

thanks so much for your detailed post. I have few questions:
1. I am sending my original passport for renewal. Do i leave the I-94 (white card) attached to the passport or i should remove it prior to sending off the passport. I am not sure if they will return my old passport and i certainly do not want to loose my I-94.
2. Do you happen to have the phone number for the San Francisco office. I tried calling the Chicago number from your previous posts, but the voice message service is not available for that #
3. Lastly, i submitted the online application form, but the barcode is messed up and does not have any numbers printed below the barcode. am i missing any step?

Thanks once again for all your help!
JM

Thank you Thaker, am glad it helped :)

Thanks for the input Sameer

Indian Govt is changing BLS from 21st may. So whoever wants to apply for passport and can wait better wait until 21st May. Cox and Kings will be the new service provider.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Indian-embassy-in-US-outsources-visa-passport-services-to-new-firm/articleshow/34807651.cms

Hi Divyendu,

Apologies for the delay. I finally sent my application with US address as the address to be printed and the same India address in the "Other address" field. One of my friends said that the India address must match with that's there on the old passport irrespective of whether that address has changed since then. I didn't want to risk myself by adding the current address which is different and attach proofs for that. I haven't yet received my wife's new passport yet. Hoping it will get approved. Here is the status so far.


Current Aplication Status : Processing at Consulate General

Application accepted by BLS: 30-04-2014 , 11:28
Appliication Processed on Date :30-04-2014
Application Processed and submitted to Consulate : 01-05-2014 , 15:37
Passport received at BLS Center : -
Passport handed over to Applicant : -
Passport Dispatched to Applicant :-

Hi Sameer,

My dates are exactly same as yours. Please keep me posted when you receive your renewed passport or even if you see any updates. Here is my status as of today. I applied at New York service center.

Current Aplication Status : Processing at Consulate General

Application accepted by BLS: 30-04-2014 , 11:28
Appliication Processed on Date :30-04-2014
Application Processed and submitted to Consulate : 01-05-2014 , 15:37
Passport received at BLS Center : -
Passport handed over to Applicant : -
Passport Dispatched to Applicant :-

Thanks
Vibhu

Got my new passport in a week.
I submitted my application at BLS NY through postal.

Regarding other address,

It can be any address in India.
It NEED NOT be same as your old passport.
NO Proofs are required for other address.

Regarding notary,

Most of the banks stopped doing the notarization on passport copies.
If you have auto insurance, your insurance compnay do these for free of cost. I got these from state farm
If you have auto loan from credit union, they also do it for free

I heard BLS is being discontinued from these services from May 22 and Cox & Kings taking it over.

Awesome information! I just realised, I did not fill out the additional postal application form? ‘http://passport.blsindia-usa.com/forms/BLSUSPptPostalForm.pdf ‘. I did not do this and just sent the application. Does it matter? Please answer

Thank you Neelam.

They use this form to track based on the bar code, ideally it should not matter except for the fact that they won't update the system as soon as they receive the package [Barcode is used to scan the package] but my guess is it shouldn't matter.

I would recommend calling them and checking with them once.

Shaunak

True from Mid may

Glad to Help JM :)

1) Remove and keep i94 with you, you will get the old pp and you will be required to carry both of them while you travel.
2) Sorry don't have it.
3) Mine did have the numbers below it, can you try with another form?

Also, Indian consulates are changing the service provider so BLS is out from May 20th and Cox and kings would be taking over, I would recommend waiting till that happens to avoid any delays in transition.

Shaunak

Application accepted by BLS: 30-04-2014
Appliication Processed on Date :30-04-2014
Application Processed and submitted to Consulate : 01-05-2014
Passport received at BLS Center :-09-05-2014
Passport handed over to Applicant : -
Passport Dispatched to Applicant :- 09-05-2014

Thanks for replying Shaunak. I have tried calling them and all I hear is music for 30 minutes, and I didn't try again. I called to the number listed on their website. My passport expires on june 21, should I have waited until the new service provider starts their service?

From the 'consulate General Of India - Chicago' website ... "Press Release - Cox & Kings Global Services Pvt. Ltd. International Is The New Service Provider".
[http://indianconsulate.com/notice/display/71]

Notarizing copies of documents in Illinois:
- Apart from the several suggestions provided by the commenters and the blogger ... the "Certification of Copy" approach provided by the folks at
"immihelp.com" works as well. Browse to [http://www.immihelp.com/immigration/notarized-copy.html] and look at Option 3.
- I used this method to get my copies notarized at UPS ($1 per notary signature+stamp).
- My passport was renewed without any issue ... application submitted April 30th, 2014 by mail and received on May 12th, 2014.

Hi Shaunak, thanks a lot for the information, it gives some sanity to file the application through postal. The fedex delivvered today at 1:30 PM, is there any delay to get updated tracking number on BLS site ? Appriciate your help.

Thanks
Venu Banda

I got it done from Key bank. They still do and they dont ask question. I asked in albany ny in couple of branches and they willingly done even if I did not have account with them. The notary who is bank manager only asked if I would like to open a bank account and handed the visiting card. Dont go to big shot bank, try some midsize or smal banks.

I think you are doing a fantastic job by helping out people here - if a million people haven't already thanked you, I am doing on the behalf of the million. I am sending my passport for renewal at SFO BLS Center in the next couple of days and am travelling to India on June 20, hope it gets back by then. My passport is current but my visa expired and I have a new extension on H-1B which will be stamped on the renewed passport when it comes back and I take it to India. Since my visa expired and I already have my new I-129, I am sending notarized copies of that and the old/expired I-129, but do I need to send other additional documents? More photos or nationality verification forms or other materials? An early reply would be very much appreciated. I am planning to send my passport for 10-year renewal on May 15. Thanks so much for the guidance. Debs

Hi

I posted my application by mail on 5th May through Fedex and it reached BLS on 8th may. I haven't received an acknowledgement from them yet. I did email them requesting an update but haven't heard back. Is there a general time frame to look at before receiving an update of acknowledgment of application from BLS?
I hope I did not miss anything in the package. Will they update me through an email as well, if there are any documents missing?

Hello Shaunak,

Thanks for posting valuable information!

However, certain facts are still unclear to me. Please see if you can help. My passport was issued in New york on April 1998 and expires in April 2018. Am i eligible to get my passport reissued ? I read following guideline on BLS website and am not clear about his eligibility to re issue; pl. cooment

"General Information

Applicants who wish to apply for the renewal/re-issue of a passport must wait 10 years from the date of issue before a new application can be submitted. Indication of the date of expiration is denoted by the term ‘Final’ or ‘F’ after the date of expiry, e.g. 11.9.2007 (Final) or 11.9.2007 (F). Applications can be submitted no more than one year before the current passport’s date of expiration."

Also, the File no slot was left blank in my current passport. I am at a loss to understand what to do. Please help me.

Thanks Shaunak for your detailed description on the process which really helped me a lot for my passport renewal processing.

I recieved my passport yesterday, unfortunately the first page was not laminated properly and it is coming out. This will create issue during immigration. I was trying to contact the BLS customer care for long time but no luck.Can somebody help me on how to resolve such issue/ situation where passport was received not in good condition or mistake in the information.

Thanks.

https://www.indianembassy.org/press_detail.php?nid=2035

As per this press release on the consulate website Cox & Kings has replaced BLS only for VISA/OCI/PIO/ Renunciation of Indian citizenship.
So am confused whether, BLS is continuing to provide passport renewal services. I have to apply for renewal of my child's passport.
Please help
Thanks
Arpita

Hi Shaunak,

Your blog has been a great help in filling out my passport renewal documents. I mailed in the complete packet last week. However to my disappointment I received an email from BLS today stating "Your postal application is received by BLS Intl Services, but is pending due to 5) Clear Photographs 4 copies 2”X 2” with white background"
I attached 2 photographs to the application form and 3 photographs to the national verification form, all photos complying to the standards mentioned. Here are my questions:

1) Does the above mean that 9 (2+3+4) photographs in all have to be sent?
2) How do I interpret this message received from BLS? Does this mean I can still send in the photographs and they will keep my application pending till then or would I have to do the entire process again?

I am posting it here because I have tried calling the BLS office uncountable times but no one ever answers.

Appreciate response from anyone who has been in a similar situation.

Thanks

Hi Shaunak,

I don't see a file number in the last page of my passport. That line is blank. What do I do? It is a mandatory field in the application form..!!!

Hi Shaunak,

Hope you are doing great! Your blog regarding the passport renewal is really very helpful and awesome. I am preparing to apply for a passport renewal (with instructions from your blog) in Chicago in next 1 or 2 weeks and saw your *** IMP Update this afternoon regarding the change in Outsourcing agency. If I don't see your update today, I would have just mailed my documents to BLS next week :):) Thank you very much for the continuous updates and very helpful instructions.! I am sure this blog will be really helpful for the people around here in United States! I appreciate it!

Thanks
Srini

Reply please.

Hi Nirmala,

Please call them on their call centre phone and ask to escalate your case, they send it to the mail BLS office and you should get a call from them shortly with all the details.

Hi Preman,

I would recommend calling and getting clarity from BLS.
Sorry couldn't be of any help here.

Shaunak

Hi HR,

I think someone else here had mentioned receiving a damaged passport, try connecting with him/her. Also you should complain to BLS and if they don't help take it up to the Chicago consulate.

Shaunak

Done :) sorry am kind of tied up hence taking time to reply to each comment.

Also try calling them on the number I have provided in one of the replies to the comment here thats the direct line to the BLS main office

Hey

1) I have replied to someone here about the number of photos with details on where to use it etc please check that comment
2) your application will be pending till you send them the required documents/photos

Hi Arpita,

Check the link to indian consulate provided in my blog post, they should have given clear instructions on their site.

Hi Debjani,

Thank you for the kinds words and am glad it helped you :) Sorry I could not get back any earlier , some things on my side are keeping me extremely busy.

Anyways, As long as you are sending all the documents to them as proof , I don't see a reason for an issue, Also they are just concerned on the passport validity , they shouldn't be bothered by your visa status.[ofcourse sending the document would always be beneficial]

Hope this helps

Shaunak

Hi Srini,

I am glad it helped you and I know where you are coming from believe me :) I was in your shoes in the month of Sept ' 13 going crazy with lack of info on the process :) So finally created this post as soon as I was done to make sure at least others get the info.

Am glad it has helped you :)

Thanks

Shaunak

Hi Venu,

You are welcome :) Yes BLS doesn't update in time check for a few days else call up and inquire

Hi Neelam

Try calling the number I had provided in reply to one of the comments here. Also as long as you apply before the expiry date it won't matter [unless you want to travel in this time frame]

Shaunak

Hi Rajeev,

I am not qualified enough to answer that question sorry you will have to check with consulate on this one

Hi,

Aah a 20 year valid passport :) I guess every country has made it mandatory to get the 20 year validity passports changed to 10 year. I would recommend calling them up and checking on that. The statement of waiting for 10 years is definitely for the 10 year validity passports not sure if it is applicable to 20 year ones too.

Thanks

Shaunak

The Indian Consulate (chicago) website now has a press release with the Cox and Kings website -- [ http://www.in.ckgs.us ]. On their website I did not see an option to renew passports. So, maybe passport renewal will remain with BLS. A call to the Indian Consulate or BLS is needed for clarification.

Hi Shaunak,

Greetings and great initiative of putting together all information to help with the passport renewal process, really appreciate you taking the time out and help us.

Do you or anyone has some details on whether there are any changes to Passport renewal process?

As change of guard from BLS to CKGS, per the notices on the websites - CGKS will be ONLY handling Visa/OCI/PIO/Renunciation of Indian Citizenship Certificate from May 21st onwards. There is NO mention about passport renewal services.

Thanks,
VK

Hi Arpita,

Did you get an answer or any confirmation on this? I am in the same boat, have to renew my passport at NY and per press release on the consulate website Cox & Kings has replaced BLS only for VISA/OCI/PIO/ Renunciation of Indian citizenship. There is NO mention about any changes to passport renewal services.

Thanks,
VK

Hi Shaunak,

Your website was really helpful and I was able to have a better clarity after referring to the blog. Thanks for the help. But, I believe that the Cox and Kings is taking over the Visa/ OCI/ PIO/ Renunciation services but not the passport services. So, I believe we are still good with the BLS services for passport reissue. Do correct me if I am wrong

Hi Shaunak,
I don't see any section for passport renewal in new Cox and Kings website - http://www.in.ckgs.us/

Does it mean BLS international will be still be the place for passport renewal after May 21st 2014.

Thanks,
Santosh

Hi Sameer,

Thanks for sharing your dates. I finally got my wife's passport. Thanks a lot to you and Shaunak. This process should've been self explanatory. But they really made this complex.

Thanks
Vibhu

This blog is the best.... I just blindly followed this blog... Moreover as this was tested process hence I followed this rather than confusing instructions in BLS website. Luckily I got the complete process done in just 5 days. That was much above & beyond my expectation.. May be because BLS was getting replaced and thus they were clearing all applications...

Hi VK,

Thank you, actually its not yet clear , Would recommend you calling up BLS and clarifying. If you get an answer could you please post it here for others benefit?

Thanks

I hear from other forums that BLS would continue to process visa and transition to Cox & Kings would happen only for visa related activities. Hence the process you explained, would remain the same and I need your help and guidance. My case is I have been staying in US on H1B since last 13 months and plans to go to India on vacation in August. for 3 weeks. My passport is valid for 10 more months from now and I need to file for H1 visa extension in DEC 14 so thought of first getting passport extended first.

Q1. What is your opinion, should i file passport reissue in India or US? US I stay in Charlotte and hence my embassy would be DC and it don't accept tatkal by post, and if i apply now, i should be able to get the passport before august, i.e before i leave for vacation. If i plan to apply in india will they accept tatkal application for foreign resident applicants as I stayed my last 1 year in US and was not pysically in india? Will that become an issue for police verification due to my residence status?

Q2. If i plan to apply from US, How do i get my Indian address in passport, i am not keen in keeping US address, as i stay on lease and my address would continue to change every year in US. The indian address printed in passport is an old address and I no longer stay in India at that address so want to put my new permanent address of india for which i can provide sufficient proof like Aadhar card, bank statement to prove my india address.

hi

Do I still need to notorised the documents for Passport Renewal if I walk in to submitted my application and show originals at SFO BLS Passport Office.

Thanks
Jaspreet sidhu

Hi,

Thanks for the info. I got the following confirmation from the BLS tracking :

Current Aplication Status : Dispatched via Courier

Application accepted by BLS: 08-05-2014 , 16:16
Appliication Processed on Date :08-05-2014
Application Processed and submitted to Consulate : 12-05-2014 , 15:56
Passport received at BLS Center : 20-05-2014 , 10:52
Passport handed over to Applicant : -
Passport Dispatched to Applicant :20-05-2014 , 10:52

I got an email yesterday (20-05-2014 , 10:52) about my passport dispatch via courier (USPS). I used USPS Express Prepaid Envelope for my passport return, but when I used the tracking number on the USPS website, it says the "Tracking information not found". I was supposed to get it today. Do have any idea about this issue? Is it normal? Were you able to check your USPS tracking information right after BLS send the email (about dispatched passport)?

- Keerti

Hi Srini,
I am checking the website of Cox and Kings and no where they mention about the passport extension. I guess services related to OCI, VISA, PIO and renunciation only have been transferred to Cox and Kings. Passport extension is still with BLS. Please confirm on this.

Hi,
My Passport has been sent back as the photos didnt meet the criteria. I need to resubmit my passport with the photos again. But my money order has been taken and I have got a receipt for the same. So, do I need to send another money order along with the documents?
Please let me know

Thanks,
Anindya

Hi Keerti,

BLS is lethargic when it comes to sending the packages back, they drop the packages in the drop box in their building. Unlike Fedex & UPS , USPS express packages need to be hand delivered in the post office only then they are considered as express mails [inspite of express mail packaging]. When USPS receives the packages via drop box they treat it as a normal mail and it takes the time that would be required for normal mail to be delivered. I also went through the same scenario during my application resulting in me running around USPS office and BLS/ consulate to track my missing passport.

This was confirmed to me by USPS office / USPS pickup guy and they also told me they have repeatedly asked BLS not to drop express packages in drop box yet they do the same to save a few efforts [USPS office is 2 blocks away from BLS office]

Hope this helps, don't worry you should get it within a weeks time

Hi Anindya,

Just the photos are required. usually they don't send it back they ask for the correct documents to be submitted. Please check with them

Thanks Joydeep, glad it helped :)

Hi Vibhu,

Happy to be of some help :)

Hi Santosh,

Its still not clear, please check with BLS

Hi Raj,

US immigrations require atleast 6 months of validity on the passport irrespective of the validity of the visa.

I would recommend get it done here itself as you have lot of time at hand to go in for the normal process and also in August you would have just 7 months of validity on your passport.

Q2 In the form fill in your address of choice in the filed " Address to be printed on passport"

Hope this helps.

Thank you Shaunak. So I won't be able to track the package either, am I right? How long did it take for you, from the date they sent you the email ?

- Keerti

Hi Keerti,

Unfortunately yes you won't be able to till it reaches a distribution center near your city.

It took 3 days from Chicago to Columbus, IN.
USPS showed no record of receipt of my passport till it reached Indy the reason being it gets acknowledged only at the distribution center in my case Indy.

BLS had dropped it on Monday and I collected it from Columbus USPS on Wednesday morning. Till Tuesday 8:00 PM USPS site showed no record of receiving the package.

Thanks for your reply Shaunak. Can you please confirm on this: Can I fill in any indian address and it would get printed? Don't any validation happen?

Regards,
Raj.

Shaunak, one more question. I am also thinking, of applying for passport re-issue in mid sep to be on the safer side as am going to vaction to india in august and moving US residence in last week of june) and my h1b expiring in dec 14,. so, Is the 6 months passport validity required for applying for H1b extension or 6 months validity needed during visa stamping?

Thanks again for your guidance.

Regards,
Raj.

Thanks You are awesome!!. It would be great help to other if you mention this issue about USPS drop-off. I think they are better off with Fedex/UPS. Don't you agree?

- Keerti

Hey VK,

I applied for my passport on last Sunday, May 18 and I received notification saying my packet/ application has been sent to the Consulate of India. So, I believe we can go ahead and submit the same. I applied for Chicago

Hi Rao,

I just visited the BLS website and there is an update regarding the service provider change. Looks like the Provider change is only applicable for VISA/OCI/PIO certificates only. See the below note which is copied from BLS Website. Hope this helps!

Important Notice:

THERE WILL BE A NEW SERVICE PROVIDER FOR VISA/OCI/PIO/RENUNCIATION CERTIFICATE SUPPORT SERVICES WITH EFFECT FROM May 21st, 2014

The Embassy of India in the USA has awarded the new contract for providing Visa/OCI/PIO/Renunciation of Indian Citizenship Certificate application support services to a New Service provider, to be operational from May 21st, 2014.

We have handed over all relevant applications / documents to new service provider.

I just visited the BLS website and there is an update regarding the service provider change. Looks like the Provider change is only applicable for VISA/OCI/PIO certificates only. See the below note which is copied from BLS Website. Hope this helps!

Important Notice:

THERE WILL BE A NEW SERVICE PROVIDER FOR VISA/OCI/PIO/RENUNCIATION CERTIFICATE SUPPORT SERVICES WITH EFFECT FROM May 21st, 2014

The Embassy of India in the USA has awarded the new contract for providing Visa/OCI/PIO/Renunciation of Indian Citizenship Certificate application support services to a New Service provider, to be operational from May 21st, 2014.

We have handed over all relevant applications / documents to new service provider.

Hi Shaunak,

Am I eligible to apply for passport renewal through postal, If my current visa is expired? I am currently on H1-B and my visa is expired in 09/2012 and I have extension of Approval notice (I-797) until 09/2015. I am confused with the below point mentioned in BLS website. Is this point only applicable for Student Visa holders or for everyone? I am trying to reach BLS to clarify this questions, but nobody is picking the call from last 1 hours. Thanks in advance for your help!

Thanks
Srini

Notarized Color photocopy of current valid US visa on passport or Green card or Employment Authorization Card or I- 797 approval notice documents. Student visa Status holders must enclose I-20 Document as well. If your visa has expired and/or or you have the receipt notice for extension of your visa then: NYC, SFO & HOU Jurisdiction Applicants - must provide a notarized no status affidavit with photocopy of the valid passport and the green card of two witnesses duly notarized + 7 Copies of Nationality Verification Form (Given in Point 2 above) are required and each copy must have an original photograph affixed on it. WAS/ATL/HOU/CHI Jurisdiction Applicants - must visit the consulate in person for an interview before applying at the passport application center.

Hi Raj,

Some people have commented here that you can do that. I don't have a way to confirm it sorry

Hey,

Thank you :) yes that is a nice idea will do that soon. Thanks for the suggestion

Sorry Srini, can't confirm on that. If you do manage to get an answer on the process could you please comment here for all to see?

Hey Raj,

Am almost sure, the visa would be valid till the passport is valid hence if you apply for H1b extension right now, you will only get the visa till the time your passport is valid which I think is Mar '14. My recommendation would be to get passport re - issued so that you get the visa for full 3 years. If its just the address you are worried about get Indian address printed on it.

P.S I am not sure about the above as I haven't been in the situation

Done ! added to the post at the end.

Sure Shaunak! Will do. I have emailed them about this questions and will post it here after I receive the response.

Thanks
Srini

Thank you Srini !:)

Hi Shaunak,

I am turning 18yrs and my passport is expiring on my 18th birthday. I am applying for re-issue of my passport by mail. Will I be still considered as a minor since I am applying before my 18th birthday? Do I need to enclose "Notarized Color photocopy of the Green Card, 1st & last page of the passport of both the parents", as required for a minor.
Hoping for an early reply.
Thanks,
Alton

Thank you so much for your informative blog!

My passport is expiring in July.I have a question regarding the address.

1) I have my US address as Address to be printed in my current passport.
2) For other address I have my husband's home address in India. Couple of years back we had to sell the home since nobody lives there.

Now for my other address I can't use that address. If I use that address for other address, do I have to use the same address for the Nationality Form and also do the other two address has to be from the same place?

Please help.

Thanks,

Shivani

Hi Shaunak,

Great blog and very helpful. I have 1 query can you please answer. I need to renew my passport and I filled up the Order form. After submitting I got a mail but it has only 1 attachment and that contains bar-code, tracking number and my other details. Is this the order form. I am worried as you mentioned I should get 2 attachment but I got only 1. I tried regenerating from BLS site and I get the same document from the site also. So is this the Order form?

Please advise.

Hi Shivani,

Am sorry I am lost :) what other address were you referring to? Passport will just have one address printed on it. You may want to decide which address you want there the Indian one or the US one.

Hope I was able to answer your question?

Hi Alton,

Sorry but I don't have the answer, If you can its always a good idea to provide them the documents which you have. They return the unused documents.

Also check with BLS for this query , they would be in a better position to answer

Hope this helps?

Applied for wife's passport renewal. These are time lines at New York consulate

Application sent on 5/4

Application received by BLS on 5/7 [ As per FedEx tracking]

Application processed by BLS on 5/9

Application submitted to consulate on 5/13

Passport received at BLS on 5/22

Dispatched on 5/22

Received on 5/27

I paid for FedEx return but did not get the transaction number . I sent the passport with a copy of receipt (which i got through email) and note explaining the situation. But interestingly BLS sent back the passport through UPS (i paid for FedEx return).

This site was useful and had answer for most of my queries

Thank you Nathan, Glad I could help :) and also thanks for the timeline info would be helpful to others!

Hey Irfan,

Thank you :)

I went back to the mail from them and verified, I had received 2 separate forms.

1) Order form [This contain lots of personal details]
2) Shipping label form [This just contains To address, bar code, application type,from addresses , ]

From your question, I am assuming you received the Order form and not the shipping label form.

This shipping label form is used to scan the bar code when they receive the package. without this, the only issue you may have is the update to the system would be late.
As far as I remember , the moment I had submitted the online form, there was a message on the website which told me I would receive 2 forms. What was the message you got? That might clarify if the process has changed.
Their process could have also changed from the time [Oct'13] I got mine done.


Thanks

Shaunak

Hi Folks,

Can someone please clairify whether BLS is still accepting the passport renewal applications or it has been transferred to Cox and Kings?

Thanks, Manish

Hi Shaunak,

I have one silly question and I am sure you have an answer for this :) On the Nationality verification forms, do we need to paste the 2" x 2" (US standard) passport photographs or just the regular India passport photographs? Thank you!

Thanks
Srini

Manish,

I think its still BLS as per the comments below, if you find out do let us know

Hi Srini,

:)

US standard [2* 2] is required not the Indian [I guess 3 / 3.5 * 3/3.5]

Thanks

Shaunak

Go to indian embassy site ( whichever DC or Newyork..as applicable) and see passport services link. In DC , BLS is still handling passport services..

Hi I was trying to reissue passport for my daughter (Minor) i followed all the process. One doubt is, while printing online passport application, there were no guidelines on which size of paper we need to print and if we can shrink to fit on A4 etc..) I sent a mail to help , no one replies and the BLS help line, rings for 30 mins and shuts. How you guys printed. When i printed on A4, the barcode after question 11 is not getting printed on A4 unless i shrink the size to fit A4. is it ok to shrink option while printing? anyone gone through this? Appreciate your help.

Hi Shaunak,

This information provided by you is really good. Thank you very much for sharing it.

Can you please answer my below questions?

1) What should be the Other Address in Online NRI Passport Application?
Whether it should be Permanent Address in India or any other address in USA(Friends Address?)

2) IN the BLS form If Application Type is Walkin then Airway Bill No, Prepaid Delivery and Payment Details is optional correct?

3)Is there any sample of all the forms filled with data?

Thanks,
Vij

Hi Shaunak,

I will be applying for passport renewal this week. I have recently changed my residential address (about a month back). Do you know whether it is required to provide proof of my previous address as well?


Thanks!
Sayani

P.S. Your blog is really helpful! (Much more than the actual BLS website :) )

Hi Shaunak,

Thanks for replying back. Your blog and your feedback are really helping many.

After submitting the order form I received the following mail. Screen shot in the URL, it doesn't mentions 2 documents. The mail is very confusing.
Mail screenshot - http://pho.to/5qnIW

The attachment which I got is following.
Attachment screenshot - http://pho.to/5qnM6

I tried calling the NY number and it is not answering. It just keeps on hold and after 20 min it gets disconnected due to high call volumes. I even mailed the support email address and they replied back. I think they are working from India and their answers are text books answers. After 5-6 mails chains they are not clear what this document is and finally they replied that ‘Please fill another order form”. I am hesitant to fill another order form as I don’t want any issues at BLS office but 1 thing I tried. With a fake id I filled up the Order form and in reply I get the same mail and same kind of attachment.
1 more thing the attachment has a name of “xxxxxx BLS Passport Order Form.html”. So I think the attachment itself is Order form.


So I am really confused with this. Can you check both the images and tell if the attachment looks like order form.

Regards,
Irfan

Just for everyone's Information: I just filled my BLS Order form today and after saving the form, I see the below note. Hope this helps others!

IMPORTANT! We strongly recommend using FedEx or UPS for shipping of passports. United State Postal Service (USPS) without tracking/waybill number is highly discouraged and BLS International will not be responsible for lost, stolen or damages documents, while in transit.

Hi Shaunak,

I have a question :) As per the instructions, I have pasted 3 photographs on NVF and 1 on NRI form. But, per the below note from BLS website, do i still need to send 4 more photographs along with the application form? They have mentioned like "....pasted on the application form". This made me confuse. Greatly appreciate your help :)

- 3 copies of printed and filled Nationality Verification Form/ Personal Particulars form & 3 photographs for personal particular form

- Four recent color passport size 2 inches by 2 inches (2”x2”) photo on glossy photo paper, showing full frontal view of the applicants face against a white background to be pasted on the application form. Photograph should not be stapled, paper clips are fine.

Thanks
Srini

Hi,

Can the 4 and 3 photos be different or need to be the same? Few yrs back when I renewed for my wife dint send the BLS form but just the return envelope it all worked, now looks like too many forms :(

Hi,

I had used the normal printing paper properties [Letter 8 1/2 X 11 in ] did not shrink to any other size.

Try printing on letter once?

Hi Vij,

Thank you , glad it helped

1) I would recommend a permanent address such as Indian.

2) You will still have to put in the fees amount etc. Also if you have a walkin and plan to collect in person then yes airway bill # won't be required.

Hope this helps

Shaunak

Hi Sayani,

Thank you, am glad it helped :))

Logically, it should not be required as they are concerned about the current address but if you have then its better to provide as you definitely wouldn't want to delay the process and send them the documents if they ask.

Hope this helps

Shaunak

Yeah because with USPS they have to actually walk to post office which they don't do ;)

Hi Srini,

Check this comment

http://shaunakpandit.wordpress.com/2013/10/15/how-to-renew-reissue-indian-passport-in-usa-after-10-years-bls-agency/#comment-842

Hi Harish,

Don't worry about that from comments here it seems like they are still handling the passport services.

The update on the system varies for all but usually it should be updated within the week of receipt.

Hope this helps

Shaunak

Hi Gurdeep,

Same :)

Thanks

Shaunak

Hi Veena,

Thank you, yes it seems like

Hi Irfan,

I had got the same document along with another one which was to be stuck on the top of the envelope we send to them. This had the barcode and addresses. I guess this is used for scanning and updating into the system. The only problem I see without that document is probably your system update would be late.

Hope this helps

Shaunak

There goes another 50$, first took 2, then realized need 4, so clicked 4, now realize need 7 :) So stupid!

Hi Arun/Raj,

I have the same requirement. I need to renew my passport in the US. But my wife lives in India. I have the original marriage certificate with me. But I don't have my wife's passport with me. How can I get the notarized copy of my wife's passport? I think, the original passport is required to get it notarized.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

lol like they say prepared is half the battle won :)) anyways I have put in some tips on how to get the photos cheaper check them out and also check this comment

http://shaunakpandit.wordpress.com/2013/10/15/how-to-renew-reissue-indian-passport-in-usa-after-10-years-bls-agency/#comment-546

LOL :) Got you!!!

Hi,

I applied for passport renewal on June 2nd 2014.I got reply from bls saying "application sent back "I used usps for shipping

Shall I wait until I get the documents back or refill the application form and send it to them again..... And how many does It take yo receive my documents

Hi Srikanth,

Haven't they provided the reasons for sending the application back?

You will have to wait to receive it since your passport is in it and they require the passport for processing.

Usually 3-5 days

Shounak

Thank you Shaunak! I have successfully sent my documents and passport yesterday through USPS Express mail (1-day overnight shipping) and hopefully will get my new passport soon without any questions being asked by BLS :):)

Once again, Thank you for this wonderful blog and It really helped me a lot. I appreciate it!

Thanks
Srini

Passport Photos in Costco:

Those who are in need of passport photos, I would highly recommend you go to Costco photo center. You don't believe, I got my passport photos printed just for 0.55 cents :) I took a photo with my camera and then uploaded the photograph to US passport photo validation tool (http://travel.state.gov/content/dam/passports/FIG_cropper.swf) and cropped the photo to 2"x2" dimensions and copied to flash drive. In Costco photocenter, when I initially asks a guy, he gave me an estimate of $10.28 for 8 passport photos. And then I waited for sometime and asked a lady over there in photocenter. She is very nice and told me to upload the photo to their system and ordered 1 4x6 print. She then pulled the uploaded photograph from their system and printed 4 copies of 4x6 photographs (each 4x6 has 2 passport photos printed). And then finally she gave me a bill of 0.55 cents (0.13 * 4 + tax) :)

Thanks
Srini

Harish Shah - What is the status of your application? I am asking since I read that Srikanth also sent the application around same time but it was sent back. I am also planning to send my application via mail

Thanks,
Ashish

I did a small mistake in filling the application.....................the shipping status in USPS doesn't show yet and i cant reach BLS office through email or phone.........I am a bit worried...if the passport wont be misplaced ..................

I do not see an option for making payment through Fedex on the BLS oder form. This is for NY consulate. Am I missing something?

No one needs to pay $11.
Upload your photo here and you would get free soft copies of 4x6 postcard format containing 4 copies of passport photos.
http://www.idphoto4you.com/

Submit this to Walgreens for $0.29 per 4x6. 3 copies of 4x6 containing 12 passport copies would cost less than $1.

What should I do if I won't get the docs back after 5 days...is there any Gud call back number to follow up as I need passport badly...please help

Thanks for the info. I will be submitting reissue application in person so I dont think I will be requiring shipping label. Lets hope all goes well.

I sent my package to Atlanta BLS office (New Address Mentioned on their website and also on Consulate website and printed on the shipping label) via FedEx and FedEx returned the package with a letter that BLS is no longer in service at the given location.

BLS International Services USA Inc.
5607 Glenridge DR Suite 275
ATLANTA, GA 30342
US.

I tried calling BLS at least 50 times without a response (20 mins wait and disconnects) sent multiple emails to them but no response. I finally sent an email to Consulate and got a response which was meant to BLS folks (CCing me) asking them to provide correct address to me. 3 days since this happened ...no response of whatsoever from BLS!

I got a followup email from consulate to send the package one more time to the same address ..but i`m not sure if I want to do that as none from BLS company has responded to my emails or consular officers email.

Did anyone have a similar experience while renewing their passport at Atlanta BLS office? Is there a way i can talk to some from BLS or confirm the address.

Should i use UPS instead of FedEx? Any help is much appreciated.

I have sent my application on 06/04/2014 and received by BLS on 06/05/2014 and Accepted and Processed on 06/06/2014. I am glad all the process went very smooth :)

Application accepted by BLS:06-06-2014 , 11:51
Appliication Processed on Date : 06-06-2014
Application Processed and submitted to Consulate : -
Passport received at BLS Center : -
Passport handed over to Applicant : -
Passport Dispatched to Applicant :-

Thanks
Srini

Might be because of this
http://shaunakpandit.wordpress.com/2013/10/15/how-to-renew-reissue-indian-passport-in-usa-after-10-years-bls-agency/#comment-1010

Hi Cathy,

Am not sure I follow your question? You have to make payment to BLS for shipping through fedex if thats what you mean?

Shaunak

Hi Srikanth,

The reason for no updates on USPS is mentioned in the following comment

http://shaunakpandit.wordpress.com/2013/10/15/how-to-renew-reissue-indian-passport-in-usa-after-10-years-bls-agency/#comment-1010


Dont worry you will get it in some days. Also try calling BLS call center and escalating issue. or else try consulate

Good luck :)

Wow simply wow !!! They have a address on their website and they don't exist there yet !!! Am speechless :)

Maybe wait a few days and then send it out to them, Fedex , UPS , USPS won't matter since the problem is with address not courier service.

Hope this helps, also complain to consulate about this. Ask them for confirmation on the address and BLS being there to receive it. Tell them about the cost you waste in sending it again and again

Thanks for reply..........can you help me with contact numbers and Email ID's please, i tried to reach them via ID given in site but didnt get any reply............

Will the passport be issued in 1day if we walk-in with appointment??

Hi Shaunak,

Do we get back our old passport along with new one from BLS? I have one up for renewal and it has visa(expiring in 2016) printed on it.

Hi Shaunak,

Am really Confused here. I have 2 concerns.
// Postal renewal from Houston, Tx Office

1) Do BLS Still accept Passport renewals ?
(I want to renew my passport {finished 9 Years} and want to add my wife's name)

2) In Passpoer Order form, I want to go for prepaid delievery, but it is asking to Fill the "airway bill number / return Airway bill number" while filling the Passport Order form. Does it mean :
a) I have to to first go to UPS/USPS/Fedex office and get 2 envelops (one for sending and one for return {Self addressed}) with Airway bill numner
b) Come back and fill the paaport order form online.
c) Go back again to UPS/USPS/Fedex office to send my docs.

This might look silly question, I think am wrong in asuming avobe but am very new to US ans need some help.

Thanks in advance shaunak. and Thnaks for writing hundreds of replies and help.

Thanks, Sheenu

Hope this helps

http://shaunakpandit.wordpress.com/2013/10/15/how-to-renew-reissue-indian-passport-in-usa-after-10-years-bls-agency/#comment-481

Not unless its under emergency category. They define emergency as a life and death situation.

Hi Varun,

Yes , you will have to carry both whenever you travel.

Shaunak

Hi Sheena,

#1: Yes [as per comments from others]

#2: Yes, have mentioned the process in the post, please go through it in detail. It would clarify your doubts.



Shaunak

Yes, BLS is still accepting the passport renewals (I submitted my application in Chicago on 06/05 and the application was accepted and In process).

Thanks
Srini

Hi Shaunak:

I do not have access to a printer.

So I plan to send my Passport for renewal to BLS with all supporting documents but with out BLS order form, by First Class US mail, with self addressed/stamped envelop.

Please Comment

Thanks

Nitin

Renewal of passport is still with BLS.I got it done after May21,2014.Details are as below:
(1) Passport sent on May 29,2014 Thursday.
BLS received on June 2,2014 Monday (due to in betn. holidays)
Sent to Embassy by BLS on June 2,2104 (same day)
From Embassy to BLS June 6,2104
Received by me on June 9,2014.
New passport as well as old passport with valid visa and old Indian address printed as per me.
I had sent for renewal after expiry but within six months.For late renewal simple and factual reason.
(2) For Tatkal and late renewal after expiry but within six months:
Embassy is kind enough to consider in this category for genuine reason with convincing personal interview even without appointment.Passport is issued within three days.
Fee structure payment will be in Tatkal category.

Yes, BLS for renewal of passport only.

Hi Shaunak,

1. I was planning to walk-in and submit the application and ask them to post the new passport by mail, is this possible?
2.Will the original passport be returned immediately for walk-in candidates or do I need to surrender original passport and both passports come via mail? As I may need to travel any time to India, don't want the passport to be out of my hands for 3 -4 weeks (worst case).
3.Once the new passport is issued, is my old passport valid till the date of expiry and new passport begin from future date? or so my old passport stands cancelled with immediate effect.
4.Will they mark the old passport as cancelled?

Thank you for the update!

Thanks Guys.

Am submitting to Housten today via mail.

Thanks, Sheenu

I just sent this out today. I sent all that is needed. The one thing that I overlooked was sending a blackand white notarized copy of the visa. Hopefully they dont return it for that reason.

hi, in nationality verification form they have asked for "DATE OF LEAVING INDIA" and "period of stay abroad", so which date should i mention the last time i came from india or the first time i left india for USA and period of stay means what? this is really confusing please guide.

thank you,

rahul mody