A person traveling abroad should always have a passport, as your passport is the only weapon that will defend your identity at a foreign land. It is authorized and issued by the government of the country you belong to. An early application for this important document will minimize all possible hassles and travel stress you mostly confront if applied at a time when your actual travel date is not too far. If you already have a passport then it should be kept updated by renewing it well before its expiry time. Incase of a lost passport; report immediately to the local police authorities and also to the nearest Embassy or Consulate representing your country.

There are appropriate forms available to apply for new passports and also for the renewal of the same. Necessary documents required while applying for a new passport include a certified birth certificate (for proof of citizenship), a valid driver’s license (for identity), and last but not the least copies of the applicant’s passport photograph. No photocopies are accepted in this regard and also your driver’s license must be six months old. During passport renewal, the previous passport serves as proof to your citizenship and identity. Also copies of your recent photograph have to be submitted along with the renewal form.

In India passports can be renewed any time from one year before, to six months after the actual date of expiry. If the passport is already ten years old and has finally expired, a new passport will be issued. Final expiry is indicated on the passport by the letter "F" or the word "Final" mentioned after the date of expiry on the passport. Three passport size photographs are to be submitted along with the application duly filled in for issuance of a new passport booklet. In case there is any change in appearance, one of these photographs should be duly attested by a Notary Public. However, if the passport has not expired finally, the same booklet is renewed.

All applicants for passport services are also required to submit photocopies of their Resident Alien Cards or proof of their lawful residence in USA. Passports of visitors can be extended only for a short period to facilitate their return to India.