Can I renew my child's passport if they were under 16 when it was issued?

No. Children who received passports under age 16 must apply in person using Form DS-11, not renew by mail. Both parents must appear or provide notarized consent.

What if my family's passports expire on different dates?

Renew them all at the same time if any expire within 12 months of travel. This keeps your family on the same renewal cycle and ensures all passports meet India's 6-month validity requirement.

Can I use my old passport for domestic travel while waiting for renewal?

No. Once you submit your current passport for renewal, you cannot use it for any travel. Plan accordingly and don't submit renewals if you have domestic trips planned.

Should I pay for expedited processing?

Pay for expedited processing ($60 extra per person) if you're traveling within 10 weeks. Factor in time needed for India visa applications after receiving renewed passports.

How to Renew Family Passports Before India Travel

Start passport renewals 6-8 months before your India trip. Use Form DS-82 for renewals, allow 6-8 weeks for routine processing, and ensure each passport has 6+ months validity remaining and 2 blank pages for India visas.

Check current passport status for each family member. Verify expiration dates and condition. India requires passports valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date plus 2 blank visa pages per person. If any passport expires within 12 months of travel or lacks blank pages, renew it.
Gather required documents for each renewal. You need: current passport, Form DS-82 (filled out but not signed), one passport photo per person, and renewal fee. For children under 16, both parents must consent or provide notarized permission if one parent is absent.
Take compliant passport photos. Get 2x2 inch photos taken within 6 months. CVS, Walgreens, and post offices offer this service for $12-15. Avoid home printing - rejection rates are high for DIY photos.
Submit applications strategically. Mail all family renewals together using Form DS-82 if eligible (passport issued when 16+, within last 15 years, undamaged). Pay $130 per adult, $100 per child under 16. Add $60 per person for expedited service if traveling within 8 weeks.
Track and plan for visa applications. Once renewed passports arrive (6-8 weeks routine, 2-3 weeks expedited), immediately apply for India e-visas online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Tourist e-visas take 3-5 business days and cost $25-80 depending on duration.

Can I renew my child's passport if they were under 16 when it was issued?: No. Children who received passports under age 16 must apply in person using Form DS-11, not renew by mail. Both parents must appear or provide notarized consent.
What if my family's passports expire on different dates?: Renew them all at the same time if any expire within 12 months of travel. This keeps your family on the same renewal cycle and ensures all passports meet India's 6-month validity requirement.
Can I use my old passport for domestic travel while waiting for renewal?: No. Once you submit your current passport for renewal, you cannot use it for any travel. Plan accordingly and don't submit renewals if you have domestic trips planned.
Should I pay for expedited processing?: Pay for expedited processing ($60 extra per person) if you're traveling within 10 weeks. Factor in time needed for India visa applications after receiving renewed passports.