Passport application being sent back

USA Indian Passport Renewal
1

My application for passport renewal is being sent back based on the grounds

“YOUR APPLICATION IS REJECTED. YOU APPLIED ON WRONG SERVICE FORM,MUST APPLY UNDER DAMAGED”

My passport is about to expire in 10 months and have applied for renewal at SF consulate. I have used this passport for international travel even in Dec 2022 and had no damages afaik

The definition of passport as per Indian embassy is

image
image702×190 19.4 KB

And I am confident that it does not fall under that criteria

Now I am afraid that if I apply under damaged, my expiry date will in 10 months and have apply for new passport again in few more months

Did anyone face similar issue before or heard about these incidents ?

image
image1032×483 54.8 KB

Thanks

2

You can reach out to VFS to get clarification on why they called it out damaged but not sure if it will change anything.

Alternatively, you can choose to apply under Lost/Category. It’s validity will NOT be for next months. It will be a new passport with different number and with standard validity (just like regular renewal).

3

We got similar response from Houston

This is what it says

Dear customer,We have received the application at VFS. Your Application Is Being Rejected as NRI government application form you have submitted is incorrect. The form is for RE-ISSUE of passport, you are required to apply under lost/damaged category if your passport is lost/damaged along with additional document Annexure F. (As per the consulate your passport binding is damaged)

My question

My wife’s passport was rejected by VFS saying that we need to apply under damaged/lost category instead of reissue bcoz the stitched thread on passport is visible.
And they asked to file annexure f?

In that it’s asking for police FIR

So do we need to submit FIR for damaged too, as it is not lost

If so any idea how to get FIR in USA

4

FIR is for Lost passport. Go with declaration and details required for damaged passport.

5

Thanks for the info @Diwedy . I have applied it under lost/found section. The cost of applying it in lost/damaged is at least 50% more than normal application though. Not sure why VFS is pushing people towards lost/damaged passport form

6

In Annexure-F, I have mentioned details of the damage VFS might be referring to and send it along with the application. I haven’t filed any FIR.

VFS got the application, reviewed it and forwarded it to the embassy. So I guess that works ?