Q.1049 Query regarding minor

US citizen name change in India

Question: Hi, My son is a US citizen, however we moved to India - I have custody of my son post divorce. I am an Indian citizen. I am trying to find out how to made edits to his name while in India. Also, how i can get the passport renewed since he turns 5 soon. His father has not been in touch and we dont know where he is. Any help will be most appreciated! Thanks Ritu Answer: Guidelines issued by the authorities for change of name for minors in India are available at this link: http://deptpub.nic.in/forms/form060720168.p df To get name change of a minor in the United States a petition to the court is generally required. To renew your son’s passport which is set to expire, you would have to apply for a new passport from the US Consulate in India as passports of minor children have a validity of only five years. To get a new passport you need to: 1. Make & print an appointment for interview 2. fill and submit passport application online. Print application as it will be required for interview. 3. Attend scheduled interview and provide the documentation required. Before getting an appointment you should gather all documents required. Since passport is for a minor and father will not be able to attend interview, you will need to have documents such as court order granting you sole legal custody of the child, a divorce decree or other custody order. One parent’s whereabouts unknown Kindly note that sometimes when one parent’s whereabouts are not known, Form DS-5525 may be required to be filled. To view a sample of this form use the link: https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds5525.pdf Procedure US passport for minor: • Log on to the US Embassy India website: https://in.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen- services/passports/minor-applicants/ o Read all the instructions on this page as it shows how to fill application and required documents. • Click the ‘Make an appointment online’ link. Follow the prompts to select country and choice of location and then select the date suitable as per availability data shown.