By Ern Phang, Solicitor & Notary Public
Director of Phang Legal. Solicitor since 1998 and notary public since 2005.
Example: the situation
Mansi's last Indian passport photograph was taken when she was 12, and she's now 22. When she starts her renewal with VFS, she's told she must also submit Form J.
Form J declares that your appearance has changed since your last passport. Let's discuss when you need it.
VFS links and resources — Updated July 2026. Links in this article have been updated to the resources listed in our July 2026 VFS update and the VFS India website for Australia. Use the relevant VFS checklist for current requirements. This note concerns links and resources; the rest of this article has not been comprehensively reviewed.
Who requires FORM J?
Have you been asked by VFS to submit FORM J because your appearance has changed?
FORM J is a form to submit to VFS (on behalf of the Indian Consulate) to have your Indian passport issued to you while living in Australia. If you have changed your appearance ('considerably changed' as determined by VFS) then you must also submit FORM J which is a statutory declaration stating that you have changed your appearance.
If you're not sure what you need, perhaps review their checklist available on their website
VFS passport checklists and forms
What does it mean by 'considerably changed'?
There can be various circumstances when you would have to submit FORM J when renewing your Indian passport. The example provided by VFS includes if you previously wore a turban but have stopped wearing a turban (or vice-versa).
We have also seen instances when people have had to submit FORM J after they have cut their hair or shaved their beard. Also, if a previous passport was issued when you were a child but you have since matured and your look has changed, then you may also need to submit FORM J when renewing your passport.
What does FORM J contain?
The central element of FORM J is your photograph. You must include your current photograph and paste it into FORM J. The rest of FORM J is essentially a statutory declaration in which you declare that the photograph reflects your new appearance - assuming it is different from what it was before.
Where can I download FORM J?
FORM J is available from the VFS website. Currently, it can be found at:
However, VFS often update their website from time to time (without including redirections) so if the above link doesn't work, then you'll just need to search it for the correct form (and checklist).
How can we help with FORM J?
If you live in New South Wales, then you must sign FORM J in front of a notary public. If you live in other states, presumably VFS will accept it being signed in front of a justice of the peace or other equally qualified/authorised witness.
As a leading provider of notary public services in Sydney, we assist many clients who must submit their FORM J to VFS to confirm their change of appearance.
What next?
To obtain a quote on our notary public services for India, please visit Request a notary quote.Example: the solution
Mansi checked the VFS passport checklist, filled in Form J and brought it unsigned with her passport. She signed in front of our notary public, who notarised Form J for her renewal.
About Us
This blog is maintained by Phang Legal, a boutique law firm with offices in Parramatta and Rouse Hill. We help clients from across Sydney and beyond with personal, professional and timely Legal Services, Notary Services and Apostille Services.
As a leading provider of notary services in Sydney, we have 1k+ Google Reviews (4.9) (updated July 2026) with many clients happy to share their experience in using our services.
Phang Legal — Parramatta6/83 George Street
Level 3, 87 Marsden Street (from 1 March 2026)
Parramatta NSW 2150
Phang Legal — Rouse Hill
214/80 Main Street
Rouse Hill NSW 2155
Call 02 9687 8885 | WhatsApp | Request quote
About the author
Ern Phang — Solicitor & Notary Public
This article was written by Ern Phang, a director of Phang Legal, a solicitor since 1998 and a notary public since 2005.
Ern has been a member of the Society of Notaries of NSW since 2005, a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Notaries since 2013, and a member of the Law Society of New South Wales since 1998.
Ern regularly writes about his experiences as a notary public and the practical issues his clients face when sending documents from Australia to India and other countries all over the world.
Using information in this article
This article provides general information. Requirements, forms, fees and service arrangements may have changed since its original publication. Check the receiving organisation’s current requirements and obtain advice relevant to your circumstances.
