Surrender of India passport Application - How to Self Attest photocopies? Total cost? Sms?

[Zrl100]

Hi guys,
I'm just starting the process to Surrender my Indian passport on acquiring my UK passport. I had a few queries I needed help with please -

1. How does one self attest photocopies of the requested documents? Is it just one's sign & date on a blank space of the photocopy or is there a specific format to follow &/or add anything extra?

2. What is the total cost for the Surrender application? I'm seeing a figure of £20 + dx courier £15 + £2 sms...is that it or vfs charge more on top at time of booking appointment date & time?

3. Is the £2 sms required for surrender application to track progress at every stage or not? And does one still get the dx courier tracking no. without the sms fee?

4. I'm in the north (jurisdiction CGI Birmingham) so will likely take the train to visit VFS Birmingham or VFS Manchester. Reading the security arrangements, it says no bags or back packs are allowed inside...only a plastic bag/folder with application related papers/docs. Is this really the case? So can't carry a portable hard drive, USB stick, laptop, how about a bottle of water? I'll be coming from a different city by train, thought I'd take some water & and some snack with me just in case I get hungry. So that's not allowed?

Thanks!

[sathyauk]

Hi guys,
I'm just starting the process to Surrender my Indian passport on acquiring my UK passport. I had a few queries I needed help with please -

1. How does one self attest photocopies of the requested documents? Is it just one's sign & date on a blank space of the photocopy or is there a specific format to follow &/or add anything extra?Just sign of the copies of your documents. For example take a copy of your Indian passport and just sign on the copy and do the same for all the documents

2. What is the total cost for the Surrender application? I'm seeing a figure of £20 + dx courier £15 + £2 sms...is that it or vfs charge more on top at time of booking appointment date & time?SMS is not required

3. Is the £2 sms required for surrender application to track progress at every stage or not? And does one still get the dx courier tracking no. without the sms fee?SMS is not required

4. I'm in the north (jurisdiction CGI Birmingham) so will likely take the train to visit VFS Birmingham or VFS Manchester. Reading the security arrangements, it says no bags or back packs are allowed inside...only a plastic bag/folder with application related papers/docs. Is this really the case? So can't carry a portable hard drive, USB stick, laptop, how about a bottle of water? I'll be coming from a different city by train, thought I'd take some water & and some snack with me just in case I get hungry. So that's not allowed?
No checks done in VFS Birmingham, you can carry laptop, water bottles or bags.
You have not restrictions to carry any useful items

Thanks!