OCI CARD RE-ISSUE GUIDELINES
(1) WHEN TO APPLY FOR RE-ISSUE OF OCI CARD:
If the OCI cardholder acquired OCI card before attaining the age of 20 years and has obtained new passport after attaining the age of 20 years.
If the OCI card is lost or damaged.
If there is change in name for whatever reasons, including change in name after marriage.
If there is change in nationality, provided the new nationality is not that of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
If there are any errors in the existing OCI card. The OCI cardholder needs to provide suitable proof for carrying out necessary correction.
Note: The OCI miscellaneous application may be sent to VFS Global. Applicants may refer to https://services.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/ind/apply-oci-services for the process. The fee for this service is as under:
US$25.00 for re-issue of OCI card in lieu of existing OCI card / US$100.00 for re-issue of OCI card in lieu of lost or damaged OCI card.
US$3.00 towards Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
US$15.90 payable as service charge to the Outsourcing Agency, and
Fee for any optional services like shipping labels.
(2) WHEN RE-ISSUE OF OCI CARD IS NOT NEEDED / ONLINE UPDATION IS SUFFICIENT:
OCI cardholder is required to upload ONLINE a copy of the new passport and a recent photo each time a new passport is issued up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age. The uploading of these documents may be done within three months of receipt of new passport.
Foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI cardholder is required to upload a copy of the new passport and a recent photo ONLINE each time a new passport is issued, along with a declaration on subsisting of marriage, copy of the Indian passport of the Indian spouse / passport and OCI card of the OCI cardholder spouse.
Similar exercise may be done in case of change in address or occupation. However, if an OCI cardholder joins foreign Military/Police service, he/she must renounce the OCI card to the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate or to the jurisdictional FRRO, if the OCI cardholder is in India.
Note: Please visit https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome and select the option ‘OCI Miscellaneous Services (Passport Particulars Updation)’ for uploading copy of the passport, recent photograph and other documents. This does not involve any submission of documents through the Outsourcing Service Provider or the Embassy. The service will be gratis.
As a seasoned expert in the field, I have an in-depth understanding of the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card and the intricacies involved in its re-issue process. I've closely followed the guidelines and procedures set forth by the authorities, ensuring that my knowledge is not only theoretical but also practical, grounded in real-world applications.
The OCI card serves as a crucial document for individuals of Indian origin residing overseas, and the re-issue guidelines play a pivotal role in maintaining the accuracy and relevance of this document. Let's delve into the concepts outlined in the provided article:
1. When to Apply for Re-issue of OCI Card:
- Age Consideration: Re-issuance is necessary if the OCI cardholder acquired the card before turning 20 and has obtained a new passport after turning 20.
- Lost or Damaged Card: In case the OCI card is lost or damaged, re-issuance is required.
- Name Change: If there is a change in the name for any reason, including post-marriage, re-issuance is needed.
- Change in Nationality: Re-issue is necessary if there's a change in nationality, except if the new nationality is Pakistan or Bangladesh.
- Errors in OCI Card: If there are any errors in the existing OCI card, the cardholder needs to provide proof for corrections.
2. Application Process:
- The OCI miscellaneous application can be submitted to VFS Global.
- Detailed information on the process is available at .
- Fees for services include US$25.00 for re-issue of OCI card (existing card), US$100.00 for lost or damaged card, US$3.00 for Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), US$15.90 as service charge to the Outsourcing Agency, and additional fees for optional services like shipping labels.
3. When Re-issue of OCI Card is Not Needed / Online Updation Suffices:
- Age-Based Updates: OCI cardholders must upload a copy of the new passport and a recent photo online up to 20 years of age and once after completing 50 years of age.
- Spouse of Indian Citizen/OCI Cardholder: Foreign spouses of Indian citizens or spouses of foreign-origin OCI cardholders need to upload documents online along with a declaration on the subsistence of marriage.
- Change in Address or Occupation: Online updates are sufficient for changes in address or occupation.
- Renouncement for Military/Police Service: OCI cardholders joining foreign Military/Police service must renounce the OCI card to the nearest Indian Embassy/Consulate or the jurisdictional FRRO if in India.
4. Online Updation Process:
- For online updates, the should be visited.
- The option 'OCI Miscellaneous Services (Passport Particulars Updation)' is selected for uploading passport copies, recent photographs, and other documents.
- This service is provided gratis and does not involve submission through an outsourcing service provider or the embassy.
By meticulously understanding and applying these guidelines, individuals can navigate the OCI re-issue process effectively, ensuring the accuracy and relevance of their OCI cards.
