The rules for updating or reissuing your Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card have been significantly relaxed in recent years. The requirements depend on your age, passport renewal status, and whether you are a spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder. Below is a summary of the current guidelines, but always check the official VFS OCI page and OCI portal for the latest updates.
1. Updating OCI Card Details After Passport Renewal
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All OCI cardholders are required to upload online a copy of their new passport and a recent photograph (not older than 30 days) each time a new passport is issued.
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This update must be completed within three months of receiving the new passport.
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The process is entirely online via the OCI Miscellaneous Services section on the OCI portal and is free of cost—no need to submit documents physically or through VFS.
2. Mandatory Reissue of OCI Card
| Age Group | When Reissue is Required | How to Reissue |
| Below 20 years | No longer mandatory to reissue each time a new passport is issued. Only online update required. | Online update only |
| After completing 20 years | Mandatory reissue when a new passport is issued after turning 20. | Physical application via VFS |
| Between 21 and 50 years | No reissue required on passport renewal. Only online update. | Online update only |
| After completing 50 years | No longer mandatory to reissue each time a new passport is issued. Only online update required. | Online update only |
3. Special Cases: Foreign Spouses
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Foreign spouses of Indian citizens or OCI cardholders must upload online a copy of their new passport, a recent photo, a declaration confirming the marriage is subsisting, and copies of the Indian spouse’s passport/OCI card every time a new passport is issued.
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This is also done through the OCI Miscellaneous Services on the OCI portal and is free of cost.
4. How to Update or Reissue
Online Update:
Use the OCI Miscellaneous Services on the OCI portal to upload your new passport and photo. No fee, no physical submission required.
Mandatory Reissue (after age 20):
Apply through the same OCI Miscellaneous Services on the OCI portal and apply for OCI card reissuance.
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After submission of online application, a copy of the application form will be printed with an Online Registration Number.
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After completing the online application on the OCI portal, proceed to the VFS Global website.
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Register or log in to the VFS portal to create a new OCI application submission.
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Upload the printed application form along with all supporting documents as per the checklist.
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Make the required payment online, which includes:
-> US$25 (OCI reissue fee)
-> US$3 (ICWF)
-> US$15.90 (VFS service charge)
-> Additional fees for optional services like shipping.
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After making the required payment, generate the shipping label and send your complete application package—including the filled application form, all relevant enclosures, and the fee receipt—to the designated VFS India Consular Application Centre that serves the consular jurisdiction where you ordinarily reside, regardless of which Indian Mission/Post/Office issued your original OCI card. You may send the package by mail or submit it in person by appointment, depending on available options. Be sure to keep your receipt and tracking details for future reference.
5. Important Travel Notes
