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OCI in lieu of damaged/lost PIO card OCI in lieu of damaged/lost PIO card

OCI in lieu of damaged/lost PIO card

Overview

If your Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card has been lost or damaged, you are required to apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card in its place. The PIO scheme was merged with the OCI scheme in 2015, and all PIO cardholders are strongly advised to convert their PIO cards to OCI cards as soon as possible. The replacement process is managed online, with applications processed by VFS Global, the authorized service provider for Indian consular services in the United States.

What To Do If Your PIO Card Is Lost or Damaged

    • Lost PIO Card: Immediately file a complaint with your local police authorities and obtain a police report. This document is mandatory for your OCI application in lieu of a lost PIO card.

    • Damaged PIO Card: Collect the damaged PIO card and prepare it for submission with your application.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for OCI in Lieu of Lost/Damaged PIO Card:

1. File a Police Report (If Lost)

    • For lost PIO cards, file a complaint with the police and keep a copy of the report for your application.

    2. Complete the Online Application

      • Visit the official OCI services portal: https://ociservices.gov.in.

      • Select “OCI in lieu of PIO Card” as the application type.

      • Fill out the online application form accurately and upload the required documents.

    3. Prepare Required Documents

      • Printed and signed OCI application form (from the online portal)

      • Recent passport-size photographs (as per specifications)

      • Copy of current valid passport (information page)

      • Original damaged PIO card (if applicable) or police report (if lost)

      • Proof of address

      • Evidence of Indian origin (if requested)

      • Fee payment receipt

      • Any other documents listed in the checklist provided by VFS Global.

    4. Pay the Fees

      • After completing the online application on the OCI portal, proceed to the VFS Global website.

      • Register or log in to the VFS portal to create a new OCI application submission.

      • Upload the printed application form along with all supporting documents as per the checklist.

      • Make the required payment online, which includes:

      -> US$100 (OCI reissue fee)

      -> US$3 (ICWF)

      -> US$15.90 (VFS service charge)

      -> Additional fees for optional services like shipping.

    5. Submit Your Application

      • Generate the shipping label after payment 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 your consular jurisdiction, regardless of which Indian Mission/Post/Office issued your original PIO card.

      • You may send the package by mail or submit it in person by appointment, depending on available options. Keep your receipt and tracking details for reference.

    6. Track Your Application

      • Use your Application Reference Number (ARN) to track the status of your application on the OCI services portal or VFS Global website.

    Important Reminders

      • The validity of PIO cards has been extended until December 31, 2025, but it is strongly recommended to convert your PIO card to an OCI card before this deadline.

      • If ICAO notifies a deadline making handwritten PIO cards invalid, you may need to obtain an appropriate visa for travel to India.