OCI Card Renewal & Reissue: Step-by-Step Process & Documents

OCI Card Renewal Documents Required

Having the right documents prevents delays and rejections.

For Online Update (Free)

You need only:

• Copy of new passport (bio page with photo)
• Recent photograph (taken within 30 days, white background)
• For foreign spouses: Marriage subsistence declaration + spouse's Indian passport/OCI card copy

Upload these as PDF or JPEG files (under 1 MB each) through the OCI portal.

For Physical Reissuance (Paid)

Required documents include:

• Current OCI card (front and back copies)
• New passport (bio page and endorsements)
• Old passport (if available)
• Recent photograph (2x2 inches, white background, taken within 6 months)
• Supporting documents for changes:
• Marriage certificate for name changes
• Police report for lost/damaged cards
• Nationality certificate for nationality changes
• Proof of address (utility bill, driver's license, lease agreement)

Photo and Signature Specifications

Your photo must meet strict requirements:

• Size: 2x2 inches (51mm x 51mm) with equal height and width
• Background: Plain white, no shadows or patterns
• Appearance: Full face visible, front view, eyes open, neutral expression
• Quality: High resolution, clear, not blurry or pixelated
• Recency: Taken within 6 months (30 days for online updates)

Your signature must match your passport signature exactly. Scan it in blue or black ink only.

How to Update Your OCI Card Online (Free Process)

This three-step process takes less than 30 minutes.

Step 1: Access the OCI Services Portal

Visit official OCI services website, and select "OCI Miscellaneous Services" from the homepage. You'll need your existing OCI card number to proceed.

Step 2: Upload New Passport and Photo

Fill in your details and upload:

• New passport bio page (showing photo and details)
• Recent photograph (specifications mentioned above)
• For foreign spouses: Marriage subsistence declaration and spouse documents

Ensure all files are under 1 MB and in PDF or JPEG format.

Step 3: Submit and Track Your Application

After submission, you'll receive an auto-acknowledgment email within 24-48 hours confirming your documents are recorded. You can travel to India immediately with your existing OCI card and new passport. No need to wait for any physical documents.

Track your status anytime at the OCI portal using "Status Enquiry" option.

How to Reissue Your OCI Card (Paid Process)

Physical reissuance requires both online and offline steps.

Step 1: Complete Online Application

Visit OCI Service website and select "OCI Miscellaneous Services." Fill the online form completely, upload all required documents and photos, and print the application form with your registration number.

Step 2: Register with VFS Global

Go to VFS Global OCI Services and create an account. Upload your printed OCI application form and pay the fees online (consular fee + ICWF + VFS service charge).

Step 3: Submit Documents to VFS Center

Mail or visit your nearest VFS Global center with:

• Printed application form
• All original supporting documents (for verification)
• Payment receipt
• Prepaid return envelope (if mailing)

Your application goes to the Indian consulate in your jurisdiction, regardless of where your original OCI was issued. For those planning to return to India, timing your OCI reissuance is crucial.

Step 4: Track Your Application

Use your VFS tracking number to monitor progress. You'll receive email updates when:

• VFS receives your application
• Consulate acknowledges your documents
• Your OCI card is printed in India
• Your card is dispatched for delivery

Step 5: Receive Your New OCI Card

Your new OCI card and booklet arrive via mail in 6-7 weeks. Verify all details immediately, especially your name, date of birth, and passport number.

OCI Card Renewal Fees Breakdown

Understanding the complete cost helps you budget appropriately.

Online Update Fees

Free service - No charges for digital updates when you renew your passport or change address.

Reissuance Fees for Regular Cases

When you need a new physical card after age 20 or for other reasons:

• Consular fee: $25
• Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF): $3
• VFS service charge: $15.90
• Optional services: $10-20 (courier, SMS tracking)
• Total: Approximately $44-64

Reissuance Fees for Lost or Damaged Cards

Higher fees apply for replacement:

• Consular fee: $100 (instead of $25)
• ICWF: $3
• VFS service charge: $15.90
• Police report: Required (free or nominal fee)
• Total: Approximately $119-139

Payment methods include credit/debit card (3.75% processing fee), money order, cashier's check, or banker's check payable to "VFS Services (USA) Inc."

Can You Travel to India During OCI Renewal?

Yes, in most cases you can travel while your renewal is pending.

Traveling with Existing OCI and New Passport

If you're doing an online update (free process), you can travel immediately after uploading your documents. Carry both your existing OCI card and new passport. You no longer need to carry your old passport, according to current guidelines. Understanding FEMA rules helps you navigate financial transactions during your India visits.

If OCI Reissuance is Pending

When you've applied for physical reissuance, you can still travel with:

• Your existing OCI card (if not lost)
• Your current valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Email acknowledgment from OCI portal (print a copy)

Immigration officers accept this combination, though having the acknowledgment email provides additional documentation if questioned.

Emergency Travel Options

If your OCI is lost and you need to travel urgently:

1. Apply for an appropriate visa (tourist, entry, etc.)
2. Process both visa and OCI reissuance simultaneously
3. Use visa for immediate travel
4. Receive new OCI card upon return

Emergency visas process faster than OCI reissuance, which cannot be expedited.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During OCI Renewal

Learning from others' errors saves time and prevents rejections.

Photo and Signature Errors

Most common rejection reason involves photos:

• Using old photos (must be recent)
• Wrong background color (must be white)
• Wearing glasses (remove unless medically necessary)
• Photo dimensions incorrect or unequal height/width
• Blurry or low-resolution images
• Signature not matching passport

Always use a professional photo service familiar with Indian passport specifications. Your photo uploaded online must be identical to the physical photo you submit.

Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

Missing or wrong documents cause delays:

• Not submitting old passport copy when available
• Address proof doesn't match application address
• Marriage certificate missing for name changes
• Police report for lost card not in English (needs certified translation)
• Photocopies not self-attested

Double-check every document against the official checklist before submission.

Missing the 3-Month Update Window

You have three months from receiving your new passport to upload updates online. While missing this deadline doesn't invalidate your OCI, it's better to comply promptly. Many NRIs managing cross-border finances forget this step until planning travel.

Paying Wrong Fees or to Wrong Entity

Common payment mistakes include:

• Paying for online update (should be free)
• Using personal checks (only cashier's check, money order, or banker's check accepted)
• Not writing application number on money order
• Paying old fee amounts (check current rates)

Always verify current fees on official VFS Global or consulate websites before payment.