Passport Guide
Many OCI cardholders wonder if they must update their OCI when they get a new passport. The Indian government simplified the rules in 2021. Now, OCI cards do not need to be reissued for each passport renewal. Only specific cases require an update or a one-time renewal, and most updates are much easier than before.
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What is OCI Card and Passport Renewal
An OCI card is a lifelong visa for people of Indian origin. It lets you travel to India without needing a regular visa. The OCI card itself never expires; it is valid for life.
However, the OCI does not replace your passport. You must carry your OCI card with a valid passport when you travel. Your OCI record is linked to your passport details.
If you renew your passport, you might need to update your OCI record. This keeps your OCI valid and ensures smooth travel.
OCI Card Rules: Old vs New (2021 Update)
Before 2021, OCI cardholders had to reissue their OCI card much more frequently. In April 2021, the Indian government relaxed these rules.
Before 2021: Children under 20 had to get a new OCI card with every passport renewal. Adults had to reissue their OCI card once after age 50. OCI travelers also had to carry their old passport with the OCI card.
Since 2021: You only need to reissue your OCI card once (after age 20). You do not need to reissue it again at age 50. Instead, you can update your OCI details online when needed. You no longer need to carry your old passport with your OCI card.
Who Needs to Update Their OCI Card?
If You Are Under 20
You must update your OCI every time you renew your passport. You do not need to get a new OCI card each time. Upload a copy of the new passport and a recent photo to the OCI portal within three months of the passport renewal. This update is free.
If You Are 20–50 Years Old
Reissue your OCI card once when you get your first passport after age 20. You won’t need to update your OCI again until you turn 50.
If You Are Over 50
When you get your first passport after age 50, update your OCI details online within three months. Upload a copy of the new passport and a recent photo to the OCI portal. You do not need a new OCI card for this. This update is free.
If You Have OCI Through Marriage
Yes, if your OCI is through marriage to an Indian citizen (or OCI cardholder), you must update it every time you get a new passport. Each time, upload your new passport copy and a recent photo on the OCI portal. You also need to submit a declaration that your marriage is still valid and a copy of your spouse’s current Indian passport or OCI card. These spouse-based OCI updates are done online and have no fee, but you are required to do them each time your passport is renewed.
How to Update Your OCI Card After a New Passport
There are two ways to update your OCI information, depending on the situation:
Online update: For most cases (like passport renewals for minors or after age 50), you will update your OCI details online through the OCI portal.
OCI card reissue: In one case (after you turn 20 and get a new passport), you will apply for a new OCI card (a one-time reissue).
Updating OCI Online (Passport Detail Upload)
Follow these steps to update your OCI details online:
Prepare your documents: Gather a digital copy of your new passport and a recent passport-size photo. Make sure the photo meets the OCI photo requirements (51mm x 51mm, plain background).
Visit the OCI website: Go to the official OCI services site (ociservices.gov.in). Select the “OCI Miscellaneous Services” option for updating passport details.
Fill out the form: Enter your OCI card number, your new passport information, and any other required details. Choose the option for updating passport particulars.
Upload your files: Upload a scan of your new passport’s photo page and your latest passport-style photo. (If your OCI is through marriage, also upload your marriage declaration and your spouse’s passport/OCI copy.)
Submit the application: Submit the form online. You should get a confirmation email that your documents were received.
Wait for confirmation: Processing takes about 30–40 days. You will receive an email once your new passport details are updated in the OCI system. (No new OCI card is issued for an online update — the changes are recorded electronically to your OCI record.)
Note: You do not need to wait for the update to be finished before traveling. You can travel to India with your OCI card and new passport while the update is in progress. Be sure to complete the update within the 3-month window.
Reissuing an OCI Card at Age 20
If you need a new physical OCI card (the one-time reissue after you turn 20), follow these steps:
Start the application: Go to OCI Miscellaneous Services on the OCI website. Select the option to reissue your OCI card (for a new passport after age 20) and fill out the form.
Upload documents: Upload the required files: a copy of your new passport, a recent photo, and your existing OCI card details. If you held Indian citizenship before, include your renunciation certificate as well.
Pay the fee: Pay the OCI reissue fee (about $25) online. (In the U.S., there are additional service charges of around $20.)
Follow instructions: After submitting the form and payment, follow the next instructions. In some cases you need to schedule a visit to an Indian embassy or consulate for document verification. (In the U.S., OCI reissue applications are typically mailed to the VFS processing center instead of an in-person appointment.)
Document verification: If you have an in-person appointment, bring your original documents for verification. This includes your current passport, your OCI card, and any supporting papers (like a marriage or renunciation certificate, if applicable). An official will check your documents (and may take your fingerprints if needed).
Receive your new OCI card: Once everything is verified, the consulate will process your application. It may take a few weeks for your new OCI card to be ready. You will be notified by email or the OCI website when it’s approved. Then you can get your new OCI card — either by picking it up or by mail, depending on the procedure.
If you need to travel while your OCI reissue is in progress, contact the consulate for advice. Your OCI status is generally valid during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I travel to India if I haven’t updated my OCI card yet?
Yes. You can travel with your OCI card and your new passport even if your OCI record update is still in progress. Indian authorities do not prevent OCI holders from traveling after you get a new passport but before your OCI details are updated. You should still submit your new passport information online within the 3-month timeframe, but you don’t have to wait for the final confirmation to go to India.
Do I need to carry my old passport with my OCI card?
No. You no longer need to carry your old canceled passport along with your OCI card. In the past, OCI travelers had to show the passport number originally linked to the OCI, but that rule was removed in 2021. Now you only need to carry your current passport and your OCI card when traveling to India.
How much does it cost to update an OCI card with a new passport?
Routine OCI updates (uploading new passport details online) are free – there is no cost. If you need a new OCI card issued (the one-time reissue at age 20, or if you lost/damaged your OCI card), the government fee is about $25. (In the U.S., there may be around $20 in service fees on top of that.)
Do I need to renew my child’s OCI when they get a new passport?
No, you don’t need to get a new OCI card each time. For a child under 20, upload the new passport details and a photo on the OCI website whenever they get a new passport. The OCI card itself stays the same. Once the child turns 20, a one-time OCI card reissue is required the first time they renew a passport after age 20.
If I have OCI through marriage, do I need to update it with each new passport?
Yes. If your OCI is through marriage to an Indian citizen (or OCI cardholder), you must update it every time you get a new passport. Each time, upload your new passport copy and a recent photo on the OCI portal. You also need to submit a declaration that your marriage is still valid and a copy of your spouse’s current Indian passport or OCI card. These spouse-based OCI updates are done online and have no fee, but you are required to do them each time your passport is renewed.
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Things to Remember About OCI Card Updates
OCI validity: Your OCI card is valid for life, but you must use it with a valid passport. Always travel with your current passport and OCI card together.
2021 rule changes: Since 2021, OCI cardholders only need to reissue their OCI card once (after age 20). There is no mandatory reissue at age 50 anymore.
Minors and seniors: If you are under 20 or over 50, you don’t need a new OCI card when you renew your passport. Update your OCI details online instead (it’s free).
3-month window: Whenever an OCI update is required, submit your new passport information within 3 months of getting the passport. This keeps you in compliance with the rules.
No old passport needed: You do not have to carry your old passport that was linked to your OCI. Carry your current passport and OCI card when traveling.
Stay informed: For the latest information and special cases (like name changes or a lost OCI card), check the official OCI website or contact your local Indian Embassy/Consulate.
Disclaimer: OCI rules and procedures can change. Always verify the latest requirements with official Indian government sources or the Indian Embassy/Consulate.
