I’ll tell you how I learned this the hard way.
2019. My son’s US passport expired. We renewed it.
2020. Got the shiny new passport. Celebrated.
Then we tried to fly to India for Diwali.
At the airport check-in counter in Bangalore, the agent looked at the OCI card. Then the new passport. Then the OCI card again. The passport number on the OCI didn’t match the new passport.
“Sir, this OCI is linked to a different passport.”
I knew the rules had changed. I knew there was some online update thing. I just hadn’t done it. Because life got busy. Because the portal looked confusing. Because I told myself I’d do it later.
We made it through that time. But not without 20 minutes of explaining, showing the old passport, and sweating through my shirt at the immigration counter.
Don’t be me.
If you’ve renewed your passport, you need to update your OCI. This guide tells you exactly how. Step by step. With screenshots-level detail.
And here’s the good news. For most people, the process is completely free and entirely online. No VFS visit. No mailing documents. No fees.
First: Do You Need an Update or a Reissue?
This is where most people get confused. There are two different processes. Understanding which one applies to you saves a lot of headaches.
| Scenario | What You Need | Cost | Process |
|---|---|---|---|
| Got new passport, same personal details, age under 20 or over 50 | Online update (passport particulars updation) | Free | Upload on OCI portal, no physical documents |
| Got new passport, age 21 to 49, OCI was issued/reissued after age 20 | Nothing required until age 50 | Free | No action needed |
| Got first new passport AFTER turning 20 (and OCI was issued before age 20) | Physical OCI reissue (mandatory) | $25 + $3 ICWF | Apply through VFS Global |
| OCI card lost or damaged | Physical OCI reissue | $100 + $3 ICWF | Apply through VFS Global |
| Name change (marriage, court order, etc.) | Physical OCI reissue | $25 + $3 ICWF | Apply through VFS Global |
| Change of nationality | Physical OCI reissue | $25 + $3 ICWF | Apply through VFS Global |
Source: Indian Embassy Washington DC, CGI San Francisco, ociservices.gov.in (February 2026)
Read that table carefully. Most adults between 21 and 49 who already had their OCI reissued after turning 20 don’t need to do anything when they renew their passport. They can travel with their existing OCI card and new passport.
This was a major rule change from April 2021 that many people still don’t know about.
If you’re not sure whether your situation requires an update or a reissue, our OCI card guide breaks down the basics.
The Simple Path: Online Update (Free, No VFS)
This applies to you if:
- You’re under 20 and got a new passport
- You’re over 50 and got a new passport
- You’re a foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI holder and got a new passport
The process is entirely online. Free. No physical documents to mail. No VFS appointment.
Here’s exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Go to the OCI Portal
Visit https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome
Click on “OCI Miscellaneous Services” (not the regular OCI application).
Step 2: Start a New Application
Click “Fill New Application.”
Enter your OCI card number, the passport number currently linked to your OCI card (the old one), and your date of birth.
A tip from our community. The OCI card number is on the front page of your OCI booklet. It’s not the same as your file number or the number on the visa sticker page.
Step 3: Select Service Type
Choose “Passport Particulars Updation” from the options.
Note: You can only select one service per application. If you also need to update your address, you’ll need to submit a separate application for that.
Step 4: Fill in New Passport Details
Enter your new passport number, issue date, expiry date, and place of issue.
Step 5: Upload Documents
You’ll need to upload:
- Copy of new passport (information page with photo) – PDF format, max 500KB
- Recent photograph (not more than 30 days old) – JPEG format, max 500KB
- Copy of old passport (information page) – PDF format, max 500KB
If your old passport was not returned when the new one was issued, you can skip the old passport upload.
For spouse-based OCI holders, you also need to upload:
- Declaration that the marriage is still subsisting
- Copy of Indian spouse’s passport or OCI card
Step 6: Submit
Review everything carefully. Submit.
You’ll get an automatic email confirming the documents were uploaded successfully.
After verification (usually 1 to 4 weeks), you’ll receive a second email confirming that your new passport details have been updated in the OCI system.
That’s it. No new OCI card is issued. Your existing OCI card remains valid. The system just links your new passport number to your OCI record internally.
Can I travel to India while the update is processing?
Yes. There is no restriction on travel during this period. Carry your OCI card, new passport, and old passport (just in case) until you receive the confirmation email.
Since March 2021, you are no longer required to carry your old passport when traveling with your OCI card and current passport. But during the processing window, having it as backup is smart.
The Physical Reissue Path: When You Need a New OCI Card
This is required only in specific situations. The most common one is when you get your first new passport after turning 20 and your OCI was originally issued when you were a minor.
This makes sense. The government wants to capture your adult facial features on the OCI card. A photo from when you were 5 years old isn’t useful at 22.
Here’s how the reissue works.
Step 1: Apply on the OCI Portal
Go to https://ociservices.gov.in/welcome
Click on “OCI Miscellaneous Services.”
Select the appropriate reissue category (new passport after age 20, lost/damaged card, name change, etc.).
Fill in all required details and upload documents.
Documents needed for reissue (new passport after age 20):
- Copy of existing OCI card
- Copy of new passport
- Copy of old passport (if available)
- Copy of Indian renunciation certificate and cancelled Indian passport (if applicable)
- NOC letter signed by both parents (if applicant is under 21)
Step 2: Pay the Fee
- Reissue fee: $25 (or equivalent in local currency)
- ICWF (Indian Community Welfare Fund): $3
- Lost/damaged OCI: $100 + $3 ICWF
Step 3: Submit Through VFS Global
After completing the online application, go to VFS Global’s OCI services page.
Register or log in. Create a new submission. Upload your printed application form and supporting documents.
Generate a shipping label. Mail your complete package to the VFS center that serves your consular jurisdiction.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing takes 4 to 8 weeks typically. You can track status on the OCI portal using your file reference number.
Once processed, you’ll receive a new OCI card by mail through VFS.
For anyone in the US going through this, check which Indian consulate or VFS center covers your jurisdiction.
The Age-Based Rules: A Clear Breakdown
This is the part that confuses everyone. So let me lay it out as simply as possible.
| Your Age | What to Do When You Get a New Passport | Fee | New OCI Card Issued? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | Upload new passport and photo online on OCI portal | Free | No (online update only) |
| Turned 20, first new passport after 20th birthday | Apply for physical OCI reissue through VFS | $28 | Yes, new card issued |
| 21 to 49 (already reissued OCI after turning 20) | Nothing required | Free | No |
| 50 and above (first new passport after 50) | Upload new passport and photo online on OCI portal | Free | No (online update only) |
| Any age, name or nationality change | Apply for physical OCI reissue through VFS | $28 | Yes, new card issued |
| Any age, lost or damaged OCI | Apply for physical OCI reissue through VFS | $103 | Yes, new card issued |
Source: Indian Embassy Washington DC, CGI Atlanta, ociservices.gov.in
The big takeaway? If you’re between 21 and 49 and you already went through the post-20 reissue, you’re in the clear. No update needed when you renew your passport. Just travel with your OCI card and new passport.
Our community has confirmed this through dozens of successful trips. No issues at Indian immigration.
If you need a refresher on what the OCI card actually is and its full list of benefits, that guide covers it all.
Photo and Document Specifications
Getting your upload rejected because of a bad photo is frustrating. Here are the exact specs.
Photograph Requirements:
- Recent photo (not more than 30 days old)
- White background
- Front facing, both ears visible
- JPEG format
- Maximum file size: 500KB
- Dimensions: 350 x 350 pixels (square)
Document Upload Requirements:
- PDF format for all documents
- Maximum file size: 500KB per file
- Each document category must be uploaded as a single file
- Scan at approximately 100 DPI for best results (an A4 page at 100 DPI color is about 200 to 250KB)
A tip from our community. If your scan is over 500KB, use a free online PDF compressor. Don’t reduce the scan quality. Compress the PDF instead.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
I’ve collected these from years of questions in our BacktoIndia WhatsApp groups. These are the real issues people run into.
Problem: “I can’t log in. The portal says my OCI number is not found.”
Check that you’re entering the OCI registration number (printed on the OCI card itself), not the file number. Also make sure you’re entering the passport number that’s currently linked to the OCI (your old passport number, not the new one).
Problem: “I submitted the online update weeks ago but never got a confirmation email.”
Check your spam folder first. If it’s not there, go to ociservices.gov.in/welcome and click “Status Enquiry” to check your application status. Processing times vary from 1 to 6 weeks depending on the mission.
Problem: “My name on the OCI card is slightly different from my new passport.”
If it’s a minor variation (like middle name differences), the online update should still work. If it’s a legal name change, you’ll need a physical reissue with supporting documents (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
Problem: “I’m 25. I never got my OCI reissued after turning 20. Now I have a new passport.”
You need the physical reissue. Even though you’re past 20, this is your first time going through the mandatory adult reissue. Apply through VFS with the $25 + $3 fee.
Problem: “Can I update OCI for my minor child?”
Yes. The process is the same. You’ll do the online update on behalf of your child. Enter the child’s OCI number and passport details.
For US-born children, our guide on benefits of US-born kids living in India covers the full picture.
Country-Specific Notes
The OCI portal and rules are the same globally. But the outsourcing partner (VFS, BLS, Cox & Kings) and fees vary by country.
| Country | Outsourcing Partner | Reissue Fee (approx.) | Online Update Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | VFS Global | $25 + $3 ICWF | Free |
| UK | VFS Global | GBP 20 + GBP 2 ICWF | Free |
| Canada | VFS Global / BLS International | CAD 35 + CAD 4 ICWF | Free |
| UAE | BLS International | AED 100 + AED 12 ICWF | Free |
| Australia | VFS Global | AUD 40 + AUD 5 ICWF | Free |
Fees are approximate and subject to change. Always confirm on the relevant outsourcing partner’s website.
For country-specific return guides, check our dedicated pages for returning from USA, UK, UAE, or Canada.
If You’re Doing This from India
If you’re already in India (maybe you’ve moved back and your passport was renewed at a US consulate in India), you can still do the online update the same way.
For the physical reissue, instead of VFS, you’ll submit documents to the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) in your city.
This process is generally faster from India. Most of our community members who did it from Bangalore or Hyderabad report 2 to 4 weeks for reissue.
If you’re recently returned and dealing with the NRE to resident account conversion at the same time, our guide on converting NRE/NRO accounts covers that process.
The Timeline You Should Plan For
Here’s a realistic timeline based on what our community members have experienced.
For Online Update (free):
- Application submission: 15 to 30 minutes
- Processing time: 1 to 4 weeks
- Confirmation: Email notification
- Total time: 2 to 5 weeks
For Physical Reissue (paid):
- Online application: 30 to 45 minutes
- VFS submission and mailing: 1 to 3 days
- Processing time: 4 to 8 weeks (can be longer during peak season)
- Return shipping: 1 to 2 weeks
- Total time: 6 to 12 weeks
Plan accordingly. If you have travel to India coming up, start the process at least 3 months before your trip.
If you’re planning a full move back, this is one item on your return to India checklist you want to clear early.
What Happens If You Don’t Update?
Technically, you can still travel to India with your OCI card and new passport even without updating. The March 2021 notification from MHA says immigration authorities should not deny entry based on a passport number mismatch.
But in practice? It depends on the immigration officer.
Some officers at Indian airports are aware of the updated rules. They’ll let you through with a quick check. Others may not be.
I’ve heard stories from our community that go both ways. Smooth entry with no questions. And 30-minute delays with supervisors being called.
My advice? Do the update. It’s free. It takes 20 minutes. And it saves you from being that person holding up the immigration line at 2 AM after a 16-hour flight.
Special Situations
PIO Card Holders:
If you still have a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card, the deadline to convert to OCI was extended to December 31, 2025. As of January 1, 2026, PIO cards are no longer valid for entry to India. You need to convert to OCI immediately.
Read about the difference between PIO and OCI and how to convert.
Children with Expired Passports:
If your child’s passport has expired and you’re renewing it, do the passport renewal first. Then update the OCI. Don’t try to update the OCI before the new passport is in hand.
Multiple Passport Renewals Without OCI Updates:
If you’ve renewed your passport 2 or 3 times without ever updating the OCI, don’t panic. You can still do the online update now. Enter the passport number currently linked to the OCI (which might be from several passports ago) and update it to your current passport.
Some community members have successfully updated OCI records that were 3 to 4 passports behind. The system handles it.
Quick Reference Checklist
Before you start, have these ready:
- [ ] Your OCI card (note the registration number on the front page)
- [ ] Old passport number (the one currently linked to OCI)
- [ ] New passport (scan of the information page, PDF, under 500KB)
- [ ] Recent photograph (JPEG, white background, under 500KB, taken within 30 days)
- [ ] Old passport scan (if available, PDF, under 500KB)
- [ ] For spouse-based OCI: marriage subsistence declaration + Indian spouse’s passport copy
- [ ] For minors: NOC from both parents (if applying for reissue)
- [ ] Access to the email address registered with OCI portal
The whole thing takes about 20 minutes if you have everything ready. Maybe 15 if you’ve done it before.
FAQ
Do I need to carry my old passport when traveling to India?
No. Since March 2021, this requirement has been removed. Carry your OCI card and current valid passport (with at least 6 months validity). That’s sufficient.
How do I check if my OCI update was successful?
Go to ociservices.gov.in/welcome, click “Status Enquiry.” Enter your file reference number. The status should show “Your details have been updated in OCI records.”
I’m 35. I already got my OCI reissued at 22. Do I need to update anything?
No. You don’t need to do anything until you get your first new passport after turning 50. Travel freely with your OCI card and current passport.
Can I do this from anywhere in the world?
Yes. The online update works from any country. For physical reissue, you submit through the outsourcing partner (VFS/BLS) in your country of residence.
What if the portal is down or not working?
This happens more often than it should. Try a different browser. Clear your cache. Or try during off-peak hours (Indian Standard Time mornings tend to work better). If it’s truly down, wait a day and try again.
Is there a penalty for not updating within 3 months?
There’s no official penalty. The 3-month window is a guideline, not a hard deadline. But do it as soon as you can. Delaying only creates unnecessary risk at immigration.
My OCI card says “U” visa. Is that still valid?
Yes. The “U” visa sticker system was discontinued in January 2015. Your OCI card itself is your entry document now. No visa sticker required.
The Bottom Line
The OCI update process is one of those things that feels complicated until you actually do it. The online update takes 20 minutes and costs nothing. The physical reissue takes longer but is still straightforward.
The rules have been simplified significantly since 2021. For most adults between 21 and 49, you may not need to do anything at all when you renew your passport.
Know which category you fall into. Have your documents scanned and ready. And do it as soon as you get your new passport. Not the week before your flight.
My son is a teenager now. We’ve been through this process multiple times. It gets easier every time. And the peace of mind of walking up to Indian immigration with everything in order? That’s worth the 20 minutes.
If you’re planning your move back to India and dealing with OCI updates along with everything else, join our WhatsApp community at backtoindia.com/groups. 20,000+ NRIs helping each other with real, lived experience. It’s free and volunteer-run.
See you there.
Disclaimer: OCI rules and portal processes change periodically. Always verify current requirements on ociservices.gov.in or your nearest Indian consulate’s website before applying.
Sources: Indian Embassy Washington DC, CGI San Francisco, CGI Atlanta, ociservices.gov.in, VFS Global, MHA Notification March 2021, BacktoIndia.com community insights from 20,000+ members.
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