Step-by-Step Guide to Re-Issue OCI in India After Turning 20 and Getting a New Passport
- Shruti Lal
- Aug 28
- 4 min read
Travelers of Indian origin often face confusion about when to reissue their OCI card. One of the most critical points is after turning 20 years old. If you recently got a new passport after your 20th birthday, you must apply for a reissue of your OCI card before traveling to India.
Failing to do so may result in being denied entry at immigration—even if you carry your old passport and valid OCI card. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the entire process of reissuing your OCI card after turning 20, using Mumbai as an example.
Why Do You Need to Re-Issue Your OCI After 20?
According to the Government of India guidelines:
OCI must be reissued each time a new passport is acquired by the cardholder until age 20.
Between ages 20–49, you only need to update your OCI details online when you get a new passport (no full reissue required).
At age 50 and above, you must again reissue your OCI card when you acquire a new passport.
This rule exists because your facial features change significantly between childhood and early adulthood. Immigration requires updated photos that match your current appearance.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, you will need:
Your new passport (after turning 20).
A recent passport-sized photograph (3.5 x 3.5 cm, white background, no shadows).
Proof of address (driver’s license, utility bill, lease, or mortgage papers).
📌 Photo Guidelines:
Full-face, front view, eyes open, mouth closed.
No hats, sunglasses, or photo edits.
File size: under 1 MB in JPG/PDF format.
Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application
Visit the official portal: ociservices.gov.in.
Register using your new passport details and Indian mobile number.
Select OCI Miscellaneous Services → Change of Personal Particulars → Re-issuance of OCI card.
Complete the six-page online form:
Personal details (select FRRO Mumbai or your jurisdiction).
Passport details (new and old).
Current residential address.
Employment details.
Criminal background information.
Citizenship and renunciation details.
Upload your photo and signature (same signature as your passport).
Step 3: Upload Mandatory Documents
Upload the following in PDF format (under 1 MB each):
New passport (first and last page).
Old passport linked to your OCI.
Current OCI card.
Proof of address.
⚠️ You only get 5 attempts to upload documents. Make sure they match the physical copies you will send later.
Step 4: Review and Final Submit
Double-check all details and make modifications if needed.
Once satisfied, click Final Submit.
Download the PDF version of the application.
Print it, sign it, and glue your original photo to the form.
Step 5: Pay the Processing Fee
After submission, click Proceed to Payment.
Payment is done via SBI ePay or Axis Bank Gateway.
Accepts Indian debit/credit cards or net banking.
U.S. credit cards usually do not work.
Once successful, download and print the payment receipt.
Step 6: Prepare the Application Package
Your package should include:
Printed & signed application form (with glued photo).
Two passport-size photos.
Self-attested copies of:
New passport (first & last pages).
Old passport linked to OCI (first & last pages).
Current OCI card.
Proof of address.
Payment receipt.
Cover letter with file reference number, purpose of reissue, contact details, and email ID.
📌 How to Self-Attest Documents:
Write “Self-attested: True copy of the original” on the photocopy.
Sign your full name (same as in passport).
Add the date.
Step 7: Send to the Correct FRRO Jurisdiction
India is divided into regions, and each is managed by a Foreigner’s Regional Registration Office (FRRO).
For Mumbai, send your documents to:
FRRO Mumbai – handles Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Daman & Diu.
📦 Use a secure courier (DTDC, Blue Dart, Speed Post). Write your file reference number on the envelope.
Step 8: Track Your Application
Track status online at the OCI Status Inquiry Portal.
Use your file reference number and passport number.
FRRO will update when your new OCI card is ready.
Step 9: Collect Your New OCI
Once processed, you can:
Collect your new OCI card in person from FRRO.
Request courier delivery (if available in your region).
Final Thoughts
Reissuing your OCI card after turning 20 is not optional—it’s mandatory. Many travelers have been denied entry into India for skipping this step, even if they carried their old passport linked to the OCI.
By following this process carefully, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress, delays, or deportation and enjoy smooth travel to India.
✈️ Safe travels, and always double-check your OCI validity before booking flights!
Book your flight or hotel :
Book tours and buy tickets to the museums, monuments, parks, etc.
Buy travel gear :
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through my links, at no extra cost to you. I will be very thankful if you buy using my affiliate link.
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