Renewal of OCI Card in case of change of name

General Information on OCI

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme was established through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955, in August 2005. It offers registration as an OCI to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were Indian citizens on or after January 26, 1950, or were eligible for Indian citizenship on that date. However, individuals who are or have been citizens of Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country specified by the Government of India are not eligible.

Registered OCI cardholders enjoy a lifetime, multipurpose, multiple-entry visa to India. They are also exempt from registering with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) regardless of their duration of stay. Additionally, they are eligible for similar rights as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational fields—excluding ownership of agricultural or plantation property.

Applicants must verify their jurisdiction and apply at the correct Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC). Refer to the “How to Apply” or “Jurisdiction” sections for more details.

Appointments are mandatory for visiting the ICAC. Walk-ins without prior appointments will not be accommodated. Fee payments at the ICAC are accepted in cash only.

Applicants must submit all supporting documents as listed in the “Documents Checklist.” Incomplete submissions will not be processed.

Regular SMS notifications are sent at each stage of the application process. To check the current status, use the “Track Application” feature.

Processing Time

• For Persons of Indian Origin: Applications typically take 8–10 weeks from the date of submission at DU Digital Global ICAC.
• For Foreign Spouses: Processing time varies as it depends on clearances from authorities in India; therefore, no fixed timeline is available.
  
  

Eligibility Criteria

You may apply for an OCI card if you fall under any of the following categories:

• You are a foreign citizen but were previously an Indian citizen or were eligible to become one on or after 26 January 1950.
• You are the minor child of an eligible individual.
• You are a foreign national but belong to a territory that became part of India after August 15, 1947.
• You are a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild of a person mentioned above.
• You are a minor and one or both of your parents are Indian citizens.
• You are the spouse of an Indian citizen or an OCI cardholder, and your marriage has been registered and sustained continuously for at least two years prior to application.
  
  

Note:

• Individuals who are or have been citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible.
• Current or former military or police personnel from foreign nations cannot register as OCI cardholders.
  
  

Biometric Data Collection

Biometric data—fingerprints and facial image—must be provided during the application process at DU Digital Global ICAC. If biometrics cannot be given at the time of application, a written explanation must be submitted.

• Applications will be acknowledged in the system only after biometric data is uploaded.
• Collected biometric data will remain valid for 5 years.
• Applicants with no fingerprints or poor fingerprint quality will provide only facial biometrics.
• Applicants aged below 12 years or above 70 years are exempt from fingerprint capture.
  
  

Reissuance Guidelines for OCI Cards

OCI card reissuance is mandatory only once—when a new passport is issued after the cardholder turns 20 years old. The application must be submitted under “OCI Miscellaneous Services” with the applicable fee.

In all other cases:

• Cardholders should upload a copy of the new passport with a recent photo via the online portal each time a new passport is issued until the age of 20 and once after turning 50.
• The upload must be done within 3 months of receiving the new passport.
• This service is free of charge.
  
  

For foreign-origin spouses:

• A copy of the new passport, a recent photograph, and a declaration confirming the marriage is still valid must be uploaded.
• Documents such as the Indian spouse’s passport or OCI card must also be uploaded.
• Uploads must be done within 3 months of receiving the new passport.
• Confirmation emails are sent upon successful upload and after approval by the Indian authority.

There are no travel restrictions for OCI cardholders between the issuance of a new passport and the final acknowledgment of document updates.

OCI Miscellaneous Services

OCI cardholders can also request updates or changes in the following scenarios:

• Correction of personal details (e.g., change in nationality, as long as the new nationality is not of Pakistan or Bangladesh).
• Replacement of lost or damaged OCI card.
• Errors made while filling out the online application.
• Updates to current address or occupation.

How to Apply for OCI – Step-by-Step Guide

Follow the instructions below to apply for an OCI card through DU Digital Global Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC):

1. Create an Account
   Register yourself on the DU Digital Global ICAC website.[Click here to register]
2. Fill Out the Online OCI Application
   Visit the Indian Government’s Online OCI Services Portal and follow these steps:
   • Select the required service type
   • Complete both Part A and Part B of the application
   • Upload the necessary documents (self-attested), recent photograph, and signature/thumb impression

Photo Guidelines:

1. • • Size: Not less than 51mm x 51mm
     • Face coverage: 80%
     • Background: Light color (not white), no border, front-facing
     • Format: JPEG/JPG
     • File size: Max 200 KB
     • Dimensions: Minimum 200 x 200 pixels, Maximum 900 x 900 pixels
       
       

Signature Guidelines:

1. • • Format: JPEG/JPG
     • File size: Max 200 KB
     • For minors unable to sign, a left-hand thumb impression is required
2. Schedule an Appointment
   Book your appointment online through the DU Digital Global ICAC website.[Click here to book your appointment]
   • Choose a convenient date and time
   • Visit the ICAC center on the scheduled date (as per your jurisdiction)
   • The address and center location will be clearly stated in your appointment letter
   • Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time
3. Submit Your Application
   • Carry all required documents exactly as per the “Documents Checklist”
   • Visit the designated DU Digital Global ICAC
   • Submit your application and pay the applicable fees (check the “Fee Details” section)
4. Enroll for Biometrics (if required)
   • Biometric data (fingerprints and facial image) will be captured at the ICAC during submission
5. You’re Done!
   • You can opt for the courier service offered by DU Digital Global to receive your OCI card directly at your home
6. Track Your Application
   Stay updated on your application status by using the online tracking tool.[Click here to track your application]

Document Checklist

OCI Application (South Korea)

Ensure you enclose the following documents while submitting your OCI application at DU Digital Global ICAC, South Korea:

1. Printed Application Form
   A printout of the duly filled online form submitted at https://ociservices.gov.in/, signed by the applicant in the designated places.
2. Recent Photographs
   • Two (02) recent color photographs of size 51mm x 51mm
   • Applications with incorrect photo specifications will be rejected
   • Check the official photo guidelines at https://ociservices.gov.in/
3. Proof of Current Address in South Korea
   • Copy of Korean Residence Certificate (JuminDeungnok) or any valid local address proof
4. Copy of Current Foreign Passport
   • Valid passport (photo page and address page if applicable)
5. Original OCI Card & Copy (if applying due to damage)
   • Submit both the original damaged OCI card and a photocopy
6. Police Report (if OCI card is lost)
   • Original police report mentioning the OCI card number
   • Include a copy of the lost OCI card (if available)
7. For Minor Applicants
   • Copy of current passports and residence permits/ID cards of both parents
8. Name Change Document (if applicable)
   • Government-issued name change certificate
9. Dual Nationality (if applicable)
   • Copy of the passport of the second nationality
10. Duly Filled Checklist
    Download, print, and enclose the completed checklist form[Click here to download the Checklist]
11. Applicant Consent Form
12.  
13. • Print and include the signed consent form[Click here to download the Consent Form]

Fees Details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is eligible to apply for an OCI card?
   Foreign nationals who were eligible to become Indian citizens on or after 26 January 1950, or who were Indian citizens at any point since that date, including those who belonged to territories that became part of India after 15 August 1947, are eligible. Their children and grandchildren may also qualify, subject to the dual citizenship laws of their current country.
   
   Note: Applicants who are or were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh are not eligible.
   
   
2. My parents were born in undivided India but held Pakistani citizenship briefly after partition. Am I eligible for OCI?
   No. Anyone whose parents or grandparents were ever citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh is not eligible for OCI registration.
   
   
3. Is a Renunciation Certificate required before applying for OCI?
   Yes, you must obtain a Renunciation/Surrender Certificate before applying for an OCI card.
   
   
4. My spouse is a foreign national. Can they apply for an OCI card? What about our children?
   Yes. A foreign spouse of an Indian citizen or an existing OCI cardholder may apply, provided the marriage has been registered and has continuously existed for at least 2 years prior to the application date.
   
   Minor children are also eligible if both parents or one parent holds Indian citizenship.
   
   
5. Are foreign nationals serving in the military eligible for OCI?
   No. Foreign military personnel, whether currently serving or retired, are not eligible to apply for an OCI card.
   
   
6. What are the benefits of having an OCI card?

• • Life-long, multiple entry visa to India
  • Exemption from registration with local police, regardless of stay duration
  • Equal treatment with NRIs in financial, economic, and educational sectors (except for agricultural/plantation land acquisition)
  • Accepted as valid ID for PAN card, driving license, and bank accounts in India
    
    

1. What are the restrictions on OCI cardholders?
   OCI cardholders cannot:

• • Vote in Indian elections
  • Hold public office (e.g., President, Vice President, Member of Parliament, Judge, etc.)
  • Acquire agricultural or plantation property
  • Travel to Protected/Restricted Areas without PAP/RAP permits
  • Undertake missionary work, journalism, or mountaineering without government clearance
  • Be employed in Indian government services
    
    

1. Can foreign nationals married to eligible OCI applicants apply?
   Yes, as long as the marriage has been registered and has existed for 2 continuous years, foreign spouses can apply for OCI status.
   
   
2. Are minor children eligible for an OCI card?
   Yes, minor children with both or at least one Indian citizen parent are eligible to apply.
   
   
3. Are civilian IT contractors or engineers in Ministry of Defence roles eligible?
   No, even civilian personnel working in Defence are not eligible for OCI.
   
   
4. Do I need to reissue my OCI card if I get a new passport?
   You only need to apply for a re-issue of your OCI card once—after turning 20 and receiving a new passport.
   
   
5. Do I need to update my passport details if OCI reissue is not needed?
   Yes. You must update your passport information on the OCI portal within 3 months of receiving a new passport. A confirmation email is sent after the database is updated, which usually takes about 4 weeks.
   
   
6. Do I need to carry my old passport with the OCI sticker while travelling?
   No. As per the latest Indian government circular, OCI cardholders only need to carry their valid OCI card and current passport for travel. The old passport with the ‘U’ Visa is no longer required.
   
   
7. Can an OCI cardholder renounce their status?
   Yes. OCI status can be renounced by submitting Form XXII to the Indian Mission/Post that issued the OCI.
   
   
8. What miscellaneous services are available at DU Digital Global ICAC in South Korea?
   OCI Miscellaneous Services include:

• • Reissue of OCI card due to new passport (post-20 years of age)
  • Reissue due to damage or loss of the OCI card
  • Updates due to change in name, nationality, address, or occupation
    
    

1. Who can avail OCI Miscellaneous Services?
   Only registered OCI cardholders can apply for these services.
   
   
2. Under what conditions can these services be used?

• • New passport issued (age-based requirement)
  • Loss or damage of the OCI card
  • Errors in personal details (name, DOB, nationality, etc.)
  • Change in address or profession
  • Application errors by Indian Mission/Office (manual cases)
    
    

1. What to do if the OCI card is lost?
   File a police report, and apply online for reissue under the Lost Category.
   
   
2. What happens if I provide false or incomplete information?
   Providing false information or hiding key facts may result in cancellation of your OCI registration under Section 7D of the Citizenship Act, 1955. You may also be blacklisted from entering India.
   
   
3. Can an OCI cardholder visit restricted/protected areas in India freely?
   No. OCI cardholders must obtain a Protected Area Permit (PAP) or Restricted Area Permit (RAP) just like any other foreign national.
   
   
4. Are Indian civil/criminal laws applicable to OCI cardholders?
   Yes. While residing in India, OCI cardholders are subject to Indian laws.
   
   
5. Can OCI cardholders apply for Indian citizenship?
   Yes. After holding an OCI card for 5 years, and having resided in India for at least 1 year, you may apply for Indian citizenship under Section 5(1)(g) of the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Jurisdiction