New Indian passport? Find out in seconds whether you need a free online OCI update, a paid late update, or a physical OCI re-issue.
Every time a new passport is issued, India's OCI rules require you to update your OCI record. This free checker tells you exactly which path applies to you — and whether the 90-day free window still stands.
When you receive a new Indian passport, one of three things happens. Free online update — if you're within 90 days of the issue date and it isn't your first post-20 passport, you simply upload the new passport plus a fresh photo on the OCI portal at no government cost. Late online update — past the 90-day window, the same upload is still done online but now attracts a late penalty of roughly £35–40. Physical re-issue — the first time you get a new passport after turning 20, India requires a brand-new OCI card printed through VFS (a paid, in-person process), not just a document upload.
Getting this wrong is costly: travelling to India on an OCI whose passport details don't match your current passport can lead to problems at immigration.
We confirm which path applies, check your photo against the latest OCI portal specification, complete the portal forms, and submit on your behalf. For physical re-issues we also prepare and book your VFS appointment.
The services this tool relates to — handled end to end, with document checks and VFS booking included.
Renewed your UK passport? Transfer your OCI before your next India trip. We handle the full re-issuance process.
From £80Renew your OCI card or update name, photo, or details. Mandatory at ages 20 and 50. We handle the correct application.
From £100Whenever you are issued a new Indian passport, you must upload the new passport and a recent photo (taken within the last 30 days) to the OCI portal. Done within 90 days (3 months) of the new passport's issue date, this online update is free. Miss the window and a late penalty of roughly £35–40 applies.
A one-time physical OCI re-issue (a new card printed via VFS, with a fee) is mandatory after the first new passport you are issued after turning 20. For every other new passport, a free online update within 90 days is all that's required.
Yes — the document upload on the OCI portal carries no government fee if completed within 90 days of the new passport's issue date. After that a late fee applies. NriDirect charges a service fee to prepare and submit it correctly.
A recent passport-style colour photo taken within the last 30 days, on a plain white background, meeting OCI portal specifications. Old photos are a common rejection reason, so we re-check yours before upload.