Compare OCI services
OCI Link vs the OCI Passport Details Update — which do I need?
If you already hold an OCI card and something has changed — a new passport, a new name, or a lost card — you may be unsure whether you need OCI Link or the OCI Passport Details Update. They are two different services, both handled online, and choosing the right one first saves time. This page explains the difference in plain English. Matrix Solutions is independent UK preparation support; the final decision sits with the relevant Indian authority.
Quick answer
OCI Link (£100, online, no VFS visit) is for a straightforward passport-number change — same name, valid card, usually within around 90 days. This applies at any age, including 50+ and 60+. If your OCI was obtained through your spouse, OCI Link generally still applies — Matrix provides the special declaration forms required. The OCI Passport Details Update (£125, fully online, e-OCI included) is the route for a name change, nationality change, lost or damaged card, facial appearance change, ex-spouse name removal, address change on OCI, or a passport that is past the roughly 90-day window. It is handled online too — no VFS visit. If more than around 90 days have passed since the new passport was issued, the OCI Passport Details Update is the usual route, and a Government of India late fee (currently around US$20–25) is payable separately in that case. A first passport after turning 20, where the OCI was issued under 20, is a one-time OCI re-issue; we confirm the exact route and cost for that case. Key advice: link as soon as the passport arrives; the roughly 90-day counter runs from the passport issue date, so starting early keeps things simplest.
At a glance
| OCI Link | OCI Passport Details Update | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An online update linking your existing OCI to your current passport | An online update to your OCI passport details, with an e-OCI included |
| Typically used for | A passport-number change (renewed passport, same name) — including OCI obtained through a spouse, at any age (50+, 60+), usually within around 90 days | Name/nationality change, lost or damaged card, facial appearance change, ex-spouse name removal, address change, wrong-details correction, or a passport past the roughly 90-day window |
| e-OCI included? | Your existing card stays; details are linked online | Yes — an e-OCI reflecting the updated details is included |
| VFS visit | Handled online; no VFS visit | Handled online; no VFS visit |
| Timing | Best done within around 90 days of the new passport — link as soon as it arrives. | When the listed changes occur, or when a passport is past the roughly 90-day window. A Government of India late fee (currently around US$20–25) applies only when past that window. |
| Fee | £100 — Matrix Solutions flat fee (any government fees separate) | £125 — Matrix Solutions flat fee, e-OCI included (any government late fee separate) |
Fees are shown on each service page; any Government of India fee, such as the late fee when a passport is past the roughly 90-day window, is separate.
Choose OCI Link if…
Your passport number has changed (renewed or replaced) and your name and all details are the same as on your OCI — ideally within around 90 days of the new passport's issue date. Linking applies at any age; there is no upper cut-off (50+, 60+ all use OCI Link). If your OCI was obtained through your spouse, OCI Link also applies — Matrix provides the special declaration forms needed. For OCI holders under 20 with a new passport, OCI Link is also the correct route (within around 90 days). Important: link as soon as the passport arrives. The roughly 90-day window runs from the issue date, not from when you start the process, so starting early keeps things simplest.
Choose the OCI Passport Details Update if…
Any of the following generally uses the OCI Passport Details Update — a fully online update with an e-OCI included: a name change (marriage, last name); nationality change (e.g. Australian → British — Indian origin proof is not needed again for a nationality transfer); lost, stolen or damaged card; major change in facial appearance; ex-spouse name removal from OCI; address change on OCI; wrong details on OCI (DOB or citizenship); or a new passport that is already past the roughly 90-day window. When the passport is past that window, a Government of India late fee (currently around US$20–25) is payable separately. For a first passport after turning 20, where the OCI was originally issued under 20, a one-time OCI re-issue applies — we confirm the exact route and cost for that case, and future passport changes then go back to OCI Link.
The age cases (often misunderstood)
- Under 20: a new passport is generally handled by online OCI Link — no VFS visit at this age.
- First passport after turning 20 (when the OCI was originally issued under 20): a one-time OCI re-issue applies; we confirm the exact route and cost, and after that normal OCI Link applies again for future passports.
- Turning 50 on its own does not trigger any re-issue — that is a common myth. Adults of any age simply link each new passport online.
The 90-day window — link immediately
Act as soon as the passport arrives
A key piece of advice on this page: link as soon as the passport arrives. The roughly 90-day window is counted from the passport's issue date, not from when you start the process, so starting early keeps things simplest and avoids a separate late fee. Once you receive the new passport, start the OCI Link process without delay.
If 90 days have already passed
If more than around 90 days have already passed since the new passport was issued, the route is generally the OCI Passport Details Update — still handled online, with no VFS visit. In that case a Government of India late fee (currently around US$20–25) is payable separately, in addition to the £125 Matrix Solutions flat fee, and an e-OCI is included. Contact Matrix Solutions on WhatsApp to confirm next steps.
Travelling to India — physical OCI booklet
Your physical OCI booklet is required for travel to India. There are social media posts suggesting that a digital or mobile OCI card is accepted — there is no official update from the Indian government to support this. Until an official announcement is made, carry the physical OCI booklet when travelling. If you have urgent travel within two days and your OCI situation is unresolved, contact Matrix Solutions immediately on WhatsApp.
Worked examples
- Renewed British passport, same name, valid card → generally OCI Link.
- Under 20, new passport, same name → generally OCI Link (within around 90 days).
- Changed surname on the new passport after marriage → OCI Passport Details Update.
- OCI issued at 16, now 21 and getting the first adult passport → a one-time OCI re-issue; we confirm the exact route and cost, then OCI Link for later passports.
- OCI card lost or damaged → OCI Passport Details Update.
- Passport renewed at 58 or 65, same name → OCI Link (age alone changes nothing).
- Changed nationality from Australian to British → OCI Passport Details Update; Indian origin proof is not required again.
- OCI address needs updating → OCI Passport Details Update.
- Need to remove ex-spouse's name from OCI → OCI Passport Details Update.
- Wrong DOB on OCI → OCI Passport Details Update; send your card so we confirm the checklist.
- More than around 90 days since the new passport was issued → OCI Passport Details Update (online), with a Government of India late fee payable separately.
- Spouse obtained OCI through marriage, new passport, same name → OCI Link (Matrix provides declaration forms).
Examples are general guidance; the route for your case is confirmed with your documents.
Common questions
Do I need a full passport-details update, or only a link?
Is OCI Link the same as the OCI Passport Details Update?
I renewed my passport — which one do I need?
Does a name change use the OCI Passport Details Update?
I'm under 20 — what do I need for a new passport?
Do I need anything special for my OCI at 50?
I got OCI through my spouse — Link or the details update?
What if I missed the 90-day window?
How do I remove my ex-spouse's name from my OCI?
My OCI address is outdated — what do I do?
I changed nationality (e.g. Australian to British) — do I need to prove Indian origin again?
There is a wrong detail (DOB or citizenship) on my OCI — what do I do?
Do I need to carry my physical OCI booklet to travel to India?
Are biometrics required for the OCI Passport Details Update?
How much does each one cost?
Can Matrix Solutions confirm which one I need?
Still not sure?
The simplest next step is to confirm your case before you book or pay. Our free eligibility checker takes about a minute, or you can send your OCI card and new passport details on WhatsApp and we confirm whether your case is OCI Link or the OCI Passport Details Update.