What Is the Procedure for Collecting OCI Registration Booklet?

After approving the OCI application, the government issues an OCI registration booklet. The OCI registration booklet collection involves two options. First, you can collect the booklet in person from the designated Indian embassy/consulate, or from an FRRO (if in India). Second, if you cannot attend in person, an authorized individual can attend on your behalf.

Important Note: As per the current OCI guidelines, the Indian Government has introduced the e-OCI facility. This means the physical booklets are no longer issued.

From July 8, 2026, only the digital OCI card (e-OCI India) will be issued to all new OCI applicants. You can download the e-OCI card to your email.

Your existing OCI booklet remains fully valid for travel and identification.

In this blog, we will explain how to collect the OCI registration booklet and gain more clarity on the OCI booklet collection procedure.

When is the OCI Registration Booklet Issued?

As per the official OCI guidelines, the designated authority issues the OCI booklet within 30 days. This is done after the OCI application is acknowledged on the online system.

However, the processing time can vary depending on the concerned authority. You can use the official OCI system to track the application status.

How to Collect OCI Booklet

You have two main options to collect your OCI registration certificate:

1: Personally collect the OCI card registration certificate

You have to visit the concerned Indian Mission/Post or FRRO to collect the booklet. Carry your passport with you when collecting your OCI booklet. However, the collection hours, specific appointment, and other requirements may vary.

Ensure that before you visit the office, you check for the latest instructions on the OCI booklet collection process.

2: OCI booklet collection by authorized person

As an applicant, if you cannot personally visit the office, you may designate a duly authorized person to collect your OCI registration certificate.

The authorized person shall carry the applicant's passport while collecting.

An important point: The applicant must be present in the country where the OCI registration booklet was issued.

Here is an example to understand this scenario:

Assume that Shilpa applied for the OCI registration through an Indian Mission in the US. Now, if Shilpa is physically present in the United States. But, for some reason, cannot visit the Mission personally, she may authorize another person to collect the booklet on her behalf.

Another question that often comes up in this matter is, "Can an authorized person collect the OCI booklet if I am in another country?"

Well, the answer to this is no. The requirement that the applicant must be physically present in the country while the authorized person collects the booklet is non-negotiable per the official OCI guidelines.

What If The Applicant Is In Another Country?

For applicants unable to travel to the country where their OCI registration booklet was issued, the OCI portal offers a solution.

In such situations, the applicant can make a formal request at the concerned Indian Mission/FRRO in their present place of stay. Further, the request is taken over by the office that issued the OCI booklet in the first place. After you make the request, the authorities will guide you through the applicable process.

Where is The OCI Registration Booklet Collected?

The specific Indian Mission/Post or the FRRO responsible for OCI registration is where the booklet is provided there itself.

Applicants living outside India can collect their physical OCI registration booklet from the specific Indian Mission or Consulate where they initially applied.

Applicants residing in India can collect their registration booklet in person or via an authorized person from the designated FRRO. Ensure the FRRO has jurisdiction over their country of residence.

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Key Points To Keep In Mind Before Going for the OCI Booklet Collection

Before you visit the designated office to collect your OCI booklet, ensure you check the latest instructions.

You must:

• Confirm your OCI registration grant status.
• Check your OCI application status first and then go for collection.
• Confirm the specific Indian Mission/Post or FRRO.
• Carry your valid passport.
• Check whether you need an appointment.
• If someone else is collecting it, check the authorization requirements.

The Bottom Line

After you finish the OCI registration booklet collection process, you will get an OCI registration booklet. As an applicant, you can collect the booklet yourself or have an authorized person collect it on your behalf.

As an OCI applicant seeking professional guidance on collecting the OCI registration booklet, Visament is here to help. We ensure your OCI registration and collection process goes smoothly and is fully compliant.

Connect with us as we serve our clients 24/7 across all time zones.