OCI card from Charlotte: new card, reissue or free update
There is no Indian consulate in Charlotte. North Carolina residents apply for OCI through the Embassy of India in Washington DC and its VFS Global centre in Raleigh. South Carolina residents (Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Rock Hill, Indian Land) go through the Consulate General in Atlanta. Here is which route you need and what it costs.
Facts checked Oct 25, 2026
NC residents apply through the Embassy of India in Washington DC via VFS Global (Raleigh centre); SC residents go through the Consulate in Atlanta. As of October 24, 2026 a new OCI through the Embassy costs US$275 plus US$3 ICWF plus a US$19 VFS fee. A new passport after age 20 needs an OCI reissue; other new passports are a free online update within 3 months.
- Fill in the online formApply on the OCI services portal and print the form.
- Gather the checklistFollow the VFS checklist for your case exactly.
- Submit to VFSSend or take the form, documents and fee to VFS for your mission.
- Track and collectTrack with VFS and keep your old passport with the new card.
Which mission handles you
It goes by where you live, not where you work.
North Carolina residents are under the Embassy of India in Washington DC. South Carolina residents are under the Consulate General of India in Atlanta. The Embassy page gives July 15, 2025 as the date this took effect.
Source: indianembassyusa.gov.in ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
New, reissue or free update?
- New OCI: you have never had one, or this is your child’s first.
- OCI reissue: you got a new passport after turning 20.
- Free online update: any other new passport. Upload it within 3 months.
A new passport issued after age 20 requires an OCI reissue. For any other new passport, upload the new passport and a recent photo on the OCI services portal within 3 months. That update is free and does not go through VFS. Travel with the OCI card plus your current passport.
Source: cgisf.gov.in ↗as of Oct 23, 2026
Fees through the Embassy (NC)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New OCI | US$275 OCI fee + US$3 ICWF + US$19 VFS service fee |
Embassy of India, Washington DC new OCI fees: US$275 + US$3 ICWF + US$19.00 VFS service fee per application. Page updated October 24, 2026. Fees change.
Source: indianembassyusa.gov.in ↗as of Oct 24, 2026
Where to submit
VFS Global India Consular Application Centre, Raleigh: 8354 Six Forks Road, Suite 101, 103, 104, Raleigh, NC 27615. Helpline 1-800-320-9625, Monday to Saturday 9:00 to 3:30 ET. VFS handles Embassy OCI, passport, visa and renunciation services.
Source: indianembassyusa.gov.in ↗as of Oct 25, 2026
- OCI services portal ↗Online form and the free passport update
- Embassy of India OCI page ↗
- Consulate General of India, Atlanta (SC residents) ↗
Need a notarized signature?
Some VFS checklists ask for notarized copies or affidavits. A notary only witnesses your signature and cannot give immigration advice. Notaries are listed in the notary and apostille directory.
Questions people ask
Where do I apply for OCI from Charlotte?
NC residents apply through the Embassy of India in Washington DC via VFS Global, which has a centre in Raleigh. SC residents apply through the Consulate General in Atlanta.
Do I need a new OCI when I renew my US passport?
Only if the new passport was issued after you turned 20, which needs a reissue. Other new passports are a free online update within 3 months, per CGI San Francisco as of October 23, 2026.
How much is a new OCI card in 2026?
Through the Embassy in Washington DC: US$275 plus US$3 ICWF plus a US$19 VFS fee, as of October 24, 2026.