Applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card lets people of Indian origin live, work, and study in India without needing a visa. But to get an OCI card, your birth certificate must be apostilled by the country that issued it. An apostille is a stamp that proves your document is genuine and makes it acceptable to the Indian government. Whether your birth certificate comes from the USA, the UK, or another country, you must complete this apostille step before you can submit your OCI application. This guide will explain everything in simple terms and walk you through each part of the process.
Why an Apostille Is Needed for OCI Application?
When you show your birth certificate to Indian authorities, they need to know it is real. Documents issued abroad cannot be checked directly by Indian officials. An apostille is an official stamp that proves your birth certificate is real and valid in other countries. It is accepted by countries that are part of the Hague Convention — this includes India, the USA, and the UK. Without this stamp, your OCI application — even for a minor — will be rejected.
- Without this apostille:
- The Indian government will not accept your birth certificate.
- Your OCI application will be rejected, even if all other documents are correct.
- With an apostille:
- The birth certificate is considered officially verified and acceptable in India.
- You can easily move ahead with the OCI card process without further document verification from the issuing country.
Apostille Steps for a USA-Issued Birth Certificate
- Step 1: Notarization
Visit a notary public licensed in the US state where your birth certificate was issued. The notary will compare your birth certificate and your identity and then notarize it. - Step 2: Get the Apostille
If your birth certificate is a state-issued document, take it to the Secretary of State’s office in that US state. If it is a federal document, submit it to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Apostille Steps for UK-Issued Birth Certificates
- Step 1: Notarization
Find a notary public in the UK and have them verify your birth certificate and identity. They will put their stamp, implying completion of the notarization process. - Step 2: FCDO Apostille
Submit the notarized birth certificate along with supporting documents and the application to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Steps to Apostille Birth Certificates Issued from Other Countries
The process of apostilling a birth certificate depends on the country where it was originally issued. Each country follows its own rules and verification process. For example, if your birth certificate is from Singapore, Vietnam, Canada, Australia, UAE, or any other country, the steps, government offices involved, and timelines will differ.
Some countries may require notarization before an apostille, while others directly issue apostilles through their designated body. The exact process depends on local regulations. To avoid confusion and delays, you can simply contact our team at ____ for the exact process.
We handle everything from start to finish!
Is an Apostille Required for Minor OCI Applicants?
Yes, an apostille is mandatory for minors who are applying for an OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card. Whether the applicant is a child or an adult, the birth certificate must be apostilled for the OCI card application.
Time and Price for Birth Certificate Apostille for OCI
- For certificates from the USA: 7–10 working days at a cost of approximately USD 200 (₹18,000).
- For certificates from the UK: 12–15 working days at a cost of approximately GBP 190 (₹22,000).
Note: Public holidays, courier delays, or document issues can extend the processing timeline. To avoid delays, plan with a buffer of 5–7 extra days.
Documents You Must Have
- Original birth certificate
- Clear passport copy
- Parent’s ID proof (for minors)
Fastest Way to Apostille a Birth Certificate for OCI Card
You can handle the apostille yourself, but be aware it can be long and complicated if you’re not familiar with each step. You’ll need to have your birth certificate notarized in the USA or UK, then submit it for an apostille at the Secretary of State’s office or the U.S. Department of State (USA) or the FCDO (UK). You’ll also manage international courier pickups and track government backlogs.
A simpler solution is to use our birth certificate apostille services for the OCI application. We’ll manage the entire process for you:
- We pick up your original birth certificate from your home.
- We arrange notarization and apostille in the USA or the UK on your behalf.
- Once the apostille is complete, we will courier the apostilled birth certificate back to you.
- Now you can move ahead with the OCI application.