OCI Affidavit in Lieu of Originals for Minors: How to Fill & Submit (2026)

Applying for an OCI card for your child can feel confusing, especially when the checklist asks for an Affidavit in Lieu of Originals.

Many parents see the word “affidavit” and immediately start searching on intenet:

What is this affidavit? Which documents should I mention? Who needs to sign it? Does it replace an original document? And where do I get it notarized?

Keep reading this guide to know OCI Affidavit in Lieu of Originals for minors in simple language, including what it means, how to prepare it, how notarization works, and the common mistakes you should avoid.

What Is an OCI Affidavit in Lieu of Originals for Minors?

An OCI Affidavit in Lieu of Originals is a notarized declaration used with the OCI application when copies of supporting documents are being submitted instead of the physical originals.

In simple words, the affidavit helps confirm that the documents submitted as copies correspond to the original documents in the applicant’s possession.

For minor OCI applications in the USA, VFS lists the Affidavit in Lieu of Originals separately from the Parental Authorization. The affidavit and parental authorization therefore serve different purposes. Here is a key difference between  Affidavit in Lieu of Originals vs Parental Authorization

Difference between Affidavit in Lieu of Originals vs Parental Authorization

What Documents Minor OCI Applicants Need for Affidavit?

Here are the list of documents:

• The child’s passport.
• Child’s birth certificate.
• Parents’ passports.
• Indian-origin documents.
• Surrender or renunciation documents, where applicable.
• Parents’ marriage certificate, where applicable.
• Other documents listed in the applicable OCI checklist.

How to Fill the OCI Affidavit in Lieu of Originals for Minors

Follow these simple Given Steps:

Step 1: Use the Official VFS Affidavit Format

• Download and use the official “Affidavit in Lieu of Originals” format provided directly on the VFS USA website.

• Do not use random online templates or draft your own version.

• Make sure you select the format specific to OCI Services and verify if it applies to your application category.

Step 2: Enter the Minor’s Details Exactly as in Passport

Enter the child’s personal details exactly as they appear on their current passport and the main OCI application form:

• Full Legal Name (Do not use nicknames, short forms, or initials unless they are on the passport)

• Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

• Current Passport Number & Expiry Date

• Parents’ Full Names (matching their respective passports)

Step 3: Correctly Identify the Enclosed Documents

List only the documents that you are actually submitting as self-attested copies with the application. Common documents for a minor include:

• Minor’s current Foreign Passport

• Birth Certificate (showing both parents’ names)

• Parents’ Current Passports (and valid US Visa / Green Card / I-797)

• Proof of Indian Origin (Parents’ former Indian passports, Nativity Certificate, etc.)

• Renunciation / Surrender Certificate (if applicable)

Important: Do not copy someone else’s document list. Customize the list strictly according to the official VFS checklist for your child’s specific case.

Step 4: Understand Who Signs for the Minor (Important Addition)

Since this affidavit is for a minor, specific signing rules apply:

• Both Parents Must Sign: Normally, both mother and father must sign the affidavit in front of the Notary.

• Single Parent Cases: If only one parent is signing, you must attach supporting legal documents (e.g., Sole Custody Order, Legal Separation decree, or a notarized Consent Letter / Form XXI from the absent parent).

• Child’s Signature/Thumb Impression: If the minor is under 5 years old, use their Left Thumb Impression (LTI) wherever a minor’s signature field is present on OCI forms, while parents sign the affidavit declarations.

Step 5: Do NOT Sign Before Reaching the Notary

• Do not pre-sign or pre-date the affidavit.

• Fill out all the text details (names, passport numbers, address, document list) beforehand, but leave the signature and date fields blank.

• Sign the document only in the physical presence of the Notary Public.

Step 6: Get the Affidavit Notarized (Original Copy Required)

Take the un-signed draft along with original IDs to a licensed Notary Public (available at UPS, local banks, or notary offices).

• What to carry to the Notary:

  1. Printed affidavit (unsigned)

  2. Original Govt IDs of both parents (Passports / Driver’s Licenses)

  3. Original Minor Passport & Birth Certificate

• Ensure the Notary completes the Notarial Certificate section, adds their official stamp/seal, and signs with the current date.

Note:
VFS requires the Original Notarized Affidavit. A photocopied notary stamp is not accepted.

Step 7: Upload Scanned Copy to the Govt OCI Portal (Step Before Mailing)

Before packing the physical documents:

1. Scan the Original Notarized Affidavit in PDF format.

2. Log in to the official Government of India OCI portal.

3. Upload the affidavit under the appropriate document category (e.g., Proof of Native Origin or Supporting Documents as indicated).

Warning:
VFS will return applications unprocessed if mandatory documents listed on the physical checklist are not uploaded to the government portal first.

Step 8: Final Review & Submission

Before placing the affidavit into your VFS courier package, perform a final check:

• Are both parents’ signatures present?

• Is the Notary Seal / Stamp clearly visible and legible?

• Does the date on the Notary stamp match the signature date?

• Are all names spelled identically to the passport?

• Has the scanned copy been uploaded to the Govt Portal?

Place the Original Notarized Affidavit on top of your supporting document stack as specified by the VFS document order guide.

Read also: Address and Jurisdiction Issued Faced by OCI Applicants

Some other Question asked by People about OCI Affidavit in Lieu of Originals for Minors

Does the affidavit mean you can submit a photocopy of any missing document?

No. It does Not mean you can submit a photocopy of any missing document, it is just a replacement for a document that has been permanently lost or cannot be obtained.

The purpose is to certify the copies being submitted in accordance with the applicable OCI/VFS requirements. If a required document is genuinely unavailable, do not simply assume that an affidavit will solve the problem. Check the current checklist or contact the applicable VFS/Indian Mission for instructions.

What If the Parents Are Divorced or One Parent Has Sole Custody?

If the parents are divorced, the OCI application may require documentation establishing who has legal custody of the child.

The Government of India’s OCI guidance specifically states that where parents are divorced, the court order should specifically mention that legal custody of the child is with the parent applying for the OCI card. If the court order is in a foreign language, an authorized English or Hindi translation is required.

Therefore, do not simply remove the second parent’s signature from a standard form and assume that the affidavit itself solves the issue.

The custody order and other supporting documents may be required.

What If One Parent Lives in Another Country?

If the parents are living in different countries or cannot appear together before the same notary, do not create your own “split affidavit” arrangement without checking the applicable instructions first.

The correct procedure can depend on the VFS/consular jurisdiction and the document being signed.

If one parent is in the USA and the other is in India, the UK, Canada, UAE, or another country, confirm the signing and notarization requirements before submitting the application.

This is much safer than assuming that two separately notarized documents will automatically be accepted.

Final Takeaway

The OCI Affidavit in Lieu of Originals for Minors is not something parents should treat as just another form to sign and forget.

The important thing is to understand what the affidavit is certifying, which documents it covers, who needs to sign, how it must be notarized, and what else the minor’s OCI checklist requires.

Most importantly, don’t confuse the affidavit with a way to replace every lost or unavailable original document. Check the current checklist for your specific application before submitting.

For minor OCI applications in the USA, also remember that the Affidavit in Lieu of Originals and Parental Authorization are separate documents and should be prepared accordingly.

If you’re still unsure about which documents your child’s OCI application needs or how the affidavit should be prepared, getting the document set checked before submission can help you avoid unnecessary delays.