Does an OCI card expire?

I am turning 21 next month, and I did not know about the reissuance rule that I need to renew my OCI card after turning 20. Do I have to reapply for an OCI card even if my current OCI card looks completely fine?

No, an OCI card never expires, but you must link it with your new passport. I once forgot to update my OCI card with my new passport details, and the check-in staff refused to let me board my flight. To save my fellow OCI cardholders from facing this situation, I suggest that you keep your OCI card updated, as it is only valid till it is associated with the passport details.

Although an OCI card never expires and has validity for a lifetime, it will only stay valid as long as your passport relates to it. The previous rules of keeping your old passport with your OCI visa have been changed.

Hi, I have been married to my Indian partner for three years now, so am I eligible to apply for an OCI card now? I heard somewhere that it could take approximately 10 months to process, so will there be an issue if I leave the country during this duration but with a valid visa? I want to travel immediately and apply before I leave.

An OCI card is a lifelong visa that does not expire on its own. However, since it is linked to your passport, you need to update it after you turn 20 and again after the age of 50. If you are over 20 and have a new passport, then you don't need to re-issue your OCI card, but you need to update the latest details online.