An efficient and high-order accurate finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) scheme for solving Maxwell's equations on overset grids is described. Structured curvilinear boundary-fitted grids are used to accurately represent curved surfaces. These overlap with background Cartesian grids. Maxwell's equations for the electric field in second-order form are solved. Use of novel upwind schemes for the second-order form lead to stable discretization on non-orthogonal and overset grids. Use of structured and Cartesian grids together with high-order accurate approximations leads to a very efficient approach.