You need to apply for passport reissue if you want to apply for passport name change in India. The documents you need depend on why you want to change your name. You will need name change after marriage, divorce, a legal name change, or correction in your existing passport. In some cases, you may also need Gazette notification or other supporting documents. This guide explains how to change your name in a passport in India, the documents you need, how to apply online through the Passport Seva portal, when a Gazette notification is required, and how long the process may take.
Indian Passport Name Change: Quick Summary
- Application Process: Apply for passport re-issue through Passport Seva portal and select “Change in Existing Personal Particulars.”
- Processing Time: Normal applications may take 15 to 30 days. Tatkaal applications may take 1 to 3 working days after dispatch.
- Government Fees: ₹1,500 for 36-page passport or ₹2,000 for 60-page passport under Normal scheme. Tatkaal service costs an additional ₹2,000.
- Gazette Requirement: Gazette notification is not required for every name change. Requirements depend on reason for change, such as marriage, divorce, spelling correction or legal name change.
Types of Name Changes in Indian Passport
Before applying for an Indian passport name change, identify reason for change. Document requirements depend on whether you are correcting spelling, changing surname after marriage or making a legal name change.
Category 1: Standard Passport Name Changes
Some name changes may not require Gazette notification. Required documents depend on your reason for change.
- Name Change After Marriage: Add spouse’s name or adopt spouse’s surname. You may need marriage certificate or joint declaration.
- Name Change After Divorce or Widowhood: Restore maiden name or remove former spouse’s surname. You may need divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate.
- Single Name to Given Name and Surname: Split single name into given name and surname. Supporting identity documents may be required.
- Passport Name Spelling Correction: Correct spelling mistakes using supporting documents, such as birth certificate or school certificate.
Category 2: Major Legal Name Changes
Major name changes may require additional documents, including Gazette notification, depending on applicable passport rules.
- Complete First Name Change: Replace existing first name for personal, religious or other reasons.
- Surname Addition Without Marriage: Add surname without marriage-related reason.
- Change in Name Order: Change order of given names, such as “Kumari Priya” to “Priya Kumari.”
- Major Name Mismatch: Resolve significant differences between passport name and other identity records.
Important: Gazette notification requirements vary by type of name change. Check official Passport Seva guidelines for your specific case before applying for passport re-issue.
Documents Required for Passport Name & Surname Change
Documents required for passport name change depend on reason for change. Find your category below to check which documents you may need.
1. Name Change After Marriage
- Marriage certificate or Annexure J, where applicable
- Spouse’s passport copy, if required
- Existing passport
2. Name Change After Divorce or Widowhood
- Divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate, as applicable
- Required declaration
- Existing passport
3. Single Name to Given Name and Surname
- Annexure E, if applicable
- Two supporting identity documents, where required
4. Complete First or Full Name Change
- Gazette notification, if required
- Newspaper advertisements, if required
- Applicable affidavit or declaration
5. Minor Spelling Correction
- Existing passport
- Supporting document showing correct spelling, such as birth certificate or school certificate
Important Things to Check Before Applying
- Gazette notification: Check whether your type of name change requires Gazette publication.
- Newspaper advertisements: Confirm publication and submission requirements before preparing advertisements.
- Annexure E: Use declaration format specified by Passport Seva.
- Police verification: Requirements depend on your application and passport office instructions.
How to Change Name in Indian Passport: Step-by-Step Process
Process for changing name in Indian passport depends on type of change. Minor spelling corrections follow a simpler process, while major legal name changes may require newspaper publication and Gazette notification.
Method 1: Minor Passport Name Correction
This method applies to small spelling mistakes that do not change identity or significantly alter how name is pronounced.
Step 1: Check Your Supporting Document
Ensure at least one supporting document shows correct spelling of your name. Adults may use eligible educational or government records, while minors may need a birth certificate or school-issued certificate.
Step 2: Apply Online Through Passport Seva
- Visit official Passport Seva portal and log in.
- Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
- Choose “Re-issue of Passport.”
- Under reason for re-issue, select “Change in Existing Personal Particulars” and choose applicable name change option.
- Enter correct name details and review application before submission.
- Pay applicable fee and book appointment under Normal or Tatkaal scheme, if eligible.
Step 3: Attend Your Appointment
Visit selected Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) with your existing passport and supporting documents. Follow instructions provided by passport officials.
Method 2: Major Legal Name Change
If you are replacing your first name, adding surname without marriage-related reason or changing order of names, additional legal formalities may apply. Confirm exact requirements before starting process.
Step 1: Publish Newspaper Advertisements, If Required
Publish name change notice in newspapers according to applicable rules. Keep original newspaper copies if required for Gazette publication or passport application.
Step 2: Apply for Gazette Notification, If Required
Submit application to relevant government department with required supporting papers and publication fee. Once notification is published, download official copy from e-Gazette portal.
Step 3: Update Supporting Identity Records
Check whether your case requires updated government identity documents showing new name. Make sure details match across records before submitting passport application.
Step 4: Apply for Passport Re-issue
- Log in to Passport Seva portal.
- Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport” and choose “Re-issue of Passport.”
- Select “Change in Existing Personal Particulars” and choose applicable name change option.
- Enter your new name exactly as required by supporting records.
- Submit application, pay applicable fee and book appointment under eligible scheme.
Step 5: Attend Your PSK Appointment
Visit selected PSK or POPSK with existing passport, Gazette notification and other supporting documents required for your case. Passport officials will check your application and may ask for additional documents or verification.
Indian Passport Name Change Fees
Passport name change fees depend on passport size and whether you choose Normal or Tatkaal service. Fees also differ for adults and children under 18.
Passport Re-issue Fees
| Passport Type | Normal Fee | Tatkaal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, 36-page booklet | ₹1,500 | ₹3,500 |
| Adult, 60-page booklet | ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Minor, 36-page booklet | ₹1,000 | ₹3,000 |
Important Fee Details
- Normal Scheme: Standard option for eligible passport re-issue applications.
- Tatkaal Scheme: Costs an additional ₹2,000 over applicable standard fee, where permitted.
- Major Name Changes: Check Tatkaal eligibility before applying. Some name change cases may require Normal processing.
- Gazette Charges: Gazette publication, newspaper advertisements and related legal formalities may involve separate costs.
- Payment Method: Pay passport application fee through official Passport Seva portal using available payment options.
Police Verification for Passport Name Change
Police verification for passport name change in India depends on the type of name change and your application details.
- Pre-Police Verification: The passport office may require police verification before issuing your new passport for certain major legal name changes or first-name replacements.
- Post-Police Verification: Some routine changes, such as adding a surname after marriage or correcting a minor spelling error, may qualify for post-police verification or a waiver. Your address and application category can affect this decision.
Can You Use a Valid Visa in Your Old Passport After a Name Change?
Yes, an unexpired foreign visa may remain valid after your passport is re-issued. However, entry rules vary by country, so check the destination country’s requirements before travelling.
When you receive your new passport, your old passport is cancelled and returned to you.
- Old Passport: Your cancelled passport may carry the stamp “CANCELLED WITH REASON: RE-ISSUED.”
- Valid Foreign Visa: A visa in your old passport does not automatically become invalid when the passport is cancelled. Its continued validity depends on the issuing country’s rules.
- International Travel: Carry both your new passport and your old passport containing the valid visa, if the destination country permits this arrangement.
Passport Name Change for Minors and NRIs
Passport Name Change for Minors Under 18
Documents for a minor’s passport name change depend on parental consent and the type of name change.
- Both Parents: Annexure D may be required as a joint parental declaration. In some cases, consent is included in the online application process.
- Single Parent or Legal Guardian: Annexure C may be required if the other parent’s consent cannot be obtained. Additional custody documents may apply.
- Major Name Change: A significant change to a minor’s name may require Gazette notification. Confirm the exact requirements with the passport office before applying.
Passport Name Change for NRIs and Overseas Applicants
NRIs must apply for passport re-issue through the Global Passport Seva portal and follow the instructions for their country of residence.
- Where to Apply: Select your country on the portal, complete the application and submit documents through the designated service provider or Indian Embassy/Consulate.
- Documents Required: Keep your current Indian passport and copies of its data pages, proof of legal residence abroad, and proof of overseas address ready.
- Name Change Proof: A marriage certificate may be required for a marital surname change. Major name changes may require newspaper advertisements, supporting identity documents or Gazette notification.
- Notarisation and Attestation: Affidavits and declarations may need notarisation by a local public notary or attestation by the Indian Embassy/Consulate, depending on local rules.
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FAQs
How long does a passport name change take in India?
Under the Normal scheme, passport processing takes 15 to 30 days post-police verification. If eligible for Tatkal (minor updates or marriage surname additions without Gazette requirement), dispatch occurs within 1 to 3 working days.
Is Gazette notification mandatory for adding surname after marriage?
No. Women changing their surname after marriage only need their original passport, spouse’s passport copy, and a Marriage Certificate or Joint Declaration. A Gazette notice is required only if changing the given/first name completely.
Can I update my Aadhaar using my new passport?
Yes. Your re-issued passport can serve as proof of identity and address.
- Use it to update your name on:
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Bank accounts
- Voter records
What documents are required for name change in passport?
Submit old passport with valid current address proof. Provide at least two public or school documents issued in your new name. These documents should show that you have started using new name officially. Also submit clippings from two local newspapers that announce your name change, or provide Gazette notification issued by concerned State Government.
Is police verification required for name change in passport?
Yes, police verification is required for a passport name change.
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Suhail
My application is in RPO mumbai ,and problem is in my middle name Mohd/Mohammed what can I do?
Raj
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Prabhu. s
Passport renewal nominee name change
Wasim khan
Hi my name is wasim khan i want to change my wife midden name she has seprated before with her x husband , then i remarriage with her now i want to change her previous midden name, And want to add new name wat are the document required she has not taken divorve.
Md.Akhtar Hussain Khan
My passport expires in November 2022 I have to correct my name spelling and also correction in father name.Please suggest.thanks.
Arashdeep kaur sidhu
I Arashdeep kaur sidhu,separated from my husband from April,2017,though we are not legally divorced and i am living with my parents.I have applied for re-issue of passport without spouse name.please tell me the required procedure and the documents required for.
kusuma
Recently I got my passport, In my passport my father name is correct, but the first initial is printed wrong soo I have applied for reissue of passport soo what are the documents i need to carry for verification. please reply immediately.
Jyothi Lakshmi Nayak
For renewal of passport, is affidavit for name change once again required if already submitted for earlier passport?
Ajay Kumar kanda
Hello
My father have Indian passport with spouse name Nirmla Rani instead Nirmala Kanda.
I want correct spouse name in my father’s passport and renew also. How I can do it.
itzeazy
correct supporting document required. For further help you can reach out to our team.
Nilesh Kakulte
Hi My name is Nilesh Ashok Kakulte (for all the documents in my life) but on the passport, it is “Nilesh Kakulte”
still I need to do the procedure of name change?
Dr KSB Nayar
My son is employed in Singapore. His passport is issued from Ahmedabad. We find his parents’ names are wrongly given in his passport. Kindly guide us and oblige. Thanks.
Sachin
My Passport is having Middle name in it. I need to get my Middle name removed from my Passport .
My Aadhar and PAN card is NOT having the middle name
Please suggest how to go for it
shashi
my 10th mark shit some spelling mistakes .and I have a notary and non-judicial stamp is this acceptable to the passport office?
Nimrata
Procedure for minor name change in passport and the renewal also in Dubai. How to apply for advertisement In newspaper also charges….
Natasha
My name in the passport has father’s name as the surname. Hence, the full name in my passport is .
While renewing (2 years back) I was told to get 2 newspaper clippings even though the error was at their end during the first application.
My question is, “Is newspaper adv enough or should I also get gazette notification?”
In the document advisory, this was mentioned, “Clippings of two local news papers or the Gazette notification of the concerned State Government, as the case may be”.