Process of Passport Name Change in India

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.

Why do you Need to Change Name in Passport?

You cannot usually edit the name on an existing passport. You must apply for a passport re-issue instead. This applies to both minor spelling corrections and full name changes under “Change in Existing Personal Particulars.” The reason for the change decides which documents you need.

Minor vs. Major Name Change

The MEA divides name changes into two types:

• Minor Name Change: Small changes to an existing name, such as correcting spelling, changing the order of names, splitting one name into a first name and surname, or adding or removing a spouse’s surname after marriage or divorce.
• Major Name Change: Complete change of the first name, adding new words or letters that change how the name sounds, adopting an alias, or changing the name completel

How to Change Name in Passport Renewal

If your passport is due for renewal, you can request the name change as part of the passport re-issue application. You do not need to wait for your passport to expire if you have a valid reason to apply for re-issue. Select the applicable reason for re-issue and submit the documents that support your new name.

Documents Required for Change of Name in Passport in India

The documents required for change of name in passport in India depend on the reason for your name change. Your passport name change documents should support the new name you enter in your application.

Documents may change based on your reason for name change. Some cases may need extra documents. In general, here are mandatory documents required for passport name change.

Minor Spelling Correction in Passport

• Old passport
• Self-attested copies of the first and last pages
• Updated address proof, such as Aadhaar or a bank passbook
• Annexure E

Name Change in Passport After Marriage

• Old passport
• Spouse’s passport copy, if available
• Marriage certificate or
• Annexure J

Name Change in Passport After Divorce

• Old passport
• ID showing your previous or maiden name
• Certified copy of the divorce decree

Major / Legal Name Change

• Old passport
• Updated address proof
• Two government or public IDs in the new name
• Gazette notification
• Two newspaper advertisements:
  • One English newspaper
  • One regional newspaper
• Annexure E

Passport Name Change for Minor Applicant

For applicants under 18:

• Child’s birth certificate
• Parents’ passports
• Self-attested passport copies
• Address proof in a parent’s name
• Annexure C or D, as applicable

Aadhaar Name Matching

Keep the name exactly the same on your passport and Aadhaar.

Match both:

• Spelling
• Name order

An updated Aadhaar does not replace the documents required for a major name change. Additional documents may still be required.

Aadhaar name matching rule –

Make sure the name on your passport and Aadhaar has the same spelling and order. An updated Aadhaar alone is not enough for a major name change. You may still need Gazette notification and newspaper ads.

MEA Statutory Guidelines & Exceptions for Passport Name Change 

The documents and process depend on the reason for the name change.

Change Name in Passport After Marriage

Adding a spouse’s surname is a minor name change. The same applies to adding a middle name or spouse’s name. A Gazette notification is not required for these changes. Changing the first or given name is different. Complete first-name change is treated as a major name change. It may require a Gazette notification and newspaper advertisements.

Change Name in Passport After Divorce

Certified Divorce Decree can support a return to your maiden name. It can also support the removal of your former spouse’s name. In cases of widowhood, a Death Certificate can be used. For verification, submit ID that shows your maiden or pre-marriage name.

Change Name in Passport for a Minor

Minor passport applications require parental or guardian consent. Annexure D is used when both parents give consent. Annexure C is used in eligible single-parent or guardian cases. The parent or guardian should also provide a valid Indian passport, where required.

Gazette Notification for Name Change in Passport

A Gazette notification may be needed for a major name change.

When Is Gazette Notification Required?

It may be required when you:

• Change your first or given name
• Adopt a new name, surname, or alias
• Add or remove words that change how your name sounds
• Make a major change to your existing name

Minor changes usually do not need a Gazette notification. If there is

• Small spelling corrections
• Splitting one name into a Given Name and Surname
• Adding a spouse’s surname after marriage

How to Change Name in Passport After Gazette

For major name change, complete required name change process before your PSK appointment.

1. Prepare the Name Change Affidavit

Prepare the affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper. Get it signed by a Public Notary.

The affidavit should have – Old name, new name, parents’ names, address, reason for the name change

2. Publish Newspaper Notices

Publish the name change in two newspapers:

• One English newspaper
• One regional-language newspaper

Keep the original newspaper pages. Do not keep only clipped advertisements.

3. Publish the Name Change in the Gazette

Submit the required documents to Department of Publication.

The application can be submitted as per department’s current process. Keep copies of:

• Notarized affidavit
• Newspaper advertisements
• Gazette application
• Photographs
• Fee receipt

After publication, keep a copy of Gazette notification for your passport application.

Passport Name Change Process Online

How to change name in passport

You need to apply online for reissue of passport through Passport Seva official website to change your name.

• Visit to the official passport Seva website by clicking the below link  Passport Seva Home .
• Log in with your ID and password. If you are new user, register and create account.
• After logging in choose ‘Apply for reissue of passport’

• On the next page, chose alternative 1 to apply online. Chose alternative 2 if you want to apply offline.

• Select Reissue of Passport and choose details you want to change.

• Now you have to fill in some details for name change .  After that, check the box “yes” to agree with the terms and conditions. Then, click save my details, and then click Next.

• After that, enter the details
• Next, you have to verify some details in either yes or no. after completion save your details and click next.
• Following that, you will be shown a preview of the information you have entered. So, check them and then press the next button.

• You have to choose the document as the proof of date of birth and current residency. You can choose an Aadhaar card in both cases if you want.
• Now you will see a preview of your application. Print it and click next.
• After that, you have to complete the payment procedure by clicking the pay online. After successful payment prints the receipt and click next.

• On the next page, you will have to choose an appointment.  So, click next and you will see a list of appointments available.
• Book an appointment date on the next page. The green-coloured dates are available.

• After that, the final receipt of your application will be shown. Print it and click close. The online application procedure is finished.
• You have to visit selected PSK for document verification.
• Then police verification will take place at police station near your address.
• After approval you will get your name changed passport at your present address.

Note – If you identify an error in the application details, inform the Passport Seva officials when you attend your appointment. Do not submit a second application solely because of a correctable mistake unless the officials advise you to do so.

For adding a surname, splitting a given name, or adding your spouse’s name, see our guide on How to Change Surname on Passport.

Fees for Passport name change

Fees depends on type of application you choose.

Passport Reissue for name change	No of pages	Normal fees	Tatkal fees
Adult	36	Rs 1500	Rs 3500
	60	Rs 2000	Rs 4000
Minor (below 15 years)	36	Rs 1000	Rs 3000
Minor (15-18 years) 5 years validity	36	Rs 1000	Rs 3000
Minor (15-18 years) 10 years validity	36	Rs 1500	Rs 3500

Police Verification for Passport Name Change

Police verification for passport name change depends on the type of name change and your application. For a major legal name change, pre-police verification may be required before the new passport is issued. Minor corrections or standard surname changes after marriage may follow a different verification process, depending on the documents submitted.

Some applications may qualify for post-police verification or a police verification waiver. The final requirement depends on the passport service and the applicant’s case.

Existing Valid Foreign Visas

A passport name change does not automatically cancel a valid foreign visa in your old passport. After re-issue, your old passport is normally returned with the status “CANCELLED WITH REASON: RE-ISSUED.” If your old passport contains a valid visa, keep it safely.

Keep both passports when you travel:

• New passport
• Old passport with the valid visa

Adding Spouse Name in Passport

Documents Required for Indian Passport Renewal

Is it mandatory to change address in the Indian passport

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 (Annexure J). 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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