How To Change Name On Indian Passport (2023 Guide)

The NRI Guides Team regularly reviews this article to ensure the content is up-to-date and accurate. The last editorial review and update were on 25 October 2023.

Changing your name on an Indian passport can be a significant step in one’s life, often accompanied by various legal and bureaucratic procedures. Whether it’s due to a change in marital status, personal preference, or any other reason, knowing the correct process for updating your name on your passport is crucial.

In this article, we will guide you through the steps and requirements to change name on Indian passport, ensuring that you have the necessary information to navigate this important undertaking with ease. We have also included a sample of the newspaper advertisement.

With the latest rules, one does not have to sweat it out in the passport office. You can easily apply for “Re-issue of Passport” on the official website and then visit the Passport Seva Kendra (Indian Embassy or Consulate for NRIs abroad) to complete the process.

How To Change Name On Indian Passport

To change the name on your passport, you have two options: you can do it online through the official passport portal or visit your local Passport Seva Kendra in person. We’ll explain both methods:

Online Application to Change Your Passport Name

Step 1: Go to the official Passport Seva portal on the internet.

Step 2: Register and log in using your login details.

Step 3: Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport” from the list of options.

Step 4: In the online application, pick “re-issue of the passport” and specify the details you want to change.

Step 5: Fill in the information related to your name change.

Step 6: Agree to the terms and conditions by selecting “Yes” and save your details before clicking “Next.”

Step 7: Choose the documents you’ll use to prove your address and birth.

Step 8: Print the application form, make the payment, and keep a receipt.

Step 9: Schedule an appointment based on availability.

Step 10: Upload scanned copies of your documents and download the final receipt.

After completing these steps, you’ll need to visit the passport office on your appointment date and take your application receipt and other required documents. The authorities will verify everything, and your updated passport will be sent to your home address by mail.

Offline Application to Change Your Passport Name

Step 1: Create an affidavit that includes your old and new names and explains why you’re changing your name.

Step 2: Once this process is complete, the Gazette of India will publish your new name.

Step 3: Publish two advertisements in separate newspapers about the name change.

Step 4: Visit your local Passport Seva Kendra to submit your application to change your name on your passport.

Documents Required To Change Name On Indian Passport

The following are the documents required to change the name on the Indian passport

• Duly filled in miscellaneous application form (available at Embassy / Consulate or download here)
• Present passport (original) and a photocopy of the first 2 and last 2 pages and all observation pages (if any)
• For minor applicants, both parents’ signatures are required on the application form along with a photocopy of both parents’ passports.
• For NRIs applying at abroad missions, a copy of the national ID card or visa issued by the country of residence.
• 2 photographs (35mm x 35mm) colour – against a light background showing a full frontal view of the face
• A court order indicating your name change

What if an applicant does not have the court order for a name change?

In case you don’t have a court order indicating a name change, you would require:

• Original cutting of the advertisement published in two English newspapers, one in a local newspaper, and one in India both showing the date and the name of the newspaper advertised in.
• The advertisement should be 1 month (30 days) old at the time of submission of the application.
• Deed poll/sworn affidavit as per Annexure ‘E’ (Download here)

Name Change For Government Employees

If a government, public sector, or statutory body employee wants to make a change in name, then he/she has to submit the following additional documents:

• Gazette Notification changing name in applicant’s department
• Fresh ID Certificate in changed name

Major And Minor Change In Name

• Minor change in name – change in name because of spelling discrepancy between passport and documents which phonetically do not result in total change in name.
• A major change in name – Cases other than minor change in name.

Does a change of name include minor spelling changes?

The change in the name refers to:

• Completely changing the name
• A partial change in the spelling of the first or the last name
• For the name change including the addition of last name or spelling change in the first middle or last name

Format for newspaper declaration (Adults)

I, ________________s on/daughter of______________, holder of Indian Passport No_____________, issued at _______ on ________, permanent resident of____________(full postal address in India to be given) and presently residing at_______________(full postal address in country of residence to be given) do hereby change my name from ________________ to ________________ with immediate effect.

Format for newspaper declaration (Minors)

I, ________________ father of______________, holder of Indian Passport No_____________, issued at ________ on ________, permanent resident of____________(full postal address in India to be given) and presently residing at_______________ (full postal address in UAE to be given) do hereby change my Son/daughter name from ________________ to________________ with immediate effect.

Name Change Due To Change In Marital Status

The following additional documents will be needed if the name change is due to a change in marital status:

How to change a woman’s surname after marriage

In case you are a married woman wishing to change your surname, you have to apply for a “Re-issue” of the passport and get the specified change done in the personal particulars.

In addition to the normal name change documents, you will have to provide copies of your marriage certificate and your husband’s passport (if any).

In case the marriage certificate or joint affidavit cannot be provided then an Affidavit according to Annexure K (download here) can be provided.

How to change a woman’s surname after divorce

In case the applicant is a divorcee wishing to revert back to her maiden name, a copy of the divorce decree is needed.

No additional document is required for deletion of the spouse’s name on account of divorce/separation. 

How to change a woman’s surname after her husband’s death

In case the applicant is a widow, the death certificate of the husband should be attached to the form.

Procedure For Government Employee To Change Name in Passport

If a Government/Public Sector/Statutory body employee wants to make a major change in name, then he/she has to submit the following additional documents:

• Gazette Notification changing the name in the applicant’s department
• Fresh ID Certificate in changed name
• Deed poll/sworn affidavit as per Annexure “E”(Download here)

Advertisement/declaration in a reading newspaper is not required.

The above information is sourced from the best sources and presented in simply comprehensible language.

Still, it is advised to check the official passport website of India as any latest change would be automatically updated there.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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