An Indian Passport is a travel document which the Government of India issues and it is essential for if you are travelling internationally. Passport is a proof that you are an Indian citizen and provide basic information about the individual such as name, date of birth, photograph, and signature. If you want to change your name on the Passport for any reason including marriage, re-marriage, divorce and other reasons. In this post, Let’s talk about a step-by-step process for Name change in Passport.
Reasons for Change of Name in Passport (India)
People request a name change on their passport for various personal and legal reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:
1. Marriage or Divorce
Women often change their surname after marriage or revert to their maiden name after divorce. Passport needs to reflect the correct legal name.
2. Spelling Errors or Typos
Mistakes in spelling, initials, or sequence of the name must be corrected to avoid issues during travel or visa processing.
3. Legal Name Change via Gazette
Individuals who officially change their name through Gazette Notification must update their passport to match their new legal identity.
4. Change in Surname or Adding Middle Name
Many people modify or expand their name for personal, cultural, or professional reasons.
5. Adoption
Adopted children may have their name and surname changed legally, requiring passport updates.
6. Gender Transition / Identity Update
Transgender or transitioning individuals may update their names after completing legal formalities.
7. Religious Conversion
People who adopt a new religion may change their name as part of the conversion.
Documents Required for Name Change in Passport (India)
The documents depend on the reason for the change. Below is the complete list:
1. Marriage-Related Name Change
✓ Marriage Certificate
✓ Joint affidavit for name change (if applicable)
✓ Spouse’s passport copy (optional but helpful)
✓ Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID with updated details (if available)
2. Divorce-Related Name Change
✓ Divorce Decree OR
✓ Self-Declaration about re-adopting maiden name
✓ Gazette Notification (if applicable)
3. Gazette Name Change (General Cases)
✓ Original Gazette Notification (Central/State)
✓ Two newspaper ads (old rule, sometimes optional)
✓ Annexure “E” affidavit
✓ Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID with the new name (if updated)
4. Spelling Correction / Typo Correction
✓ Old passport
✓ Self-Declaration or affidavit
✓ Any ID proof showing correct spelling (Aadhaar, PAN, Birth Certificate, etc.)
5. Adoption Cases
✓ Adoption Deed
✓ Court Order (if required)
✓ Annexure affidavits
✓ Old passport
6. Religious Conversion
✓ Certificate of religious conversion (if applicable)
✓ Gazette notification (many offices require it)
✓ ID proof with new name
7. Gender Transition / Identity Update
✓ Medical certificate / court affidavit (if applicable)
✓ Gazette Notification
✓ Updated ID proofs
Process for Name Change on Indian Passport
There are two ways to change the name on your passport:
1. Passport Name Change Process Online
Step 1: Register on Passport Seva Portal
Go to: https://passportindia.gov.in
Create an account and log in.
Step 2: Choose “Re-issue of Passport”
Select reason: Change of Name
Step 3: Fill Application Form Online
Enter your updated name as per affidavit/Gazette.
Step 4: Upload Documents (if asked)
Some PSKs require pre-upload.
Step 5: Pay Fee & Schedule Appointment
Fees vary by booklet type and Tatkal/Normal.
Step 6: Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
Carry all originals and one set of photocopies.
Step 7: Biometrics + Document Verification
Step 8: Police Verification
Required in most name change cases.
Step 9: Receive Updated Passport
It will be delivered to your registered address.
2. Passport Name Change Process Offline
Step 1: Download Form No. 2
Available on Passport Seva Portal.
Step 2: Fill Form Manually
Attach passport-sized photos.
Step 3: Attach All Documents
Affidavit, Gazette, certificates, old passport, etc.
Step 4: Submit at Regional Passport Office (RPO)
Step 5: Collect Acknowledgement
This contains your file number.
Step 6: Police Verification
Local police will verify your identity and documents.
Step 7: Passport Printing & Delivery
Delivered via speed post.
Fees for Name Change on Passport (India)
Below are approximate government fees:
Normal Application
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36 pages passport booklet: ₹1,500
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60 pages jumbo booklet: ₹2,000
Tatkal Application
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36 pages: ₹3,500
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60 pages: ₹4,000
Note: Additional Tatkal approval may be required for name change cases.
FAQs on Name Change in Passport
1. Is Gazette mandatory for passport name change?
Not always.
For divorce, marriage, minor spelling corrections — Gazette is NOT compulsory.
For major name change — Gazette is required.
2. Is police verification mandatory?
Yes, in most name change cases except minor corrections.
3. How long does it take?
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Normal: 7–25 days
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Tatkal: 1–3 days (after police clearance)
4. Can I travel before updating my name?
Yes, but all documents used for visa must match your passport name.
5. Will my passport number change?
Yes, a new passport booklet is issued.
6. Do minors need police verification?
Mostly NO, unless documents are unclear.
For applying online, click here and fill your details.
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