Navigating Passport Name Changes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

A passport is not just a travel document; it’s an essential identity proof. Therefore, ensuring that all details, especially your name, are accurate and up-to-date is crucial. This guide simplifies the process of changing your name on your Indian passport, whether due to marriage, divorce, or other personal reasons.

Why Do You Need to Change Your Name in Passport?

One of the most crucial travel documents is your passport and it must be accurate. To prevent any travel issues, you should update your passport information if your name is misspelled or if you recently changed it because of a marriage, divorce or other personal circumstance.

How to Change Name on Passport: Two Easy Methods

You can change your name on your passport both online and offline. Let’s examine both approaches.

1. Online Application for Passport Name Correction

It’s simple and easy to change your name online. Here’s how to accomplish it:

• Step 1: Go to the Passport Seva website.
• Step 2: Create an account and enter your login information.
• Step 3: From the menu, choose “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
• Step 4: Select “Re-issue of Passport” and state that you would like to change your name.
• Step 5: Complete the relevant information and attach the required files, which are listed below.
• Step 6: Save your information, accept the terms and conditions and move on to the following stage.
• Step 7: Upload supporting documentation, such as a birth certificate or proof of address.
• Step 8: Print the receipt after making the payment.
• Step 9: Schedule a time to visit the passport office. 
• Step 10: Bring the original paperwork and application receipt to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) on the day of the appointment.

After confirming your details, the passport office will mail your revised passport to the address you provided.

2. Offline Application for Name Change in Passport

Here is what you must do if you would rather do it offline:

• Step 1: Draft an affidavit outlining your previous and current names as well as the rationale behind the name change.
• Step 2: Await the publication of your new name in the Indian Gazette after your affidavit is complete.
• Step 3: Two ads announcing your name change must be placed in various publications.
• Step 4: Visit your Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) to turn in your application after finishing the necessary documents.

Reasons to Change Name in Passport

The following are some of the primary justifications for changing your passport name.

• After marriage, you may decide to change your last name or your entire name.
• changing your last name following a second marriage.
• changing your last name following a divorce.
• For various reasons, you may change your last name or your entire name.

Documents Required for Passport Name Change

You might require different documentation depending on your circumstances. Let’s dissect it:

1. Name Change After Marriage
   1. A copy of your passport or your spouse’s passport.
   2. Self-attested copy of your marriage certificate.

2. Name Change After Divorce
   1. A certified copy of the divorce decree.
   2. A sworn affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper.

3. Name Change After Re-marriage
   1. Proof of divorce from the previous marriage or the death certificate of the previous spouse.
   2. A self-attested copy of the new marriage certificate.

4. Name Change for Other Reasons
   1. A sworn affidavit.
   2. An advertisement in two newspapers about your name change.

These are the fundamental documents that you might require. For information on the particular documents needed for your case, always visit the Passport Seva website. 

How long does it take to change the name in an Indian passport

A name change on an Indian passport can take a variety of processing times. Usually, it takes between 15 and 30 days after the application is submitted. However, depending on the workload and other variables, it can take longer in some situations.

What Is The Format Of The Affidavit For Name Change In Passport?

The affidavit format for name changes in passports is simplified for the benefit of applicants. Given below is an example format for those who wish to change their name in Chennai:

Format of Affidavit for Name Change in Chennai

1, [Your Old Name], s/o/d/o [Father’s Name], residing at [Address], do solemnly affirm and declare as under:

I am a citizen of India.

My old name is [Your Old Name].

I wish to change my name to [Your New Name] due to [mention reason such as spelling mistake, marriage, numerology, etc.].

My gender is [Male/Female].

This affidavit is being submitted to change my name in official records and gazette publication.

Fees for Passport Re-issue

The fee depends on the passport’s validity and type:

• 36-page passport (10-year validity): Rs. 1,500
• 60-page passport (10-year validity): Rs. 2,000
• Tatkal application: Additional Rs. 2,000

Conclusion

Changing your name on your passport is a straightforward process, whether done online or offline. By following these steps and preparing the necessary documents, you can ensure your passport reflects your current legal name, keeping this crucial document accurate and up-to-date.

FAQs

Q1. Can I change my name in my passport?

Ans1. Yes, you can change the name mentioned in your passport by submitting an application through the Passport Seva portal.

Q2. Is it mandatory for women to change their names on their passports after getting married?

Ans2. No, it is not mandatory for women to change their names on their passports after marriage.

Q3. Does the change of name in the passport require the original passport?

Ans3. Yes, you need to submit your original passport to get a new one re-issued with the changed name.

Q4. How long will I have to wait for the change of name in my passport?

Ans4. It can take anywhere between 3 to 4 weeks to get the updated passport re-issued, depending on the complexity of the application.

Q5. What if my passport expired over four years ago?

Ans5. If your passport expired more than three years ago, you will need to undergo a fresh police verification process.

Q6. What if my last passport was issued when I was a minor, but now I’m 25?

Ans6. You need to apply for the re-issue of your passport as an adult.

Q7. How is a damaged passport defined?

Ans7. A damaged passport can range from minor damages where details are legible to ones damaged beyond recognition.

Q8. Is police verification required for passport name change?

Ans8. The Process of Police Verification for Indian Passports
It is necessary for the police to verify any changes made to the applicant’s name, address or other personal information on their passport.

Q9. पासपोर्ट में नाम बदलने के लिए किन दस्तावेजों की आवश्यकता होती है?

Ans9. नाम परिवर्तन/जीवनसाथी के नाम परिवर्तन के लिए आवेदन करने वाले पुनर्विवाहित आवेदकों को प्रथम पति/पत्नी के संबंध में तलाक का आदेश/मृत्यु प्रमाण पत्र, विवाह रजिस्ट्रार से विवाह प्रमाण पत्र तथा वर्तमान पति/पत्नी के पासपोर्ट की फोटोकॉपी प्रस्तुत करनी होगी।

Q10. Can I update my passport name due to numerology or personal preference?

Ans10. Yes, you can update your passport name for personal reasons, including numerology. You will need to submit a sworn affidavit and publish the name change in two newspapers.

Q11. What should I do if my passport has a spelling mistake in my name?

Ans11. Apply for a “Re-issue of Passport” online or offline, submit an affidavit or proof of the correct spelling and follow the standard process for a name correction in your passport.