Documents Required for Passport Name Change in India

Changing your name on an Indian passport requires submitting specific documents to the Regional Passport Office (RPO) based on the reason for the name change. Below is a comprehensive guide to the documents required and the step-by-step process to ensure a smooth name change procedure.

General Documents Required for Passport Name Change

Before initiating the name change request, ensure you have the following mandatory documents:

• Application Form – You need to fill out the passport re-issue application either online through the Passport Seva portal or offline at an RPO.

• Proof of Current Address – A valid proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, Electricity Bill, Bank Passbook, or any other Government-issued ID.

• Old Passport – Submit your original passport along with self-attested photocopies of the first and last two pages, including the ECR/Non-ECR page, validity extension page, and observation page (if applicable).

• Passport-Sized Photographs – Recent passport-sized photographs meeting government-specified dimensions.

Documents Required Based on Specific Name Change Circumstances

1. Name Change After Marriage

For women who wish to adopt their spouse’s name after marriage, the following documents are required:

• Original and photocopy of the Marriage Certificate issued by a Registrar of Marriage.

• Self-attested photocopy of the spouse's passport (if applicable).

• Updated proof of address reflecting the new name (if applicable).

2. Name Change After Divorce

In case of reverting to a maiden name or adopting a new name after divorce, these documents are required:

• Certified copy of the Divorce Decree issued by a court.

• Affidavit or Deed Poll on a non-judicial stamp paper stating the change of name.

3. Name Change After Re-Marriage

For those remarrying and changing their name, these documents are mandatory:

• Proof of divorce from the previous spouse (Divorce Decree) or death certificate (if applicable).

• Self-attested copy of the new Marriage Certificate.

• Photocopy of the new spouse’s passport (if available).

4. Name Change Due to Personal Preference or Other Reasons

If you wish to change your name for personal reasons, you need:

• Sworn affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper mentioning the new name and reason for the change.

• Publication of the name change in the Gazette of India.

• Original newspaper advertisements in two leading Indian newspapers announcing the name change.

Additional Documentation Required

Public or Educational Documents

To further support your name change request, you may be required to submit two valid documents in the new name, such as:

• Voter ID

• Aadhaar Card

• Driving License

• PAN Card

• Bank Passbook with updated name

Newspaper Advertisements

You need to publish an advertisement in two leading Indian newspapers (one in English and one in the local language of your state) announcing your name change.

Gazette Publication

If you have published your name change in the Gazette of India, you must submit a copy of this publication with your passport application.

Process at the Regional Passport Office (RPO)

When visiting the Regional Passport Office for your name change application, follow these steps:

1. Submit all required documents as mentioned above.

2. Pay the applicable fees for passport re-issuance.

3. Undergo biometric data collection.

4. Participate in the document verification process.

5. Receive an acknowledgment receipt.

The RPO will verify the submitted documents and may also coordinate with local police stations for background verification before approving the name change request.

Online Application Process for Passport Name Change

As per the latest updates, the passport name change process can be initiated online through the Passport Seva portal:

1. Register on the Passport Seva portal.

2. Select the option for 'Re-issue of Passport'.

3. Fill out all required details carefully.

4. Upload scanned copies of necessary documents.

5. Make the online payment.

6. Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

7. Visit the PSK on the scheduled date for document submission and verification.

Fees and Processing Time for Passport Name Change

The processing fees for a passport re-issue with a name change are as follows:

• Rs. 1,500 – for a 36-page passport.

• Rs. 2,000 – for a 60-page passport.

• Tatkal Service – An additional Rs. 2,000 for urgent processing.

Processing Time

• Normal Processing – 3 to 4 weeks.

• Tatkal Processing – 7 to 10 days.

• Police verification may be required if there are significant changes in personal details or if the passport has been expired for a long time.

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