How to Change Name on Passports ?

A passport is the document you use when traveling internationally. This passport will be your identity proof. Since passports are accepted as proof of identity in every country, all your information on the passport must be accurate. Many times, due to personal circumstances, such as marriage, divorce, surname change, and similar reasons, you need to do a name change in passport. In this case, you will need to apply for a reissue of your passport to reflect the new name. You will also need a gazette notification, which is legal proof of your new name. The process of changing your name on a passport may seem a bit complicated. However, with the right documents and accurate information, it is quite easy. This blog explains everything from changing your name on a passport to obtaining the gazette notification.

Passport Name Change Process

Official Process for Changing Your Passport Name

Changing your name in your passport is done through the Passport Service’s renaming process. This process will reissue your passport with the new name, and you will be given a new passport with the new name. Only your passport with the new name will be valid everywhere. To change your name in your passport, you must show the gazette notification of your name change. Based on the name change gazette notification, your passport with the new name is issued. Therefore, prepare all your documents before changing your name in your passport to avoid problems later and save time.

Document for Update Passport Name

Documents List for Updating Your Name in Passport

Current Passport: The passport bearing your old name.
Proof of Address: Documents proving your current address.
Proof of Birth: Birth certificate or any other document containing your date of birth
Proof of New Name: A Gazette notification of your name change.
Identity Proof: Any of your ID proofs, such as your Aadhaar card or PAN card.

What is a Gazette Notification?

A Gazette Notification is an official publication

A Gazette Notification is an official publication issued by the Government of India, which publishes official information. It is a legal document. There is a process for publishing a name change. The name change is then published in the Gazette. This published Gazette Notification serves as proof of your name change. It can also be used to change name in passport and other documents. This Gazette is accepted everywhere. It can be used for government and non-government official purposes.

Online Name Change on Passport

Process for Changing Your Passport Name from the Official Website

To change your name on your passport online, you must apply online on the official passport website. You must upload soft copies of your old and new name proof and other documents on the website itself. You must also pay the fee online.

Step-by-Step Process for Online Name Change on Passport

After the name change is published in the Gazette notification, prepare soft copies of your other documents as the soft copies will be uploaded online to apply online.

Go to the Website: First, visit the official passport website and register.
Fill the Application: Select the “Reissue Passport” option on the website.
Fill in the Details: Enter your new name along with other information.
Upload Documents: Submit your date of birth, address, and other documents to prove your name change.
Make Payment: Pay for your application and download the receipt.
Schedule an Appointment: Make an appointment at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra for document verification and bring all your documents with you on the scheduled date.

After verification, your address will be police verified. Once this process is complete, your new passport will be mailed to your address. From then on, only your passport with the new name will be accepted everywhere.

Conclusion

The reasons for changing your passport name may be different for everyone. However, it’s wise to gather information beforehand so you can prepare the required documents in advance and avoid any delays or interruptions in the process. When it comes to gazette notifications, most people use online name change service providers to process them. This process requires preparing newspaper advertisements, affidavits, CDs, gazette applications, and other similar documents. However, many people may not be aware of this. These service providers solve this problem. Consultancies like Vakil India and Advocate Advice provide online name change services that will help you publish your name change in gazette

Questions searched by people on Google

Can I change my name on my passport online?

Yes, you can initiate the name change process in your passport online by filling out the Reconstruction Passport form from the Passport Seva website. However, you will need to make a final appointment at a Passport Seva Kendra for biometric and document verification. The process can only be initiated online.

What documents are required for a passport name correction?

A gazette notification is required for a passport name change. Documents such as your Aadhaar card and PAN card will also be required.

What proof do I need to change my name on my passport?

You will primarily need legal documents that prove your name change, such as gazette notification, marriage certificate, divorce decree.

Is police verification required for passport name change?

Yes, police verification is often required for passport re-issue in case of complete change of name.

Is a marriage certificate mandatory for a passport name change ?

No, not in every case. It's required if you're applying to add your spouse's name or change your surname after marriage.