Name Change in Passport

A passport is an essential identity document for international travel, and ensuring that all particulars, especially your name, are accurate is paramount. Dealing with a Name Change in Passport can seem like a Complex, but with the right guidance, the process is simple. Whether your name change is due to marriage, divorce, a personal preference, or correcting a spelling error, this blog will provide a clear, step-by-step guide to the name change process in India. Getting your Passport Name Change done correctly is crucial to avoid any hassles with immigration or other government services both domestically and internationally.

How to Name Change Process in India

The procedure to change name in passport requires applying for a 'Re-issue' of your passport through the Passport Seva Portal, as a name update is considered a change in personal particulars.

Step-by-Step Online Application

The government of India has streamlined the name change process in India through an online portal for convenience.

Registration and Login: Visit the official Passport Seva website and either register as a new user or log in to your existing account.
Application Type: Select the option for 'Apply for Re-issue of Passport'.
Change in Particulars: Choose 'Change in Existing Personal Particulars' and select 'Name' as the reason for re-issue.
Form Submission: Fill out the application form with your new, correct name and other necessary details.
Payment and Appointment: Pay the applicable fee online and schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Documents Required at the PSK

When you visit the PSK on your appointment date, carry the following:

The printout of your online application receipt (ARN).
Your original old passport.
Self-attested copies of the first and last two pages of your old passport.
Proof of Address

Specific Scenarios for Passport Name Change

The documents required will vary significantly based on the reason behind your application for a Name Change in Passport.

Name Change After Marriage or Divorce

This is one of the most common reasons for a name update.

After Marriage: For a woman adopting her spouse's surname, a copy of the Marriage Certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages or her spouse’s passport copy is generally required.
After Divorce: If you are reverting to your maiden name or adopting a new name, you will need a certified copy of the Divorce Decree.

Full Name Change for Other Reasons

For an individual changing their name entirely the procedure is Look Like difficult but if you choose correct step by step process then it seem simple and it involves public notification.

Affidavit and Newspaper Advertisements: You will have to submit an affidavit declaring the name change and the original copy of the newspaper advertisement.
The Role of Gazette Notification: Importantly, for a complete name change, you must provide a copy of the official gazette notification of the name change. This is the final legal proof of your identity change.

Understanding the Gazette for Passport Name Change

For a legal and permanent name change, the gazette for passport name change is mandatory. This is a publication in the Gazette of India by the Department of Publication, which legally validates your new name.

Why is Gazette Notification Important?

The official gazette notification for name change acts as definitive legal proof of your new identity. It confirms that the name change process has been completed legally and is accepted by all government bodies, including the Passport Office. Without this, a full name change request will likely be rejected.

The Gazette Publication Process

Affidavit: Get a notarized affidavit stating your old name, new name, and the reason for the change.
Newspaper Ad: Publish advertisements in newspapers.
Application: Apply to the Department of Publication with the affidavit, newspaper clippings, and required fees.
Publication: Once published, a copy of the gazette notification must be included with your application to the PSK.

Conclusion

Successfully completing a passport name change is an important step toward maintaining a valid, universally accepted travel document. Whether you need a simple name correction or a full name update supported by a gazette notification, it's essential to follow the prescribed name change procedure. Take the time to gather all necessary documents, especially the original old passport and any supporting documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, or gazette). Don't let paperwork get in your way—a valid passport with your current, correct name ensures stress-free travel.

Questions searched by people on Google

Is Gazette Notification enough for name change in passport?

Yes, the Gazette Notification is the key legal proof for a name change in passport. For a major change of name, the Passport Office generally requires the Gazette, and for a full application, you must also submit other documents like your current passport and updated ID proofs.

What is the meaning of gazette in passport?

Gazette notification is the process of publishing personal and government changes as legally valid and public information.Simply put, it is an official public document issued by the government, in which only official and legal information is publicly published. This document is legally valid everywhere.

What is the Name Change Process to get a Gazette Notification?

The Name Change Process involves three main steps: 1) Executing a notarized Name Change affidavit; 2) Publishing an advertisement in newspapers and 3) Submitting the required documents (including the affidavit and newspaper clippings) to the Department of Publication to publish the Name Change in Gazette.

How long does it take to change name in passport?

The time taken to change name in passport can vary. For a normal application, the process usually takes 15-30 working days from the date of the PSK appointment.

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