An Indian passport is an important document that holds several key details, such as your name and address. Hence, if you have recently moved and your passport still reflects your previous address, it is important to have it updated.
Similarly, if your name is incorrectly spelt on the passport, it should be corrected without delay. In such cases, understanding the procedure to do a passport name change after marriage is essential.
What is a Name change?
A name change on a passport refers to the official process of updating or correcting the name recorded in your passport due to reasons like marriage, divorce, legal name change or correcting spelling errors. This process requires submitting appropriate documents and applying for a passport reissue.
Do You Need to Update the Address and Name on Your Passport?
No, it is not mandatory to update the address and name on your passport. However, it is advisable to keep your passport information current. A valid address on your passport is helpful when it is used as proof of identity or address.
Additionally, if you need to change your name due to a legal name change or any other reason, you can request a “Re-issue” of your passport.
When Can You Change the Name and Address in Passport?
You can update the name and address in your passport in situations such as after marriage, adding a surname, gender change, following a divorce, if there’s a spelling mistake by the passport authority or if you have changed your name for personal reasons.
Changing Name in Passport
You are allowed to update your name on the passport under the following conditions:
Marriage: If you have recently gotten married and wish to change your last name.
Divorce: If you prefer to return to your middle or last name after a divorce.
Legal Name Change: If your name has been officially changed through a court order.
Name Correction: If there’s a spelling mistake in your name or you need to fix an error in the spelling.
Changing Address in Passport
Below are valid reasons for updating the address on your passport:
Relocated to New Address: If you’ve shifted to a different location or moved after marriage.
Convenience in Travel: Updating your address ensures smoother travel experiences and is always advisable.
Proof of Address: A current address on your passport is important for several activities, like opening a bank account.
How to Change or Correct the Name in Passport Online?
If someone wants to learn how to update their name in the passport online, correct a spelling error or modify their surname, they can follow the steps below to complete and submit the reissue application form.
1. Visit the Official Website of Passport Seva to Register
Go to the official Passport Seva website and either “register” as a new user or log in using your existing credentials.
2. Fill Out the Form with the Required Details
Select the option ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport’ and complete the application form by entering all the necessary information.
3. Schedule an Appointment and Pay
Choose a convenient time slot to book an appointment at your nearest Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Passport Seva Kendra (PSK), then click the displayed link to pay the required fee.
4. Print the Application Receipt and Visit the Passport Office
Click on ‘Print Application Receipt’ to generate a challan that includes your Application Reference Number (ARN). Then, visit the designated passport office on your scheduled date with the original documents and the receipt for verification.
How to Change or Correct the Name in Passport Offline?
If you want to learn how to change your name in an Indian passport offline, follow these steps:
1. Prepare an Affidavit
Draft an affidavit containing all relevant details, including your old name, new name and the reason for the change.
2. Get Gazette Notification
Once the affidavit is ready, wait for the Gazette of India to officially publish your new name.
3. Publish Newspaper Advertisement
Place advertisements announcing your name change in two different newspapers.
4. Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
Submit your application along with the necessary documents at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Note: Make sure to provide all the legal documents for a name change. For updating the address, submit valid proof for all the addresses involved.
How to Change the Middle Name or Surname in Passport?
Follow these steps to modify your middle name or surname or to add a surname in passport.
Online Process for Changing the Middle Name in Passport
- Log in to the Passport Seva portal to update or add details on your passport.
- Select “Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport.”
- Choose “Re-issue of Passport” and complete the form with the necessary information.
- Upload the required documents for the name change and submit the application.
Offline Process for Changing the Middle Name in Passport
- Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and request the “Change of Name” passport application form.
- Prepare an affidavit mentioning your old and new names along with the reason for the change.
- Publish two separate advertisements about the name change in different newspapers.
- Submit the application form along with all required documents.
Documents Required for Change of Name in Passport
Below is the list of documents necessary to change the name on an Indian passport.
After Marriage:
If you are married and want to change your name on the passport after marriage, you will need the following documents:
- Marriage certificate (original and photocopy)
- Proof of current address
- Self-attested photocopy of your spouse’s passport
- Old passport with self-attested photocopies, including the ECR/Non-ECR page
After Divorce:
If you are divorced and wish to update your name in the passport, you need the following documents:
- Self-attested copy of the divorce certificate
- Affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper
After Re-marriage:
If you want to change your name after remarriage, you will need these documents:
- Proof of divorce certificate or death certificate of your first husband
- Marriage certificate from your second marriage
- Husband’s passport copy
- Self-attested photocopies of the first two and last two pages of the passport
In Other Circumstances:
For any other reasons or circumstances requiring a name change, the following documents are necessary:
- An affidavit or deed poll on non-judicial stamp paper
- Advertisement published in two newspapers regarding the name change
How to Change Address in Passport Online?
If you have recently moved and want to update the address on your passport, follow these steps:
1. Visit the Passport Seva Website and Register
Go to the official Passport Seva website. Existing users can log in using their ID and password, while new users need to register and create an account.
2. Apply for a Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport
Next, check your registered email for an activation link. Click the link, then choose the option ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport’.
3. Fill Out the Form and Select the Nearest Passport Office
Complete the form by entering correct details like your name and date of birth and select the closest Passport Seva Kendra for your appointment.
4. Pay and Print Application Receipt
Make the payment for the required fee and then click on ‘Print Application Number’ to get your application reference number (ARN).
5. Visit Passport Seva Kendra with the Documents
On your scheduled appointment day, go to the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) carrying the original documents for verification.
How to Change Address in Passport Offline?
Follow these simple steps to update your passport address offline:
1. Visit the Passport Seva Website and Register
Go to the official Passport Seva website and either register or log in using your password.
2. Download the E-form or Visit the Nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
You may download the e-form online or if that’s not possible, visit the closest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
3. Fill Out the Form with Accurate Details
Carefully complete the application form. Avoid any rewriting or overwriting as it may lead to rejection of your application.
4. Pay and Get an Appointment
Make the required payment to update your permanent address and you will receive an appointment to collect your passport from the Passport Seva Kendra on the designated date and time.
Documents Required for Change in Address in Passport
Below is the list of documents needed to update the address in your passport:
- Original passport
- Copy of your online application
- Copy of the challan or payment receipt
- Proof of current address, such as Aadhaar card, electricity bill, water bill, voter ID card, etc.
- Self-attested copy of the page containing observations made by the passport issuing authority
- Spouse’s passport (the applicant’s current address should match the address on the spouse’s passport)
How Long Does it Take to Change Name and Address in Passport?
Changing the name and address typically takes 3-4 weeks, counting only working days and excluding holidays. You can track your passport status on the official Passport Seva website using your Application Reference Number (ARN). For urgent needs, it is advisable to apply under the Tatkal scheme and pay the additional fees.
If you plan to travel abroad, having a valid passport with accurate details such as your name and address is essential. Any mistakes in your passport’s personal information should be corrected immediately. This guide covers everything you need to know about changing your name and address on a passport, so you can manage the process smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the process to change name in passport after marriage in India?
Ans1. To change your name in an Indian passport after marriage, you can apply for a reissue by registering on the Passport Seva website, filling out the application for reissue, submitting the required documents like the marriage certificate and spouse’s passport copy, scheduling an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and completing the verification process.
Q2. Is it mandatory to update the address and name on my passport?
Ans2. No, it is not mandatory to update the address and name on your passport, but it is highly recommended to keep these details current for valid proof of identity and address during travel or official processes.
Q3. What documents are required to change the name on a passport after marriage?
Ans3. The key documents required include the original marriage certificate, proof of current address, self-attested copy of your spouse’s passport, old passport with self-attested photocopies including the ECR/Non-ECR page.
Q4. How can I correct a misspelt name on my passport?
Ans4. You can correct a misspelt name by applying for a passport reissue either online through the Passport Seva portal or offline by submitting an affidavit, publishing a name correction advertisement in newspapers and submitting the application at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Q5. What is the procedure to change the address in passport online?
Ans5. To update your address online, register or log in to the Passport Seva website, select ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport,’ fill in the form with accurate details, choose your nearest Passport Seva Kendra, make the payment, print the application receipt and visit the PSK with original documents on the scheduled appointment date.
Q6. Can I change my middle name or surname in the passport?
Ans6. Yes, you can change or add your middle name or surname by applying for a reissue of the passport online via the Passport Seva portal or offline by submitting the required affidavit, advertisements and documents at a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Q7. How long does it take to change the name and address on a passport?
Ans7. The process generally takes about 3-4 weeks on working days (excluding holidays). For urgent requirements, you can apply under the Tatkal scheme by paying additional fees.
Q8. What documents are needed to update the address in the passport?
Ans8. Documents required include the original passport, copy of the online application, payment receipt or challan, proof of current address such as Aadhaar card or utility bills, self-attested copy of the passport issuing authority’s observation page and spouse’s passport if applicable.
Q9. Is there a fee for changing the name or address on the passport?
Ans9. Yes, passport correction fees depend on the type of application, the number of pages in the passport and its validity period. The exact fee can be found on the Passport Seva portal during the application process.
Q10. What should I do if I want to change my name in the passport due to divorce?
Ans10. If changing your name after divorce, submit a self-attested copy of the divorce certificate, an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper and follow the passport reissue procedure online or offline as applicable.