Want to update your name on your passport after getting married? No worries! This guide breaks down the process, making it simple and easy to understand. If you recently changed your name after marriage, here’s how to get it updated on your passport without any hassle.
Why Change Your Passport Name After Marriage?
Many people need to update their name on their passport after marriage. Common reasons include:
- Adopting a new last name after marriage.
- Wanting both spouses to share the same family name.
- Following cultural or personal practices.
Regardless of your reason, here are the steps to follow.
Steps to Change Your Passport Name in India
To change your name on your Indian passport, follow these three steps:
1. Get a Legal Name Change
First, you need to make your name change official. This can be done by:
- Getting a court order, or
- Publishing the name change in the government gazette (an official government publication).
Both of these steps confirm that your name has legally changed, which helps avoid any issues in the future.
2. Get a Gazette Notification
The next step is to publish your new name in a government gazette. This serves as proof that your name change is official and legal. The gazette notification acts as a record of your new name and makes the change process easier.
3. Apply for a Passport with Your New Name
Once you have your name change notification in the gazette, apply for a passport update:
- Go to the Regional Passport Office (RPO).
- Complete an application for a new passport with your updated name.
- After they check and confirm your documents, you’ll receive a new passport with your changed name.
Documents You’ll Need for Passport Name Change
To make this process easy and fast, keep these documents ready:
- Old Passport: Your current passport with your previous name.
- Proof of Address: Like a utility bill or bank statement.
- Birth Certificate: To verify your birth date.
- Gazette Notification: Proof that your name change is official.
- PAN Card: Another ID proof to confirm your identity.
Steps to Change Your Name on Your Passport Online
If you prefer doing it online, here’s how:
- Step 1: Go to the Passport Seva website (passportindia.gov.in) and make an account.
- Step 2: Fill out the passport application form, choosing “fresh passport” or “reissue.”
- Step 3: Scan and upload the required documents, like your proof of address and gazette notification.
- Step 4: Pay the application fees online.
- Step 5: Book an appointment at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Passport Office for document and biometric verification.
- Step 6: On the scheduled date, bring all original documents for verification.
- Step 7: After verification, a police officer may visit your home to confirm your address. Ensure you have a few people available to verify your identity.
Steps for an Offline Passport Name Change
If you’d rather complete the process offline, follow these steps:
- Visit the Regional Passport Office near you.
- Request the form for a “fresh passport” or “reissue.”
- Fill out the form, attach copies of the required documents, and submit.
- Pay the necessary fees directly at the office.
- After submitting, your documents and identity will complete the police verification process.
- Once everything is confirmed, you’ll receive your updated passport.
How to Obtain the Gazette Notification for Name Change
To get your name in the government gazette, here’s what you need to do:
- Submit a name change application at the gazette office.
- Attach an affidavit declaring your name change, two newspaper ads (one in English and one in the local language), and identity proofs.
- Pay the applicable fee when you apply.
- Wait for the Gazette publication: It can take 3 to 8 weeks for your name change to appear in the gazette.
Important Information to Remember
- Processing Time: Changing your name on your passport can take around 2 to 3 months, so plan accordingly.
- Fees: Fees vary depending on the application method and location. Check the Passport Seva website or your local RPO for the exact amount.
- Gazette Notification: A copy of this notification is mandatory to confirm that your name change is legally recognized.
- Documents: Double-check all required documents before applying to avoid delays.
- Online vs. Offline: Choose the method that best suits you. Many people find online applications easier and faster, but the offline option is still available if you prefer.
Need Help to Change Name in Passport After Marriage?
If this looks confusing or time-consuming, help is available. Our expert name-change agents can assist you with:
- Handling all the required paperwork.
- Complete the gazette publication process.
- Managing any issues that arise during the passport application.
Contact our experienced agent to make things easier and save time. They’ll guide you through every step, so you get your updated passport without stress. Just share your documents, pay the service fee, and let them manage the rest.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to change your name on your passport easily. If you have questions or need further help, consider calling our registered firm’s name-change agents.
