How to Change Name and Address in Passport in India?
An Indian passport is a crucial document that contains several vital details, including your name and address. Therefore, If you recently relocated and your passport still shows your old address, it is essential to update it.
Likewise, if your name is misspelt on the passport, you should update it immediately. In these situations, it is necessary to know the process for changing the name and address on your passport.
Let’s begin!
Do You Need to Change the Address and Name on Passport?
No, you don’t need to change the address and name on your passport. However, updating your passport is recommended. The address in your passport must be valid to show your actual address when you use it for proof of identity and proof of address.
Also, If you need to update your name due to a legal name change or any other reason, you can apply for a "Re-issue" of your passport.
When Can You Change the Name and Address in Passport?
You can change the name in your passport when you want to update it after marriage, add your surname, change your gender, recently get divorced, the passport authority misspells your name, or people change their name for personal reasons.
Changing Name in Passport
You can change the name on your passport under specific circumstances:
Marriage: If you recently married and want to update your last name.
Divorce: If you wish to revert to your middle or last name after divorce.
Legal Name Change: If you have legally changed your name through a court order.
Name Correction: If there is a changing error in the name spelling or if you want to correct a misspelt name.
Changing Address in Passport
Here are the specific reasons for the passport address change:
Relocated to New Address: If you have moved to a new address or are relocating after marriage,
Convenience in Travel: If you want hassle-free travel, updating the address on your passport is always recommended.
Proof of Address: An up-to-date address on the passport is essential for various purposes, such as opening a bank account.
How to Change or Correct the Name in Passport Online?
If an individual wants know how to change name in passport online, rectify the misspelt name or change their surname on the passport, follow these steps to fill out and submit the form to reissue the passport.
1. Visit the Official Website of Passport Seva to Register
Visit Passport Seva's official website and "register" or log in using your credentials.
2. Fill Out the Form with the Required Details
Choose the 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport' option and fill out the application form with relevant details.
3. Schedule an Appointment and Pay
Select to schedule an appointment at your nearest Regional Passport Office (RPO) or Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and click the link on your screen to pay a specified amount.
4. Print the Application Receipt and Visit to Passport Office
Click 'Print Application Receipt' for a challan containing your application reference number or ARN. After that, visit the nearest passport office with the original documents and the application receipt for verification on the allocated date.
How to Change or Correct the Name in Passport Offline?
If you want to know how to change name in passport in India, Here are the steps to follow:-
1. Prepare an Affidavit
Create an affidavit with all the details, including your old and new name and the reason for changing it.
2. Get Gazette Notification
After finishing the affidavit process, wait for the Gazette of India to publish your new name.
3. Publish Newspaper Advertisement
Publish the advertisement for name change in two different Newspapers.
4. Visit Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
Apply with the required documents at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
How to Change the Middle Name or Surname in Passport?
Follow these steps to change your middle name and surname or add a surname to your passport.
Online Process for Changing the Middle Name in Passport
To change or add details on your passport, log in to the Passport Seva portal.
Select "Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport".
Choose "Re-issue of Passport" and Fill out the form with the required details.
Provide the necessary documents for the name change and Submit it.
Offline Process for Changing the Middle Name in Passport
Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and request the “Change of Name” passport application form.
Fill out an affidavit with your old and new names and the reason for the change.
Place two separate advertisements about the name change in different newspapers.
Submit the required documents along with the application form.
Documents Required for Change of Name in Passport
Below is a list of the documents needed to change the name on an Indian passport.
After Marriage:
If you are married and wish to passport name change after marriage, you will need the following necessary 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 want to change your name in your passport, you need these following documents
Self-attested copy of divorce certificate.
Affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper.
After Re-marriage:
If you want to change the required name after getting re-married, you will need the following documents
Proof of divorce certificate or death certificate of your first husband.
Marriage certificate from your second marriage.
Huband's passport copy.
Photocopy of self-attested photocopy of the first two and last two pages.
In Other Circumstances:
If one wishes to change the name for any other reason or circumstances, the following documents are required
An affidavit or deed poll on non-judicial stamp paper.
An advertisement in two newspapers about altering the name.
How to Change Address in Passport Online?
If you recently relocated and want to know how to change the address in your passport, follow these steps:
1. Visit the Passport Seva Website and Register
Visit Passport Seva's official website. Registered users can log in to their accounts with their ID and password, while new users must create a new account.
2. Apply for a Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport
Then, you will receive an activation link on your registered email account. Click on this link, then select 'Apply for Fresh Passport/Reissue of Passport'.
3. Fill Out the Form and Select the Nearest Passport Office
Fill out the form with accurate details, such as your name and date of birth and choose the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.
4. Pay and Print Application Receipt
Now, pay the required amount and click 'Print Application Number', which includes your application reference number (ARN).
5. Visit Passport Seva Kendra with the Documents
On the day of your appointment, visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) with the original documents for verification.
How to Change Address in Passport Offline?
Here are the passport address change process and simple steps to follow if you want to address change of address offline.
1. Visit the Passport Seva Website and Register
Visit the official Passport Seva website and register or log in with your password.
2. Download the E-form or Visit the Nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
You can download the e-form, or if you can’t, you can visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
3. Fill Out the Form with Accurate Details
Get the application and thoroughly complete it. Avoid rewriting and overwriting, as they may invalidate your application.
4. Pay and Get an Appointment
Pay the appropriate price to update your permanent address, and you will be given an appointment to pick up your passport from Passport Seva Kendra on a scheduled day and time.
Documents Required for Change in Address in Passport
Given below is a list of documents required for a change in address change in passport:
Original passport
Copy of your online application
Copy of challan or payment receipt
Proof of current address, such as an Aadhaar card, electricity bill, water bill, voter ID card, etc.
Copy of the page of observation made by the passport issuing authority (self-attested)
Passport of the spouse (an applicant’s current address should be the same as in the spouse’s passport).
Passport Correction Fees for Changing Name and Address
The charges for changing the passport's name and address depend on the application type, the number of pages on the passport, and its validity.
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Note:
The fee for the passport is non-refundable.
Fees depend on the type of services (Normal/Tatkal) and the applicant's age (minor or adult).
You may use a credit or debit card or internet banking to pay the fees online.
After payment, you will get a receipt with the Application Reference Number (ARN) to follow up on your application.
How Long Does it Take to Change Name and Address in Passport?
Changing name and address takes 3-4 weeks. These include working days but exclude holidays. The passport status can be checked on the Passport Seva official website using the Application Reference Number (ARN). If someone needs the passport urgently, applying to Tatkal and paying the extra fees is always recommended.
If you want to travel overseas, you must have a passport. The passport must have all the correct information, such as name and address. If there is an error in the personal information on the passport, you must change it immediately. We have addressed all aspects of changing the address and name on a passport, so it should no longer be an issue.
FAQs about Changing Name & Address in Passport
Is it necessary for an applicant to be present when submitting an address change application form?
No, the application process for a change of address takes place online.
Is it mandatory for women to change their names in passports after marriage?
No, women need not mandatorily change their names in passports after marriage. It is an applicant’s choice to make such changes.
What are the documents required for name change in passport?
For a name change in a passport, the necessary documents are as follows:
After marriage: Marriage certificate, current address proof, and a photocopy of the spouse's passport.
After divorce: Photocopy of the divorce certificate.
After remarriage: Proof of divorce certificate or death certificate, and second marriage certificate.
In other circumstances: An advertisement regarding the name change in two newspapers.
Can we change our passport address online?
Yes, you can change your passport address online through the Passport Seva website by registering or logging in to your account. Fill out the forms with accurate details, follow the instructions, and ensure you have the required documents.
How many days will it take to change name and address in passport?
It takes 3-4 weeks to change the name and address on your passport once you submit your application.
What proof is required for address change in the passport?
The proof required for an address change in a passport is the water bill, electricity bill, Proof of Gas Connection, Aadhaar Card, and Rent agreement.
Is police verification required for address change in passport?
Yes, police verification is required for any changes to the applicant's passport, such as changing in name, address, or other personal information.
How much does it cost to change the address on a passport?
The fees for changing the address in a passport are ₹1500 for 36 pages and ₹2000 additionally for tatkal services. For minors over 5 years, the validity is ₹1000 for 36 pages.
Do we need to visit the passport office for an address change?
No, it is not mandatory to change the address on an Indian passport.
Is an Aadhaar card enough for passport address change?
No, an Aadhaar card is not enough to change the address on your passport. You need many more documents for residency proof, such as an electricity bill, water bill, voter ID card, and the spouse's passport with the current address.
Can we use a photocopy of the affidavit for name change in passport?
No, a photocopy of an affidavit can't be used for name change in a passport. Only the original affidavit is valid.
How can I add my wife's name to my passport?
If you want to add your wife’s name to your passport, follow these steps:
Register on the official Passport Seva website or apply by visiting the nearest passport office.
Fill out the application form with accurate details.
Get all the documents, including your marriage certificate.
Apply and pay the fees.
Schedule an appointment.
Visit the passport office.
What happens to the old passport after the address change?
If you move or change your residential address, you must update this information in your passport. Only the address in the passport authority’s records is updated, and your passport remains valid and unchanged.
Does changing your name on the passport affect your visa?
Yes, if your present passport has a visa, you must reapply with your updated name on the passport.
Can I update my passport name as per Aadhaar card?
Yes, you can change your passport name to match your Aadhaar card. To update your name on your passport, you need to apply for a passport re-issue. Provide an Aadhaar card as a document, and then apply for a passport re-issue with the corrected name.
Does address matter on a passport?
Yes, your passport address must be valid to confirm your identity, address, or date of birth when travelling abroad.
Is a marriage certificate sufficient for a name change in a passport?
No, a marriage certificate is not sufficient to change a name on the passport. You must submit a marriage certificate and all the required documents to support your request when applying for the passport reissue.
Is a spouse’s name mandatory in a passport?
No, mentioning your spouse's name in your passport is not compulsory. If you plan to immigrate based on their sponsorship, you must prove you are married and provide legal documents.
Can my wife apply for passport without a marriage certificate?
Yes, your wife can apply for passport without a marriage certificate. Married people don't need to show a marriage certificate or an affidavit that says they are married.