Name Change Format for Passport – Avoid Mistakes & Do It Right

Introduction

A passport is one of the most important identity documents in India. It is required not only for international travel but also for banking, property dealings, and visa applications. Even a small mismatch in the name on your passport compared to Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID can cause problems.

Many people need a name change format for passport after marriage, divorce, spelling corrections, or a legal name change. Using the right format ensures that the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Regional Passport Office (RPO) accepts your request without delay. Incorrect affidavits, missing documents, or wrong declarations often result in rejection.

This blog explains the correct name change format for passports, the supporting documents, the step-by-step process, common mistakes, and how Lawtendo can make the process smooth and legally valid.

Legal & Regulatory Basis

The name change procedure in passports is guided by the Passport Act, 1967 and the rules published by the Ministry of External Affairs. The official Passport Seva portal provides guidelines under the category “Re-issue of Passport – Change in Existing Personal Particulars.”

Key points:

• Applicants must declare whether they have ever changed their name while filling the online form.
• For minor corrections like spelling errors, an affidavit and supporting ID proofs are generally sufficient.
• For major changes like marriage, divorce, or a complete new name, additional proof such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, or Gazette notification may be mandatory.
• In some cases, the passport office may also require a newspaper advertisement confirming the name change.

Lawtendo ensures applicants understand whether their case qualifies as a minor correction or a major legal change, helping them avoid unnecessary complications.

When & Why to Use the Correct Format

The name change format for passport is not just a template – it is the foundation of your legal declaration. It must be drafted carefully because the passport office relies on it to verify your identity.

Common scenarios requiring name change:

1. After Marriage – Adding or changing surname.
2. After Divorce – Dropping spouse’s surname.
3. Spelling Errors – Correcting typing mistakes or inconsistent spellings.
4. Legal Name Change – Changing the full name officially through Gazette notification.
5. Identity Mismatch – Passport showing a different name from Aadhaar, PAN, or property records.

Using the wrong format can lead to:

• Rejection at PSK or RPO.
• Delay in passport issuance.
• Problems in visa processing due to inconsistent records.

Components of the Name Change Format for Passport

A correct name change format for passport should include the following components:

1. Old Name and New Name

Both the current name (as printed on the old passport) and the desired new name must be written clearly. Spelling must exactly match identity documents.

2. Reason for Change

The affidavit must state why the name is being changed. Examples: marriage, divorce, clerical error, or personal choice.

3. Personal Details

Include date of birth, place of birth, parent’s names, and current address to avoid confusion with other individuals.

4. Declaration Statement

A legal statement that you voluntarily request the change, confirm the details are correct, and that the new name will be used for all purposes.

5. Signature and Date

The affidavit should be signed in front of a Notary or Magistrate. In some cases, signatures with both old and new names are required.

6. Attestation / Notarization

The affidavit must be on non-judicial stamp paper, attested by a Notary Public or First Class Magistrate. Without attestation, the format is invalid.

7. Newspaper & Gazette (When Needed)

• Newspaper ads: One in English, one in a regional language, confirming the name change.
• Gazette notification: Mandatory for legal name changes or when adopting an entirely new identity.

Tip: Lawtendo provides ready-to-use affidavit formats for different cases, ensuring that the format complies with Passport Seva requirements.

Step-by-Step Process

Changing the name in your passport is essentially a reissue process. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Review Your Documents

Check if all your IDs (Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, marriage/divorce certificates, Gazette notification if applicable) show the correct name. Any inconsistency must be fixed before submission.

Step 2: Draft the Affidavit in Correct Format

Prepare the name change format for the passport as an affidavit. It must contain your old name, new name, reason for change, and personal details. Ensure it is on proper stamp paper and notarized.

Step 3: Publish Public Notice (if required)

If you are making a complete legal name change, publish newspaper ads and get a Gazette notification. This step is not mandatory for minor spelling fixes or marriage/divorce-related changes but is required for major alterations.

Step 4: Apply Online via Passport Seva Portal

• Register at passportindia.gov.in.
• Choose Reissue of Passport and select “Change in Existing Personal Particulars.”
• Fill in details exactly as they appear in your affidavit and supporting documents.

Step 5: Book Appointment and Visit PSK/RPO

Carry the printed application receipt (ARN), original passport, affidavit, and supporting documents to your scheduled Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office. Biometric verification and document checks are done here.

Step 6: Police Verification (If Applicable)

For most name changes, a fresh police verification is required. Ensure your address proof is up-to-date to avoid delays.

Step 7: Issuance of New Passport

Once verification is complete, the corrected passport is printed and dispatched.

Documents Required

The required documents vary based on why the name is being changed.

Common Across All Cases

• Current passport (first and last page photocopies)
• Proof of address (Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill, rental agreement)
• Two recent passport-size photos (if offline submission)

Lawtendo provides customized checklists for each case, so applicants don’t miss a single document.

Timeline and Fees

The time and cost depend on the type of change and whether police verification is needed.

Timeline

• Simple corrections (spelling, marriage/divorce): 7–15 working days.
• Legal name change with Gazette notification: 3–6 weeks, depending on verification.
• Tatkal service: Faster, but not available for all cases.

Fees (Standard as per Passport Seva rules)

Other costs:

• Affidavit (₹200–500)
• Newspaper ads (₹1,000–2,500)
• Gazette publication (₹1,000–1,800)

Lawtendo offers all-inclusive packages, covering affidavit drafting, ad placement, and application assistance, saving applicants from fragmented expenses.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants often face rejection or delays because of small oversights. The most frequent errors are:

1. Mismatch Between Affidavit and IDs
   The affidavit must exactly match the name and spelling in Aadhaar, PAN, or other IDs. Even one letter difference can hold up the application.
2. Using the Wrong Format
   Submitting an affidavit that does not clearly mention old name, new name, and reason for change.
3. Missing Supporting Documents
   Forgetting to attach a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or Gazette notification when required.
4. Incorrect Selection in Passport Form
   Not choosing “Change in Existing Personal Particulars” or skipping the “Have you ever changed your name?” option.
5. Incomplete Attestation
   Submitting an affidavit without notary or magistrate attestation makes it invalid.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that your name change is processed smoothly and your passport is reissued without delays.

How Lawtendo Helps

Lawtendo provides complete legal service for applicants who want their name change format for passport prepared and filed correctly the first time.

Services Offered

• Drafting affidavits in the legally correct format.
• Ensuring all supporting documents are consistent and valid.
• Guiding applicants through the Passport Seva portal and online form filling.
• Assistance with newspaper ads or Gazette notifications when needed.
• Continuous follow-up with PSK/RPO until the new passport is issued.

By using Lawtendo, applicants avoid rejection, save time, and gain confidence that their case is handled in compliance with official guidelines.

FAQs

1. Is Gazette notification always required for a name change in passport?
   No. It is required for a full legal name change but not for minor corrections or changes due to marriage/divorce.
2. Can I use Tatkal service for name change?
   Tatkal is usually not available for major changes but may be allowed for spelling corrections or marriage-related updates.
3. Do I need police verification again?
   Yes, in most cases of name change, a fresh police verification is conducted.
4. Can NRIs apply for passport name change?
   Yes. They can apply at the Indian embassy or consulate abroad, following the same affidavit and document process.
5. How long does it take?
   Simple changes take about 7–15 days, while Gazette-related changes may take 3–6 weeks.

Conclusion

The name change format for passport is critical for ensuring your application is accepted without delays. A properly drafted affidavit, the right supporting documents, and accurate online submission make the process straightforward. Mistakes such as mismatched documents, wrong selections, or incomplete affidavits often cause unnecessary problems.

With Lawtendo’s expert assistance, you get a verified format, accurate documentation, and guided support through the entire process — from affidavit preparation to PSK submission.

Begin your passport name change process today with Lawtendo and get a smooth, reliable, and hassle-free service.

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