If you are an Indian citizen over 18 years of age and wish to change your name significantly (beyond simple changes due to marriage or minor corrections), the process for passport reissue requires strict adherence to legal publication standards. This procedure ensures your name change is publicly recorded and legally authenticated, making it valid for all official documents and international travel. ere is the complete, official checklist of mandatory documents required for an adult seeking a major name change in their Indian Passport.
- Indian Passport Name Change for Adults
- Documents for Reissue & Name Change
- 1. Your Old Passport (Original and Copies)
- 2. Legal Proof of Name Change (Publication)
- 3. Proof of Use of New Name (Public Documents)
- 4. Documentary Proof for Non-ECR Status
- Step-by-Step Process for a Major Name Change
- Step 1: Execute Affidavit (Legal Declaration)
- Step 2: Public Notification (Newspaper/Gazette)
- Step 3: Update Secondary IDs
- Step 4: Passport Application
Indian Passport Name Change for Adults
Documents for Reissue & Name Change
1. Your Old Passport (Original and Copies)
The existing passport is essential for verification of your previous identity details and recording your history.
- Old Passport in original: Mandatory for cancellation and issue of the new booklet.
- Self-attested photocopies of the first two and last two pages.
- This includes the ECR/Non-ECR page and the page of observation (if any), as well as any validity extension page (for short validity passports).
2. Legal Proof of Name Change (Publication)
This step confirms your name change has been legally and publicly announced. You must provide one of the following:
- Clippings of two local newspapers (Document Code 8024): Original clippings of two advertisements announcing your name change, one in a national daily and one in a local daily.OR
- Gazette notification of the concerned State Government (Document Code 8024): A copy of the official Gazette Notification published by the State or Central Government detailing your name change.
3. Proof of Use of New Name (Public Documents)
The Passport Office must ascertain that you have actually transitioned to using the new name in your public life.
- At least two public/school documents issued in the desired/applied changed name (Document Code 8176):
- These documents must be official government or school-issued IDs that reflect your new name. Examples include an updated Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID Card, Driving License, or educational certificates (if recently issued or updated).
4. Documentary Proof for Non-ECR Status
You must provide proof to confirm you are eligible for the Non-ECR (Emigration Check Not Required) category.
- Non-ECR Documents: Provide proof for any one of the Non-ECR categories you qualify under, such as:
- Educational Qualification Certificate: Matriculation (10th Standard) Pass Certificate or any higher degree/diploma.
- Proof of being an Income Tax Payer, being above 50 years of age, etc.
Step-by-Step Process for a Major Name Change
The process for a major name change involves important steps before visiting the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK):
Step 1: Execute Affidavit (Legal Declaration)
- Affidavit: Draft a Sworn Affidavit (often Annexure ‘E’) on non-judicial stamp paper, declaring your old name, new name, and the reason for the change. Get this affidavit notarized.
Step 2: Public Notification (Newspaper/Gazette)
- Newspaper Ads: Publish advertisements in two leading newspapers (one English national and one local vernacular) stating your name change. Keep the original clippings.OR
- Gazette Notification: Apply to the Department of Publication (Controller of Publications) for your name change to be published in the Gazette of India. This is considered the strongest legal proof.
Step 3: Update Secondary IDs
- Update Two Public Documents: Use the notarized affidavit and the Gazette/Newspaper clippings to update at least two major public documents (like Aadhaar, PAN, etc.) into your new name. This provides the mandatory documents for Step 3 (Document Code 8176).
Step 4: Passport Application
- Online Application: Visit the official Passport Seva website and select “Re-issue of Passport.”
- Specify Change: Choose “Change in Existing Personal Particulars” and select “Name.”
- Appointment: Complete the form, pay the fee, and book your appointment.
- Verification: Visit the PSK with all originals and self-attested copies of your old passport, the Gazette/Newspaper clippings, the Affidavit, and the two updated public documents.
Crucial Note: Major name changes often require mandatory police verification (Pre-PV), which can take time. Ensure all address details are consistent to avoid delays.
👉 Official Source: https://www.passportindia.gov.in/psp/docAdvisor/reissuePassport