7 Easy Steps to Change Name and Address on Passport

When can I Change the Name/Address on My Passport?

Change in name or address can be for many reasons- maybe you relocated to a new place or the passport authority misspelt your name, or you changed your name after marriage. From change in sex to addition in your name, there are many reasons a person may want to change their name. This also means that they will need to update this crucial information on their passport at the earliest.

Your passport contains all the essential information about you, so to avoid any discrepancies in your details, a new passport will be re-issued where the required particulars will be changed. You can do it as soon as you have the updated documentation regarding your new address or change in name.

Steps to Change Name & Address on Passport

To change any particulars in the passport, you need to apply for a re-issue. You can do this online using the Passport Seva official website and taking the following steps:

Online Procedure to Change Name & Address on Passport

Step 1: Go to the Passport Seva official website and log in to your registered website. If new, create your account. Then select the ‘Re-issue of Passport’ icon

Step 2: An application will appear; provide all details like your name and details you would like to change. Then select the PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) or the nearest regional passport office (RPO).

Step 3: Upon scheduling your appointment at the nearest RPO or PSK, you will need to pay a specified amount. If opting for Tatkal, the fee will be higher.

Step 4: You will need to select the documents to submit as your proof of a change in particulars.

Step 5: Upon proceeding, select the ‘Print Application Receipt’ option. It will have the Application Reference Number along with the allocated date for document verification. Save and print this receipt for future reference.

Step 6: Upload the necessary documents (scanned copies) to download the final receipt.

Step 7: Visit the passport office on the scheduled date. Ensure that you carry relevant documents including your ARN or Application Reference Number and original documents such as marriage certificate, old passport, divorce decree, proof of new address, self-attested copy of your spouse’s passport, etc.

Please note that these steps are only to serve as a guide for change in particulars in an Indian passport. If you wish to change something else or need to link your passport with COVID-19 certificate then you can consult official sources.

Documents Required in Change of Name or Address in Passport

To provide the necessary proof of a change in particulars, any of the following will be required. You will need to provide a scanned copy of the documents while applying online and bring them to the Regional Passport Office on the day of the document verification:

• Self-attested copy of the marriage certificate
• Copy of the married person’s passport/husband’s passport
• Certified divorce decree copy
• Deed poll on a non-judicial stamp paper or sworn affidavit
• Advertisements in two newspapers about the change in name

Other than these, your original passport will be required too so make sure to carry it with you to the scheduled appointment.

*Since this list is subject to change with government regulations, make sure you consult the official website before proceeding with the application.

How Long Will I Have to Wait for the Change of Name in My Passport?

For a change in name or address in an Indian passport, it usually takes around 3-4 weeks from the date of application to get your new passport re-issued with a change in particulars. Once you have applied for a re-issue, you can easily check the status of your passport online.

However, the time may increase based on public holidays or in other situations such as documents error etc. If you are short on time, you can easily opt for a Tatkal service by paying additional money. This is a special accelerated service and can help re-issue the passport faster.

How Much Does it Cost to Change Your Name/Address on Your Passport?

Rectification of your name and address is possible through re-issuance, so a fee will be needed. Based on your age and validity terms, the application fee will vary.

In the case of minor applicants, the fee is Rs. 1,000 for a 5-year validity passport. For adults, this fee will range between Rs. 1,500 and 2,000 with a passport validity of 10 years.

If you're opting for a Tatkal service, then an additional fee will be levied. A 36-page passport on Tatkal will cost Rs. 3500.

Over to You,

Changing particulars on your passport on time will save a lot of stress in case you need to travel abroad urgently or simply need it for documentation.

If you have recently relocated to a new city/state or changed your name, then don’t forget to update them and get your passport reissued.

Along with a travel insurance plan and proof of vaccination, it is among the key documents for your trip abroad. With your passport up-to-date, you will save a lot of time and possible verification issues later.