How to Change Your Name on Your Passport in Chennai – A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

You can change your name in passport due to factors such as marriage, divorce, or any personal reasons. This would help in updating your identity. Moreover, it will help preventing any kind of discrepancy in your travel documents and legal records. To ensure a smooth process for name change, you have to follow certain steps-

Why Is It Important to Update Your Name on Your Passport?

Updating your passport with your new name is crucial for various reasons:

• Syncing with Other Documents: Your name should match you’re your official documents like Aadhaar, Voter ID, and other official records.
• Visa Applications: Your passport and visa should have no errors. They must match.
• For Travel: Make sure your name in the travel bookings matches your name in your passport.
• Legal Compliance: If you change your name because of marriage, divorce, or any other legal reason, it has be displayed in your passport.

Procedures for Passport Name Changes in Chennai

If you are looking forward to changing your name on your passport, you must follow some steps:

• Go to the Passport Seva Website
  Click on the official website of Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) www.passportindia.gov.in.

• Log In or Create an Account
  Log in to your account, or if you don’t have one, create a new one by entering the required credentials.

• Choose Reissue of Passport
  After you log in, click on "Reissue of Passport" and choose the reason for the same. For example, a name change.

  Complete the Application Form
  Complete the application form, mentioning your old and new names and other credentials. Make sure there are no errors in any of the fields.

• Set an Appointment
  To verify your documents, set an appointment with a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

• Make the Payment
  Make the payment online for the reissuance while submitting your application.

• Visit the PSK for Document Verification
  Visit the Passport Seva Kendra for document verification on your date of appointment. Your passport will then get updated with your new name after verifying your documents.

Cost of a Name Change on a Passport

Let’s look at the costs of changing your name on a passport in Chennai:

Note: Additional charges apply for Tatkal service for expedited processing.

Documents Necessary for Name Change

The documents required for a name change in a passport in Chennai are not specific. It varies as per the situation. Below is the list of common reasons why a person would like to change their name:

Change of Name After Marriage

• You need a copy of your passport or your spouse's passport
• A copy of your marriage certificate has to be attested by you

Change of Name Following Divorce

• A certified copy of the divorce decree is required
• A signed affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper is necessary

Name Change Upon Remarriage

• A divorce certificate or death certificate of the spouse is required.
• A self-attested copy of the new marriage certificate is necessary

Name Change For Other Reasons

• Due to the affidavit
• Your new name is published in two newspapers

Double-check for any other documents with Passport Seva website according to your situation.

How Long Does It Take for name change?

The process of name change usually takes 15 to 30 days after the submission of the application. But it varies on the basis of factors of the Passport Seva Kendra, for example workload.

Process to get an off line name change in Chennai

In offline mode, the steps to change name are as follows:

• Make an Affidavit: Make an affidavit stating the old and new names, and the cause of changing the name.
• Wait Gazette Publication: Wait till your new name is published in the official Gazette.
• Advertise Your Name Change: Place an advertisement of your new name in the two newspapers.
• File Your Application: File your application and the supporting documents at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) nearest to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to change the name on my passport?

People change their names for various reasons. For example, marriage, divorce, or personal choice. But its important to update the same on your passport too, as it will not be a problem during travel or visa applications, and most importantly, for legal records.

What documents are required to change my name on the passport in Chennai?

The documents required vary depending on different situations. You should have a few important documents, which include an affidavit, identity proof (such as Aadhaar or Voter ID), marriage certificate (if applicable), a divorce decree (if applicable), and two newspaper advertisements on your new name.

How long does it take to change the name on my passport in Chennai?

In Chennai, the name-changing process usually takes 15 to 30 days. But the time is not fixed , it depends on how busy Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is.

Can I change the name on my passport online?

Yes. Click on the official website Passport Seva Kendra, log in to your account, fill out the application, upload the document required , and make the payment for reissueance.

What is the fee for changing the name on my passport in Chennai?

Depending on your age and the nature of the passport you applied for the charges vary:

• For applicants below 15 years: ₹1000
• For applicants between 15–18 years: ₹1500–₹2000
• For applicants above 18 years: ₹1500–₹2000 (Regular) and ₹3500–₹4000 (Tatkal).

Do I need to appear in person to change my name on the passport?

Yes, to get your new passport with your new name, you have to visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) for document verification, receive your new passport.

What is the format for the affidavit required for name change on my passport?

In the affidavit, mention your old name, new name, reason for your new name, and a statement declaring the authenticity of the information provided which has to be signed on oath.

Can I change my passport name due to a spelling error?

Yes. In that case you need to apply for reissuance along with an affidavit with the correct details.

Is there a need for police verification for name change on my passport in Chennai?

Yes, a police verification is necessary to ensure the details provided by you are correct.

What are the steps for changing my name on my passport offline in Chennai?

Steps for changing name on passport in an offline mode:

• You need to create an affidavit where you will mention your old and new names and the reason why you want to change your name.
• Your new name should be published in the Indian Gazette.
• Your names should be advertised in two newspapers.
• You have to submit the application form and the necessary documents at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Ready to Update the Passport Name?

You must follow the instructions, and furnish the right documents. If you need any help, you may visit local Passport Seva Kendra or visit the official website of Passport Seva.

Conclusion

You must follow the guidelines for a simple and smooth process of name change for your passport, free from discrepancy. With the proper guidance, you can get your passport updated in a very short amount of time.