Paper Ad for Name Change for Passport Mumbai

Paper Ad for Name Change for Passport Mumbai

A paper ad for name change for passport in Mumbai is a legally recognized public notice published in one English newspaper and one Marathi newspaper announcing your new name. This newspaper advertisement is an essential requirement for passport reissue applications involving a name change. The publication is typically completed within 24 hours and costs between ₹375 and ₹1,365, depending on the newspapers selected. Applicants must carry the original newspaper pages to their Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) appointment in Mumbai as proof of publication. Publishing the name change notice in both English and Marathi newspapers helps establish a valid public record of the name change for passport verification purposes.

What Is a Paper Ad for Name Change for Passport?

Paper advertisement of name change for passport is a printed notice published in a newspaper that states you have changed your name. This document is compulsory along with a government photo ID card containing your new name at each Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in Mumbai.

It acts as legal evidence of the public declaration of your name change and establishes a permanent public record, demonstrating that your name change is legitimate and publicly announced. This is compulsory at all Passport Seva Kendras in India, including PSK Andheri, PSK Parel, PSK Malad, and PSK Thane.

Why Does the Passport Office Require a Paper Ad for Name Change?

A printed advertisement for name change is mandatory for the Passport Office because it is the official proof that shows the concerned individual has formally announced their decision to change their name. This prevents fraudulent name changes and creates a permanent public record in a widely circulated medium.

This was made mandatory by the Ministry of External Affairs in the guidelines regarding "Change in Personal Particulars." This holds true regardless of whether the applicant lives in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, or anywhere else in India. However, if the applicant resides in Mumbai, both an English and Marathi newspaper must publish the advertisement.

Which Paper Is Best for Name Change Ad for Passport in Mumbai?

The best papers for a name change advertisement for a passport in Mumbai depend on your budget. Any registered newspaper will suffice; there is no added legal benefit to selecting a more expensive publication.

Best Budget Option: Active Times (English) & Mumbai Lakshadeep (Marathi) – ₹375 collectively. Admissible at PSK Andheri, PSK Parel, PSK Malad, and PSK Thane.

Best Mid-Range Option: Free Press Journal (English) & Navshakti (Marathi) – ₹470 collectively. Broader reach, equally admissible.

Best Premium Option: Times of India (English) & Maharashtra Times (Marathi) – ₹1,365 collectively. Widest reach and globally recognized, but carries no extra legal advantage.

What Is the Correct Paper Ad Format for Name Change for Passport?

The correct paper ad format for name change for passport in Mumbai must include your old name, new name, residential address, and reason for change. Mumbai Passport Office accepts a shorter format than most other cities.

Shortest accepted Mumbai format:
"I have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME]."

Recommended complete format:
"I, [OLD NAME], S/o or W/o [FATHER'S or HUSBAND'S NAME], Age [X] Years, R/o [FULL ADDRESS], Mumbai — [PIN CODE], have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME]. Henceforth I shall be known as [NEW NAME] for all purposes."

Format for name change after marriage:
"I, [MAIDEN NAME], W/o [HUSBAND'S NAME], R/o [FULL ADDRESS], Mumbai — [PIN CODE], have changed my name from [MAIDEN NAME] to [NEW NAME] following my marriage. Henceforth all records should refer to me as [NEW NAME]."

The ad text must be identical in both the English and Marathi newspapers. A difference in wording between the two papers is grounds for rejection at PSK Mumbai.

How to Publish a Paper Ad for Name Change for Passport in Mumbai — Step by Step

Step 1 — Decide your newspaper combo. Choose one English paper and one Marathi paper from the accepted list. Budgets start at ₹375.

Step 2 — Submit your details. Send your old name, new name, full Mumbai address with PIN code, and a self-attested copy of your Aadhaar or PAN card. Submit before 1 PM for next-day publication.

Step 3 — Pay online. Pay via UPI, Google Pay, net banking, or debit/credit card. You will receive an email confirmation with the scheduled publication date.

Step 4 — Collect original newspapers. Buy at least three copies of each newspaper on publication day — one for PSK submission, one for police verification, one as backup. Newspapers can also be couriered across Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai if booked through a service.

Step 5 — Apply for passport reissue online. Visit passportindia.gov.in, select Reissue, choose "Change in Personal Particulars," fill the form, pay the fee, and book your PSK appointment.

Step 6 — Submit at PSK with original pages. Carry full original newspaper pages — not cut-outs, not photocopies — to your PSK appointment along with all other required documents.

Paper Ad for Name Change for Passport — Sample Ads for Mumbai

Sample 1 — Name change after marriage (most common):
"I, Anjali Suresh Kulkarni, W/o Vikram Desai, R/o A-204, Vasant Vihar CHS, Thane West — 400601, have changed my name from Anjali Suresh Kulkarni to Anjali Vikram Desai following my marriage. All records should henceforth refer to me as Anjali Vikram Desai."

Sample 2 — Personal name change:
"I, Sandeep Ramesh More, S/o Ramesh Vishnu More, Age 29 Years, R/o 501, Lotus Tower, Kurla West, Mumbai — 400070, have changed my name from Sandeep Ramesh More to Sandeep Ramesh Sharma. Henceforth I shall be known as Sandeep Ramesh Sharma for all purposes."

Sample 3 — Spelling correction on passport:
"I, Deepika Sunil Joshi, D/o Sunil Joshi, R/o 22, Shiv Shakti Building, Malad East, Mumbai — 400097, declare that my correct name is Deepika Sunil Joshi and not Dipika Sunil Joshi as appearing on my existing passport. All records should be corrected accordingly."

Documents Required at PSK Mumbai for Passport Name Change

Key Rules for Paper Ad for Name Change for Passport in Mumbai

Rule 1 — Both English and Marathi are mandatory. A single-language ad is not accepted at any PSK in Maharashtra.

Rule 2 — Originals only — no photocopies. PSK Mumbai requires full original newspaper pages.

Rule 3 — Ad text must match your application. Every spelling in the ad must exactly match your online passport application form.

Rule 4 — No Tatkal for name change. Passport name change is processed under the Normal scheme only.

Rule 5 — PSK is assigned by PIN code. Confirm your assigned PSK from the Passport Seva portal before traveling.

Rule 6 — Annexure E is no longer required. The old Deed Poll Affidavit format has been discontinued since December 2016.