How to Change Surname and Middle Name in Passport

Your name must match across every ID you show. If the name on Aadhaar, PAN or school records is not the same as your passport, the file can be stopped at PSK or RPO. It does not matter if the change is a small surname or middle name update, the rules are clear. Every name update needs legal proof.

Some changes happen after marriage. Others after divorce. Few do it for spelling correction or to add a missing middle name. But all these cases go under the same rule. You must apply for a full passport reissue, not a correction. Even if your Aadhaar is updated, the passport file needs its own set of papers like Gazette, newspaper ad, or Annexure, depending on your reason.

To change surname and middle name in passport, you must submit valid proof. The passport officer checks every detail. If any paper mismatches, the file may go for police verification or get held for RPO approval.

In this post, you will see when to apply, who can request the change, which documents are needed, how to fill the reissue form, rules for Tatkal, and what happens after submission.

When You Need to Apply for Surname and Middle Name Change in Passport

Your passport name must match across all identity documents. If the middle name or surname is missing, incorrect, or recently changed, the officer may reject the file at PSK or RPO. Even small changes can trigger a mismatch. If Aadhaar shows one name and your passport shows another, your file is flagged.

Some changes happen after marriage or divorce. Others are due to spelling errors, Gazette updates, or reissue after adoption. No matter the reason, if your new name is not shown clearly in your passport, you must apply for a reissue.

You need to apply in the following cases:

• Added surname after marriage or remarriage
• Dropped surname after divorce or separation
• Updated spelling in middle or last name
• Full name changed using Gazette notification
• Middle name added to match school records
• Aadhaar and passport names do not match
• Name corrected after legal adoption or custody
• Previous passport has initials but no full name

Do not delay the application if your name is already changed in Aadhaar, PAN, or any legal record. Once a name update is made in one system, the passport must match it to avoid police verification issues.

Who Is Eligible for Surname and Middle Name Change in Passport

You can only request a name change in your passport if there is a real reason and the proof is ready. The passport officer will not accept any update without strong support. Every case is verified with your current documents.

Changes made after marriage, divorce, Gazette notification, or court orders are accepted. For minors, parents must apply with the right affidavit. For NRIs, the embassy or consulate handles the reissue based on rules from the Ministry of External Affairs.

You are eligible if your case matches any of these:

• You got married and changed your surname
• You got divorced and dropped your spouse name
• You legally changed your middle name or surname
• You added a missing surname from birth records
• You applied Gazette notification for full name change
• Your child is adopted and court order is available
• You are an NRI applying through Indian consulate
• One parent signs for a minor using Annexure C

The PSK checks every file for legal name mismatch. Even small changes are not accepted unless you give proper proof. Once your reason fits the rule, the passport is reissued with the new name.

Documents Required to Change Surname and Middle Name in Passport

The passport office does not allow any name change unless your reason is clear and every paper supports it. A marriage certificate alone is not enough if your full name changed. A Gazette copy is not enough without an ID that shows your new name. For minors, the file is not accepted unless both parents sign or a legal affidavit is added.

Documents for name change after marriage or remarriage

• Marriage certificate issued by local authority
• Annexure J with joint photo and signature
• Divorce decree or death certificate of earlier spouse
• New marriage proof if changing name again
• Aadhaar or PAN with updated surname

Documents for name change after divorce or separation

• Certified divorce decree from court
• Aadhaar or PAN card with new name
• Application form showing name revert
• Self-declaration inside form (no extra affidavit)

Documents for legal name change with Gazette or ads

• Annexure E affidavit on stamp paper
• Two newspaper ads with full name change
• Gazette notification showing updated name
• Any two ID cards with new name (Aadhaar, PAN, DL)

Documents for minor name change in passport

• Birth certificate with updated name
• Annexure C if one parent cannot sign
• Aadhaar or school ID with new name
• Court order or adoption deed if applicable
• Both parent passports for ID crosscheck

Every document must match your new name. If even one paper shows the old name without link, the PSK may reject the file or send it for RPO verification. Always carry originals and check spellings on each copy.

How to Apply for Surname and Middle Name Change in Passport

Changing your middle or surname in a passport requires a reissue application. The old name must be declared. The new one must be proven. If the form and documents do not match, your file may stop at PSK or get flagged at RPO. You must reapply with full details, right proof, and personal details that match every step.

Step 1: Go to Passport Seva portal and sign in

Open passportindia.gov.in. Click register. Fill your email, choose a password. Once done, log in. Save the user ID for the next steps.

Step 2: Select reissue and reason as name change

Click “Apply for Reissue.” Choose “Change in personal particulars.” Now type your old name and your new name. Fill both fields carefully. Check spelling. What you type is what gets printed.

Step 3: Declare why your name has changed

If the change is due to marriage, enter the spouse name and tick the married section. If it is Gazette notification, select a legal affidavit. If divorced, declare it. Every reason has a matching box.

Step 4: Prepare your proof but do not upload

The online form may not ask for documents. But the PSK will. Get your Gazette copy, marriage certificate, Annexure J, or divorce decree ready. Originals only.

Step 5: Submit the form and make payment

Once all fields are done, click submit. Then pay the passport fee online using UPI, debit card, or net banking. After payment, your ARN is generated. Save it.

Step 6: Book appointment at your nearest PSK

Pick your date and slot. Choose your PSK or POPSK. Appointment details will appear with ARN. Download the slip or save it on your phone. You will need it at the PSK gate.

Step 7: Visit PSK with originals and one copy each

Carry all documents. Current passport. Gazette if any. Marriage certificate. Aadhaar card. Self-attested photocopies. Reach early. No entry without an appointment slip.

Step 8: Get token and move to document check

At Counter A, staff checks all your documents. They match your affidavit, PAN, Aadhaar, and Annexures. Then they take your photo and biometric scan.

Step 9: Officer checks your application for approval

At Counter B and C, a passport officer verifies your full file. If your reason is clear and documents match your new name, the reissue is approved on the spot.

Step 10: Collect receipt and cancelled passport

The passport officers give a receipt with your ARN. Most times, they stamp “cancelled” on the old passport and return it. Keep it safe. Visas in the old one remain valid.

Step 11: Complete police verification if required

If you changed full name or address, a police visit may follow. The officer will ask for ID and check your details. Be available or the file may be delayed.

Step 12: Track status and wait for passport by Speed Post

Use your ARN on passportindia.gov.in. You will see updates like “Passport printed” or “Dispatched.” The new passport will come by Speed Post. Signature and ID required on delivery.

How Long It Takes to Get Passport After Name Change

The passport does not print until every step is cleared. If the police report is delayed or the name change is flagged for mismatch, the file will not move. Even small changes can take time when a new name is entered in the system.

Some reissues are fast. Others wait for verification. It depends on what changed and whether the officer sends your file for a full check. Below is a clear timeline for different cases:

If police verification is needed, add 1 to 2 weeks to the time above. This depends on how soon the local police update your PVR. The officer may visit your house or call to confirm identity and address.

Once cleared, the new passport is printed and sent by Speed Post. You can track it using your ARN on the Passport Seva portal. Updates like “Passport printed” or “Passport dispatched” appear once processing is done.

Passport Name Change Fees and How to Book Your Appointment

Changing your name on a passport is treated as a full reissue. That means the fee is the same as a regular renewal. You must pay this online to get your PSK appointment. If you try to apply under Tatkal for a major name change, the request is denied. Only minor spelling updates go through Tatkal, and even those are rare.

Below is the fee structure for name change applications:

Passport Reissue Fees for Name Change

All above fees include ₹300 for Indian Community Welfare Fund.

You can pay the passport fee on the Passport Seva portal. Use UPI, debit card, net banking, or generate an SBI Bank Challan. If you pay by challan, wait two days for the status to update. Online payment is instant.

Once payment is done, the portal shows your ARN number. Only then can you book your PSK appointment. Slots open at fixed times and get filled fast. If your city has fewer slots, check again at 6 PM or 12 noon. These are common release windows.

You can reschedule your appointment only two times under normal processing. For Tatkal, only one reschedule is allowed, but full name changes are not eligible for Tatkal at all.

Bring a printout or phone copy of your appointment slip. No entry is allowed at PSK without valid booking. At the center, carry your receipt, passport file, and original documents.

Passport Name Change Rules for Minors and NRIs

Minor name changes go through the parents. If both are present at PSK, no affidavit is needed. If only one parent attends, Annexure C is added. This shows that the other parent agrees. For adopted children, the court order or adoption deed must be shown. Without that, the file will not move.

The application form must be signed by both biological or adoptive parents. Guardians cannot apply unless they have a court order with full custody. Birth certificate is always needed. If the child already uses the new name in school, carry school ID. The name must match across Aadhaar or school documents. The passport will be valid for five years or till age 18.

For minors, police verification is easier. It is usually done after the passport is printed. Still, keep your Aadhaar, birth certificate, and parent ID ready for when the police officer visits.

Documents include Gazette notification or newspaper ads, marriage certificate, affidavit, and sometimes a declaration for change in appearance. Local ID is also added for embassy record. Most embassies do not allow Tatkal for name change. All name change reissues are processed under normal speed.

Embassy passports take longer. Once papers are received, police verification is triggered at the applicant’s last Indian address. The file waits until RPO gives clearance. Total time is usually 4 to 6 weeks, but delays happen often.

As per rule, only one major name change is allowed per person. A second request is flagged unless it is for adding a father or husband name. For NRIs too, proof must match in Aadhaar, passport, and ID. If names do not align, the application is kept on hold.

Mistakes That Delay Surname and Middle Name Update in Passport

Your name change request may get delayed even if you fill everything correctly. The officer checks every paper line by line. If your file shows mismatch or missing proof, the status may stay pending for weeks. Some files move to RPO hold. Others get stuck at police verification.

These are common mistakes that delay your application:

• Gazette given but no ID with new name
• Aadhaar spelling does not match application form
• Annexure J missing spouse photo or signature
• Divorce decree copy not signed or not attested
• Birth certificate does not show updated name
• Old PAN card submitted with old surname
• School ID added but not cross-verified with form
• PSK file has self-attested copy with wrong page

All documents must show the new name exactly as typed in the reissue form. If even one ID shows your old surname or missing middle name, the officer may reject it or push for police verification. Cross-check every name spelling before you go to PSK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change only my middle name in the passport?

Yes. You can update just the middle name, but the reissue process is the same as for full name change. Submit Gazette notification or two newspaper ads with an affidavit that clearly shows your old and new name.

Do I need to update Aadhaar before applying?

Not required—but helpful. If your Aadhaar card still shows the old name, the PSK officer may question the mismatch. Updating Aadhaar first avoids delays and keeps your reissue file clean.

Will police Verification needed if name change is small?

Sometimes. For minor name correction, the system may skip police verification. But if you changed address or had no prior verification, local police may still call or visit your house.

Can I keep initials instead of full name?

Yes, but only if it matches across all identity documents. If your old passport had full names and the new one shows initials, the officer may flag it unless Aadhaar and PAN use the same initials.

Is self-declaration enough for surname change?

Not alone. A self-declared affidavit helps, but you must also give a marriage certificate, Gazette notification, or any legal proof that shows the reason for name change. Otherwise, the file can be kept on hold.

How many times can I reschedule my appointment?

Twice. For normal passport applications, you are allowed two reschedules. Once you cross that, you must cancel and apply again. Tatkal gives only one chance, but major name changes are not allowed under Tatkal.

Can I change surname and address together?

Yes. You can apply for both updates in the same reissue form. But your address proof must show the new name. If it does not, the file may go for police verification before approval.

Is it safe to travel with old and new passport?

Yes. Keep both with you. Visas in the old passport remain valid. The new passport shows your updated name. Carry your reissue receipt or any ID that links both names during immigration checks.

Will my passport number change after name update?

Yes. A new passport number is issued with the reprint. The old one is cancelled and returned. Both can be shown if needed, especially while updating name in bank, Aadhaar or visa applications.

Is there any restriction on number of name changes?

Yes. As per MEA rules, only one major name change is allowed using Gazette or affidavit route. If you apply again later, you must show extra ID proofs and explain the reason in full.

Conclusion

Small changes in your name need big clarity in documents. Whether it is a spelling fix or full reissue, every form and ID must match.

To change surname and middle name in passport, follow the right process, carry correct proof, and check everything before the PSK visit. One mismatch can delay the file or block approval.