Passport Name Correction for Minor in India

A minor passport with the wrong name is not accepted. It will not match birth certificate, Aadhaar, or school records. The name must be corrected by reissuing the passport.

The correction is done by filing a reissue application with the new name. The passport office cancels the current booklet and issues a new one. The parent or legal guardian must apply. In most cases, the child must also visit the Passport Seva Kendra.

To process the request, you must submit the existing passport, birth certificate, and a valid name proof. If the name was changed legally, you need a Gazette copy or court document. For minor spelling changes, an affidavit and school ID are usually enough.

This post explains how to correct name in minor passport. You will see every step, all documents, fee details, Tatkaal rules, NRI process, and the most common mistakes that delay approval.

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Who is considered minor for a passport in India

A minor for passport means any applicant below 18 years. This is the rule set by the Ministry of External Affairs in India.

If the child is under 15 years, the passport is valid for 5 years. If the child is between 15 and 17, they can still apply as a minor. The passport will be valid either till the child turns 18 or for 5 years, whichever is earlier.

A 16 year old cannot get a full 10 year adult passport unless they apply under the adult category and meet extra document checks. Most still apply as minor using standard forms.

Passport Seva portal treats anyone under 18 as a minor passport applicant. Their name, photo, address, and parent details go under the child passport category.

Once the child turns 18, they must apply again as an adult. This requires a fresh application, new ID proof, and biometric data. Minor passport rules do not apply after that point.

When minor name correction is required in passport

If the name on a child passport does not match the birth certificate, Aadhaar, or school ID, you must apply for a reissue. Even a small spelling mistake or missing surname will stop form approvals, travel, or visa checks.

This includes errors from past passport entries or updated names due to adoption, divorce, or legal affidavit. If the name in your child’s school record is correct, but the passport is not, you need to fix it before the next renewal.

Common triggers for name correction

Spelling error in passport booklet
Aadhaar full name, passport short name
School record shows correct format
Surname missing from current passport
Name changed after legal adoption
Birth certificate does not match passport
RPO flagged name mismatch after PSK visit
Gazette copy not submitted during first issue

If the name is different anywhere, reissue is the only fix.

How to change minor name in passport

If a child passport has the wrong name, you must apply for a fresh booklet. The passport office does not fix the old one. They cancel it and reissue a new passport with the correct name.

Step 1: Start new reissue form

Go to the Passport Seva website. Log in. Choose “Reissue” and select “change in personal details.” Enter the old name and new name. Make sure the spelling is final.

Step 2: Pay and choose a slot

Pay online using UPI, card, or net banking. Pick your nearest PSK. Save the ARN number and appointment printout. You must carry both.

Step 3: Prepare your full document file

Keep the child passport, birth certificate, and ID ready. If the name was changed legally, add gazette or affidavit. If it’s a simple fix, just carry Annexure D with the school certificate.

Step 4: Bring the child to PSK

The child must visit. Even toddlers are called. Take the printed form and full document set. A token will be given at the gate.

Step 5: Get photo and thumb taken

They will click the photo there. Older kids may give fingerprints. Babies give a thumb. Left for boys. Right for girls. Parents do not sign for children.

Step 6: Clear document checking

Go through Counter A, B, and C. Each counter checks something. If any proof is missing, they will give you a slip. You can come back later with it.

Step 7: Wait if police verification starts

If any parent passport has a spouse name, police may be skipped. If not, a visit can happen. Keep your address proof and Aadhaar ready.

Step 8: Track passport with file number

After approval, the new passport goes for printing. You get an SMS with Speed Post tracking. Delivery is by post. Old passport is stamped “cancelled” and returned.

Which documents required for minor name correction

To update a child name in passport, you must show who the child is and prove the new name is valid. Bring both original documents and self-attested photocopies.

For the minor applicant

Current passport
Birth certificate with correct name
School ID card with full name
Aadhaar if name is updated
Annexure D signed by both parents
Gazette or affidavit for legal change

For the parent or guardian

Aadhaar card or voter ID
Current passport (if available)
Proof of present address
Marriage certificate if spouse name is on file
Court order if single parent or guardian

Do not skip originals. Officers check line by line. If the name format is different across records, the file may get paused. Bring the proof that shows the name you wrote in the form, word for word.

Extra documents if name is changed legally

When a child name is changed through a legal process, extra documents are checked. These must clearly show the updated name. If even one letter does not match, the file may get rejected.

Bring at least one strong document from this list:

Gazette copy with full name: Must be official government gazette, state or central.
Affidavit signed by parent: This is used if change is small. Use Annexure E format.
Court order with child name: Needed when change is due to custody, adoption, or identity change.
Name change certificate: Accepted if issued by a local body or legal board.
Two public records with a new name: Like PAN card and school certificate already updated.
Post-divorce proof for surname change: Divorce paper or decree if child took mother or father surname.
Newspaper ad if asked by officer: Some RPOs still ask for this as extra proof.

The document must match the name entered in your reissue form. Do not carry spelling variations. Only the exact name will be cleared by the RPO.

How many days to get minor passport after name change

Most minor passport reissues are delivered in 3 to 4 weeks. This includes form submission, document check, and dispatch from the RPO.

If police verification is not triggered, the passport moves faster. If police verification is needed, add 10 to 15 extra days. The police must clear the file before printing.

Once approved, the status changes to under printing. After that, it moves to dispatched from RPO. You will get an SMS with your Speed Post tracking ID once the passport is printed.

You can also track the file using the URN on the Passport Seva portal or mobile app. Use the Track Application Status page with your file number and date of birth.

The final delivery is by Speed Post. Check the name and booklet details once received. The old passport will be stamped and returned if not expired.

Can minors use Tatkaal for passport name correction

Yes, Tatkaal is allowed for minors. The reissue must be for a valid reason, and all documents must be correct on first try. Delivery is faster, but extra checks apply.

Tatkaal for child name correction works if

You apply with correct reissue form
All documents match the new name
Birth certificate and school ID show same name
Annexure D and affidavit are ready
Parent passport has spouse name added
No missing proof at PSK counter
Payment is done online before slot is booked

Tatkaal fee and time

₹1500 regular fee plus ₹2000 Tatkaal
Booklet is usually printed in 2 to 5 days
Police check may happen after delivery
You get Speed Post ID by SMS

Use Tatkaal only if your proof is full, spelling is final, and delay will cause a real issue. Even one mismatch can cancel the Tatkaal benefit.

Affidavits and Annexures required for name update in Minor Passport

If your child’s name is being updated, some cases need extra declarations. These forms prove that the name was changed for a valid reason and that the parent or guardian approves the correction.

Annexure D

Used in every minor application. Signed by both parents. Confirms consent for passport issue and name format.

Annexure E

Needed if the name was changed legally. This is an affidavit declaring the old and new name. Must be notarised. Helps when Gazette or court proof is not ready.

Court order or Gazette copy

Used when name change was done by law. Mandatory for adopted children, identity updates, or post-divorce renaming.

Parent self-declaration

Used if one parent is unavailable. Must state the full reason why only one is signing. Often used by single mothers or guardians.

Guardian affidavit

If neither parent is applying, the legal guardian must give an affidavit with court order. Identity proof of guardian must also be attached.

Each of these must be submitted in original at PSK with a photocopy. Officers only accept clean, clear forms that match the passport name request exactly.

Age based passport rules for minors in India

Passport rules change as the child grows. The Ministry of External Affairs treats anyone under 18 as a minor, but the validity and process differ based on age.

Children below 15 years

Passport is valid for 5 years. Even if the child turns 14 next week, it still counts as a 5-year minor passport. Police verification is often skipped if parent documents are strong. Reissue needed once the child crosses 15 or before expiry.

Children between 15 and 17 years

Passport validity is given till the child turns 18. Not 10 years. A 16-year-old will get 2 years. These applications may need police verification. Parents or guardians must visit PSK with the child. All documents must match, especially address and ID proof.

Turning 18 and beyond

The moment the child turns 18, a fresh application is required. The minor passport is no longer valid. Reissue must be done as an adult with full biometric and address proof. Validity now becomes 10 years from date of issue. No parent declaration is accepted at this stage.

Special rules for NRIs or minor passport outside India

If a child lives outside India, the name update goes through the Indian Embassy or Consulate. The parent must visit with the child and submit the reissue form there.

The form is the same. The fee is also the same. But the steps follow the Embassy’s local rules.

What to carry for NRI child passport update

Old passport booklet
Birth certificate showing correct name
Annexure D signed by both parents
Annexure E if name changed legally
Name update affidavit, if asked by officer
Proof of address abroad (if asked)

The Embassy checks the name, form, and parent ID. Most cases do not need police verification. If they need verification, the Embassy sends your file to the passport office in India. This slows it down.

If all papers match, the name is cleared. The passport is printed and either handed over or sent by mail. Time depends on the country, the embassy rules, and if any name mismatch causes hold.

Embassy files are strict. If name spelling does not match across documents, the application may be held. Always carry originals and one copy of each.

If parent name also changed after divorce or remarriage

If the parent name has changed after divorce or remarriage, the child passport file must show the new name and related proof. Any mismatch in parent ID and declaration can slow or block the passport reissue.

When mother uses new name after divorce

Submit divorce decree and new Aadhaar with updated surname. Use Annexure C signed only by the mother.

When father name is removed and mother applies alone

Annexure C must clearly explain why the father’s name is removed. Also carry a child birth certificate and the mother’s current ID.

When stepfather is added after remarriage

If the birth father’s name is being replaced, submit legal adoption or court order. If not replacing, keep father name and add stepfather in spouse field only.

When only one parent signs but both are alive

You must explain the reason for the single signature using an affidavit or court-issued guardian paper. PSK may ask for police verification.

When parent changed full name by Gazette

Submit Gazette copy along with matching photo ID. The same updated name must reflect in Annexure D or E.

If the parent name changed, ensure every form and ID shows the same spelling and format. Annexure C is required in almost every such case.

Common mistakes to avoid while correcting minor passport name

Even small errors can delay or reject your file. Check every detail before submission. Below are the most common issues:

Spelling mistake in the new name
Aadhaar name does not fully match form
Annexure D not signed by both parents
Annexure E not notarised or outdated
Uploaded scan is blurry or cropped
Short name format rejected at PSK
Birth certificate shows different spelling
Signature mismatch on child declaration
Wrong ID given as birth proof
Police file held due to affidavit gap

Each point above has caused real passport file delays or rejections at PSK and RPO. Fix these before the slot date to avoid follow-ups.

FAQ on minor passport name correction

Can I change only the surname in minor passport

Yes. You can update only the surname without touching the given name. Select “Reissue due to name change” on the portal. Enter the new surname in the correct field. Submit Annexure D and proof with updated surname.

What if school record and birth certificate have different names

Passport follows birth certificate unless a legal affidavit explains the difference. Fix the school record to match or carry a clear affidavit with Annexure E and one ID showing the full correct name.

Can both parents apply together for minor name correction

Yes. And that’s the cleanest way. When both parents are listed on birth certificate, it’s best to submit Annexure D signed by both. Visit the PSK with ID proof from both sides. If only one is available, you’ll need a declaration.

Is biometric needed again after name update

Photo is retaken at the PSK. For children above 5, fingerprint or thumb may be captured again. Infants may skip fingerprints. Signature box must have a thumb impression if the child cannot sign.

Will visa get affected if name was changed later

Yes, it can cause trouble. If the visa is on the old name and passport shows the new one, the mismatch must be explained. Always carry both passports if name changed after visa issue. Some embassies also need an affidavit.

Can I update minor name from a different city

You can, but only if your current address is accepted by that passport office. Choose the right PSK during booking and upload updated address proof. If your Aadhaar still shows another city, your file may get held or rerouted.

What if my child has no Aadhaar card

No Aadhaar? No problem. Use birth certificate, school ID (if age-eligible), and one parent’s ID showing the same address. But remember Aadhaar speeds things up. Without it, police verification is more likely and delivery may slow down.

Can I correct the name without legal Gazette

Yes, if it’s a spelling fix or initial expansion. Major name changes (adding or replacing parts) need legal proof like Gazette or court order. If it’s minor, submit Annexure E with one matching ID card.

Can I use an old birth certificate for name update

Yes, Only if it shows the correct full name. If it has initials, short form, or spelling error, PSK may refuse it. The name in the form and the birth proof must match word for word. No soft exceptions here.

How to cancel the application if name was typed wrong

Go to Passport Seva site → Login → Submitted Applications → Choose ARN → Click “Delete.” That removes the file. If you already paid, the refund won’t come. You’ll need to start over fresh — new form, new slot, new fee.

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