A passport is one of the most important identity documents for Indian citizens. It not only serves as a travel document but also as valid proof of identity and address for various purposes. Many individuals, especially women, choose to update their name in the passport after marriage or divorce. The process is straightforward but requires the right documents and proper application submission.

In this detailed guide, we explain the step-by-step procedure, required documents, and important points for updating your name in your Indian passport after marriage or divorce.

Is It Mandatory to Update Your Name After Marriage or Divorce?

  • Marriage: Updating your name after marriage is not mandatory. However, many women prefer to add their husband’s surname or change their maiden name in the passport.
  • Divorce: After divorce, you may want to revert to your maiden name or remove your spouse’s surname. This too is optional but must be done officially if you want all documents to remain consistent.

What Is the Process – Fresh Passport or Re-Issue?

For a name change, you need to apply for a Re-Issue of Passport, not a fresh passport. A fresh passport is only required if you are applying for the first time.

Steps to Update Name in Passport After Marriage/Divorce

1. Register and Login on Passport Seva Portal

  • Visit the official Passport Seva website.
  • Register as a new user or log in with your existing credentials.
  • Choose the Passport Office that applies to your current city of residence.

2. Select Re-Issue of Passport

  • From the applicant dashboard, choose “Apply for Re-Issue of Passport.”
  • Select the reason as Change in Existing Personal Particulars.

3. Fill the Application Form

  • Fill in your details carefully, including the updated name.
  • Download the form (if required) or fill it directly online.

4. Upload/Attach Required Documents

Attach documents supporting your name change based on whether it is after marriage or divorce (details given below).

5. Pay the Fees and Schedule an Appointment

  • Pay the application fee online (varies based on booklet type and Tatkal/Normal).
  • Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK).

6. Visit PSK with Originals

  • Carry original documents for verification.
  • Biometric details, photographs, and signatures will be taken at the PSK.

7. Police Verification (If Required)

  • In most cases of name change, a police verification is mandatory.
  • Once cleared, your passport will be printed with the updated name.

Documents Required for Name Change in Passport After Marriage

  1. Old passport (original) with self-attested copies of the first and last two pages, and the ECR/Non-ECR page.
  2. Marriage certificate issued by Registrar of Marriages OR Joint affidavit by husband and wife.
  3. Proof of address (if changed after marriage).
  4. Proof of identity (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN).

Documents Required for Name Change in Passport After Divorce

  1. Old passport (original) with copies of first and last two pages.
  2. Divorce decree issued by a competent court OR Divorce Certificate.
  3. Affidavit stating the change of name (optional but useful if there’s confusion).
  4. Identity proof and address proof (if changed).

Fees for Name Change in Passport

  • Normal re-issue (36-page booklet): ₹1,500
  • Tatkal re-issue (36-page booklet): ₹3,500
  • Normal re-issue (60-page booklet): ₹2,000
  • Tatkal re-issue (60-page booklet): ₹4,000

(Fees may be revised by the Ministry of External Affairs. Always check the latest on Passport Seva portal.)

Processing Time

  • Normal application: 7–21 working days (including police verification).
  • Tatkal application: 1–3 working days (subject to police verification clearance).

Important Tips for Smooth Name Update

  • Ensure your marriage/divorce documents are legally valid and original. Photocopies alone will not be accepted.
  • Always carry two sets of photocopies of all documents.
  • If applying under Tatkal, keep additional proof of urgency ready.
  • Update your name in other IDs (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID) to avoid mismatches.

Conclusion

Updating your name in your passport after marriage or divorce requires a re-issue application supported with valid documents such as a marriage certificate or divorce decree. The process is clear and straightforward through the Passport Seva system, though police verification may add to the timeline.

For applicants who want hassle-free support, professional assistance can save time and ensure every step is handled correctly.

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