Name Change Affidavit for Passport: Experts Latest Guide 2025

Changing your name legally on the affidavit for passport can be a significant step that comes with essential paperwork, especially when it’s about updating official documents like a passport. There can be various reasons for changing a name, like marriage, divorce, or personal reasons. In this blog, we will explore the need and requirements for drafting a name change affidavit for passport. We will also discuss the affidavit for name change in Indian passport, which ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Latest Facts & News

• The online process for name change in Indian passports has been streamlined in 2025, reducing average processing time to 15–30 days.

• Gazette notification for name change now accepts digital submissions, making the process faster and more accessible.

• Applicants abroad can now get affidavits attested at Indian Missions, eliminating the need to travel to India.

• Name change after marriage or divorce requires minimal documentation if supported by marriage or divorce certificates.

• The Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that e-paper announcements are not accepted for newspaper publication; only print versions are valid.

• The cost for Gazette notification varies from INR 700 to 900, and the fee for reissue of a passport is INR 1,500 for a 36-page booklet and INR 2,000 for a 60-page booklet.

• Name change affidavits must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper and notarised or attested by a magistrate or embassy official.

• Common mistakes include incomplete affidavits, missing notary attestation, or incorrect supporting documents.

• The Passport Seva portal now allows applicants to track the status of their name change applications online.

• Name changes due to numerology or personal reasons are accepted, provided the legal process is followed.

Also Read: How to Change Passport Appointment Date? Experts Guide

What is a Name Change Affidavit for Passport?

A Name Change Affidavit for Passport is a legal document that is only required for a name change that officially declares an individual's name change from their old name to a new one. This name change affidavit for passport is a mandatory requirement when the traveller is updating their name in a passport, especially in cases due to marriage, divorce, religious conversion, or personal choice.

This name change affidavit for passport is the first formal step in the name change process. It includes personal details of individuals, and it will be started after the non-judicial stamp paper and attested by a notary public or magistrate, making it legally valid and acceptable to passport authorities.

Key Elements of a Name Change Affidavit for Passport:

• The full old name and new name should be clearly stated

• Reason for the name change (e.g., marriage, divorce, correction, etc.)

• Declaration of identity of the individual by the applicant

• Signature of the applicant for consent 

• Notarization by a notary or attestation by a magistrate

• Execution on non-judicial stamp paper on affidavit as per local laws

Why is a Name Change Affidavit Important for Passport?

A name change affidavit for passport is a legal document that is required only for a name change that officially declares an individual's name change from their old name to a new one. This name change affidavit for passport is a mandatory requirement when the traveller is updating their name in a passport, especially in cases due to marriage, divorce, religious conversion, or personal choice.

If there are mismatches of identity or errors in the name change affidavit format for a passport, it will lead to delays, or even rejection of your passport application. So, travellers need to have a notarized affidavit, which acts as credible proof and maintains consistency in their official records.

Common scenarios in the affidavit for name change in Indian passport:

• Marriage – Changing surname due to marriage or adopting the spouse’s name

• Divorce – Reverting to the old surname or adopting a new name

• Spelling Corrections – Rectifying identity errors in official records

• Personal Choice or Numerology – Adopting a new identity legally

• Religious Conversion or Adoption – Changing name due to a new cultural or family identity.

Also Read: Can I Change the Date of Birth in a Passport? Experts Guide

When Do You Need a Name Change Affidavit for Passport?

A Name Change Affidavit for Passport is a legal document that is only required for a name change that officially declares an individual's name change from their old name to a new one. 

This name change affidavit for passport is the first formal step in the name change process. It includes personal details of individuals, and it will be started after the non-judicial stamp paper and attested by a notary public or magistrate, making it legally valid and acceptable to passport authorities.

Below are the detailed reasons for the need for an affidavit for name change in Indian passport:

• Marriage – If a person is married to another person, due to rituals and customs, after marriage, one has to change their surname. So that can be the reason for the affidavit for name change after marriage for Indian passport.

• Divorce – Due to certain reasons and circumstances, the marriage didn’t work between the two parties, and they decided to part ways. Then, after the divorce is done, one needs to or wants to change their surname to their old one or adopt a new name.

• Spelling Corrections – Errors or spelling mistakes will lead to delays in the name change affidavit for passport. So then, it’s required that identity errors in official records be rectified.

• Personal Choice or Numerology – Individual also changes their name or adopt new names according to their personal choice. If some believe in numerology, they also adopt a new identity legally.

• Religious Conversion or Adoption – If one person decides to convert or adopt another religion that they find interesting, then they can also apply for a name change affidavit for passport.

Step-by-Step Process of Affidavit for Name Change in Indian Passport

Applying for an affidavit for name change in Indian passport involves a few legal and procedural steps. This step-by-step process will help travellers draft, attest, and use the affidavit properly during their affidavit for name change in an Indian passport application or reissue.

1. Draft the Name Change Affidavit Format for Passport

• Prepare the name change affidavit for passport on plain paper using the standard legal format.

• Include this information:

• Your old name and new name

• Date of birth

• Reason for the name change (marriage, divorce, personal choice, etc.)

• Permanent address

• A clear declaration that the applicant is changing their name voluntarily and legally.

2. Print on Non-Judicial Stamp Paper

• Purchase a non-judicial stamp paper, which costs around INR10 or 20, depending on state rules.

• Get the drafted affidavit for name change in Indian passport and print it on this stamp paper.

3. Get the Affidavit Notarized

• Visit a notary public or a first-class magistrate.

• Sign the name change affidavit for passport in their presence.

• The notary public will stamp and sign the affidavit, which makes it legally valid.

4. Preserve Multiple Copies

• Make photocopies of the notarized name change affidavit for passport.

• You may need it for:

• Passport application process

• Bank information updates

• PAN card correction

• Aadhar card update

5. Submit with Passport Application

• While applying for a passport reissue or correction, include the original or notarised copy of the name change affidavit for the passport along with other required documents.

• The affidavit details should match exactly with other identity proofs.

Also Read: What is RPO in Passport? Experts Complete Guide

Sample Affidavit for Change of Name in Passport

When updating your name in your passport, using this sample affidavit for change of name in passport is essential. Below is a standard legal sample affidavit for a change of name in the passport that includes all the necessary details: your old and new names, address, reason for the change, and declarations.

1. Title: "Name change affidavit for passport"

2. Declarant’s Full Old Name

3. Parent’s Name: Mention the official father’s or mother’s name

4. Residential Address: Complete residence address with city and PIN code

5. Date of Birth and Place of Birth

6. Old Name: Clearly state the old name of the applicant as mentioned in the existing documents

7. New Name: Mention the new name you want to adopt for your passport

8. Reason for Name Change Should Be Provided:

• Marriage

• Divorce

• Spelling correction

• Personal or religious reasons, etc.

9. Declaration Statement: Confirm that the applicant is voluntarily changing their name.

10. Mention that the sample affidavit for change of name in passport draft is being submitted for a name change affidavit for passport and official documentation.

11. Affirmation of Truth: A statement should be like
    “I declare that the above information in the passport is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.”

12. Date and Place of affidavit execution

13. Signature: Signed by the applicant with the new name only

14. Attestation: To be signed and stamped by a notary public or magistrate on affidavit

Latest Documents Required for Affidavit for Name Change in Indian Passport 2025

Applicants should provide supporting documents that verify their identity, address, and reason for the name change while submitting an affidavit for name change in Indian passport. These documents will help them to change their name legally and be recognized and processed without delay.

Here is a list of documents needed to change a name on a passport: 

1. Required Documents

• Notarized Name Change Affidavit for Passport (on stamp paper) 

• Copy of Old Passport (first and last pages, and any visa pages if needed) 

• Proof of Current Address (choose one): Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Utility bills (electricity, water, gas), Bank statement/passbook, Rent agreement 

2. Additional Documents Based on Reason for Name Change

• Marriage Certificate (if changing name after marriage) 

• Divorce Decree or Order (if going back to maiden name after divorce) 

• Adoption Deed or Court Order (if name change is due to adoption) 

• Self-Declaration or Court-Ordered Name Change Document (for personal or religious reasons)

3. Publication & Notification Requirements (Often Required)

• Newspaper Advertisement Clippings 

• One in a local or regional newspaper 

• One in an English national daily 

4. Gazette Notification

India's official government publication of the name change (mandatory in many cases)

Also Read: Affidavit for Passport Police Verification: Latest Guide

Special Cases of Affidavit for Name Change after Marriage for Indian Passport

If a person is married to another person, due to rituals and customs, after marriage, one has to change their surname. So that can be the reason for the affidavit for name change after marriage for Indian passport. Or due to certain reasons and circumstances, marriage didn’t work between the two parties, and they decided to go their separate ways. Then, after the divorce is done, one needs to or wants to change their surname to their old one or adopt a new name. This affidavit for name change after marriage for Indian passport requires essential documents and a process. 

Below we discussed the documents and process of affidavit for name change after marriage for Indian passport.

Documents Required for the Requirements of the After-Marriage Name Change 

If an individual is applying for an affidavit for name change after marriage, for Indian passport will be required to provide certain documents for the name change affidavit format for passport:

• Name Change Affidavit (Notarized, mentioning old and new names)

• Marriage Certificate issued by a competent authority

• Husband’s Passport Copy, it can be optional, but helpful

• Proof of Current Address

• Old Passport Copy of Applicant

• Self-declaration is optional, but affirming the name change

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Name Change Affidavit for Passport

A name change affidavit format for a passport is a legal process that should be completed with precision. Even small errors or mismatches can lead to delays or rejections at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK). Below is a checklist of common mistakes to avoid while applying for name change affidavit for a passport for a successful application.

1. Incomplete Affidavit Format
   Ensure all required fields of the name change affidavit for passport, like (old name, new name, reason, address, and declaration), are filled completely and correctly.

2. Missing Notary Attestation
   Name change affidavit should be signed in the presence of a notary public or magistrate for an official seal and signature.

3. Using Incorrect Stamp Paper
   Always print the name change affidavit for passport on non-judicial stamp paper of appropriate value, INR 10 or 20.

4. Inconsistent Information
   The details in the affidavit should match exactly with other documents, like (passport, Aadhaar, marriage/divorce certificate, etc.

5. Submitting Unofficial Formats
   Use a standard legal format of name change affidavit for passport accepted by the passport authorities. Avoid casual or personalized formats without legal phrasing.

Also Read: Affidavit for Passport: Updated Rules, Formats & Guide

Step-by-Step Guide to Affidavit for Name Change in Indian Passport Online

Below is the guide for name change in Indian passport online:

Step 1: Visit the Passport Seva Portal

• Go to the official Passport Seva portal 

• Click on “New User? Register Now” if applicants don’t have an account.

• Existing users can log in using their User ID and Password.

Step 2: Register and Create an Account

• Select the Passport Office nearest your current address (region/city).

• Fill in personal details such as name, date of birth, and email ID.

• Set a password and register.

Step 3: Log In and Select ‘Apply for Fresh/Re-issue Passport’

• After logging in, click “Re-issue of Passport.”

• Choose “Re-issue of Passport” and select ‘Change in Existing Personal Particulars’ with reason.

• Specify ‘Change in Name’ for the modification required.

Step 4: Fill out the Online Application Form

• You can either fill out the application form online or download the PDF, fill it out offline, and upload it later and print it out.

• Provide details according to their new name, but ensure they match the name change affidavit for passport and other documents.

Step 5: Upload Supporting Documents

• Upload scanned copies of these documents:

• Name Change Affidavit for Passport 

• Old Passport

• Marriage/Divorce Certificate (if applicable)

• Address Proof

• Gazette Notification (if required)

Step 6: Pay the Fees and Schedule an Appointment

• Choose the nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Passport Office (RPO).

• Pay the applicable fee using a credit/debit card, net banking, or UPI.

• Schedule your appointment slot.

Step 7: Visit PSK with Originals

• Carry original documents and photocopies of all uploaded documents.

• Arrive on time at your scheduled slot.

• Your photograph and biometrics will be required on-site.

Step 8: Track Application Status

• Use the “Track Application Status” option on the portal.

• Enter your ARN (Application Reference Number) to keep updated.

Fees and Processing Time for Affidavit for Name Change in Indian Passport Online

Applying for an affidavit for name change in Indian passport involves several components with their own cost and timeline. Below is a detailed table of the fees and processing time for a name change affidavit format for passport, including costs related to Gazette notification and reissue charges.

Latest Processing Time for Name Change Affidavit for Passport in 2025

Below is a detailed table of the processing time for a name change affidavit for passport:

Also Read: Sweden Slashes EU Blue Card Processing Time to Attract Global Talent

Conclusion

A well-prepared name change affidavit for passport is the essential step of a successful name update in your official identity documents. Whether your name change is due to marriage, divorce, personal reasons, or legal correction, one should follow the provided legal process is essential to avoid delays or rejections. From drafting a legally valid name change affidavit for passport to submitting the right supporting documents and completing the online name change passport reissue process, each step plays an essential role. 

To learn more about the name change affidavit for passport, visit TerraTern now.