Passport Name Change After Marriage: Process, Documents & Fees

What is Passport Name Change After Marriage?

After marriage, many women (and sometimes men) change their surname or full name. To reflect this change on your passport, you need to apply for a re-issue of passport with updated personal details through the Passport Seva Portal. This is not a fresh application — it is a re-issue under the category "Change in existing personal particulars."

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with the Ministry of External Affairs or Passport Seva. Always verify details on the official Passport Seva website.

Who is Eligible?

• Any Indian passport holder who has legally changed their name after marriage
• Both husband and wife can apply for name change on passport
• Applicable for change of surname, first name, or both
• Also applicable for adding spouse name to the passport

Documents Required for Passport Name Change After Marriage

Mandatory Documents

• Existing passport (original + self-attested photocopy of first and last 2 pages)
• Marriage certificate (issued by Registrar of Marriages — original + photocopy)
• Aadhaar card with updated name (or old Aadhaar + proof of name change)
• Joint affidavit by husband and wife on a ₹10 stamp paper (notarized) — stating:
  • Details of marriage (date, place)
  • Old name and new name of the applicant
  • That both are the same person
• Recent passport-size photographs (2 copies, 3.5cm x 3.5cm, white background)

Additional Documents (if applicable)

• Gazette notification (if published — optional but strengthens the application)
• Address proof (if address has also changed — Aadhaar, utility bill, bank statement)
• PAN card or Voter ID with new name (supporting document)

Tip: Get your Aadhaar updated with your new name first. See our Aadhaar name change guide for the process.

Fees for Passport Name Change

Step-by-Step Process to Change Name on Passport After Marriage

Step 1: Visit Passport Seva Portal

Go to https://www.passportindia.gov.in/ and log in or register.

Step 2: Select "Re-issue of Passport"

1. After login, click "Apply for Re-issue of Passport"
2. In the reason for re-issue, select "Change in existing personal particulars"

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

1. Enter your new name (as per marriage certificate) in the personal details section
2. Fill in your spouse name and marriage date
3. Enter old passport details — number, date of issue, place of issue
4. Fill remaining sections — family details, address, emergency contact

Step 4: Upload Documents

Upload self-attested copies of:

• Marriage certificate
• Joint affidavit
• Old passport pages
• Aadhaar card
• Other supporting documents

Format: PDF or JPEG, max 1 MB per file

Step 5: Pay the Fee

Pay ₹1,500 (36 pages) or ₹2,000 (60 pages) via credit card, debit card, net banking, UPI, or SBI challan.

Step 6: Book PSK Appointment

1. Select a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) near you
2. Choose an available date and time
3. Download and print the appointment slip

Step 7: Visit PSK on Appointment Date

Carry these to the PSK:

1. Application receipt (ARN printout)
2. Appointment slip
3. All original documents + self-attested photocopies
4. Old passport (original)

At the PSK:

• Counter A: Document verification
• Counter B: Biometrics (photo, fingerprint, signature — captured with your new name)
• Counter C: Granting Officer review

Step 8: Police Verification

• Police verification is typically required for name change applications
• A police officer will visit your current address
• Keep all original documents ready for the verification visit
• This step may take 7–15 days

Step 9: Receive New Passport

• New passport with updated name will be delivered via Speed Post
• Your old passport will be cancelled (holes punched) and returned to you
• Track status on passportindia.gov.in using your File Number

Joint Affidavit Format

The joint affidavit should include:

1. Title: "Joint Affidavit for Change of Name in Passport"
2. Details of both husband and wife — full names, addresses, Aadhaar numbers
3. Marriage details — date and place of marriage, marriage certificate number
4. Declaration — "We hereby declare that [Old Name] and [New Name] are the same person, and the name has been changed after marriage."
5. Signatures of both parties
6. Notarization by a Notary Public
7. Executed on ₹10 stamp paper

Processing Timeline

Important Tips

1. Update Aadhaar first — update your name on Aadhaar card before applying for passport re-issue; this avoids document mismatch
2. Marriage certificate is essential — a marriage certificate from the Registrar of Marriages is mandatory; temple/church certificates alone are not accepted
3. Joint affidavit matters — the joint affidavit is a key document; get it notarized properly on stamp paper
4. Apply early — if you have upcoming international travel, apply at least 2 months before the trip
5. Old passport returned — your old passport with the previous name will be cancelled and returned to you; keep it for record

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is it mandatory to change name on passport after marriage?

No. It is not mandatory. You can continue using your passport with your maiden name. However, it is recommended to update your passport to avoid travel issues, especially for visa applications where name consistency across documents is important.

Q2. What is a joint affidavit for passport name change?

A joint affidavit is a sworn statement by both husband and wife on ₹10 stamp paper, notarized by a Notary Public, declaring that the applicant's name has changed after marriage. It includes marriage details and states that the old and new names belong to the same person.

Q3. How much does passport name change cost?

The fee for passport re-issue (name change) is ₹1,500 for a 36-page booklet and ₹2,000 for a 60-page booklet. Tatkal processing costs an additional ₹2,000.

Q4. Can I change my surname only on the passport?

Yes. You can change just your surname (last name) after marriage. Apply for re-issue and enter your new surname in the application form. You will need the same documents — marriage certificate, joint affidavit, etc.

Q5. How long does passport name change take after marriage?

Typically 15–30 working days including police verification. If police verification is waived (same address, Aadhaar-linked), it may be done in 7–15 working days.

Q6. Do I need a Gazette notification for passport name change after marriage?

No. A Gazette notification is not mandatory for name change due to marriage. The marriage certificate and joint affidavit are sufficient. However, having a Gazette notification can serve as additional supporting proof.

Related guides: See our passport renewal guide for the general renewal process and timeline.