NAMING LAW
How to enter a name on the application, and which documents each kind of change needs, from the Passport Seva instruction booklet.
The application asks for the surname and the given name in separate fields: for example, surname JAIN and given name PIYUSH KUMAR. A surname may have two words, such as Roy Choudhary or Das Gupta. Initials must be expanded, so “P.K. Jain” is not accepted, and titles such as Major or Doctor are not entered. [1]
A person who does not use a surname leaves the surname field blank and writes the full name in the given-name field. The booklet warns that some embassies, such as those of the UAE and European countries, insist on a surname for a visa. If you use a surname you must give the same one on the application. [1]
The booklet says to answer Yes even for marginal changes, for example Harvinder to Harjinder, or a woman’s name or surname change after marriage. The details go in the supplementary form, and any alias goes in the first column of that form. [1]
A woman applying for a change of name or surname because of marriage submits her old passport and either an attested marriage certificate from the Registrar of Marriage or a Joint Photo Declaration, Annexure J, signed by both spouses with a joint photograph. A divorcee submits the old passport and, if the change rests on the divorce, the divorce order. Adding the spouse’s name needs the same marriage documents. [1]
A change that alters the name entirely is a major change. The booklet asks for the old passport, clippings of two local newspapers or the Gazette notification of the concerned State Government, and at least two public or school documents issued in the new name. Tatkaal is not available for a major name change. [1]
A spelling discrepancy that does not totally change the name is treated as a minor change, and the booklet lists the old passport as the document. Changing a surname or name requires the passport to be re-issued; the old one is surrendered. [1]
For applicants born on or after 1 October 2023, the only accepted proof of date of birth is a birth certificate issued under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969. Section 17(3) of the Act as amended names the issue of a passport among the purposes the certificate serves. Correct the name on the certificate first if it is wrong. [2] [3]
Yes. Leave the surname blank and write the full name in the given-name field; some embassies insist on a surname for a visa. [1]
No. The booklet says initials must be expanded. [1]
The old passport and either an attested marriage certificate or Annexure J. [1]
The old passport, clippings of two local newspapers or a State Gazette notification, and at least two documents issued in the new name. [1]
No. [1]
The V3.0 booklet does not list one among the documents. [1]