How To Change Name In Driving License?

If you’re an Indian citizen who needs to get your name changed in Driving License, you might be scared about the procedure. Fear not! This all-inclusive, step-by-step guide aims at simplifying the whole process, both offline and online. We’ll enumerate all necessary documents, typical forms, fees required, and valuable tips to ensure an easy and hassle-free experience. You’ll be all set to take on this process of change in name in driving license at the end of this post.

Key Documents Required for Name Change in Driving License

Gathering all the necessary documents beforehand is a crucial step to avoid delays. Here’s a comprehensive list of what you’ll typically need to submit for a DL name correction in India:

Mandatory Documents:

1. Original Driving License (DL): Your existing Driving License, which needs to be updated.
2. Proof of Identity (with New Name):
   • Aadhaar Card (updated with new name)
   • Passport (updated with new name)
   • Voter ID (updated with new name)
   • PAN Card (updated with new name)
   • Any other government-issued ID with your new name.
3. Proof of Address:
   • Aadhaar Card
   • Passport
   • Utility Bills (Electricity, Water, Gas – not older than 3 months)
   • Ration Card
   • Registered Rent Agreement
4. Legal Document for Name Change (Crucial): This document validates the reason for your name change.
   • For Name Change after Marriage: Marriage Certificate.
   • For Name Change after Divorce: Divorce Decree/Order.
   • For Legal Name Change (General):
     • Gazette Notification: A copy of the notification in the Indian Official Gazette or in your statewide gazette. This is the commonly acceptable and strongest proof for general changes of names.
     • Affidavit: An affidavit, duly notarized, indicating your former name, new name, and why you’re making the change. While some RTOs might entertain an affidavit, mostly for minor corrections or where Gazette notification is already in process, a Gazette notification is preferred where large-scale legal changes in names take place.
     • Newspaper Advertisement Copies: Copies of advertisements in two major local dailies (one English, one local vernacular language) announcing the change in your name. This is in addition to an affidavit or notice in the Gazette.
5. Passport-sized Photographs: 2-3 recent passport-sized photographs.
6. Application Form:
   • Form 2: Application for services on Driving License.
   • Form 1 (Self-Declaration for Medical Fitness): Required if your DL is nearing renewal or if the RTO specifically asks for it.
   • Form 1A (Medical Certificate): Mandatory for applicants above 40 years of age or for commercial driving licenses. This needs to be issued by a government doctor.

Important Note: Always carry both original documents and self-attested photocopies for verification purposes. The RTO might ask for originals for cross-verification.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Name in Driving License in India

You can usually amend your name on your Driving License in both offline and online modes. While the offline process requires you to approach your nearby Regional Transport Office (RTO), you can opt for an online process via the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Parivahan Sewa portal.

Online Application Process (Parivahan Sewa Portal)

The e-process through the Sarathi Parivahan portal is to ease the application process, but one might still have to physically visit the RTO for document verification, biometrics, and a photograph in some states.

Step 1. Visit the Official Parivahan Sewa Portal: Go to the official website: https://parivahan.gov.in/parivahan/.

Step 2. Navigate to Driving License Services:

• On the homepage, click on “Online Services.”
• From the dropdown menu, select “Driving Licence Related Services.”

Step 3. Select Your State: This will open a new page where you will be required to choose the state where your Driver’s License was issued or where you currently reside. This will direct you to your state’s specific transport department portal website, linked to Parivahan.

Step 4. Access Services on DL:

• On the state-specific page, look for the “Driving License” dropdown menu.
• Select “Services on DL (Renewal/Duplicate/Aedl/Others).”

Step 5. Read Instructions and Continue: A page with instructions for submitting your application will appear. Read them carefully and click “Continue.”

Step 6. Enter DL Details:

• Type in your Driving License Number and Date of Birth on the “Application for Services on Driving License” page.
• Click “Get DL Details.” Your information will be obtained.
• Verify your name and other details displayed. Select your “State” and “RTO” from the drop-downs and click on “Proceed.”

Step 7. Verify Address & Generate OTP:

• Your registered address will be displayed. Verify information and click “Confirm.”
• Enter your registered mobile number for e-KYC verification and click on “Generate OTP.”
• Enter the OTP you received on your mobile and click on “Authentication with Sarathi.”

Step 8. Select Service for Name Change:

• A list of Driving License-related services will appear.
• Select “Change of Name in DL” from the available options.
• Click “Proceed.”

Step 9. Make Necessary Changes: A new page will display your personal details. Here, you will be able to enter your new name as per your legal documents. Ensure extreme accuracy here.

Step 10. Confirm & Proceed:

• After making the changes, click “Confirm.”
• Tick the declaration box, enter the captcha code, and click “Proceed.”

Step 11. Upload Documents, Photo & Signature:

• You will be required to upload scanned copies of all required documents (proof of identity, proof of address, document for change of name legally, etc.). Ensure that they are in the specified format and size.
• You will also be asked to upload your latest passport-size photograph and scanned signature.

Step 12. Pay the Fee:

• Go to the payment gateway. The normal cost of an amendment to particulars on a Driving License is ₹200. There can be slight variations in some states.
• Pay through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
• After payment, an acknowledgement form will be generated with all information pertaining to your service request and an application reference number. You should print this acknowledgement receipt and payment receipt.

Offline Application Process (RTO Visit)

If you prefer an in-person approach or if the online portal requires a physical visit for final verification, follow these steps:

1. Visit Your RTO: Go to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where you obtained your Driving License or where you actually reside. It will be better to check out the working time of the RTO beforehand.
2. Obtain Application Form: At the RTO, request for the application form for “Services on Driving License” or specifically for “Change of Name in DL.” This is generally Form 2. You might be asked to obtain Form 1 (medical self-declaration) or even Form 1A (medical certificate) too.
3. Fill the Form: Clearly and legibly complete an application form. Ensure that your new name matches supporting documents.
4. Gather Documents: Put all the documents together in order, as specified in this table in “Key Documents Required” above. You’ll need to have original and self-attested photocopies.
5. Get Officer Approval (If Required): In some RTOs, you may be required to get an officer’s prior approval in order to get your DL’s name changed. Enquire at the information counter.
6. Submit Documents: You are required to submit the filled application form along with all supporting documents to the given RTO counter. Authorities will verify your documents.
7. Pay the Fee: Visit counters where fees will be paid and pay the due fee (usually ₹200). Receive the payment receipt.
8. Biometrics and Photo: The authorities at RTO will take your new photograph, signature, and biometrics (finger prints).
9. Receive Acknowledgement: You will be provided an acknowledgement receipt. Keep it carefully.

Fees and Charges for Name Change in Driving License

Fees for change in your name or other information in your Driving License are largely the same throughout India.

• Fee for Change of Particulars in Driving License: ₹200 (Rupees Two Hundred Only).
• There may be additional costs for sending the new DL in the post, but this is usually minimal.

It’s always better to verify the actual cost at your state’s RTO or at your state transport department’s website, as it may be slightly different.

Conclusion

Name updation in your Driving License is one such mandatory paperwork task, which ensures legal congruence and unity in your identity papers. While it requires several steps and sharp documentation preparation, Parivahan Sewa portal’s web process and RTO offline process allow easy paths to get it completed.

Suppose you learn the requirements and steps properly and pay attention to valuable tips. In that case, you will feel confident when approaching the procedure for changing your name on your driving license in India. Make this correction update in preference to avoid any hassle in a later time and to obtain your most valuable identification paper to reflect your true legal identity.

____________________

FAQs about How To Change Name In Driving License