How to Change Your Name on a Driving Licence in India
Whether you have changed your surname after marriage, corrected a spelling error, or legally changed your name through a gazette notification, you can update your driving licence through the Sarathi portal. A gazette notification is the strongest proof for any major name change.
Quick Info
Fee
₹200 + smart card fee (varies by state)
Processing Time
15 – 30 working days
Key Document
Gazette notification or marriage certificate
When You Need a Name Change
You can apply for a name correction or change on your driving licence in the following situations:
After marriage
Adding your spouse's surname or changing your surname entirely. A marriage certificate is the primary proof required.
After divorce
Reverting to your maiden name or a previous surname. You will need the divorce decree as proof.
Legal name change
Any name change formalised through a gazette notification, whether for personal, religious, or other reasons.
Spelling correction
Fixing a typo, wrong spelling, missing initial, or printing error on your existing DL. An affidavit and matching ID proof are usually sufficient.
Documents Required
The documents you need depend on the reason for the name change. Keep scanned copies ready in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format.
| Reason | Documents Needed |
|---|---|
| Marriage | Marriage certificate, updated Aadhaar with new name, notarized affidavit |
| Divorce | Divorce decree/court order, updated Aadhaar, notarized affidavit |
| Legal name change | Gazette notification, newspaper advertisement (if required by RTO), affidavit |
| Spelling correction | Notarized affidavit, any government ID showing the correct spelling |
In all cases, you will also need your existing driving licence (or its number), proof of address, and a recent passport-size photograph.
Update Aadhaar and PAN first. Before applying for a DL name change, update your name on your Aadhaar card and PAN card first. This ensures all your documents are consistent and prevents verification issues at the RTO.
How to Apply Online
The application is done through the Sarathi Parivahan portal. Note that some RTOs may still require an in-person visit for biometric verification and original document checks for name changes.
Go to the Sarathi portal
Visit sarathi.parivahan.gov.in and select your state from the dropdown.
Select "Services on Driving Licence"
Click on "Apply Online" and then "Services on Driving Licence". Read the instructions and click Continue.
Enter your DL details
Type in your driving licence number and date of birth. The portal will display your current DL records.
Choose the name change service
Select "Change of Name" or "DL Services (Replace of DL/others)" from the list of services depending on how your state labels it.
Enter the new name and upload documents
Type your corrected or new name exactly as it appears on the gazette notification or marriage certificate. Upload all required documents.
Pay the fee and submit
Pay approximately ₹200 plus smart card charges via UPI, net banking, or card. Download the acknowledgement slip.
Update your insurance too. Once you receive the updated DL, send a copy to your motor insurance company along with the marriage certificate or gazette notification and request a KYC update. A name mismatch between your DL and insurance policy can delay claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gazette notification mandatory for a name change on a DL?
Can I do this entirely online without visiting the RTO?
How long does the name change take?
Will my DL number change after the name update?
Update your name now
Head to the Sarathi portal with your DL number and name change documents to get started.