How to Change/Update Name on Driving Licence in India

Posted on: Sep 21, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How to Change/Update Name on Driving Licence in India

As an Indian citizen, certain documents are quintessential to hold. This includes Aadhar cards, PAN cards, etc. One such important document is a driving license if you wish to drive a motor vehicle on the road. Once you have received the driver's license, make sure to check all the details printed on it. Receiving a DL with a wrong name or misspelt name can be stressful. However, you need not worry; changing/updating your name on your driver's license is relatively easy.

There are various reasons why a driving license holder may want to change or update their name on it. However, you must have a valid and legal reason behind it. This article will guide you on how to update name in driving license.

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What Are the Different Ways to Update Name on a Driving Licence?

If you are wondering how to change name on driving license, below are the online and offline processes. With the digitisation of the process, it has become quite easy for people to avail driving license-related services quickly:

1. How to Change the Name on Driving Licence Online?

The online process gives you the comfort of Availing services at the comfort of your home or office. The offline process is as follows:

• Visit the Parivahan website

• Select your state to proceed

• Click on the 'driving license' option and choose 'Services on DL'

• You will be asked to enter DL number, date of birth, and captcha

• On the next screen, select your state and RTO and complete the KYC process with OTP

• Now, from the options available, click on 'change of name in DL' and enter the captcha to proceed

• An acknowledgement for a change of name will appear

• Proceed by uploading the required documents, signature and photo.

2. How to Change the Name on Driving Licence Offline?

If you are comfortable or want to go with the offline process, it is also quite simple. The offline process of change of name is as follows:

• Visit your nearest RTO and put forth your query

• Follow the instructions at the office, like paying fees at the data entry office

• You will be asked to submit a biometric signature, photographs, and fingerprints

• After the procedure is done, you will receive the receipt and the driver's license at your mentioned address.

What Are the Documents Required to Change the Name on Driving Licence?

When you apply for a change of name on the driving license, you need to submit a few documents as well. These include:

1. Aadhaar card

2. Results of class 10th or 12th

3. A copy of passport (if available)

4. The birth certificate

In the case of women applicants, keep the following documents handy:

1. Previously submitted documents

2. Divorce decree (if it is the reason for name change/update)

3. Marriage or remarriage certificate (if it is the reason for the name change/update)

4. Death certificate of the spouse (if it is the reason for the name change/update)

A marriage or divorce certificate is required since women often change their surname after their marriage or divorce. In such a case, the documents mentioned above have to be presented.

Usually, these are the only documents asked. You may be asked to submit any additional document if required.

How Long Does It Take to Change the Name on a Driving Licence?

The process of changing of name in driving license takes little time. You may receive the updated driving license at your mentioned address within ten days.

How to Check the Status for Name Change on a Driving Licence?

Now that you know how to update name in driving license, you must also be aware of how to check the status of your application. Yes, until you receive your updated driving license, you can keep a tab on the status of your request. The following are this process:

1. Visit the official website 'Privahan'

2. Click on the 'Online Services' option on the homepage

3. Click on the 'driving license related services' from the drop-down menu

4. Enter the concerned state

5. Now, you will be asked to enter your application number, date of birth, and the captcha code. Click on 'proceed'

6. Your application will appear on the screen with the current status.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is mentioning a reason required to change/update the name on my driver's license?

Yes. Since a driving license is an essential document, anyone who plans to change or update their name on the driver's license needs to mention a legal reason for the same.

2. Can I change my surname on the driving license after marriage?

Yes. You may change/update your driving license surname after marriage via either online or offline methods with supporting documents.

3. What are the common grounds for change/update of name on a driving license?

Some of the common reasons for changing the name on a driver's license can be:

• Marriage

• Divorce

• Spelling error

• Remarriage

• Numerological or astrological reasons

• Change of religion

• Change of gender

4. Can I check the status of the change/update of name on my driving license?

Yes. On the website of Parivahan, you can quickly check the status of your application regarding any driving license-related services.

5. Will I have to provide supporting documents for a change of name after marriage?

Yes. For any reason, including remarriage, divorce, or marriage, one has to submit supporting documents for a change of name in the driving license.

Conclusion

You need not get anxious if you have received a driver's license with a misspelt name. You can quickly and easily apply for the correction. There can be various reasons for changing or updating a driving license name, as discussed above. Make sure to do the needful soon. Hopefully, by now, you are aware of how to change name in driving license.

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Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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