Your driving licence (DL) is not only a permit to drive, but it also serves as one of the most accepted ID proofs in India. At times, you may need to update or correct your name on the licence. This could be due to marriage, divorce, a legal name change, or even a spelling mistake.
Having the right details on your DL is important. If your name doesn't match across documents, it can create problems when applying for loans, insurance claims, or even using your DL as ID. This is why understanding how to change the name in driving license correctly is essential.
As per the Motor Vehicles Act, the information on your DL must be accurate. A name change is allowed only when you provide valid legal proof. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) or Regional Transport Authority (RTA) handles such requests to name correction in driving license. If your DL does not match your other identity documents, applications for official work may get rejected. This is why it’s best to update the details without delay.
To apply for change name on driving licence, you must:
Already hold a valid driving licence issued by your RTO.
Provide proper legal documents like a marriage certificate, divorce papers, or a gazette notification.
Apply in person, since only the licence holder is allowed to request the change.
Keep the following documents ready in both original and photocopy form:
Original driving licence.
Proof of name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, gazette notification, or affidavit).
Proof of address (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, utility bill).
Identity proof (PAN card, Aadhaar card, Passport).
Passport-size photos.
Make sure the details on these documents exactly match the new name you want while applying for name correction in driving license.
Below is the online process to change name on driving licence through the Parivahan Sewa/Sarathi portal:
Visit the Parivahan Sewa website.
Select Driving Licence Related Services and choose your state.
Click on Services on DL and then Change of Name in DL.
Enter your updated details and check the pre-filled information.
Upload scanned copies of all required documents.
Pay the applicable fee online.
Book an appointment at your RTO (if required).
Visit the RTO with original documents for verification.
Once approved, the updated DL will be posted to your address or made available at the RTO.
Once approved, the updated DL reflecting the change name on driving licence will be sent to your registered address or made available at the RTO.
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If you prefer the offline method to change name on license, follow these steps:
Visit the RTO that issued your licence.
Collect and fill out the name change form (Form 2 or the state-specific version).
Attach the required documents.
Pay the fee at the cash counter.
Submit the application along with originals for verification.
Collect the acknowledgement slip.
Once processed, the new licence with the corrected name will be issued.
Once processed, the new licence with the updated name will be issued.
The fee depends on the state but usually falls in this range:
| Service | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| Name Change in DL | 200–500 |
| Smart Card DL (Re-issue) | 200–400 |
In most cases, it takes 7 to 15 working days to complete the update. If extra verification is needed, it may take up to 30 days. Applying online can help speed things up.
Check that all your documents carry the same updated name.
Avoid spelling mistakes in your forms.
Carry extra photocopies of documents.
Book your RTO appointment in advance.
Keep your old DL copy safe along with the new one for future reference.
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Updating your name on your driving licence is more than just an administrative formality; it keeps your documents valid and consistent. Whether it’s after marriage, divorce, or simply correcting an error, the RTO offers both online and offline options to simplify the process. With the right documents and accurate forms, updating your name is simple and helps you avoid legal complications later.
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You can change name on driving licence online by visiting the Parivahan Sewa portal, selecting “Change of Name in DL,” uploading documents, paying the fee, and completing RTO verification.
You need your original DL, proof of name change (marriage certificate, gazette notification, or affidavit), address proof, identity proof, and photographs.
Online application is possible, but most cases still require an RTO visit for biometric verification and document validation.
The processing time is usually 7–15 working days, but it may extend to 30 days if additional verification is required.
Yes, a marriage certificate or gazette notification is typically required to support driving license name correction after marriage.
Mismatch in names can lead to rejection of applications for loans, insurance, or KYC. It’s advisable to apply for name correction in driving license as soon as possible.
