Why You Need to Update Your Name on Your Driving Licence
Your Driving Licence is a primary proof of identity across India. Keeping the name on your DL perfectly aligned with your other core documents (like Aadhaar and PAN) is crucial to avoid administrative nightmares. The most common reasons for a name change include:
- After Marriage: Changing your surname after getting married (or divorced).
- Legal Name Change: Altering your first name or surname for personal, religious, or numerological reasons through a Gazette notification.
- Spelling Corrections: Fixing typographical errors made by the RTO during the initial licence issuance.
Valid Documents Required for DL Name Change
To successfully change your name on the Sarathi portal, you must provide robust legal proof. Scan and keep the following documents ready (JPEG/PDF format, under 500KB):
- For Women After Marriage: A valid Marriage Certificate or an Affidavit sworn before a First Class Judicial Magistrate / Executive Magistrate.
- For Legal Name Changes: A copy of the State or Central Government Gazette Notification publishing your name change, along with copies of the newspaper advertisements.
- For Spelling Corrections: Educational certificates (10th/12th passing certificate), Passport, or Aadhaar Card showing the correct spelling.
Note: You must also upload a scanned copy of your current Driving Licence.
Step-by-Step Online Process for DL Name Change (2026 Guide)
Here is the exact, step-by-step official process to submit your name change application efficiently:
- Visit the Official Sarathi Portal: Go to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways official website: sarathi.parivahan.gov.in.
- Select Your State: Choose your current state from the drop-down menu to access the local RTO dashboard.
- Select the Service: Click on "Apply for Change of Name" or "Services on DL (Renewal/Duplicate/Aedl/Others)".
- Enter DL Details: Carefully input your Driving Licence Number and Date of Birth, then click 'Get DL Details'.
- Verify & Proceed: Confirm that the displayed details are yours. Choose your state and RTO, then click 'Proceed'.
- Select 'Change of Name in DL': From the list of required services, check the box specifically for "Change of Name in DL".
- Input New Details: Carefully type your new First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name. Crucial: Ensure this matches your Marriage Certificate or Gazette Notification exactly.
- Provide Reason: You will be prompted to select a reason for the name change (e.g., Marriage, Spelling Mistake, Legal Change).
- Upload Documents: Navigate to the document upload section. Upload the appropriate legal proof (Marriage Certificate/Gazette) and your existing DL.
- Fee Payment: Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the required fee for the name change service and smart card printing.
- Print Acknowledgment & Slot Booking: Save the final acknowledgment receipt. Unlike a simple address change, a name change often requires RTO verification. Book an appointment slot if prompted by your state's system.
Fee Structure & Processing Time
The standard fee structure for updating your name on a Driving Licence is typically as follows:
- 💳 Name Change Service Fee: ₹200
- 🪪 New Smart Card Fee: ₹200
- 📬 Postal Charges: ₹50
- Total Expected Fee: ₹450 - ₹500
Processing Time: Name changes are sensitive and require manual verification by an RTO officer. The verification and approval process generally takes 10 to 15 working days. Once approved, the new smart card DL is printed and dispatched via Speed Post, taking an additional 3-5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I change my name on the DL using just my Aadhaar Card?
No, generally, Aadhaar alone is not considered sufficient legal proof for a major name change (like after marriage) by the RTO. You must provide a Marriage Certificate, Gazette Notification, or a sworn Affidavit. Aadhaar can be used for minor spelling corrections if it perfectly matches educational certificates.
2. Do I need to visit the RTO for a name change?
In many states, yes. Because changing a name is a significant identity alteration, RTOs often require physical verification of original documents (like the original Gazette or Marriage Certificate) before approving the application, even if the initial application is filed online.
3. How do I change my signature if my name changes?
If your new name requires a new signature, you must also select the "Change of Biometrics in DL" service along with the name change service on the Sarathi portal. You will need to visit the RTO to capture your new signature digitally.