Stepwise Instructions for Name Change on Driving Licence in India

Your driving licence is an essential document that serves as proof of your identity and your eligibility to drive legally in India. If you need to change your name on your driving licence due to marriage, legal name changes, or other reasons, the process is straightforward but requires careful attention to the necessary steps and documentation. In this article, we provide stepwise instructions to guide you through the name change process and how to check your DL licence status once the update is made.

Step 1: Prepare the required documents

Before applying for a name change on your driving licence, it is important to gather the required documents. The specific documents needed may vary slightly depending on the RTO (Regional Transport Office) where you apply, but in general, you will need:

• Duly filled Form 1: (Application for Name Change)
• Original driving licence: Your current DL is required to initiate the name change.
• Gazette notification: If your name change is legally recognised, you will need a copy of the gazette notification.
• Marriage certificate: If you are changing your name due to marriage, a copy of your marriage certificate is required.
• Affidavit: Some RTOs require a notarised affidavit declaring the name change.
• Proof of address: Submit valid proof of your residential address, such as Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, etc.
• Passport-size photographs: Typically, two or three recent passport-sized photographs are required.

Step 2: Fill out the name change form

The next step is to fill out the necessary form to apply for the name change on your driving licence. The form you need is Form 1 (Application for Name Change). This form can be downloaded from the Parivahan website (www.parivahan.gov.in) or collected from your nearest RTO.

Ensure you fill out the form correctly and clearly, providing all the relevant information, including your current name, the new name, and the reason for the change.

Step 3: Visit the nearest RTO

Once the form is completed and all the required documents are ready, visit your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO). It is essential to visit the RTO where your driving licence was originally issued or where you are currently registered.

Submit the filled form along with the required documents to the designated officer. The RTO will verify your application and documents. You may also be asked to provide biometric details, including fingerprints and a photograph, depending on the RTO's procedures.

Step 4: Pay the required fees

After submitting your documents, you will need to pay the fee for updating the name on your driving licence. The fee varies slightly between states, but it is usually around Rs. 200 to Rs. 500.

Make sure to keep the receipt of the payment as proof, as it may be required for future reference or tracking your application status.

Step 5: Receive acknowledgement receipt

Once you have completed the payment, the RTO will issue an acknowledgement receipt. This receipt contains important details, such as the application reference number, which you can use to track your DL licence status.

It is advisable to keep this receipt safe until you receive your updated driving licence with the corrected name.

Step 6: Check DL licence status online

After submitting your application and paying the fee, it may take a few days or weeks for the changes to be reflected in your driving licence records. You can check the status of your driving licence online through the Parivahan website.

Steps to check your DL licence status:

1. Visit the Parivahan website (www.parivahan.gov.in).
2. Go to the Online Services section and click on Driving Licence Related Services.
3. Select your state from the dropdown list.
4. You will be redirected to the page for your state’s RTO services. Click on Apply Online and then select Application Status.
5. Enter your application number (found on the acknowledgement receipt) and date of birth.
6. Click Submit, and your application status will be displayed on the screen.

You can monitor your DL licence status regularly to ensure that the changes are processed and that your new driving licence is ready for collection.

Step 7: Collect Your Updated Driving Licence

Once your name change has been processed, you will receive a notification from the RTO (via SMS or email) indicating that your updated driving licence is ready for collection. You can either visit the RTO to collect the physical licence or, in some cases, it may be delivered to your registered address by post.

Make sure to carry the acknowledgement receipt and a valid ID proof when collecting your new licence, as the RTO may require these for verification.

Tips for a smooth name change process

Here are some tips to ensure a hassle-free name change process for your driving licence:

• Check the document list carefully: Different RTOs may have slight variations in the required documents. It is a good idea to check the specific requirements on the Parivahan website or contact your local RTO before visiting.
• Ensure accuracy: Double-check that all information on the form is accurate and matches your identity proof and other documents. Any errors may lead to delays in processing.
• Keep a copy of submitted documents: Always keep a copy of the documents you submit, including the name change application form and the acknowledgement receipt, for future reference.
• Track your status regularly: It is important to monitor your DL licence status online to avoid unnecessary delays in receiving your updated licence.

Conclusion

Changing your name on your driving licence in India is a straightforward process, provided you follow the steps correctly and ensure all necessary documents are in order. By following these stepwise instructions and keeping track of your DL licence status, you can smoothly update your driving licence and continue to drive legally with your new name. Regularly checking your application status online through the Parivahan portal will keep you informed and help you stay on top of the process.

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