How to Change Your Name on the Driving Licence (DL)?

The Driving licence (DL) is one of the vital documents that allows you to drive/ride a motor vehicle in India legally. Sometimes there may be errors like incorrect name/spelling in DL, which is a common phenomenon due to human error. But thankfully, name correction in driving licence is an easy process. In this article, we provide you with all the details regarding DL name correction.

How to update your name on the driving licence?

In this digital era of smartphones and 4G internet, you can access most of the government-related services online, including RTO (Regional Transport Office) services. Hence, the most convenient way for name correction in driving licence is to apply online. Alternatively, you can also visit the respective RTO to update your name in the DL. We will discuss the procedure for both methods in the following sections.

Driving licence name correction online

Follow the steps below to update the name on your driving licence online.

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan portal and select your state.

• Step 2: Click on the “Driving Licence” option and select the “Services On DL” from the dropdown menu.

• Step 3: A new page displaying the DL services will open. Click on the “Continue” button at the bottom of the page.

• Step 4: Enter your driving licence number and date of birth. Click on the “Proceed” button.

• Step 5: You can view the applicant’s name and other information on the next page. After verifying all the details, you must select the State and RTO and click on the “Proceed” button.

• Step 6: Next, you can view the address details. Verify the same and click on “Confirm”.

• Step 7: Complete the e-KYC authentication by entering the registered mobile number and clicking on the “Generate OTP” button.

• Step 8: You will receive an OTP. Enter the same and click on “Authenticate With Sarathi”.

• Step 9: Next, select “Change Of Name In DL” and hit the “Proceed” button.

• Step 10: On the next page, you can view your personal details, make necessary changes, and click on the “Confirm” button.

• Step 11: Check the declaration box, enter the captcha code and click on “Proceed”.

• Step 12: An acknowledgement form will be displayed with all the service request details.

• Step 13: Next, follow the instructions and upload the documents, photo and signature.

• Step 14: Lastly, complete the payment by following the instructions.

The updated original DL will be delivered to your address. The timeline may vary depending on the location.

Driving licence name correction offline

Updating the name in DL offline is not a difficult task. Hence, you need not rely on middlemen to change your name on your driving licence. Refer to the steps below to understand the offline procedure for DL name correction.

• Step 1: Visit the RTO office where your DL was issued.

• Step 2: Get approval from the designated officer to apply for the correction of the name in DL.

• Step 3: Next, collect the relevant information by visiting the Data Entry department and pay the required fees at the fee collection counter.

• Step 4: Your photograph, fingerprints, and signature will be collected next.

• Step 5: Collect the receipt for future reference.

Once the RTO completes the process, you will receive the updated driving licence via post.

Also, read: 10 Must-know Facts about Driving License

What are the documents required for a name change in a driving licence?

Below is the list of documents required for name change in DL.

• Class 10/12th certificate

• Aadhaar card

• Birth certificate

• Passport (if available)

Note: For the change of name in DL, the applicant must submit the Aadhaar card, a copy of the advertisement in a national newspaper, a gazette notification letter and an affidavit attested by a notary officer or first-class judicial magistrate.

Here’s the list of documents for female applicants who are applying for a change of name in DL.

• Documents mentioned previously

• Marriage/re-marriage certificate

• Divorce decree (if applicable)

• Death certificate of the spouse (if applicable)

Also, read: 7 Point Checklist To Help You Get A Driving License Online

Driving licence name change fees: How much does it cost?

The fee for change or correction of name in driving licence is Rs. 200. The fee remains the same for applications for change of other details in DL such as address, date of birth, father's name, etc. The fee also remains uniform across the country. However, you can check with your respective RTO if you're opting for the offline method.

How to change the father’s name on the driving licence online?

The process for father name correction in driving licence online remains the same as name correction. Just follow the steps mentioned in the “Driving licence name correction online” section to update or correct fathers name in your DL.

Date of birth correction in driving licence online

You can follow the same steps as mentioned in the “Driving licence name correction online” section for change of DOB in driving licence. You can visit the Parivahan portal and follow the instructions to change your date of birth. The process is similar to changing the name or correcting the father’s name in DL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are the most common questions and their answers regarding name correction in driving licence.

Do I have to provide a legal reason to change my name on my driving licence?

Yes, you are required to provide a legal reason if you wish to change your name on the driving licence.

How can I change my surname on my DL after marriage?

You can change the surname online or offline. You can visit the Parivahan portal and follow the steps mentioned in this article to change the surname in DL online. Alternatively, you can visit the RTO personally for surname correction in the driving licence.

Do I have to fill in any form for a change of name in my driving licence?

You need not fill in any forms if you apply for a name correction in DL online. However, if you are visiting the RTO for the same, please check if you need to fill out any forms.

What are the common reasons for the change of name in driving licence?

Below are the reasons for an individual to apply for a name change in DL.

• Marriage

• Divorce

• Marriage after divorce

• Spelling error

• Religion change

• Astrological/numerological reasons

Do I have to upload documents while applying for a DL name change online?

Yes, you are required to upload the necessary documents while applying for a change of name in driving licence online via the Parivahan portal.

How can I check the status of my DL name change application online?

You can check the DL name change status by following the steps below.

• Step 1: Visit the Parivahan website.

• Step 2: Under “Online Services”, click on Driving Licence Related Services” and select your state.

• Step 3: Next, click on “Application Status”, enter the application number., date of birth and captcha code. Click “Submit” to view the application status.

How many days does it take to update my name on the driving licence?

Generally, it may take around ten days to update your name in the DL. However, the timeline may differ depending on your state and RTO. Please check with your respective RTO for the accurate timeline for driving licence-related services.

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