Name Change Process Guide

Before applying for a passport with a new name, you must complete a specific legal process. This guide outlines the mandatory steps you must take before we can begin your application.

The Most Important Rule: Ahmedabad PSK Only

At The Visa Tales, all passport applications involving a major name change (e.g., changing your first name) are part of a specialised process. This process requires that your final appointment must be scheduled at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in Ahmedabad, regardless of your permanent residence.

Step 1: Publish Your Newspaper Advertisements (Mandatory for All)

This is the primary proof required.

This is the primary proof required. You must publish two (2) separate advertisements in two different newspapers.

Advertisement 1 (Gujarati):

What: One ad in the Gujarati language.

Where: In a leading Gujarati newspaper (e.g., Gujarat Samachar).

Advertisement 2 (English):

What: One ad in the English language.

Where: In another leading Gujarati newspaper (e.g., Sandesh).

Which Edition: You must use the local edition for your permanent residence area. (For example, if you live in Amreli, you must use the Amreli editions of both newspapers).

Critical: You must keep the full, original newspaper pages for both ads. Do not just keep the clipping. The PSK will reject clippings.

Step 2: The Name Change Affidavit (Ahmedabad Residents Only)

This is a legal document on stamp paper, notarized by a lawyer.

As per your note, this step is only mandatory if your permanent address is in Ahmedabad and you are placing your ad there.

If your permanent address is in another city (like Amreli, Bhavnagar, etc.), you do not need the affidavit for this process.

You Are Now Ready to Apply

Once you have all of the following in your possession:

The two (2) original newspaper pages

Your two (2) updated Photo IDs (e.g., your new Aadhaar and PAN)

Your Original Notarised Affidavit (if you are an Ahmedabad resident)

⚠️ Important Notes:

⁠ ⁠The affidavit is mandatory only if the applicant is a resident of Ahmedabad.

⁠⁠For all applications involving a name change, the passport appointment must be scheduled at the Ahmedabad Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).

Other passport offices do not process applications with name changes as per government notification.

⁠⁠Rajkot PSK may be considered as a last resort if Ahmedabad is not feasible; however, please note that processing there can be cumbersome, and the staff is generally less supportive.