How to Change Name on DL Online – Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

A driving licence is one of your most important ID proofs, so it must always match your legal name exactly. Whether you’re getting married, going through a divorce, or just fixing a spelling mistake, correcting your name on your licence keeps your records consistent and avoids unnecessary hassles.

If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, a legal name update, or simply a spelling correction, it’s crucial to update it on your driving licence too. Driving with outdated details can create problems with insurance claims, identity verification, and traffic checks.

The good news? Today, you can start your driving licence name correction online using the official Sarathi Parivahan portal. In some cases, you’ll still visit the RTO once for biometric verification, but most of the process — form filling, fee payment, status tracking — is now digital.

This detailed guide covers how to change the name on a driving license, documents needed, exact online steps, typical fees, and FAQs. Bookmark it and stay compliant with zero stress!

Driving licence name correction means updating your licence records to reflect your new legal name. The change is made under Rule 27 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. This ensures your DL matches your Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and other identity proofs.

Whether you want to correct a minor spelling error or legally change your full name, the same steps apply.

You can apply for a driving licence name correction online if:

• You’ve changed your name after marriage or divorce. 
• You have a Gazette notification for a legal name change. 
• Your name is misspelt on the DL and needs correction. 
• You need driving licence father’s name online due to a legal update.
  

Keep clear scanned copies ready before starting your DL name change application. Here’s a quick checklist:

Document	Purpose
Application Form	Filled online via Sarathi or collected at RTO
Gazette Notification	Mandatory for any legal name change
Marriage Certificate	If changing name after marriage
Divorce Decree	For name change after divorce
Proof of Identity	Aadhaar, PAN, Passport showing new name
Address Proof	Utility bill, rental agreement, or passport
Existing DL	Original driving licence for verification

Tip: Name on proof documents must exactly match the requested correction.

Ready to start your driving licence name correction online? Here’s a clear step-by-step:

4.1 Visit Sarathi Parivahan Portal

Go to Sarathi Parivahan. This is India’s official site for driving licence correction online, renewals, and related RTO services.

4.2 Select “Driving Licence Related Services”

• Choose your state from the dropdown. 
• Click ‘Apply Online’ > ‘Services on Driving Licence (Renewal/Duplicate/Aedl/Other)’.
  

This section handles DL name change, address updates, and other corrections.

4.3 Authenticate via OTP

1. Enter your DL number and date of birth. 
2. Click ‘Proceed’. 
3. Generate OTP — it will be sent to your registered mobile. 
4. Enter the OTP to log in.
   

Mini Screenshot Tip: Show a visual of the OTP screen for clarity.

4.4 Choose “Change of Name in DL”

From the list of services, select ‘Change of Name in Driving Licence’.

Fill the requested details:

• Existing name as on DL 
• New name exactly as per Gazette/marriage certificate 
• Reason for name change
  

Double-check spelling — the new name must match supporting documents to avoid rejection.

4.5 Upload Documents & Pay Fee

Upload clear PDFs or JPEGs of:

• Gazette notification 
• Marriage/divorce certificate (if relevant) 
• Aadhaar/passport (new name) 
• Proof of address
  

Pay the fee — typically ₹200, but check your state’s exact amount.

Screenshot Carousel: Include images of the upload screen and payment gateway for easy reference.

4.6 Download Acknowledgement & Track Status

After submission:

• Download your acknowledgement slip — it has your application number. 
• Use the ‘Application Status’ link on Sarathi to check updates. 

If your state requires biometric capture or a new photo, you’ll get an SMS to visit your RTO once.

If your state doesn’t fully support name correction in the driving license online, do it manually:

1. Get Form 2 (Application) and Form 1A (Medical Fitness if needed) from your RTO. 
2. Attach photocopies of the required documents and originals for verification. 
3. Pay the fee at the RTO cash counter. 
4. Biometric data (photo & fingerprints) may be taken. 
5. Collect the acknowledgement slip and check the status later via Sarathi.
   

Here’s a snapshot of typical driving licence correction online costs:

State	Fee (₹)	Processing Time
Most States	₹200–₹250	15–30 working days
Delhi NCR	₹200	15–20 days
Maharashtra	₹200	15–30 days
Tamil Nadu	₹200	20–30 days

The final fee may vary slightly by state. Smart DL card printing charges can be extra.

• Common Errors: Ensure your new name matches the Gazette exactly. 
• Keep digital copies under 200KB for smooth upload. 
• Avoid unnecessary spacing in name fields — even small mismatches can delay approval. 
• If status is stuck at ‘Under Process’, visit your RTO with an acknowledgement and ID. 
• Track your driving licence name correction online status every few days.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I correct only my middle name on DL?

A.  Yes — as long as you have a legal Gazette notification or supporting proof.

What if my application is under process at RTO?

A. Wait for SMS updates, or visit your RTO with your acknowledgement slip.

How long before I receive my new driving licence?

A. Typically 15–30 working days, depending on your RTO’s workload.

How to change the name in the driving license to the father’s name?

A. The steps are the same. Select ‘Driving Licence Father Name Correction Online’ if your state portal lists it, or choose ‘Change of Name’ and provide the right proof.

• A change of name in a driving license can be initiated online for most states through the Sarathi portal. 
• Documents needed include your legal name change proof, such as a Gazette notification, marriage certificate, or divorce decree. 
• Pay a nominal fee (₹200 approx.) online. 
• Final biometric verification or photo may require an RTO visit. 
• Track your driving licence correction online status anytime with your application number.

Conclusion

Doing a DL name change or driving licence name correction online doesn’t have to be complicated. Use the Sarathi portal for smooth digital filing, upload correct documents, and always double-check your new name’s spelling.

Got your Gazette copy and ID ready? Start now — so your driving licence correction online matches your true legal identity wherever you go.

Bookmark this guide and share it with anyone who needs a hassle-free change of name on their driving license this year. For more up-to-date RTO guides, keep following Ecozaar!