How to Change Your Name on Driving Licence Online & Offline (2026 Guide)

Your driving licence isn’t just a card—it’s so much more. As we have discussed in our previous blogs, it acts as both an official permission to drive a vehicle on Indian roads, as well as a legitimate government-registered ID proof. It comes in various forms and types in India. And it’s up to you, the customer, to find out which one fits you the best. 

In India, driving licenses are issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, are are often administered by at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the country. All types of driving license applications and renewals are managed through digital platforms like Parivahan and Sarathil. Put it simply: It’s a document you need to have.

But what happens when your legal name changes? Whether due to marriage, personal choice, or clerical errors, getting your name change in your driving license updated is essential. Failing to correct your DL name can lead to issues with insurance claims, vehicle registration, and Aadhaar-linked services.

In this guide, we cover how to change the name on a driving license both online and offline, explain the documents required, outline fees and timelines, and offer clarity on state-specific variations.

Ready to learn? Let’s get started.

First things first, why does name correction matter? An outdated name on your DL can:

• Causes identity mismatches with Aadhaar or passport
• Delay motor insurance claims
• Trigger verification failures in vehicle loans or registrations
• Disqualify you from international driving permits

Whether you’re applying in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi, or UP, name consistency is crucial. So it’s important to be it updated with the latest, correct nomenclature details.

To legally request a name change on your driving license, you’ll need:

• Form 1 – Application for DL service (name correction)
• Gazette Notification of name change
  OR
  • 10th/12th certificate or marriage certificate
  • Affidavit sworn before Magistrate (if Gazette is unavailable)
• Existing Driving Licence copy
• Valid Proof of Identity & Address (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
• Form 1A – Medical certificate (for applicants aged 40+ or commercial DL)
  

Supporting Documents

Here are the supporting documents that are required:

• Passport-size photos
• No Objection Certificate from vehicle financier (if under hypothecation)
  

What is the fee structure & processing time? You can browse them below:

1. Standard Fees

• Non-Transport DL: ₹200–₹300
• Transport DL: ₹300–₹500

2. Processing Timeline

• Online (Parivahan Sarathi): 2–4 weeks
• Offline (RTO): 3–6 weeks, depending on backlog
  

So let’s get down to the core: How to change your name in the driving licesne online? Here are the steps you need to follow.

Step 1: Visit the Official Portal

Go to sarathi.parivahan.gov.in

• Click “Online Services”
• Select “Driving Licence Related Services”
  

Step 2: Choose Your State & Service

• Choose your state (e.g., Maharashtra, Karnataka)
• Under “Services on DL,” select “Name Change.”
  

Step 3: Fill Form & Upload Documents

• Enter DL Number + Date of Birth
• Provide new name details as per Aadhaar/Gazette
• Upload:
  • Form 1
  • Gazette Notification OR school certificate + affidavit
  • DL copy, ID/address proof
    

Step 4: Pay Fee & Submit

• Pay using net banking, UPI, or card
• Note your Application Reference Number
• Download the acknowledgment slip
  

Step 1: Collect or Download Form 1

• Get Form 1 at your RTO or download from Parivahan

Step 2: Prepare & Submit Documents

• Form 1
• Gazette/affidavit + ID/address proof
• DL copy
• Pay the required fee at the RTO counter
• Get a stamped acknowledgment receipt
  

Step 3: RTO Verification & Smart Card Printing

• RTO verifies your documents
• Once approved, a new smart-card DL is printed
• Pickup in-person or receive via speed post
  

1. Via Sarathi Portal

• Go to “Check Status”
• Enter Application Number + Date of Birth
• View real-time application progress
  

2. SMS & Email Notifications

• Opt-in during form submission
• Get alerts for:
  • Document approval
  • Smart card dispatch
  • Rejection reasons (if any)
    

Figure out how you can get your name changed in your driving license across different states in India.

1. Maharashtra & Karnataka

• Parivahan auto-redirects to state portals
• Gazette proof mandatory in most cases
• For online address change in driving license Maharashtra, login via Sarathi and select your RTO (e.g., Mumbai East, Pune, Nagpur)
  

2. Delhi & Punjab

• Some RTOs demand in-person biometric verification
• Name change can be completed online, but documents must match perfectly
  

3. Other States (e.g., UP, Haryana)

• Affidavits are often accepted in place of the Gazette
• Still recommended to check the local RTO website for latest requirements
  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to change name as per Aadhaar?

Ensure your DL name matches Aadhaar exactly. Upload Aadhaar with Gazette or affidavit.

2. Can I correct my father’s name online?

Yes. Select the “Parent Name Change” option, and upload an affidavit or birth certificate.

3. Is Gazette notification compulsory?

Most RTOs require it, but some accept 10th certificate + notarized affidavit.

Yes—submit both Form 33 (address) and Form 1 (name) during the same application session online to change the driving license and name together.

Conclusion

So, are you familiar now with how the duplicate driving licence process works? 

Start by choosing either the online or offline method based on your convenience and your state’s rules. Gather the required documents like Form 1, Aadhaar or Gazette notification (for name or address changes), and valid ID proof. Once you have everything in place, pay the applicable fee and track your application status via the Parivahan portal.

A smart card driving licence is typically issued within 2–4 weeks for online submissions and up to 6 weeks for offline ones. Make sure to check your RTO’s specific requirements and submit early to avoid delays, especially during peak periods.

Looking to update your address as well? Reach out to us at Ecozaar—we’d be happy to have a quick conversation and guide you toward the right steps.