Change of name
A change of name may occur due to following reasons:
- change from maiden name to married name
- change of name by splitting the name as given name and surname
In all cases of Change of Name in the passport, the following documents are needed:
- Original passport;
- Four photographs (size 3.5 cm x 3.5) cm with white background;
- Prescribed fee of Euro 48 (for 36 pages) and Euro 60 (for 60 pages) have to be submitted. Fee has to be paid in cash.
- Copy of the first four and last four pages of the passport;
In case of a change from maiden name to married name or substitution of father's name with husband's name or divorcees applying for change of name or for substitution of husband's name with father's name in existing passport, the following additional documents are also needed:
- Notarized copy of marriage certificate along with original or notarized copy of divorce deed duly authenticated by court along with original as applicable;
- Copy of husband's passport;
- In the case of re-married ladies (Married ladies applying for change of name/husband's name in case of remarriage after divorce OR death of husband), divorce deed or death certificate as the case may be in respect of her first husband.
- Sworn-in affidavit for change of name (format to be collected from the Embassy).
Please note that if the applicant carries a passport with a name which is not considered as the applicant's "real" name, the applicant would still be required to submit newspaper advertisements. Newspaper advertisements are required for a change of name as it appears in the passport and it is required even though the previously held name, which appears on other legal documents, is being changed.
In case of change of name by splitting the name as given name and surname, the following additional documents are required:
- Affidavit on change of name, duly notarized in prescribed proforma. Please indicate the split name as given name and surname.
In all other cases, the following need to be done:
- Change to be advertised in two daily newspapers, one in Belgium / Luxembourg, as the case may be, and another in India (circulation in the area of your permanent and present residence) at least thirty (30) days before submission of application;
- Submission of original newspaper clippings;
- Affidavit on change of name, duly notarized.
Note: While the requirements mentioned above are complete in all respects, the Embassy has the right to require any original documents, at any stage and these documents should be presented for scrutiny and satisfaction of the Consular Officer.