Steps to change name on Indian passport for RP holders.

These are steps for changing your name for non-marriage related cases.

Prep: Recent photographs - (a) Blue background for Qatar (b) White background Passport size for Indian passport

Cash for Indian Embassy. Card for payments at immigration office.

Multiple copies of passport, ID and make copies (at least scans #GoGreen) of all NOCs and stamped forms for safety.

Fill out online application for new passport - click here

PATIENCE

1. Go to Indian Embassy/ICC and fill the form (NOC) for name change. Submit the form and pay the fees. Collect the NOC. [Required Docs: Passport copy, Qatar ID copy]

2. Place ad in Indian newspaper using this NOC. Try Times of India. You can easily upload a scanned copy. Do it as soon as possible because the ad should be at least 1 month old to apply for passport. Have a friend/family member courier it from India. (Preferably, 2 copies for backup)

3. Go to Immigration (Gharafa branch only), Building 2, Second floor (Committee in looking for name change). Show the NOC to get a form from immigration.

4. Take that to a typing centre. You should find one around the petrol station nearby. (Make sure the guy puts in all details correctly).

5. Take the form to your sponsor/HR/PRO. They'll sign it and stamp it. [This form in basically a company NOC]

6. Take this back to immigration (same office) along with Passport and ID copy.

7. As per procedure. the officer will tell to wait for second METrash2 text message and then come back. [First text means application has been accepted. Second text, application processed]

Bear in mind, these messages take time.

8. Once you recieve the second text, immediately go to immigration (same office) again. They will give you an NOC. [Check newspaper name on form usually typed in English. Ex. PENINSULA]

9. Take it to newspaper office (for PENINSULA click here). Place an ad for following day. (Qr. 200 to be paid by card)

10. Very important - Buy at least 3 copies of newspaper. One for Immigration, One for Embassy, One backup.

11. Two weeks after published notice, take all previous docs and the original newspaper to immigration (same office). Also, note that they will take the newspaper and you won't get it back, hence step 10.

12. Take the doc they give you to Building 1, 1st floor. Fill out the form they give you and get it signed and stamped by the officer.

13. Take passport application and copies of - old passport, ID, NOC from Indian embassy, NOC from Qatar immigration (from step 13), passport size photo, original newspaper - India and Qatar. With Tatkaal, you'll recieve a new passport the same day (3:00 - 4:45pm) [Check end of article for required docs for addition of spouse name and address] 

14. Take new passport and original doc from Step 12 to immigration gharafa, Building 2, ground floor along with your company PRO. Collect new ID.

Note: For addition of spouse name -> Copy of marriage certificate (should be attested by Indian embassy if married abroad), copy of spouses' passport with signature made with blue pen on copy.

For addition of new address -> Adhar card, drivers' licence, etc address proof with YOUR name on doc.

Email me at [email protected] for help if I missed anything and/or procedural updates.