Is a Gazette required for driving licence name change?
Yes, absolutely. RTOs require a Central Gazette Notification under the Motor Vehicles Act rules as the mandatory legal proof for DL and Vehicle RC name updates. Without it, your application will be rejected.
Same DL number after update: your driving licence number stays the same for life. Only the printed name on the smart card changes. The Gazette becomes the linking proof between old and new name on RTO records.
DL Name Update Step by Step
1. Update Aadhaar first (with Gazette as PoI)
RTO requires Aadhaar name to match the desired new DL name. Update Aadhaar first at a Seva Kendra using the printed Gazette. 5–10 days.
2. Log in to parivahan.gov.in
Go to parivahan.gov.in → Driving Licence Related Services. Select your state. Choose Change of Name in DL. Enter your DL number and confirm details from the RTO record.
3. Upload documents + fill Form LLD
Upload printed Gazette, updated Aadhaar, updated PAN (if applicable), and latest DL scan. Fill Form LLD (Application-cum-Declaration). Pay the RTO fee online.
4. Book RTO slot for biometric verification
Book an appointment slot at your local RTO. Visit for biometric verification (fingerprints + fresh photo) and to submit physical copies of documents for signature verification.
5. Smart-card DL delivered by post
Same DL number, new name, new photo. Delivered by post to your registered address in 15–30 days after RTO approval. Also update your Vehicle RC using Form 29 / 30 if you own a vehicle.
RTO Process — State by State
Same Gazette works everywhere, but each state RTO's digitisation differs.
The 3-Step Gazette Process
Notarised Name-Change Affidavit
Drafted on ₹100 non-judicial stamp paper. For DL specifically, we include your existing DL number and issuing RTO. Notarised.
Dual Newspaper Publication
One English and one regional-language daily circulating in your district. Original clippings secured.
Central Gazette Filing at Delhi
Bharat Kosh fee paid, CD prepared, dossier hand-delivered at the Department of Publication, Civil Lines, New Delhi. Gazette in Part IV within 3–4 weeks. E-Gazette PDF delivered — ready for parivahan.gov.in upload.
Documents Required from You
- Current DL (Both Sides)DL number and issuing RTO referenced in affidavit.
- Aadhaar (Both Sides)Address on affidavit matches Aadhaar exactly.
- Vehicle RC (if you own a vehicle)For RC name update via Form 29/30.
- 2 Passport-Size PhotographsRecent, white background.
- Old & New Name Spellings (exact)Confirm letter-by-letter over WhatsApp.
DL Name Change Questions Answered
Is a Gazette Notification required for driving licence name change? +
How do I change my DL name online via parivahan.gov.in? +
What is Form LLD for DL name change? +
Do I also need to update my Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC)? +
Does the process differ from state to state? +
Will my old DL number change after name update? +
What about my learner's licence (LL)? +
How long does the DL name update take after Gazette publication? +
Do commercial DL (CDL) holders need anything extra? +
Can I update DL name from a different state than where it was issued? +
Update Your DL & Vehicle RC
Send us your DL and Aadhaar on WhatsApp. Gazette in 4 to 6 weeks — then parivahan.gov.in + RTO visit + new smart-card DL delivered by post in your new name.