Applying for a New South Wales (NSW) driver’s licence as a migrant or international visitor often involves presenting your Indian driver’s licence and passport as key identity documents. But if the names on these documents don’t match—whether due to spelling variations, expanded initials, middle names, or marriage-related changes—you’ll need to take extra steps to satisfy Transport for NSW’s identity and verification requirements.
1. Why the Name Difference Matters
In NSW, Transport for NSW requires your proof of identity documents (passport, visa, driver’s licence, etc.) to match exactly. Any mismatch can cause delays or refusal of your application. Common differences include:
- Use of initials in Indian licence vs. full name in passport.
- Inclusion of father’s/husband’s name in one document but not the other.
- Variations in spelling or order of names.
- Post-marriage surname changes not reflected consistently.
Because the driver’s licence conversion process involves identity verification and licence recognition, consistency across documents is essential.
2. Solutions Accepted in NSW
A. Statutory Declaration (Most Common Option)
- You can prepare an Australian statutory declaration explaining that the person named in the passport and the Indian driver’s licence are the same individual.
- This declaration should clearly state both versions of your name and affirm they belong to you.
- It must be signed in front of an authorised witness (e.g. a Notary Public).
B. Notary Public Certificate
- Many applicants choose to obtain a Notary Public certificate of identity.
- A Notary will check your passport and Indian licence, then issue a notarised declaration confirming both documents belong to the same person despite name differences.
- This is particularly useful if your case involves official translations or if VFS Global or DFAT attestation may later be required for other purposes.
C. Change of Name / Linking Documents
- If you’ve officially changed your name (e.g., after marriage), provide supporting change of name certificates, marriage certificates, or gazette notifications.
- Transport for NSW will accept these as bridging documents linking both names.
3. Step-by-Step Process in Sydney
- Have Your Indian Licence Translated (If Needed)
- If your Indian licence is not in English, you must obtain a certified translation from NAATI-accredited translators in Australia.
- Prepare Identity Documents
- Valid Indian passport (with visa or residency permit).
- Original Indian driver’s licence.
- Proof of Australian address (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement).
- Address the Name Difference
- Draft a statutory declaration or obtain a Notary Public certificate confirming the two names belong to the same person.
- Attach supporting documents (marriage certificate, gazette notice, or birth certificate) if applicable.
- Visit a Service NSW Centre
- Submit your application to convert your Indian licence into a NSW driver’s licence.
- Present the notarised/statutory declaration alongside your passport and Indian licence.
- Depending on your driving history, you may be issued a full licence, a provisional licence, or asked to pass a knowledge/road test.
4. Practical Tips
- Double-check spelling: Ensure your name is consistently entered in the online application and on translations.
- Use a Notary if unsure: A notarised certificate is more formal than a JP statutory declaration and is often preferred when the mismatch is significant.
- Carry originals: Photocopies, even notarised ones, may not suffice—Transport for NSW generally requires original documents.
- Anticipate extra time: Cases involving name differences may take longer, so book your Service NSW appointment accordingly.
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