An NPS subscriber may wish to change their name due to a misspelling, a surname change in case of marriage, or a discrepancy with their KYC documents. To correct the name in an NPS account, a subscriber needs to make a request for name change along with supporting documents to his PoP or Nodal Office via Form S2, which enables the CRA to update the details in the subscriber master data as required by PFRDA.
Can you change name in NPS account online?
While many of the NPS subscriber details can be edited online by logging into the CRA website, name changes in NPS accounts are handled physically under the All Citizen Model by PFRDA. This means that the subscriber will have to complete and sign Form S2, attaching the relevant proof of identity with the corrected name and submitting it to the nearest PoP-SP or Nodal Office rather than making the edit in an online portal. Thus, if you wonder how to change name in NPS account online, the reality is that the name change request itself is done offline.
When would you have to alter or correct your name in NPS?
Some of the common scenarios in which a subscriber would have to go through the process of changing their name in NPS account are:
A misspelling of the subscriber’s name at the time of registration
A change of surname in case of marriage
A gazette notification for legal name change
A mismatch of the subscriber’s name with PAN, Aadhaar or other KYC documents
A simple typographical error with regard to the first, middle or last name
Any one of these situations could lead to a discrepancy between the subscriber’s NPS account name and KYC details – which is why it is advisable to double-check your NPS name against your documents on a regular basis.
What documents are needed to change a name in NPS?
The documents to change name in NPS account usually consist of:
A completed S2 form (Subscriber Details Change Form)
Your PRAN ( Permanent Retirement Account Number) with correct spelling in the form
Proof of identity with correct and updated name – this could include Passport, Voter ID, PAN, driving licence or Aadhaar card
Supporting documents relevant to the reason for the name change – for instance, a marriage certificate for a surname change
Any other documents that may be asked for by your CRA, DDO, PoP or Nodal Office
Depending on the category of the subscriber, a few documents may be asked for in support of the name change request, so it is best to clarify with your PoP before submitting any documents for change of name in NPS.
What is Form S2 for NPS?
NPS Form S2, also known as the Subscriber Details Change Form, is used to request a change or correction in the subscriber details registered with an NPS account. The CRA-issued S2 form consists of several fields, including address, bank details and nomination, in addition to personal details like the subscriber’s first, middle and last name. For altering the name in NPS, you would only have to fill out the personal-detail segment of Form S2, whereas other fields may be left blank.
How to change name in NPS account: a step by step guide
To change name in NPS account, you would have to:
Step 1: Procure the NPS Form S2
To begin with, the subscriber would have to obtain the Subscriber Details Change Form Annexure S2 either from the CRA’s website (Protean eGov or KFintech) or print it out from their local PoP-SP’s office.
Step 2: Fill in your PRAN and relevant personal details
The subscriber should ensure he fills in his Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) correctly at the top of the form. In addition, fill out your personal details in the relevant sections to enable the CRA to alter the correct subscriber master data.
Step 3: Enter the corrected name
Only the relevant checkbox in the ‘subscriber master detail change’ section should be ticked in order to alter or correct the name. Fill in the corrected first, middle and last names under the ‘personal detail’ segment – make sure to leave other segments like the bank detail section blank.
Step 4: Attach supporting documents
Attach the relevant proof of identity with updated name along with other supporting documents for the reason for change in name (e.g., marriage certificate for a surname change).
Step 5: Submit the form to your local PoP or Nodal Office
Once the form has been completed and the required documents attached, submit the subscriber details change form along with self-attested documents to your local Point of Presence-Service Provider (PoP-SP), DDO or Nodal Office for processing.
Step 6: Keep the acknowledgment number for future reference
Make sure you keep the acknowledgement number or receipt for submitting the NPS name change request with your local PoP or Nodal Office for future reference.
How to fill Form S2 for NPS name change?
To fill Form S2 for NPS name change, you would have to:
• Enter your PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) at the top of the form.
• Tick the checkbox to indicate change/correction in subscriber master detail
• Fill in the first name
• Fill in the middle name (if applicable)
• Fill in the last name
• Attach proof of identity with correct name
• Sign the form
By filling only these relevant segments of the form, you can ensure a faster processing time for your NPS name change request.
What happens after you submit your NPS name change request?
Once you submit the Form S2 to the relevant Point of Presence or Nodal Office, they forward it to the CRA for document verification and processing. After your documents have been verified and your request has been processed, the CRA updates your subscriber master details and alters the NPS account name accordingly. To enquire about the status of your NPS name change request, you can login to your CRA account or contact your local PoP with the acknowledgement number – there are no definitive timelines as to when the change in name would reflect in your NPS account.
What are some of the most common mistakes to avoid while changing name in NPS?
Some of the most common mistakes to avoid while changing name in NPS account are:
Incorrect or mismatched PRAN in Form S2
The corrected name does not match with the name in the submitted proof of identity
Your signature does not match the signature in the records
Leaving blank spaces in the Form S2 or incorrect information
Failure to attach the required documents or submitting documents with blank spaces.
Inconsistency in the format of first, middle and last name
By avoiding these common mistakes while filling the NPS name change form, you can expedite the processing time of your request.
What other details can be changed in an NPS account?
Other than changing name in NPS account, you can also update your address, contact information, nominee and bank account details. However, the process for each differs slightly and a few may require your physical Form S2 to be submitted to the local PoP or Nodal Office for processing.
Conclusion
The precision of your NPS account name is critical when it comes to making any withdrawal or claim in the future. To correct a misspelled name or change your name in NPS account, you need to submit Form S2 along with relevant supporting documents to your local PoP or Nodal Office for processing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Name Change in NPS
1. Can I change my name in my NPS account online?
No, unfortunately you cannot change your name in your NPS account online. Unlike other NPS details, name change requests are allowed only offline via Form S2.
2. Which form is required to change the name in NPS?
Form S2 or Subscriber Detail Change Form is used to request a name change or correction in NPS account.
3. What documents are required for name change in NPS account?
You would have to submit a completed Form S2, your PRAN with the correct spelling and proof of identity with your updated name, along with other supporting documents relevant to your reason for change.
4. How can I correct a spelling mistake in my NPS account?
You can correct a spelling mistake by filling up Form S2, selecting the relevant option for name correction, filling the correct PRAN with the right spelling, attaching proof of identity and submitting this to your local PoP-SP office.
5. Can I change my surname in NPS after marriage?
Yes, you can change your surname in NPS account after marriage by submitting Form S2 along with marriage certificate and updated proof of identity to your local PoP or Nodal Office.
6. Will my PRAN change after I update my name?
No, your Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) will remain the same – only the name attached to your PRAN will be changed or corrected.
Disclaimer
Past performance may or may not be sustained in future and should not be used as a basis for comparison with other investments. Returns under NPS are subject to market risk and are prone to fluctuation depending on the state of the Financial market.
Investors are advised to consult their own legal, tax and financial advisors to determine possible tax, legal and other financial implication or consequence of subscribing to the schemes of DSP Pension Fund Managers Private Limited. Tax laws are subject to change.
