How to change name and date on booked train ticket: Eligibility, rules, and process explained

Indian Railways is one of the largest rail networks in the world that connects millions of passengers across cities, towns, and villages every day. They are known for their affordability and large-scale reach.

It also provides a range of services, from luxury trains to economical travel options. To ensure flexibility and convenience for its passengers, Indian Railways allows certain changes to confirmed tickets, such as changing the name or travel date.

With clear guidelines and processes in place, passengers can make these changes both online and offline for a smoother travel experience. Here’s how you can modify your tickets.

Read more: IRCTC train ticket cancellation charges: Know refund rules before you cancel

How to change name and date on booked train tickets?
You can change the name of a family member by submitting a written request with ID proof at the station at least 24 hours before the journey. To change the date, you can either do it online or offline. Online changes mean canceling the ticket and booking a new one, while offline changes need a request at the station at least 48 hours before departure.

Who can change name on booked train ticket? Check Eligibility
To change the name on a booked train ticket, Indian Railways has certain eligibility criteria:

• Immediate family members only: Name changes are allowed for family members like parents, siblings, spouses, or children. The ticket can only be transferred to close family members.
• Proof of relationship: Passengers must provide valid ID proof and a written request to prove the relationship.
• Advance request: The name change request must be submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure at the reservation counter.

How to change name on offline booked train ticket?
To change the name on an offline booked train ticket, follow these steps:

• Eligibility: Name changes are only allowed for immediate family members (spouse, parents, children, and siblings).
• Written request: You must submit a written request to the railway counter, stating the reason for the change.
• ID proof: Provide valid ID proof to verify the relationship between the ticket holder and the person whose name is being changed.
• Time frame: The request must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.

Important rules for changing name on booked train ticket

• One change only: You can change the name on a ticket only once.
• Not for online tickets: This option is available only for offline tickets, not for tickets booked through the IRCTC website or app.
• Timely request: You must request the name change within the required time frame; otherwise, the request will be rejected.

How to change journey date on your booked train ticket?
Changing the journey date on a booked train ticket is simple and can be done either online or offline, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Online changes: If you booked your ticket online, you can change the date by canceling the existing ticket and rebooking a new one. This can be done through the IRCTC website or app.
• Offline changes: For offline tickets, you need to visit the reservation counter at least 48 hours before departure. A request for a date change will be processed, and a new ticket with the updated travel date will be issued.
• Time limit: Ensure you request the change within the allowed time frame to avoid any issues.

How to change journey date for offline (counter) booked train tickets?
To change the journey date for offline (counter) booked train tickets, follow these simple steps:

• Visit the reservation office: Go to the nearest railway reservation office at least 48 hours before your train’s departure.
• Bring your original ticket: Carry the original ticket with you and request the date change.
• Postpone or prepone: You can either change the date to a later (postpone) or earlier (prepone) time, depending on your need.
• Choose a new date: Pick a new date for your journey, as long as it falls within the validity period of the original ticket.

How to change journey date for online train tickets? (booked via IRCTC)
You cannot directly change the journey date for online tickets booked via IRCTC. To change your travel date, you need to cancel the current ticket and book a new one for the desired date. Please note that standard cancellation charges will apply according to Indian Railways’ rules.

What are the conditions for changing the journey date on train tickets

• Eligible tickets: Date changes are allowed only for confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets.
• Ineligible tickets: Tatkal and waitlisted tickets cannot be modified.
• Seat availability: The date change depends on the availability of seats on the new travel date.
• One change only: You can change the date only once per ticket.