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

Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world connecting millions of passengers across cities, towns and villages every day. They are known for their accessibility on a large scale.

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

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

Read more: IRCTC train ticket cancellation charges: Know the 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 sending a written request with proof of ID to the station at least 24 hours before the trip. To change the date, you can do it online or offline. Online changes mean canceling the ticket and making a new booking, while offline changes require a request at the station at least 48 hours before departure.

Who can change the name on a 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 such as parents, siblings, spouses, or children. The ticket can only be transferred to immediate family members.
• Proof of relationship: Passengers must provide proof of legal identity and a written request to prove the relationship.
• Advance request: Name change request must be submitted at least 24 hours before the scheduled date at the reservation counter.

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

• Eligibility: Name changes are only permitted for immediate family members (spouse, parents, children, and siblings).
• Written request: You must submit a written request at the train 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 limit: The request must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.

Important rules for changing the name on a booked train ticket

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

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

• Online changes: If you have booked your ticket online, you can change the date by canceling the existing ticket and booking a new one. This can be done through the IRCTC website or app.
• Offline changes: For offline tickets, you need to visit the booking counter at least 48 hours before your departure. The request to change the date will be processed, and a new ticket with the revised tour date will be issued.
• Time limit: Make sure you request the change within the allowed time to avoid any problems.

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

• Visit the booking office: Go to the nearest railway booking office at least 48 hours before your train departure.
• Bring your original ticket: Carry the original ticket and request a date change.
• Postponing or predicting: You can convert the date to a later (postponing) or earlier (prepone) time, depending on your need.
• Choose a new date: Choose a new date for your trip, as long as it falls within the validity period of the original ticket.

How to change the travel date of online train tickets? (booked through IRCTC)
You cannot directly change the travel date of online tickets booked through 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 as per Indian Railways rules.

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

• Eligible tickets: Date changes are only allowed for confirmed or RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) tickets.
• Ineligible tickets: Tatkal and waitlisted tickets cannot be exchanged.
• Seat availability: Date changes are subject to seat availability on the new departure date.
• One change only: You can change the date only once per ticket.