Process For Name Change in India

To make sure that your name change is official in India, you have to follow a certain legal process. This complete guide will show you how to change your name in India, whether you want to do it after getting married, because of a religious conversion, or just because you want to. We’ll go over everything from writing an affidavit to publishing in the Gazette of India, and we’ll give you expert advice on how to do each step well.

Why People Change Their Names in India

There are several personal and legal reasons why people in India change their names. If you understand your issue, it can help speed things along.

After getting married: Many women prefer to take their husband’s last name, which is one of the most prevalent reasons for name changes.
After a divorce: Many people desire to revert to their maiden name or choose a new last name altogether.
Religious Conversion: People often change their names when they convert to a new religion to fit in with the customs of that religion.
Personal Preference: Some people don’t like their birth name or want a name that better fits who they are.
Astrological and numerological reasons: Many individuals change their names believing certain names bring better luck.
Fixing problems: Correcting spelling or other issues on official documents is also common.

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Step-by-step Guide to Changing Your Name Legally in India

The Name Change Procedure in India is a set legal process that ensures all government agencies and legal papers recognize your new name.

Make and notarize an affidavit: Write a legal affidavit saying you want to change your name.
Publish in Newspapers: Put a public notice in two newspapers, one local and one national.
Notification in the Gazette: Submit your application to be published in the official Gazette of India.
Update Your Documents: After your Gazette notification, update all your official documents with the new name.

Each phase has its own set of rules and paperwork. Let’s look at each step in detail to make sure you do it right.

Step 1: Writing a Name Change Affidavit

This is the first step. An affidavit is a sworn legal statement declaring your intent to change your name.

Important Parts of an Affidavit for a Name Change

Personal information: Full name, father’s or husband’s name, age, and full address.
Old and New Names: Clearly state both your current and new names.
Reason for Change: Include a brief reason for the change.
Declaration: State that you will be recognized by your new name from now on.
Verification Clause: Confirm the truth of the affidavit’s contents.

Example of an Affidavit Format

I, [OLD NAME], son/daughter of [FATHER’S NAME], living at [COMPLETE ADDRESS], do sincerely swear and declare as follows:

That people have called me [OLD NAME] until now.
That I am changing my name to [NEW NAME] for all purposes.
That from now on, all my dealings, paperwork, and records will call me [NEW NAME].
That both [OLD NAME] and [NEW NAME] pertain to the same individual, which is me.

VERIFICATION:
I hereby verify that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Getting Your Affidavit Notarized

You must get the affidavit notarized after writing it on stamp paper (usually ₹10 or ₹20) by one of the following:

A Public Notary
A Commissioner of Oaths
A First-Class Judicial Magistrate

Important:

The affidavit must be signed in the presence of the notary. Carry a valid ID when you visit.

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Step 2: Publishing Your Name Change in Newspapers

After making your affidavit, publish a public notice about your name change in newspapers. This step is mandatory for Gazette notification.

Requirements for Publishing in Newspapers

Two Newspapers: One English and one in your local language.
Circulation: Choose newspapers popular in your area.
Original Copies: Keep full-page original copies of newspapers for your Gazette application.

Standard Format for Newspaper Ads

I, [OLD NAME], son/daughter of [FATHER’S NAME], living at [COMPLETE ADDRESS], have changed my name to [NEW NAME] for all reasons.

For Children (Under 18 years)

I, [PARENT’S NAME], am the father/mother of [CHILD’S OLD NAME], aged [AGE] years and living at [COMPLETE ADDRESS]. I have changed my minor son’s/daughter’s name from [CHILD’S OLD NAME] to [CHILD’S NEW NAME] for all purposes.

Tip:

Most newspapers have a special section for name change ads. Call the newspaper’s classified section to learn submission details and rates.

Cost of Publishing in a Newspaper

The cost depends on the size of the ad and the newspapers chosen. Typical charges:

₹1,000 to ₹3,000 for English-language newspapers
₹800 to ₹2,000 for newspapers in regional languages

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Step 3: Notify the Gazette of the Name Change

Publishing your name change in the Gazette of India is the final and most important legal step, giving your name change formal validity.

What is the Indian Gazette?

The Gazette of India, published by the Government of India, is an official record of statutory notifications including name changes. It is recognized by all government offices across the country.

Types of Gazette Publications

Central Gazette: Issued by the central government in Delhi; valid nationwide; necessary for updating documents like passports and PAN cards.

State Gazette: Issued by state governments; valid within the state; used for state-level documents.

Important: For official documents needing nationwide recognition, the Central Gazette notification is recommended.

Documents Needed to Apply for a Gazette

Original notarized affidavit
Full-page, original newspaper clippings from both papers
Application form in the prescribed typed format (not handwritten)
A CD containing the soft copy of your application in MS Word format
Declaration that the hard copy and soft copy contents are the same
Two self-signed passport-sized photos
Self-attested copy of valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
Letter of request addressed to the Controller of Publications
Payment of the required fee

How to Apply for a Gazette

Prepare Documents: Gather all required paperwork listed above.
Submit Application: Send your application to the Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-110054 (for Central Gazette).
Pay Fee: Approximate fees are ₹1,100 to ₹1,500.
Processing Time: Typically 30 to 45 days.
Download Gazette: After publication, download your Gazette notification from the e-Gazette website.

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Step 4: Changing Your Name and Updating Your Documents

Once your name change is published in the Gazette, update your official documents accordingly. Each type of document has its own update process.

How to Update a Document

Document	Where to Apply	Documents Needed	Time Taken
Aadhaar Card	Nearest Aadhaar Enrollment Center	Gazette Notification, Old Aadhaar Card	7–10 days
PAN Card	NSDL/UTIISL website or center	Gazette Notification, Aadhaar Card	15–20 days
Passport	Passport Seva Kendra	Gazette Notification, Old Passport, Updated Aadhaar	15–30 days
Voter ID	Electoral Registration Office	Form 8, Gazette Notification, Old Voter ID	15–30 days
Driving License	Regional Transport Office (RTO)	Gazette Notification, Old License, Updated Aadhaar	15–20 days
Bank Accounts	Your Bank Branch	Gazette Notification, Updated ID Proof	7–10 days

Unique Situations in the Name Change Process in India

Certain situations require special attention during the name change process.

Name Change for Minors (Under 18 Years)

The application must be made by a parent or legal guardian.
The affidavit must be signed by the parent or guardian, not the minor.
Include the minor’s birth certificate.
You may need a school bonafide certificate.

Change of Name After Marriage

Include a copy of the marriage certificate in the application.
The affidavit should state that the name change is due to marriage.
Some places allow name change based only on the marriage certificate without Gazette notification.

Change of Name After Divorce

Include the divorce decree.
The affidavit should state that the name change is due to divorce.

Changing the Name of Government Employees

Get authorization from the department first.
Submit a deed of name change per Ministry of Home Affairs Office Memorandum No. 19016/01/87.
Update service records after Gazette notification.

Changing Your Name After Converting to a Religion

Include a certificate of conversion from the religious group.
The affidavit should mention that the name change is due to religious conversion.

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When and How Much It Costs to Change Your Name in India

Typical Timeline

Step	Estimated Time	Notes
Affidavit	1–2 days	Can be done quickly if papers are ready
Newspaper Publication	3–7 days	Depends on newspaper schedules
Gazette Notification	30–45 days	Processing time at the Department of Publication
Updating Documents	30–60 days	Depends on number and type of documents
Total	2–4 months	Overall process duration

Cost Breakdown (Approximate)

Item	Cost (₹)	Notes
Stamp Paper for Affidavit	20–50	Varies by state
Notary Fees	100–300	Depends on the notary
Two Newspaper Ads	1,800–5,000	Depends on ad size and newspapers
Gazette Notification Fee	1,100–1,500	Government official fees
Document Update Fees	1,000–3,000	Varies by document type
Miscellaneous (copies, photos, etc.)	300–500
Total Estimated Cost:	4,320–10,350	Excluding professional fees

Please note these are estimates and may change depending on your location, newspaper choice, and specific case details.

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Things You Shouldn’t Do When Changing Your Name

Using inconsistent spellings or formats for your new name across documents.
Submitting incomplete affidavits missing key details like residence or reason.
Publishing notices only in small circulation local newspapers.
Sending photocopies instead of original newspaper clippings.
Using incorrect or handwritten Gazette application formats.
Providing expired ID proofs.
Submitting incomplete or incorrect soft copies on CDs.
Skipping any of the legal steps required.

Tips to Make the Process Go Smoothly

Check all documents carefully before submission.
Keep multiple copies of all papers, especially the Gazette notification.
Follow the exact required formats for all applications.
Ensure your new name is consistent in every document.
Regularly follow up on the status of your applications.
Update your Aadhaar card promptly after receiving the Gazette notification.

Warning: Incorrect or incomplete applications can be rejected, causing delays. Always verify all information carefully before sending.

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Questions and Answers About Changing Your Name in India

1. Is Gazette notification mandatory for a name change?

A Gazette notification is not legally mandatory but is widely recommended as it officially validates your name change. Many organizations and agencies require it.

2. How long does the entire name change process take?

The complete process from affidavit to document updates generally takes 2 to 4 months.

3. Can I change my name multiple times?

There is no legal limit, but multiple changes may raise verification scrutiny.

4. Do I have to publish in certain newspapers?

You should publish in reputable newspapers—one in English and one regional language—to ensure wider awareness and acceptance.

5. Can I change my name online?

The legal procedure can’t be completed fully online, but online services may assist you with paperwork. Document updates like Aadhaar and PAN can be done online after Gazette notification.

6. Is there a limit to what name I can pick?

Your new name shouldn’t be offensive, tricky, or confusingly similar to famous names or protected titles.

7. Do I have to change all my documents immediately after Gazette notification?

It is advisable to update essential documents like Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and bank accounts as soon as possible.

8. Are there state-wise differences in procedure?

The main process is the same nationwide, but minor variations in forms, fees, and timelines may exist between states.

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Legal Consequences of Changing Your Name

Effect on Contracts and Legal Papers

Existing contracts remain valid, but a deed of change of name may clarify identity.
Update your name on property records.
Inform courts of your name change if involved in any legal proceedings.
Update your will and inheritance documents to avoid confusion.

Money Matters

Update all bank accounts.
Notify investment and loan institutions.
Ensure credit history correctly reflects your new name.

Professional Consequences

Notify your employer’s HR department.
Obtain new professional licenses under your new name.
Update academic certificates if needed.

Important: After changing your name, sign a declaration confirming both old and new names refer to the same individual. It helps prove identity continuity.

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Official Places to Change Your Name in India

Department / Website	Purpose	Contact Information
Department of Publication	Central Gazette publication	Civil Lines, Delhi-110054 Phone: 011-23817823
eGazette Portal	Access to Gazette notifications online	egazette.gov.in
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)	Aadhaar card updates	uidai.gov.in Call: 1947 (toll-free)
Income Tax Department	PAN card updates	incometaxindia.gov.in Call: 1800-180-1961 (toll-free)
Passport Seva	Passport updates	passportindia.gov.in Call: 1800-258-1800 (toll-free)

Government Forms and Rules

Gazette Application Format: Available at the Department of Publication office or by request.
Aadhaar Update Form: Available from UIDAI website or enrollment centers.
PAN Correction Form: Available on Income Tax Department website.
Passport re-application: Available on Passport Seva website.

Note: Government websites and procedures can change. Always verify the latest info from official sources before applying.

Need help with official procedures? Our experts keep up to date and can guide you.

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Conclusion: How to Successfully Change Your Name in India

Changing your name in India is a legal process requiring patience and attention to detail. By following the steps in this guide — creating an affidavit, publishing it in newspapers, obtaining a Gazette notification, and updating your documents — you can successfully complete your name change.

Keep in mind the process generally takes 2 to 4 months. Handling it yourself is possible, but professional assistance can speed up complex steps and help avoid mistakes.

Whether changing your name after marriage, for religious reasons, or simply personal preference, following the proper legal steps will ensure government recognition of your new name.

Need professional support with your name change? Our lawyers specialize in handling name changes across India, from affidavit to document updates.

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