Changing your name legally in India can be a lengthy process, but it is relatively straightforward if you follow the right steps. Whether you want to change your name for personal or professional reasons, this article will guide you through the legal process of changing your name in India along with the sample documents.
Step 1: Prepare name change Affidavit
The first step in changing your name legally in India is to prepare a name change affidavit. An affidavit is a legal document that is sworn or affirmed by an individual in front of a notary public or a magistrate. The affidavit should state the reason for changing your name and your new name. It should also include your current name and address, along with any other relevant details. You can prepare the affidavit yourself or consult a lawyer for assistance.
Below is the attached sample affidavit:
Step 2: Place the Name Change Advertisement in Newspaper
After preparing the affidavit, the next step is to place the Name Change Advertisement in Newspaper. You should keep a few copies of the newspaper in which the notice is published as proof of publication which may be needed in the future. You should go with Hindustan Times or The Times of India newspaper to place an advertisement.
If you don’t want to visit the newspaper office and prefer online service, then you can place an ad by sitting at your home. To publish your ad online in The Times of India Newspaper, you can visit this link –> ads.timesgroup.com
The charges to place a name changing ad in newspaper varies from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000, depending on the number of characters used in an advertisement. Below is the newspaper Ad format:
Step 3: Apply Gazette Notification for Name Change
After completing the above two steps, the next step in the process is to apply for a gazette notification of the name change. This notification is published in the official gazette of the government of India. The application should be accompanied by the original name change affidavit, a copy of the Name Change Advertisement in Newspaper, and some other required documents which you have to submit along with the fee of Rs. 1100 (may vary).
Guidelines for Change of Name for Adult (Major) – By Department of Publication | Government of India
- Original Affidavit
- An Undertaking duly signed by the applicant
- Original Newspaper
- Prescribed proforma in duplicate, duly typed with the signature of the applicant and two witnesses.
- C.D. containing the print matter without witness portion in MS Word and type old name in place of signature.
- Two self-attested passport-size photographs and a photocopy of ID proof (self-attested).
- A certificate duly signed by the applicant declaring therein that the contents of the hard copy and soft copy are similar.
- Request letter along with the requisite fee.
Step 3.1 – Sign the below Undertaking in OLD NAME. Enter the complete details and sign the same with your old name only. The address should be the same as mentioned on your Aadhaar Card. Take Printout.
Step 3.2 – Print out TWO copies of the Deed (Witness document), and attach your passport-size photograph. Witnesses cannot be parents or siblings of the Applicant. Sign in OLD NAME only.
Step 3.3 – Burn the provided CD Document (MS WORD Document) on a blank CD. Make sure it is a CD and do not use a DVD. The department accepts only a CD. WRITE THE FILE ON THE CD AS IT IS. Sign the Certificate. Take Printout.
Step 3.4 – Sign the REQUEST LETTER in OLD NAME. The date will be the day when you courier the documents or submit the documents to the publication department physically. Take Printout.
Step 3.5 – Attach 1 self-attested photocopy (Xerox) of your Aadhar Card. Xerox both sides of the Aadhar card on A4 paper and sign at the bottom white space.
Step 3.6 – Attach a self-attested photocopy of the Date of Birth Certificate or Class 10 mark sheet.
Application Fees for First Name Change:
You can Pay Government Fees online (via bharatkosh.gov.in) or you can pay directly at the Department Office if you are going to submit the documents physically in Delhi. If you are paying online, take a printout of the receipt and send that along with the rest of the documents. GOVT FEES IN YOUR CASE IS Rs. 1100. If you are going personally to the department and wish to pay fees directly at the office, carry a debit card with you as they do not accept cash. Remember Department only takes applications directly from the applicant and no one else can submit them on his / her behalf.
And, if you want to courier it to the department, put all documents, in a big (A4 size) envelope. Write the department’s address and courier it to the department. Check the Gazette every Saturday from the 3rd week after the day the courier is delivered to the Department of Publication, Delhi.
Address of Department of Publication:
The Controller Of Publications,
Department Of Publication,
Civil Lines,
Delhi – 110054.
TIP: IF you want to publish the gazette notification within 2-3 weeks, then submit the document by visiting Department of Publication Office, Delhi.
Step 4: Documents Update
Once the gazette notification is published, you can use this gazette and change your name on all your official documents such as passports, voter ID cards, PAN cards, and driving licenses. You will need to submit an application for updating your name on these documents along with the gazette notification and the affidavit. You may also need to provide other documents such as birth certificates, depending on the reason for changing your name.
Also Read: How to change your name on PAN card in India? (With Complete and detailed process)
Watch YouTube Video With a Detailed Explanation
Conclusion
In conclusion, changing one’s name legally in India requires a few steps to be followed, including preparing an affidavit, publishing a notice in a newspaper, applying for a gazette notification, updating official documents, and updating bank accounts and other accounts. It is important to ensure that all the steps are completed correctly and all the necessary documents are provided to avoid any legal issues in the future.
If you have any doubts or questions about changing your name legally in India, you can comment below or seek guidance from a legal expert. With the right information and support, you can successfully change your name legally and start a new chapter in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I change my name after marriage?
Yes, you can change your name after marriage. The process involves the same steps as mentioned above. You’ll need to provide a marriage certificate as proof of the reason for the Name correction.
What is a gazette notification for the name change?
A gazette notification is an official announcement of your name change published in the Gazette of India. It serves as legal proof of your new name.
Do I need to update my bank account and official IDs with the new name?
Yes, after obtaining the gazette notification, you should update your bank account, PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, and other relevant documents with the new name.
Can I change my first name only?
Yes, you can change your first name only by following the legal name rebranding process.
Is it possible to apply for a name change online?
The process of applying for a name change online may vary depending on the state and local authorities procedures. Some states may offer online application options, while others may require physical submission.
What documents are required for the name change process?
The documents required include the affidavit, newspaper clippings, gazette notification application, identity proofs, marriage certificate (if applicable), and other relevant documents specified by the authorities.
How long does the name change process take?
The time frame for the process can vary depending on the state and the efficiency of the authorities involved. Generally, it may take a few weeks to a couple of months to complete the process.
Is the name change process the same in all states of India?
The core process remains similar across India, but some states may have specific requirements or additional steps. It’s essential to check with the local authorities or consult legal experts in your state.
Is it necessary to hire a lawyer for the name change process?
While it’s not mandatory to hire a lawyer, legal guidance can ensure that you follow the correct procedure and avoid any errors or delays in the process.
What are the common reasons for changing one’s name?
People may change their names for various reasons, such as personal preferences, religious conversions, adoption, correcting spelling errors, or changing the name after marriage.
Can minors change their names?
Yes, minors can change their names, but the process involves additional considerations. For a minor’s name change, the consent of both parents or legal guardians is usually required, along with proper documentation.
Is there a fee for the name change process?
Yes, there are fees involved in the process. The fees can vary depending on the state and the specific documents that need to be updated.
Do I need to notify everyone about my name change?
While the gazette notification serves as an official announcement, it is advisable to inform your family, friends, employer, educational institutions, and other relevant parties about your name updation for practical purposes.
Can I change my name to anything I want?
There are certain restrictions on name changes. The new name should not be offensive, obscene, or promote any illegal activities. It should also not infringe on anyone else’s rights or impersonate another individual.
Can I change my name multiple times?
In most cases, there are no specific limitations on the number of times you can change your name. However, frequent name changes could raise concerns, and authorities may scrutinize such requests more closely.
What if someone objects to my name change?
If someone has valid objections to your new name, they can raise their concerns during the newspaper publication or gazette notification process. Authorities may review such objections and take appropriate action if required.
Will my old name be completely erased from records after the name change?
No, your old name will not be erased entirely from records. It will still be mentioned in previous documents, but your new name will be reflected in all the updated documents and records moving forward.
Can I change my name without a gazette notification?
While some individuals may informally use a new name without a gazette notification, it is essential to obtain a gazette notification for a legally recognized of changing of your name. This official document provides a strong legal basis for using your new name in official records and transactions.
Thanks for sharing how to change name with complete documents. It helped me a lot and saves a lot of money.
Thanks for your valuable feedback 🙂
Samarth sir ad wali website pe city show nhin horahi hai jaha mai rahta
Waise Mai rahta to town me shahabad district hardoi.
Great 👍
Thanks for your feedback 🙂
Sir, in the beginning of affidavit I have used new name in place of old name. Will it be okay or should I get a new affidavit ?
Your name has not been changed yet. So you have to mention the old name only in the beginning of the affidavit.
Thank you so much for valuable information
Sir need some details about deed for central government employees
In case of individuals working with Central Government, they may submit Deed for change
of name in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs 0. M. No. 190016 / 1 /87-Estt. dated 12/03/1987
सर ,
अपने डॉक्यूमेंट के फार्मेट दिए उसके लिए शुक्रिया लेकिन सर एफिडेविट तहसील से बनावा लेंगे और न्यूजपेपर में भी एड दिलवा देंगे लेकिन सर बाकी जो डॉक्यूमेंट है CD , UNDERTAKING , REQUEST LATTER , SELF certificate etc. इनकी फार्मेट तो अपने देदी लेकिन ये बनवाने के लिए कहां जाना होगा
इस बारे में थोड़ा बताए
Thanks.
You can make it on your own.. no need to go anywhere.
यानी में ये दस्तावेज ई–मित्र से टाइप कर सकता हु ? अंडरटेकिंग भी
Ye sab aap khud type karke printout le skte h.. kahin jaane ki jarurat nahi h..thanks for visiting 🙂
Hitherto ka matlab kya hai sir
Sir aapke mobile number de sakte he aap
You can ask question over here, i can try to help you
Can anyone share form formate.
Please let me know what format you need?
Hello!! सर
में एक minor हु क्या आप मुझे minor name change डॉक्यूमेंट के फार्मेट दे सकते है। undertaking का ही farmet नही है
Minor undertaking farmet
i need
I have only one small doubt, we have to write only CD document content, ryt ? Not other documents like undertaking, certificate.
Yes, only CD document content, in CD only, not DVD because they will not accept the DVD. Other documents in hardcopy only.
Thanks
Thanks for visiting website and your feedback 🙂
Can we use 1 year old affidavit in original and 1 year old newspaper ? Also, the newspaper ad was not in Times of India it was in a local bengali newspaper, the ad was in english.
No, affidavit should not be more than 3 months old at the time of publishing the gazette notification. You have to repeat the same process again and please publish the name change ad in national newspaper only, and then in local newspaper.
Sir.. For central government employees, forms ka format kya hoga.
In case of individuals working with Central Government, they may submit Deed for change
of name in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs 0. M. No. 190016 / 11
87-Estt. dated 12/03/1987
Sir, thanks for such valuable information.
I am a state govt employee, to kya mujhe bhi Name Change Deed submit karna padega aur agar ha to uska format kon sa hoga?
sir fee kese fil karne hai or newspaper 1 ja 2 mai add dene hai
Mene apni videos me step by step procedure bata rakha h.. how to publish ads in newspaper.. please refer that video..
hello sir,
1-undertaking or baaki sabhi documents ko A4 pe print karna hai na..Affidavit ko shorkr.
2-Photographs (2) ko bhi sign krna hai na.
3-Gautranee ka name address mob sv type karna hai na bs sign shorkr.
thanks u
Hi Gaurav,
Affidavit or newspaper original and rest documents you can print in A4 sheet.
Sign the photograph in such a way that half signature in photo and half in paper.
You can write through pen as well or type. Signature should be done by the witnesses.
Dear SAMARTH PARUI Sir, First of all heartily thanks for your help Sir,
1. Sir mera question hai mujhe apna last name add krna hai so format mai khi change kru ya nhi?
2. I am working in central Government, kya mujhe ye jo Deed Format Gazette documents ke sath bhejna hai ya only offer mai dena hai isko?
3. Mai Haryana state se belong krta hu to kya mujhe isko delhi hi submit krna hoga ya state wise office hai inke
4 Sir kitne newspapers mai advertisement ki jaroort hai (1,2,3) or English ya Hindi or kis level k newspaper hone chiye iske bare mai or guide kro plz
Once again thank you
Sir, please send central government employee DEED Certificate
Sir, in affidavit, I have used new name instead of old name in the beginning …Will this be fine or should I get a new affidavit again?
You have to create a new affidavit again since your name has not been changed yet and you are still known with your old name only.
Hello sir I wanna change my name and my surname both. Is it possible, if yes what’s the procedure?? Is it same as name change or us there anything different?
First of all heartily thanks for your help Sir,
1. Sir mera question hai mujhe apna last name add krna hai so format mai khi change kru ya nhi?
2. I am working in central Government, kya mujhe ye jo Deed Format Gazette documents ke sath bhejna hai ya only offer mai dena hai isko?
3. Mai Haryana state se belong krta hu to kya mujhe isko delhi hi submit krna hoga ya state wise office hai inke
4 Sir kitne newspapers mai advertisement ki jaroort hai (1,2,3) or English ya Hindi or kis level k newspaper hone chiye iske bare mai or guide kro plz
Once again thank you
Hi, Samarth sir.
how download the document copys or where is getting .
Sir, Can we change 10th , 12th and graduation certificate name after getting gazette ?
Yes, you can change but it needs different procedure to follow in order to update the name on all the educational documents.
Hey, it was great video, a good detailed explanation
I am from Bangalore and I have few doubts:
1. Can we visit local notary to apply for affidavit?
2. Where do we get all the documents like undertaking and cd document? Should we type it down ourselves?
3. What are all the documents that the CD must contain?. (Soft copy)
4. Where and how to check the gazette notification whether they have changed the name or not?
Hi Gokul, thanks for asking the questions.
1. Yes you can visit local notary for an affidavit.
2. You have to take the printout/type it down youself.
3. CD will contain only one document which i have explained in the article.
4. Once you have submitted the application, you have to check weekly gazette manually for the name change.
Sir …
Undertaking, CD material, newspaper, affidavit, witness, request letter ke Alva bhi kuch or rah gya hai yaa..baki agent jo paise lai kr kra rhe hai woh ek or gazette format ki bt kr rhe hai woh kya hota hai gazette format ka bta dijiye please sir
If you are willing to change the first name then the documents and procedure explained in this article is complete and enough to publish the name change in Gazette of India.
Hi,
After changing to my new name can the new be changed in educational certificate 10th to MBA. If yes what is the process.
Hi,
After changing to my new name can the new name be changed in educational certificate 10th to MBA. If yes what is the process in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Hi Sidhu, thanks for asking the question. Yes you can change the name in your educational certificates but it is a lengthy and a very time taking process which include case a file in civil court.
Hi, what is the fee to be paid online for name change in gazette publication?
If you want to change the first name and you are 18+, then the publication fees would be Rs. 1100/-.
Sir, what about for changing only last name?
Sir
Thank you Sir for the detailed information.
Sir, can you please tell me how much will be the application fee for last name change? 1100 or additional charges apply?
maine ‘Kunal Singh’ se “Kkunal Siingh” ka request bheja tha lkn ”Kkunal Singh’ hi print hoke aya gazette notification se so kya kre, affidavit and news paper me “Kkunal Siingh” hi rakha tha
Did someone here got it done by posting the above documents to the department. I wanted to know the exact timeline and days they might take to process if the docs are posted
If you are thinking about sending documents through courier, then it will take might approx 2 months and you have continuously check the weekly gazette published.
Sir Mera Name Sunil s/o ram prtap hai. Mujhhe name change or surename bhi lgvana “Tushant Verma.” To sir affidavite attested kisase krvana hai.
Samarth Ji, thank you for your help I really appreciate it, there is only one question other than that you have explained everything, how much money is require or advocate take to make a Affidivat ?
Hi Satyam, thanks for visiting my blog. It will take Rs. 200 to Rs. 300 only to make an affidavit.
Hii Bhiya I form gaya jila Hame Affidavit banwana hai kise banwaye 2 bar galat ho chuka hai or kam ho nahi raha hai usme Kaya type karwaye aap bta dijiye na ki Kaya type karwae
Mene article me sample document dia h ki name change affidavit me kya content hona chahiye. Same format ka affidavit bnwa skte h.
CD m ky document daalna h ?
Or in sab k sath ky ky documents bhejne h jisme correction krana h wo ya sare id proof wgera
CD me jo CD document ke under content de rakha .. usko MS word format me CD me write karna h..
Pingback: Easily Publish Name Change Ad in Newspaper (Simple Steps)
please share sample copy
please let me know what sample copy you need