Changing your name legally in India involves a detailed procedure that requires adherence to legal protocols to ensure the new name is recognized officially. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to change your name legally in India:
Step-by-Step Procedure to Change Your Name Legally in India
Step 1: Affidavit Preparation
The first step in changing your name is to prepare an affidavit stating the reason for the name change. The affidavit must include:
- Your current name
- The new name you wish to adopt
- Your father’s or husband’s name (in case of married women)
- Your complete address
- A declaration that all information provided is true and correct
You need to get this affidavit notarized by a notary public. This document serves as a legal proof of the name change request.
Step 2: Newspaper Publication
After the affidavit is prepared and notarized, the next step is to publish a notice in two newspapers. One should be an English daily and the other should be a local language newspaper of the state you reside in. The notice should include:
- Your old name
- Your new name
- Your address
- A declaration stating that you have changed your name and want to be known by your new name
Keep copies of the published notices as they are necessary for future reference.
Step 3: Gazette Notification
Publishing your name change in the official government gazette is a crucial step in making the change legally valid. The procedure involves:
- Contacting the Department of Publication: Reach out to the Department of Publication, Government of India. You can contact them via their official website or visit their office in person.
- Submitting the Documents: Submit the following documents to the Department of Publication:
- A request letter for name change publication
- The original notarized affidavit
- The copies of the newspaper advertisements
- A passport-sized photograph
- A copy of a valid ID proof
- A copy of the residential proof
- The prescribed fee (which varies; check the current fee on the official website)
The Department of Publication will process your request and publish the name change notification in the official gazette. The gazette notification acts as the official proof of your name change.
Step 4: Updating Legal Documents
Once your name change is published in the official gazette, you need to update your new name in all your legal documents. This includes:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Bank Accounts
- Voter ID
- Driving License
- Educational Certificates
- Employment Records
Each institution will have its own procedure for updating records, often requiring the gazette notification, the affidavit, and newspaper advertisements as proof.
Detailed Legal Requirements and Considerations
Legal Grounds for Name Change
In India, common reasons for a name change include:
- Marriage (commonly for women)
- Divorce
- Adoption
- Religious conversion
- Numerology or astrology beliefs
- Personal preference or dislike of the current name
Affidavit Details
The affidavit should be meticulously prepared. It should be typed on non-judicial stamp paper. The affidavit must be signed by two witnesses, whose details should also be included.
Newspaper Advertisement Format
The format for the newspaper advertisement is generally as follows:
I, _____________[Old Name], residing at ____________[Address], have changed my name to __________[New Name] and will henceforth be known as ______________ [New Name].
Affidavit dated: _______[Date]
_____________[Signature]
Gazette Notification Process
The Gazette notification process might take several weeks. It is important to follow up with the Department of Publication if there are any delays.
Costs Involved
The overall cost for the entire name change process can vary but generally includes:
- Affidavit notarization fee
- Newspaper advertisement charges
- Gazette publication fee
- Miscellaneous charges for obtaining certified copies of the gazette notification
Conclusion
Changing your name legally in India requires a systematic approach involving the preparation of a notarized affidavit, publishing a notice in newspapers, and getting the name change published in the official government gazette. Each step ensures that your new name is legally recognized across all official documents and records. Following the prescribed legal procedure diligently will help you navigate the name change process smoothly and ensure all your legal documents reflect your new identity.
Adcocate J.S. Rohilla (Civil & Criminal Lawyer in Indore)
Contact: 88271 22304