How to Change Name Legally in India

What Is a Legal Name Change?

A legal name change is the process of officially updating your name in all government and personal records. This process includes:

• Creating a Notarized Affidavit
• Publishing your name change in newspapers
• Making files with some forms and CD. 
• GOVT. Fees. (According to the case)
• Notification in the Government Gazette.

Once this is done, your new name becomes legally valid in all over India and you can update it on all personal documents like PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, Bank, etc.

Who Can Apply for a Name Change?

You can apply for a name change if:

• You’ve recently gotten married or divorced
• You want to change your surname or spelling (MAJOR/MINOR)
• You are adopting a new name for numerology, astrology, or religion
• You’ve had a gender change
• You’ve relegion change 
• You want your name change after remarriage or after adoption of children. or after divorce also.
• You want any corrections in your educational documents and any govt service record.
• There was a mistake in your current documents

Anyone above the age of 18 can legally change their name in India.

Name Change Process in India

To formally name change process in India, here are the following your decision to a new name, the following actions are required:

• Affidavit for Name Change

The initial step involves preparing an affidavit for the name change, which will be managed by our expert legal team. The affidavit should include details of your previous name, your new name, and the reason for the name change (such as marriage, legal reasons, numerology, divorce, or correction of an existing name). This affidavit must be signed by two witnesses and a gazetted officer, along with their official stamp.

• Placing Advertisement

An advertisement in a newspaper is a necessary component of the name change process. This advertisement will be published in either a national or regional newspaper, depending on what is most appropriate. We will handle the placement of the advertisement for your name change, ensuring that all required information is included.

It is advisable to keep copies of the published newspaper for your records.

• Gazette Notification

After the initial name change application is submitted, your name will be published in the official national gazette. We will monitor the publication daily. Once published, a digital copy of the gazette, along with the details of the e-publication page, will be provided to you.

Eligibility for Online Name Change Application

Who is eligible to change their name or apply for a name change online? The eligibility criteria for a name change application are as follows:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Must possess a valid government-issued identification
• Must have a legitimate reason for the name change
• In the case of name changes for minors, they must be accompanied by their parents when visiting a government office.

Legal Compliance with Name Change Procedure in India

The significance of adhering to all legal formalities during the name change procedure in India is paramount. Below are the reasons outlined:

Engaging in legal processes confers a definitive value. It is essential to recognize that any alteration in an individual’s identity must be executed in accordance with the law, particularly given the integration of technology into numerous aspects of our daily lives, especially concerning identity verification. Our names appear on various official documents, such as PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, bank accounts, academic transcripts, and birth certificates, which serve to authenticate our identities.

Consequently, any identification changes must be legally validated and executed by the designated authority or officer appointed by the Central or State Government before updating these documents in relation to the name change. There is a risk that individuals with criminal backgrounds may exploit the names of others to evade apprehension. Thus, recording your name in official documents is crucial for enhancing transparency and accountability.

Documents Required for Online Name Change in India

1. An affidavit on stamp paper.
2. The original newspaper featuring the name change advertisement.
3. The prescribed proforma in printed format, duly signed by the applicant and two witnesses.
4. Two passport-sized photographs.
5. Photocopies of valid identification proof (PAN card, Voter id card, Aadhaar card, or passport, educational documents).
6. A CD containing a soft copy of the application in .docx format, duly completed.
7. A letter affirming that the content in both the hard and soft copies of the application is accurate.
8. A request letter accompanied by the registration fee, addressed to the relevant authority.

Sample Name Change Affidavit

A name change affidavit includes information regarding the new legal name, the current legal name, the reason for the name change, and a declaration affirming that the change is not being pursued for malicious or illegal reasons. Below is a sample of a name change affidavit for your reference.

Add the sample of the affidavit as per your requirement

Types of Name Change Affidavit

Affidavits for name changes must be published in newspapers and the Indian Gazette. This affidavit form must include your former name or maiden name, your new name, your current residence, your age, and the reason for the name change. Below are some commonly used name change affidavits:

• Affidavit for Change of Name After Marriage

This affidavit is to be utilized when an individual wishes to change their name following marriage. It is necessary to submit a completed application along with a copy of the marriage license and photographs of both the applicant and their spouse.

• Affidavit for Change of Name on the Passport

This affidavit is required when an individual needs to amend their name on a passport due to a typographical error or as a result of marriage, which involves a change of surname. The procedure remains consistent with that of a name change.

• Affidavit for Change of Name for Minors

This affidavit must be completed each time a minor changes their name. It should be submitted by the parents or guardians. The other procedural steps remain unchanged.

Reasons for Name Change in India

There are various reasons individuals in India may opt for a legal name change. Some of the most prevalent reasons include:

• Marriage: Women frequently adopt their spouse’s surname following marriage.
• Divorce: Following a divorce, some individuals may choose to change their name to dissociate from their former spouse.
• Adoption: Adopted children may change their name to align with their new family name.
• Religious Conversion: Individuals may change their name upon converting to a different religion.
• Personal Reasons: Some individuals may simply prefer a different name and desire to change it legally.

Benefits of Name Change

There are numerous advantages to legally changing one’s name in India, including:

• Identity: A name change can aid in establishing a new identity or reflecting one’s true identity.
• Professional Advancement: A name change can be beneficial for professional growth or for creating a more distinctive and memorable personal brand.
• Legal Recognition: A legally changed name is acknowledged by the government and can be utilized on official documents such as passports and driving licenses.
• Personal Satisfaction: A name change can provide a sense of personal fulfillment and empowerment.

Rules Involved in Legal Name-Changing

In India, the legal process for changing one’s name requires adherence to specific rules, which are as follows:

• Submitting an Affidavit: An individual seeking to change their name must submit an affidavit in the prescribed format to a judicial magistrate or a notary public.
• Newspaper Publication: Following the submission of the affidavit, it must be published in at least one local newspaper, and a copy of the publication must be submitted to the government gazette.
• Government Gazette Publication: After publication in newspapers, the affidavit will then be published in the government gazette.
• Applying for New Documents: Once the name change has been legally processed, an individual must apply for new documents such as a passport, driving license, Aadhar card, etc.

Affidavit Format for Name Change

[Name of Affiant]

[Address of Affiant]

[City, State Zip Code]

[Date]

Affidavit of Name Change

I, [Name of Affiant], hereby solemnly affirm under penalty of perjury that:

• A person should be over the age of eighteen (18) and am competent to make this affidavit.  
• Your current legal name is [Current Legal Name], as documented on all your legal documents, including your birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, and social security card.  
• You wish to change your legal name to [New Legal Name].  
• The reason for your name change is [Reason for Name Change].  
• I have been commonly known as [New Legal Name] for [Length of Time] years.  
• You are not changing your name for any fraudulent purpose, nor are you  seeking to evade any debts, legal obligations, or responsibilities by changing your name.  
• You request that your new legal name, [New Legal Name], be recognized by all government agencies, financial institutions, and other organizations.  
• You declare under penalty of perjury that the information provided herein is true and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief.  

[Signature of Affiant]  

[Printed Name of Affiant]

Legal Kro Name Change Services Include

We help you with everything from start to finish:

Pricing & Plans

We at Legal Kro offer transparent, fixed-price packages and no hidden fees.

 How Does Our Name Change Process Work?

Changing your name with us is simple:

• Step 1: Free Consultation

Talk to our experts to understand the process and documents required.

• Step 2: Submit Documents Online

Share your scanned documents via our secure portal.

• Step 3: Affidavit Drafting & Notarization

We prepare your affidavit and help with notarization.

• Step 4: Newspaper Ads

We place ads in newspapers as required.

• Step 5: Gazette Filing

We submit your application to the Central or State Gazette.

• Step 6: Receive Confirmation

Gazette publishes your new name, and you can begin updating other records.

Why Choose Us?

• 100% Online & Paperless Process
• Legal Experts with 5+ Years’ Experience
• Transparent Pricing – No Hidden Charges
• Timely Processing & Real-Time Tracking
• Secure Document Handling & Privacy
• Available PAN India.