Name change in India
It might be difficult but frequently required to legally change your name in India for a number of reasons. This page will walk you through the legal procedure, whether you’re getting married, divorcing, or just want to change your name.
Reasons for Name change Legally in India
There are various reasons why people may want to change their name legally in India, including:
Marriage: When a person marries, they may choose to change their name to that of their spouse. This is a common practise in many cultures and is frequently used to symbolise the union of two people.
Divorce: After a divorce, some people may want to change their name back to their previous name. This is usually done to help them move on from their past relationship and start a new chapter in their lives.
Personal preference: Some people may not like their given name or may feel that it doesn’t reflect their true identity. Changing their name legally can allow them to choose a name that they feel more comfortable with trendingbird.
Religious or cultural reasons: In some cultures or religions, changing one’s name is a common practice and may be required for certain ceremonies or rituals.
Gender identity: Transgender people may want to change their name to reflect their true gender identity.
Legal issues: If someone’s name is misspelled on official documents, or if they have changed their name for any other reason, they may need to change their name legally to avoid any legal issues.
Whatever the reason may be, changing one’s name legally in India is a straightforward process that involves following specific legal procedures.
The legal process for changing one’s name in India generally involves the following steps:
Steps in detail forĀ Name change Legally in India
Affidavit for name change: The first step in the process is to create an affidavit that declares the intention to change one’s name. The affidavit must include the current name, the desired new name, the reason for the name change, and a declaration that the change is not being done for any fraudulent purpose.
Newspaper advertisement for name change: After creating the affidavit, the next step is to publish an advertisement in a local newspaper declaring the intention to change one’s name. The advertisement must be published in both English and a local language newspaper.
Gazette notification for name change: Once the advertisement has been published, the next step is to get the name change gazetted. This involves submitting the affidavit and a copy of the newspaper advertisement to the Department of Publication of the Government of India. The gazette notification usually takes around 2-3 months to be published.
Update official documents: After the gazette notification is published, one should update their name on all official documents, such as PAN card, Aadhar card, passport, driver’s license, bank accounts, and other relevant documents. This can be done by submitting an application along with a copy of the gazette notification, the affidavit, and other relevant documents to the respective authorities.
It’s important to note that the exact process may vary depending on the state and the reason for the name change. For example, if the name change is due to marriage, the process may be slightly different, and a marriage certificate may be required. Similarly, if the name change is due to divorce, a copy of the divorce decree may be required.
Affidavit for name change
An affidavit is a legal document that declares a person’s intentions, and it is a crucial part of the name change process in India. The affidavit for name change must be prepared on a non-judicial stamp paper of a specific value, depending on the state, and must be notarized by a notary public. Here’s what you need to include in your affidavit for name change:
Current name: The affidavit should start by stating your current name, as it appears on your official documents.
New name: The affidavit should clearly state the new name that you wish to be known by, and this new name should be consistent with the name you want to use in the future.
Reason for name change: The affidavit should also include a clear and specific reason for the name change. This could be due to marriage, divorce, personal preference, or any other valid reason.
No fraud intended: The affidavit should contain a declaration that the name change is not being done for any fraudulent purpose, and that it is being done in good faith.
Signature: The affidavit should be signed by the person making the name change declaration, along with the date and place of signing.
It’s important to note that the exact format and content of the affidavit may vary depending on the state, and it is recommended to check with the relevant authorities to ensure that the affidavit is in compliance with the legal requirements. Once the affidavit is prepared, it should be submitted to the local notary public to be notarized before proceeding with the name change process.
Newspaper advertisement for name change
Name Change Ad
In India, publishing a newspaper advertisement for name change is a required step in the legal process of changing one’s name. The advertisement’s purpose is to inform the public of the name change and provide an opportunity for any objections to be raised. Here’s what you need to know about the name change advertisement in the newspaper:
Newspaper Selection: The first step is to choose a newspaper in which to run the advertisement. The newspaper should be a widely circulated daily newspaper in your area.
Making an advertisement: Your current name, the new name, and the reason for the name change should all be included in the advertisement. It should also include a statement inviting any and all objections to the proposed name change.
The format and content of the advertisement may differ depending on the guidelines of the newspaper, so it is best to check with the newspaper for any specific requirements.
Publication: Once the advertisement is drafted, it should be submitted to the newspaper for publication. The newspaper will typically charge a fee for publishing the advertisement, and the cost may vary depending on the newspaper and the size of the advertisement.
Keeping a record: After the advertisement is published, it is important to keep a copy of the newspaper containing the advertisement as a record of the name change process. This may be required in the future as proof of the name change.
The exact process and requirements for publishing a newspaper advertisement for name change may differ depending on the state, so it is recommended that you check with the relevant authorities to ensure that the advertisement complies with the legal requirements.
Gazette notification for name change
A Gazette notification is the final step in the legal process for changing one’s name in India. It is a government publication that includes a list of legal notices, including name changes. Here’s what you need to know about the Gazette notification for name change:
Application for Gazette notification: The first step is to make an application for Gazette notification to the Department of Publication of the central or state government, depending on the state where you live. The application should include a copy of the affidavit, the newspaper advertisement, and any other documents required by the government.
Verification and approval: The Department of Publication will verify the documents and, if everything is in order, approve the name change and issue a notification in the Gazette. The verification process may take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the government’s processing times.
Obtaining Gazette notification: Once the Gazette notification is issued, it can be obtained from the Department of Publication by paying a fee. The notification will include your old name, your new name, and the date on which the name change was approved.
Use of new name: Once the Gazette notification is obtained, it can be used as proof of the name change. It is recommended to update all official documents, such as passport, driving license, bank account, and other relevant documents, with the new name