Name Change Procedure
How to change name in India is a question some people often wonder. Women generally want to change their name after marriage to adopt the surname of her Husband. There may be numerous other reasons to change one’s name.
Requirement for the changing name –
There is only one requirement which is that you must be an adult i.e. above 18 years of age. If you are below 18 years of age the Application has to be made on behalf of your legal guardian.
Name Change Procedure
A person’s name is changed after the change of name advertisement is published in the Gazette of India Part-IV. A sample Gazette Publication looks like the picture attached here.
To get this advertisement published various documents are needed. The Documents required are:
- Duly attested Affidavit of change of name.
- Newspaper publication mentioning old name as well as the new name. (original newspaper copy)
- Typed and competed form or Performa on plain sheet for publication in the Official Gazette. (Hard copy as well as Soft copy in MS Word Format in CD)
- 2 Self Attested Passport size Photographs.
- Self Attested Identity Proof such as Driving License.
- Marriage Certificate (optional)
- Cash/Demand Draft/India Postal Order as required in your state.
The Affidavit has to be made stating the old name, fathers name, address, the new name, why the name change is to be undertaken. It should be signed and duly attesting by the Oath commissioner. A sample Affidavit is attached here for your reference.
The publication has to be done in any local newspaper with circulation in your area. The news paper publication must mention the Old name, address and the new name. The picture attached here shows a sample of the newspaper advertisement for name change. Keep at least 5 copies of the newspaper in which advertisement given for future use.
Finally, when the Gazette Publication is done do keep numerous copies for yourself as the Gazette becomes a part of the proof of your new identity and will be required everywhere by you.
Note:
The Name change procedure or requirement of documents may vary as per the specific State Rules. Kindly confirm.
In Delhi the request for change of name is to be made to Controller of Publication or the requisite documents may be sent via registered post to the Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-54. The complete details are here.
In Maharashtra the Request for change of name may be made online also. The official user manual of name change for the state of Maharashtra is attached here. The form for change of name for Maharashtra is attached here.
