Changing your name legally in India is easier than many people think. Whether you want to change your name after marriage, fix spelling mistakes, or for personal reasons, this guide will help you understand the name change process in India from start to finish. By following these simple steps, you can get your name change documents ready and complete the legal name change procedure successfully.
Why Do People Change Their Names in India?
There are many good reasons why someone might want to change their name legally. Here are the most common ones:
- After Marriage: Many women add their husband’s surname after getting married
- Spelling Mistakes: When your name is spelled wrong on important papers like birth certificates or school documents
- Personal Choice: You simply don’t like your current name and want something new
- Religious Reasons: When you change your religion and want a new name that fits your new faith
- Astrology or Numerology: Some people change names based on lucky numbers or stars
- After Divorce: Women may want to go back to their original name after divorce
- Professional Reasons: For career or business purposes
Who Can Change Their Name in India?
The good news is that almost anyone can change their name in India. Here are the basic rules:
- Adults (18+ years): You can change your own name by yourself
- Children (Under 18): Parents or guardians must handle the process for minors
- Indian Citizens: You must be an Indian citizen or have valid Indian documents
- Valid Reason: You need a good reason for the change (but most reasons are accepted)
Important: You cannot change your name to hide from police, avoid paying money you owe, or fool other people.
The Complete Name Change Process in India
Step-by-step name change process in India with timeline
The name change process in India has three main steps that everyone must follow. Let’s look at each step carefully.
Step 1: Create an Affidavit for Name Change
An affidavit is a legal paper where you promise that everything you write is true. This is the first and most important step in the name change process.
What to Include in Your Affidavit:
- Your full old name (exactly as shown on your ID cards)
- Your full new name (exactly how you want it to be)
- Your father’s name or husband’s name (for married women)
- Your complete address with pin code
- Why you want to change your name
- A statement saying all information is true
How to Make Your Affidavit:
- Buy Stamp Paper: Get a Rs. 10 or Rs. 20 stamp paper from any court or stamp vendor
- Type the Affidavit: Use the correct format and type it on the stamp paper (don’t handwrite it)
- Get it Notarized: Take it to a notary public who will put their seal and signature
- Keep Copies: Make several copies because you’ll need them later
Cost: Rs. 150-250 including stamp paper and notary fees
Time: 1-3 days
Step 2: Publish in Newspapers
After getting your affidavit notarized, you must tell the public about your name change by putting an advertisement in newspapers. This is called a public notice.
Newspaper Requirements:
- Two Newspapers: One in English and one in your local language
- Local Newspapers: Must be published in your city or area where you live
- Keep Originals: Save at least 4-5 original copies of each newspaper
What to Write in the Newspaper Ad:
- Your old full name
- Your new full name
- Your father’s or husband’s name
- Your complete address
- A clear statement that you are changing your name
Example Newspaper Ad:
“I, Priya Sharma, daughter of Mr. Ram Sharma, living at 123 ABC Colony, New Delhi-110001, have changed my name from Priya Sharma to Priya Verma for all future purposes. Date: [Date], Notary: [Notary Name]”
Cost: Rs. 1,000-3,000 for both newspapers
Time: 7-14 days to get published
Step 3: Gazette Notification
The final step is getting your name change published in the Official Gazette of India. This is a government document that makes your name change official and legal across the whole country.
Documents Needed for Gazette:
- Original notarized affidavit
- Original newspaper clippings (both newspapers)
- 2 passport-size photos (self-signed)
- Copy of your ID proof (Aadhaar or PAN card)
- Filled application form in the correct format
- CD/DVD with soft copy of your application
- Request letter with payment receipt
How to Submit:
Address: Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-110054
You can send by:
- By Post/Courier: Safer and more convenient option
- In Person: Visit the office directly (Mon-Sat, 10 AM – 4 PM)
Cost:
Time: 15-45 days for publication
Step 4: Update Your Official Documents
Once your name change is published in the Gazette, you can update all your official documents. The Gazette notification serves as legal proof for all government and private organizations.
Documents to Update:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter ID Card
- Bank Accounts
- Insurance Policies
- Educational Certificates (where possible)
Cost Breakdown for Name Change in India
Cost breakdown for name change in India by category
The total cost depends on your situation and whether you do it yourself or hire a service provider.
If You Do It Yourself:
- Adults: Rs. 3,000-4,000
- Minors: Rs. 3,500-4,500
- NRIs: Rs. 6,000-7,000
If You Use Professional Services:
Special Cases: Name Change Process
Name Change After Marriage
When women change their name after marriage, the process is slightly different:
- Joint Affidavit: Both husband and wife should sign the affidavit
- Marriage Certificate: Must be attached as proof
- Same Process: Follow the same three steps (affidavit, newspaper, gazette)
- Update Strategy: Change name in all documents at the same time to avoid confusion
Name Change for Minors (Children Under 18)
For children, parents or guardians handle everything:
- Parent’s Affidavit: Parents make the affidavit on behalf of the child
- Both Parents: Both mother and father should give consent
- Child’s Documents: Birth certificate and any ID proofs of the child
- Higher Fees: Rs. 1,700 for gazette publication instead of Rs. 1,100
- Guardian Proof: Parent’s ID and address proof required
NRI Name Change
Indians living outside India have special requirements:
- Higher Fees: Rs. 3,500 for gazette publication
- Embassy Approval: Affidavit must be approved by Indian Embassy or Consulate
- Additional Documents: Proof of overseas residence may be needed
Timeline: How Long Does Name Change Take?
The complete name change process in India usually takes 4-6 weeks (about 1-2 months). Here’s the breakdown:
- Affidavit Creation: 1-3 days
- Newspaper Publication: 1-2 weeks
- Gazette Processing: 2-6 weeks
- Document Updates: Additional 2-4 weeks per document
Total Time: 30-60 days on average
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make these mistakes that can delay or reject their application:
Document Mistakes:
- Wrong Format: Not using the exact format required by the gazette office
- Missing Signatures: Forgetting to sign documents or getting wrong attestation
- Incomplete Information: Leaving out important details in the affidavit
- Old Documents: Using documents that are more than one year old
Process Mistakes:
- Wrong Newspapers: Publishing in newspapers that don’t cover your area
- Incorrect Fees: Paying wrong amounts or using old fee structures
- Missing Deadlines: Not following up on applications within time limits
- Poor Quality CD: Submitting CDs that are corrupted or in wrong format
Planning Mistakes:
- Inconsistent Names: Using different versions of your new name in different places
- Partial Updates: Changing name in some documents but not others
- No Backup Copies: Not keeping enough copies of important documents
Tips for Faster Name Change Process
Follow these tips to make your name change process smoother and faster:
Preparation Tips:
- Double-Check Everything: Make sure all information matches exactly across documents
- Use Professional Help: Consider hiring a service if you’re not confident about the process
- Keep Multiple Copies: Make copies of every document at each step
- Track Your Application: Keep records of when and where you submit documents
Speed-Up Strategies:
- Submit in Person: Hand-deliver documents to the gazette office when possible
- Pay Correctly: Use the official payment portal (bharatkosh.gov.in) for gazette fees
- Follow Format Strictly: Use the exact format provided by the government
- Complete Documentation: Submit all required documents in the first attempt
Updating Documents After Name Change
Once you get your Gazette notification, start updating your official documents immediately. Here’s the priority order:
High Priority (Update First):
- Aadhaar Card: Visit UIDAI center with gazette copy and affidavit
- PAN Card: Submit Form 49A with gazette notification
- Passport: Apply for reissue citing name change
- Bank Accounts: Inform all banks and provide gazette copy
Medium Priority:
- Driving License: Visit RTO with gazette and affidavit
- Voter ID: Apply through electoral office
- Insurance Policies: Contact insurance companies
- Property Documents: Update through registrar office
Important Notes:
- Always Carry Gazette Copy: This is your legal proof of name change
- Keep Affidavit Handy: Some offices may ask for the original affidavit too
- Be Patient: Different offices have different processing times
- Educational Certificates: Schools and boards usually don’t allow name changes on old certificates
Legal Rights and Protection
Your right to change your name is protected under the Indian Constitution. Here are important legal points:
Your Rights:
- Freedom to Choose: You have the legal right to choose your name
- No Discrimination: Organizations cannot refuse services due to name change
- Equal Treatment: Your new name has the same legal value as your old name
- Privacy Protection: Your old name information is still private
Legal Protection:
- Gazette is Final Proof: No one can question a proper gazette notification
- Court Support: Courts support legal name changes done through proper process
- Identity Protection: Your new identity is legally protected
- Inheritance Rights: Name change doesn’t affect your legal rights to property or inheritance
Conclusion
The name change process in India is straightforward when you follow the correct steps. Remember these key points:
- Three Main Steps: Affidavit, newspaper publication, and gazette notification
- Total Time: 4-6 weeks on average
- Total Cost: Rs. 3,000-4,000 for adults doing it themselves
- Legal Proof: Gazette notification is your official proof of name change
- Update Documents: Use gazette notification to update all your official documents
Whether you’re changing your name after marriage, fixing spelling errors, or for personal reasons, this legal name change procedure will help you complete the process successfully. Take your time, follow each step carefully, and keep all documents safe.
The official name change India process gives you complete legal protection for your new identity. Once published in the gazette, your new name is recognized everywhere in the country. Start the process today and update new name in government documents to match your new legal identity.
Remember, this is an evergreen process that has been working for many years and will continue to be the standard method for name changes in India. By following this guide, you can confidently complete your name change and enjoy your new legal identity without any problems
Other Blog’s
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How to Change Name Legally in India
How to Name Change After Marriage
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How to Get Gazette Notification for Name Change
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name online?
No, you cannot complete the entire name change process online. While some steps like affidavit drafting and fee payment can be done online, you must submit physical documents to the gazette office.
How many times can I change my name?
There is no legal limit on how many times you can change your name in India. However, frequent changes may raise questions and cause practical problems.
Do I need a lawyer?
No, you don’t need a lawyer for the standard name change process in India. You can complete everything yourself by following the correct steps.
What if my application gets rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can resubmit after fixing the problems. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documents, wrong format, or incorrect fees.
Can I change just my first name or surname?
Yes, you can change any part of your name – first name, middle name, or surname. The process remains the same.
Is gazette notification mandatory?
While not legally mandatory for all purposes, gazette notification is highly recommended and required for updating government documents like passport, PAN card, etc..