Name Change Procedure in India
There are a total of 3 steps in the Name Change process which are mentioned below-
If you want to change you name, firstly you need to make an affidavit for Name Change in local Notary. It must contain your Old name, the New name and must also mention the reason for name change along with applicant details such as your Husband’s/Father’s name, Address and Age Proof etc.
Types of affidavit
Change of name affidavit
This affidavit form requires you to fill in your old name or maiden name, new name, current address, age and the reason for the change in name.
Newspaper Publication & Publication in Gazette of India are mandatory for Change of Name affidavit -
Affidavit for Change Of Name after marriage
This affidavit is used for those who want to change their names after marriage. Along with a filled up form, a copy of the marriage certificate and photographs of yourself and your spouse need to be submitted.
Affidavit for change of name on the passport
The affidavit is used in cases of change of name on a passport due to spelling mistakes or change in surname after marriage. The procedure is the same as a change of name.
Affidavit for Change Of Name for minors
This affidavit needs to be filled in cases of change of name in minors. The affidavit needs to be presented by the parents or guardians. The other procedures remain the same.
Step 2- Publication in Newspaper
Once you complete the above step, the next step Publication in Newspaper comes in to play.
You need to Publish news of your Name Change as an Advertisement in two local newspapers i.e. one in the Regional Language\Hindi and another one in English newspaper.
Some Important point to include in the Newspaper Publication:
New Name of Applicant
Old Name of Applicant
Date on which affidavit is made by Applicant
Full Address of Applicant
Age of Applicant
Notary Name who attested the affidavit
Father’s/Husband Name of Applicant
Before you give the advertisement in newspaper, always perform a cross check of the advertisement to see if all the details mentioned are correct or not. A minor mistake can ruin your complete procedure.
Step 3- Publishing of Name Change in Official Gazette of India
Now you have to Publish the Name Change Notification in Gazette of India by writing the Application along with a DD of fee and required documents.
Now you have to send the following Documents to the Department of Publication of Name Change-
Name Change Affidavit which has to be Duly Notarized (Hard Copy)
If You live abroad, then you must submit the deed which has to be duly attested by the respective Indian Embassy/Indian High Commission Only.
Newspaper Publication (Hard Copy)
Hard Copy of the Name Change form which must be duly filled as per the given Format
Make a digital CD. “Soft Copy of Specimen in a Compact Disc (CD)”
Government employees are required to submit the Deed for Name Change in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs 0. M. No. 190016/1/87-Estt. dated 12/03/1987
A Demand Draft of Rs. 1100/- (for major) and Rs. 1700/- (for Minor) drawn in favour of Controller of Publications, Delhi
Two Passport Size Photographs self-attested
One Self Attested Photo ID Proof
A Certificate which must be signed by the Applicant informing/stating that the information in the Hard and Soft copy is the same.
Application/Forwarding Letter describing about all the Documents enclosed within the envelope