Request Customized Document Changing original birth name is very common and a wide glimpse in India. Whatever the reason be, the procedure under the law is the same. The only probable condition for eligibility to change name is that the applicant must be 18 years and above to change their own name.
Reasons for changing name can be many such as personal preference, marriage (women), change of religion, modification or alteration of name due to numerological advice etc. Change of name can also mean addition of a word to the existing name, modification of spelling, change of surname etc. Before you conclude on getting a name change, weigh all pros and cons of doing so.
This affidavit should be used if you are changing your original name to a new name and have discarded the old name. If you need to make an affidavit to state that you have used variations of the same name, or known by two names, please use One and the Same Name Affidavit.
The name change is more or less a three step process that can be finished in little time if followed judiciously. The primary and most important step in the process is the preparation of the affidavit.
Firstly, you need to make an affidavit and swear before a Notary or a Magistrate. Use the simple navigation form and complete the affidavit in less than two minutes on our website. All you have to do is fill in your details like previous/maiden name, reason for change of name, address, age, etc.
You will need to print this on a non-judicial stamp paper of stipulated value.
Since it may be difficult to get an appointment from a magistrate, you can approach a Notary signature, which is equally valid.
Print the content on a stamp paper of the required value (the Notary will advise you) and get it sealed by a Notary.
Central Govt. employees can submit deed for change of name in accordance with the Ministry of Home Affairs OM No. 190016/1/87-Estt, dated 12.03.1987 (Deed should be typed on plain paper signed by two witness of the rank of Gazetted officer of the same Department with Rubber stamp ).
In case of Indian living abroad he/she shall submit deed duly attested by the respective Indian Embassy / Indian High Commission.
This is the most crucial phase in the process of changing name. Once the affidavit has been notarized, your job is nearly done.
After the affidavit is notarized, the next step requires you to immediately publish the change of name in two local newspapers.
You can contact the newspaper office directly in this regard. They generally have an exclusive section dedicated to name change advertisements and can advise you on the format.
Eg: I, Suresh Kumar, S/O Ganesh Bhat born 15/08/1987, residing at 468, C.M.H Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru – 560 038, have changed name as Suresh Kumar Bhat vide affidavit dated 11/12/2014 before Notary Manjula Gurumurthy.
Tip: Since most of the newspaper houses have multi lingual publications in the same State, ask for a package (for classifieds in English & State language) that will help you save money and time.
In some States you can get the name change published in the official State gazette.This is not a statutory requirement in some States. For example, In Karnataka, the gazette publication for name change is only applicable to State govt. employees.
You can approach the controller of publication, Govt. press in your State and get details on the procedure. You may be required to produce some vital documents along with the original affidavit to have your the details published in the next gazette issue. Central govt. employees can get in touch with their departmental HR contact for further guidance.
Gazette Publication is mandatory for government employees and optional for others. However, if you need to update your records in banks, brokerages and govt records, they might ask you for a copy of Gazette.
Apply for name change with various banking institutions, govt. agencies (like voters id, PAN card, passport) for change of name. You may be required to fill a separate dedicated form  along with producing the affidavit, newspaper copies supporting name change. The sooner you update your name with these sources, its better for your future.
A name change affidavit is the first and most essential step in legally changing your name in India. This section answers questions about the process, documents, and legal requirements.
1. What is an affidavit for change of name?
An affidavit for change of name is a sworn legal declaration in which an individual states that they are abandoning their previous name and adopting a new name from a specified date. This document creates a legal record of the name change and is required as the foundational document for updating your name across government and private records such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank accounts, educational certificates, and passports.
2. Why do people change their names in India?
Common reasons include: personal preference or religious reasons; numerological or astrological advice; correction of spelling errors in official documents; change of name after marriage or divorce; adoption; gender transition; or on the recommendation of a Guru or spiritual leader. Indian law does not restrict the right of a person to change their name, provided the change is not for fraudulent purposes.
3. Is a name change affidavit legally sufficient on its own?
The affidavit is the first step, but for most official purposes — such as passport, educational certificates, or government ID updates — you will also need: (1) Publication of the name change in a local or national newspaper; and (2) Publication in the Official Gazette (mandatory for Central Government employees and recommended for general public). The combination of affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification creates the strongest legal record of your name change.
4. What is the process to change my name legally in India?
The standard process is: Step 1 — Execute a name change affidavit on appropriate stamp paper before a Notary Public. Step 2 — Publish the name change in two newspapers (one in the regional language, one in English) in the area where you reside. Step 3 — If required or desired, submit the affidavit and newspaper clippings to the Department of Publication (Government of India) for Gazette notification. Step 4 — Submit the affidavit, newspaper clippings, and Gazette (if applicable) to the relevant authorities (Aadhaar, PAN, bank, etc.) to update your name in their records.
5. What documents are required for a name change affidavit?
You will need: (1) Current identity proof in your old name — Aadhaar card, PAN card, Voter ID, or Passport; (2) Proof of address; (3) Passport-size photographs; (4) Stamp paper of appropriate value (varies by state — commonly Rs. 10 to Rs. 100); and (5) Reason for the name change (supporting document if the reason is medical, religious, or post-divorce). Your old name documents establish the legal chain between your current identity and your new name.
6. What should the affidavit for name change contain?
The affidavit must include: (1) Full name of the deponent (old name); (2) Father’s/husband’s name, age, occupation, and address; (3) A clear statement that the deponent is voluntarily changing their name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME]; (4) The effective date of the name change; (5) Statement that the deponent has not changed their name for any fraudulent or illegal purpose; (6) A verification clause; and (7) Signature of the deponent and attestation by a Notary Public with seal and registration number.
7. What stamp paper value is required for a name change affidavit?
This varies by state. For example: Delhi — Rs. 10; Maharashtra — Rs. 100 (for general affidavit); Karnataka — Rs. 20; Uttar Pradesh — Rs. 10 to Rs. 50; Tamil Nadu — Rs. 20. Always verify the current applicable rate with your state’s Stamp Act schedule or the notary in your area, as rates are periodically revised.
8. Do I need to publish my name change in a newspaper?
While newspaper publication is not mandated by a central law for all name changes, it is practically essential because most authorities — including passport offices, banks, educational boards, and Aadhaar — require newspaper clippings as evidence of the name change. Moreover, newspaper publication provides public notice, reducing the risk of fraudulent claims in the new name. It is strongly recommended in all cases.
9. Is Gazette notification mandatory for a name change in India?
Gazette notification is mandatory for: (1) Central Government employees and Defense personnel; (2) Name changes in passports when the name change is due to reasons other than marriage or divorce. For the general public, Gazette notification is not legally mandatory but is highly recommended as it provides the strongest legal evidence of the name change, accepted by virtually all authorities without question.
10. How long does the name change process take?
The affidavit execution itself takes 1–2 hours. Newspaper publication typically takes 1–7 days (depending on the publication and city). Gazette notification, if pursued, takes approximately 2–4 weeks after submission. Updating your name across various documents (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, etc.) may each take an additional 7–30 days depending on the authority.
11. Can a minor’s name be changed via an affidavit?
Yes. A parent or legal guardian can execute a name change affidavit on behalf of a minor (a person below 18 years of age). The affidavit must clearly mention the minor’s name, the relationship of the guardian to the minor, and the reason for the name change. Both parents’ consent is advisable (and sometimes required by schools and other institutions) to avoid disputes.
12. Can I change my name to any name I want?
Indian law places very few restrictions on name changes. You may generally choose any name you prefer. However, you cannot adopt a name that: is obscene or offensive; is identical to a living known public figure’s name with intent to deceive; or is prohibited by any court order. The change must not be intended for fraudulent purposes such as evading creditors, legal proceedings, or criminal liability.
13. How do I update my Aadhaar after a name change?
To update your Aadhaar card after a name change, you must visit an Aadhaar enrolment/update centre or use the UIDAI online portal (if the change is minor). You will need to submit your name change affidavit, newspaper clippings, and any Gazette notification. UIDAI accepts a notarized name change affidavit as valid supporting documentation, though they may also require other corroborating documents.
14. How do I update my PAN card after a name change?
Submit Form 49A or Request for New PAN/Change or Correction in PAN to the Income Tax Department through NSDL or UTI Infrastructure Technology. Attach your name change affidavit, newspaper clippings, Gazette notification (if available), and current identity proof in your new name (if already updated elsewhere). The revised PAN card is typically issued within 15–20 working days.
15. Do I need separate affidavits for updating different documents?
No. In most cases, a single properly executed name change affidavit, combined with newspaper clippings and Gazette notification (where required), can be used to update all your documents — Aadhaar, PAN, bank accounts, voter ID, passport, educational certificates, and property records. You may need certified true copies of the affidavit for simultaneous submissions to multiple authorities.
16. Can I change my name if I have a pending court case?
There is no legal bar on changing your name while a court case is pending. However, you must promptly inform the court and all parties to the case of your name change. Failure to do so may cause procedural complications. Additionally, the court may scrutinise the timing of a name change during active litigation. Seek legal advice before proceeding.
17. What if my name has different spellings across different documents?
This is extremely common in India and is addressed through a Name Correction Affidavit (or One and Same Person Affidavit). If the variation is minor (e.g., ‘Vijay’ vs. ‘Vijay Kumar’), a name correction affidavit or one and same person affidavit is usually sufficient. If you wish to officially adopt a completely new spelling, a name change affidavit with full process is required.
18. Is a name change affidavit valid across all states in India?
Yes. A name change affidavit executed by a Notary Public under the Notaries Act, 1952 is valid across all states in India. However, for Gazette notification, the publication is in the Official Gazette of the Government of India (Central Government employees) or in the relevant State Gazette, and each may have different requirements.
19. Can a person change their name more than once in their lifetime?
Indian law does not restrict how many times a person can change their name. Each change must go through the complete legal process — affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification as applicable. However, frequent name changes may attract scrutiny from authorities and could complicate your legal records. Each name change should have a genuine and stated reason.
20. What is the difference between a name change affidavit and a name correction affidavit?
A name change affidavit is used when you wish to completely change your name — adopting a different name altogether. A name correction affidavit is used when there is a spelling error or a minor typographical mistake in your name across documents, and you wish to have the correct version officially recognized. The two serve different purposes and have different formats, though both require notarization.
21. How do I update my passport after a name change?
Apply for a re-issue of passport through the Passport Seva portal. Submit: your name change affidavit, newspaper clippings (from two newspapers), Gazette notification (mandatory for name changes unrelated to marriage/divorce), your old passport, and identity/address proof in your new name (if already updated). The Passport Office may require a personal interview for name changes.
22. Is a registered deed required for a name change, or is an affidavit sufficient?
For most purposes, a notarized affidavit (along with newspaper clippings and Gazette notification where required) is legally sufficient for a name change in India. A registered deed of name change is not typically required, and in fact, the Registration Act, 1908 does not specifically contemplate a ‘deed of name change’ as a compulsorily registrable document.
23. Can I use my new name before completing all document updates?
Yes. The moment you execute the name change affidavit, you can legally begin using your new name. The affidavit itself records the date from which the new name is effective. However, for formal or official transactions — banking, government dealings, travel — you will need to complete the document update process before your new name is officially recognised by those specific institutions.
24. What happens to my contracts, property, and financial assets during a name change?
Your legal rights and obligations under existing contracts, property documents, and financial assets remain unaffected by a name change. The name change must be communicated to all relevant parties — banks, employers, counterparties to contracts — with supporting documentation. Property records should be updated through a formal endorsement or supplementary deed (with legal assistance) to reflect the new name.
25. Can a name change affidavit be challenged?
Yes, in theory. If a court finds that the name change was executed for fraudulent purposes — to evade legal proceedings, debt, or criminal liability — it can be set aside. Third parties who believe a name change has been done to harm their interests can challenge it in a civil court. This is why the affidavit must clearly and truthfully state the reason for the name change.
26. What should I do if my name change affidavit is rejected by an authority?
First, understand the specific reason for rejection. Common reasons include: insufficient stamp paper value, incomplete affidavit content, absence of Gazette notification (when required), or expired affidavit. Rectify the deficiency, execute a fresh affidavit if necessary, and resubmit. If the rejection is unjustified, you may appeal to a higher authority or seek legal assistance.
27. Is there any specific format prescribed by the government for a name change affidavit?
There is no single universally mandated government format for a name change affidavit. However, different authorities (passport office, UIDAI, etc.) may provide recommended or required formats. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of the authority where you intend to submit the affidavit and use their prescribed format if available.
28. Can I change my name online in India?
You cannot execute a legally valid name change affidavit entirely online at present — physical presence before a Notary is required. However, you can: draft the affidavit online, purchase e-stamp paper online in states where e-stamping is available, and submit document update requests online to authorities like UIDAI and the Passport Seva portal after the physical affidavit is executed.
29. Do I need to inform my employer about my name change?
Yes. You should inform your employer with a copy of the name change affidavit, newspaper clippings, and Gazette notification (if applicable). This ensures your salary account, provident fund (EPFO), gratuity, and other employment-related records are updated. Your employer will also need to update their internal HR systems and issue future documents (payslips, TDS certificates, Form 16) in your new name.
30. What is the legal position on name change for transgender individuals in India?
In line with the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment in NALSA v. Union of India (2014) and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, transgender individuals have the legal right to change their name and gender identity through a self-declared process. The Transgender Persons Act provides for a Certificate of Identity and name/gender change through an application to the District Magistrate, in addition to the standard affidavit and Gazette notification route available to all persons.
