Learn how to legally change your name in India with a step-by-step guide covering affidavit, newspaper ads, and Gazette notification.

Changing your name legally in India is a straightforward process, but it must be done with proper documentation and formal procedures to make it valid in official records. Whether you're changing your name after marriage, due to personal reasons, numerology, or gender transition, the legal procedure remains largely the same.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process, documents required, and FAQs related to legally changing your name in India.

✅ Common Reasons for Name Change

People choose to change their names for various reasons, including:

• After marriage or divorce

• Religious or spiritual reasons

• Numerology or astrology

• Spelling correction or simplification

• Gender transition

• Adoption

• Dislike of current name

📝 Step-by-Step Process to Legally Change Your Name in India

Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit for Name Change

The first legal step is to draft an affidavit declaring your intention to change your name.

Details to include in the affidavit:

• Old name and new name

• Reason for name change

• Applicant’s address

• Age and date of birth

• Declaration that the information is true

Where to get it:

• Drafted on a ₹10 or ₹20 non-judicial stamp paper

• Signed by a first-class magistrate or notary public

Step 2: Publish Advertisement in Newspaper

After the affidavit is ready, you must publish your name change in two newspapers:

1. One in the local official language

2. One in English (national daily)

Sample format for advertisement:

"I, [Old Name], son/daughter of [Parent’s Name], residing at [Address], have changed my name to [New Name] and will be known by this name henceforth."

Tip: Keep the original and one photocopy of both newspaper publications.

Step 3: Gazette Notification (Mandatory for Government Employees / Highly Recommended for All)

The Gazette of India is the official record published by the government. This step makes your name change legally recognized across all institutions.

For individuals:

• Submit an application to the Department of Publication, Government of India

• Include all required documents (mentioned below)

Documents Required:

• Duly signed affidavit

• Newspaper clippings

• Passport-size photos

• Name change application letter

• Identity proof (Aadhar, PAN, Passport, etc.)

• Address proof

• CD or pen drive with the digital version of the name change format

• Demand draft (usually ₹1,100 for individual applicants)

After submission, the Gazette will publish your name change and send you the printed copies.

📌 Where to Submit Gazette Application

If you're a resident of Delhi or central jurisdiction, send your application to:

Department of Publication
Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054
Phone: 011-23917760
http://deptpub.nic.in

Other states have separate state gazettes.

📋 Checklist of Documents Required

• Name change affidavit (notarized)

• Newspaper publications (2 clippings)

• Passport-size photographs

• Proof of identity (Aadhar, PAN, etc.)

• Proof of address (electricity bill, rent agreement, etc.)

• Name change application letter

• CD/pen drive with name change details

• Demand draft for Gazette fee

💡 Tips to Keep in Mind

• Keep multiple photocopies of all documents

• Ensure there are no spelling mistakes in your new name

• Update your name across all government IDs after Gazette publication

• Carry Gazette copy while applying for name change in Aadhar, Passport, PAN, etc.

🔄 Where to Update Your New Name

Once your name change is officially published, update it in:

• Aadhar Card

• PAN Card

• Passport

• Bank accounts

• Voter ID

• Driving license

• School/University certificates

• Employment records

• Insurance & medical records

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is Gazette notification compulsory for name change?
✔️ It is compulsory for government employees and highly recommended for everyone to make the name change legally valid.

Q2. How long does it take to legally change a name?
🕒 The process can take between 30–60 days, depending on your city and submission method.

Q3. Can I change my name multiple times?
✔️ Yes, but you must follow the same legal procedure each time.

Q4. What if I skip the Gazette publication?
⚠️ Skipping it may result in legal and documentation issues later, especially with official/government IDs.

Q5. Is the process different for children?
👶 For minors, parents/legal guardians can apply on their behalf with the child’s birth certificate and school ID.

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