Procedure to Change Name

The name change affidavit is the first of a three-step procedure to change one’s name. Following the affidavit, a newspaper publication and lastly gazette notification publication. The Gazette publication is the last requirement which makes the name change legally complete and it serves as substantial proof of the name change.

Procedure

1. Name change affidavit

The very first step for the change of name is, the person should file an affidavit by mentioning:

• his/her previous name and new name,
• father or guardians name,
• age,
• permanent address,
• reason for changing the name,
• two witnesses,
• two passport size photographs, and
• any government issued valid ID (identity) proof such as AADHAR card, PAN card, passport, etc.

All these procedures have to be done on a Rs. 10 or Rs. 20 stamp paper (value of stamp paper may vary from state to state), signed by a notary along with their rubber stamp.

2. Publication in Newspaper

After the affidavit is notarized, the next step is to publish the change of name. The person changing the name has to place two advertisements, one in a local newspaper (state language) and other in an English daily so that public opinion will be known.

3. Publication in The State Gazette

A notification should be published in the state gazette regarding the name change. However, this is not a statutory requirement in some States.

The following documents are required for publication of advertisement in Gazette:

1. An undertaking duly signed by the applicant,
2. Original copy of the newspaper in which he/she has given the advertisement,
3. Must submit a CD containing the matter excluding the signature of both witnesses,
4. A declaration duly signed by the applicant that the contents of both hardcopy and soft copy are similar,
5. Two passport size photographs,
6. Photocopies of any government ID proof, and
7. Request letter regarding name change with the requisite fee.

The government employees have a mandatory clause in the Gazette and it is optional for the public (unless the state government makes is compulsory), but it is recommendable for them to place an advertisement in the government gazette.

Estimated Duration:

The procedure may seem to be a 3-step process but it involves a bit of human effort and documentation. It will take one day for the affidavit, and one day for publishing your advertisement in the newspaper. Finally, for publication in the Gazette, it will take around four to five days.