Name Change: Essential Documents You Need

Name change is a crucial aspect of your identity, impacting how you present yourself and how others perceive you. It can reveal insights into your personality, cultural influences, and family history. As such, changing your name is rarely a hasty decision. This blog outlines the procedure for changing one’s name online in India.

In this article, Lawgical Adda will cover everything you need to know about name changes, including the essential documents required.

Why Do People Rename Their Names?

A big decision like changing your name has many different motivations, just like the people who make it. Let us examine some of the most prevalent reasons Indians give for changing their names.

Marriage

Changing one’s surname is frequently a part of this new chapter in life, commonly marked by marriage. This custom dates back many years. Traditionally, women take on their husband’s last name, but these days, some men choose to take their wife’s name or select a hyphenated form.

Divorce

However, a name change might also result from a divorce. After a divorce, many choose to return to using their maiden name to reclaim their unique identity or cut connections to a former life.

Conversion to Religion

Conversion to another religion is a noteworthy explanation for a name change. Taking on a name that corresponds with newly adopted religious ideas is a significant method of embracing a new spiritual identity.

Individual Preference

Occasionally, people decide to change their names just for personal reasons. Perhaps you’ve always disliked your name or preferred one that accurately captures your identity. There are countless and legitimate reasons for this.

For Numerical or Astrological Reasons

In India, name alterations are frequently influenced by numerological and astrological ideas. Some people contact astrologers or numerologists to discover an astrologically auspicious or numerically favorable name, hoping it will bring them good fortune. 

Affidavit of Name Change

The first step in the online name change process is to create an affidavit for the name change. To do this, you need to buy an e-stamp paper in the denomination of Rs. 10, Rs. 20, or the lowest amount mandated by your state’s regulations. 

Once in your possession, the next step is to print the name change affidavit on the e-stamp paper. The affidavit should contain the following information:

• The full legal name that the applicant is currently using and their new name (sometimes called the deponent).
• The woman’s spouse or father’s name should be mentioned if she is married.
• The home address of the deponent.
• A statement attesting to the integrity and accuracy of the information in the affidavit.
• There is a signature from the deponent.
• For the affidavit to be deemed legally binding, it must be attested by a Judicial Magistrate, Notary Public, or Oaths Commissioner. 

If the applicant resides abroad, they must adequately attest the affidavit through the Indian High Commission or Indian Embassy and then present it to the relevant authority. 

If the applicant works for the government, they must submit a name change deed in compliance with the requirements set forth by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

India’s Procedure for Changing Your Name

The following actions are included in the name change procedure:

• Submitting an affidavit,
• Publishing an announcement in a newspaper,
• Publishing a notification in the Indian Gazette
• While completing these processes, the applicant must have specific documents attested by the Judicial Magistrate or Notary.

Step 1: Drafting the Affidavit of Name Change

With the assistance of a lawyer, create an affidavit. This affidavit should include information about your previous name, your intended new name, your address, and the reason(s) for the name change (marriage, legal, numerology, etc.). 

The affidavit should be printed on stamp paper and adequately signed by two witnesses. To notarize the affidavit, go to a notary.

Step 2: To Post an Advertisement

Place a notice in a regional and national newspaper regarding the name change. The files section has an attachment with an example of the advertisement.

Step 3: Name Change Gazette Procedure – Gazette Publication

Send the Department of Publication the application and supporting documentation for the name change to be published in the Official Gazette. After submitting your application, your name change will be published in the Official Gazette seven days later. 

Every day, we will monitor the publication. We will send you a copy of the Official Gazette via courier as soon as it is published. Although changing your name appears to be a simple process, it has nuances, including understanding the legal process and making numerous trips to different government offices. 

If you wish to change your name, contact Lawgical Adda. We’ll provide you with all the support and guidance you need to complete the procedure smoothly.

What Happens When You Change Your Name?

You’ve successfully changed your name, kudos! Hold on, though; there is still work to be done. It must be updated on several legal documents to make your new name legally recognized in all spheres of your life.

Changing the Aadhar Card

Frequently, the first document that people consider updating is their Aadhar card. To alter your name on your Aadhar card, you must bring the Gazette Notification and a photo ID to the closest Aadhar Enrollment Centre.

Passport Update

If you travel frequently, updating your passport is essential. You must apply for a “re-issue” of your passport and the necessary paperwork, including the Gazette Notification.

Changing Voter ID

Your voter ID enables you to cast a ballot and acts as identification. To change your name, you must complete Form 8 and send it to the Electoral Office with the required paperwork.

PAN Card Updating

Your PAN Card is necessary for financial transactions. To change your name, you must complete the “Request for New PAN Card” form and submit it with the Gazette Notification.

Changing a Driver’s License

Remember to bring your driver’s license. You can apply for a name change at the RTO where your license was issued and provide the necessary paperwork.

FAQ

Do I need witnesses if I change my name?

Yes, the name change process requires two witnesses. Each witness must also produce a single identity document.

Which media outlet will air the advertisement?

The advertisement will appear in your state’s leading daily national newspaper.

How long does it take to modify your name legally?

The entire procedure, including publishing the name change in the official gazette, will be completed ten days after receiving the documents.