Changing your name is a personal decision, and in India, it is completely legal as long as you follow the official procedure. Whether you want to change your first name, last name, or full name—due to marriage, divorce, numerology, religion change, or personal preference—the government of India has a standard process to ensure authenticity and avoid misuse.
Here is a detailed guide on how to change your name officially in India.
1. Prepare a Name Change Affidavit
The first step is to create a name change affidavit. You can prepare this on a stamp paper (usually ₹50 or ₹100).
The affidavit must include:
- Your old name
- Your new name
- Date of birth
- Permanent address
- Reason for name change
- Declaration that you are doing this voluntarily
You must sign the affidavit in the presence of:
- A Notary Public, or
- A First Class Magistrate
Keep multiple photocopies of the affidavit for future use.
2. Publish Your Name Change in Newspapers
The second step is to publish a name change advertisement in two newspapers:
- One in English (national or regional English daily)
- One in the local language of your state
The ad should include:
- Old name
- New name
- Date of affidavit
- Full residential address
Example format:
“Formerly known as ______, now I shall be known as ______ with effect from (date).”
Keep the original newspaper copies safely, as they are required for Gazette application.
3. Apply for Gazette Notification
The Gazette notification is the most important step to legally validate your name change across India. Depending on whether you are a central government employee or a general citizen, the process is slightly different.
a. For General Citizens
You must send a name change application to the Department of Publication, Government of India.
Documents required:
- Name Change Affidavit
- Newspaper Ads (original copies)
- Passport size photos
- ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
- Request letter to the Gazette office
- Digital signature (in some states)
After submission, it usually takes 4–8 weeks for the name to appear in the e-Gazette. Once published, your name change becomes legally recognised.
b. For Government Employees
Government employees must first apply through their department head. The department will forward the application to the Controller of Publications.
Once approved, the new name will be updated in all service records.
4. Update Your Name in All Official Documents
After the Gazette notification is published, you need to update your name everywhere. Important documents include:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving Licence
- Voter ID
- Bank accounts
- Mobile numbers
- Educational certificates (if needed)
- Ration Card
- Insurance policies
Each department may request:
- Gazette copy
- Affidavit
- Application forms
- Passport-size photographs
Start with Aadhaar and PAN, as they are linked to most services.
5. Special Cases
a. Name Change After Marriage
Women who want to change their surname after marriage only need:
- Affidavit
- Marriage certificate
But Gazette publication is still recommended for future legal clarity.
b. Name Change for Children
For minors, parents or guardians can apply. They must sign the affidavit on behalf of the child.
School records should be updated after gazette publication.
c. Name Change After Divorce
If you want to return to your maiden name, attach:
- Divorce decree
- Affidavit
- Newspaper ads
- Gazette application
Conclusion
Changing your name officially in India is simple if you follow all steps carefully: affidavit, newspaper ads, and Gazette notification. Once these are completed, you can update your new name on all government documents smoothly.
