Rules for change of full name to a single name officially.

558 votes

Procedure from start to end: Affidavit for Name Change Prepare a name change affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (generally ₹10/₹20). It should mention your old name, new single name, father’s/husband’s name, address, date of birth and a declaration that you have adopted the new name for all purposes. Get it notarised or attested by a Magistrate. Newspaper Publication Publish a name change advertisement in two newspapers – one English and one local language – stating that you have changed your name from the old full name to the new single name. Gazette Notification Apply for publication of your name change in the Official Gazette of your State or Central Government. Submit the prescribed application form, affidavit, newspaper cuttings, ID proof, photographs and the required fee. After publication, the Gazette becomes your primary legal proof of name change.

Advocate Madhvi Chopra LawRato

946 votes

Yes, it is completely legal in India to change your full official name to a single name without a surname (for example, from “Namrata Sharma” to “Madhavi” only). Indian law does not mandate that a person must have a surname. Many people legally use a single name. The procedure is administrative and is the same whether you change your first name, surname, or adopt a single name. First, you must execute an affidavit for name change. This affidavit is made on non-judicial stamp paper and should state your old name, your new name (single name), your date of birth, address, and a clear declaration that you have voluntarily changed your name and will be known by the new name for all purposes. This affidavit is to be notarised. Second, you must publish the name change in newspapers. Usually, one publication is required in an English newspaper and one in a local language newspaper of your place of residence. The publication should mention your old name, new name, and address. Some authorities accept one newspaper, but two are safer and widely accepted. Third, you must publish the name change in the Official Gazette. This is the most important step for official recognition. You need to apply to the State Gazette (or Central Gazette, depending on your documents) with the prescribed form, affidavit, newspaper clippings, photographs, identity proof, and fee. Once the notification is published, your name change becomes officially recorded. After the Gazette notification, you can update all your documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank records, educational records, employment records, voter ID, and driving licence. For most authorities, the Gazette copy along with the affidavit is sufficient proof. In the passport, a single name is permitted and will be printed as such, with the surname field left blank or marked appropriately. Practically, you should keep multiple certified copies of the Gazette notification and preserve the affidavit and newspaper clippings permanently, as they may be required in future for verification. In summary, changing to a single-name identity is lawful, valid, and enforceable in India, provided you complete the affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification steps properly.

Advocate Yuganshu Sharma LawRato

518 votes

You need to get your name published in a local as well as in one of the national newspaper of your choice. And on that basis get your name registered with the gazette notification. For more legal assistance I am just a call away.

Advocate Jitender Singh LawRato

730 votes

Yes, it is entirely legal in India to change your full name to a single name without a surname. The right to change your name is recognized as part of your fundamental right to freedom under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, and choosing a single name out of personal preference is a valid reason. The key requirement is that the change is not intended for any fraudulent purpose, such as evading legal liability or committing fraud. The standard procedure involves three key steps. First, you must create a notarized affidavit on stamp paper declaring your intention. Second, you need to publish a notice of your name change in one English and one regional language newspaper. Finally, you must apply for and secure a notification in the Official Gazette of India, which is the definitive legal proof of your name change. After obtaining the Gazette notification, you must use it to update your name across all official documents like your Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, and bank accounts.

Advocate Abhishek Sati LawRato

729 votes

Hi there, it's quite a simple process. 1. You gotta draft an affidavit and get it notarized by a public notary. Ensure all details are filled properly. 2. You have to get a publication in your local newspaper and a national level english regarding the change of name. 3. Once these are done you have to apply to the gazette to get a notification out regarding the same. Once notification is out you can proceed with updating your names in other documents. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Advocate Ishan Parashar LawRato