How to Legally change Name in Delhi?

Numerous personal, social, and legal consequences follow the process of changing one's name. There are several reasons due to which a person may require to change their name. These include differences in name in identity documents, differences in name in certificates issued by the school, change of name after marriage, and change of name in case of change in religion. The process to change one's name in India wholly approaches the consequences that a person is likely to face when they change their name.

Step-by-Step Procedure of Legally changing Name in Delhi

The process to legally change the name in Delhi includes creating an Affidavit for changing the name, publishing the name change in the newspaper, and notifying it in the Gazette.
Step 1: Prepare and file a Name Change Affidavit
The affidavit for change of name is a document that certifies the identity of the individual who needs to change their name. The term 'identity' applies to the person's previous name as well as the name to which they seek to transition. An Advocate SEM, a Judicial or Executive Magistrate, a Notary Public, or an Oaths Commissioner is eligible to attest to this Affidavit. The draft of the Affidavit must be printed on a stamp paper of the suitable denomination, which is Rs. 20 in Delhi if a person seeks to alter their name. If a stamp paper with the correct denomination is not used, the Affidavit will hold no value. For the name change Affidavit, the following details must be provided:

1. The Applicant's full name,

2. Father's name or husband's name, if the change in the name is proposed after marriage,

3. Residential address, and

4. A declaration that states all facts provided in the Affidavit are true.

The applicant must also state the reason for changing their name along with their age.

Step 2: Posting the Name Change Advertisement in Newspapers
A person who wants to change their name in Delhi should post an advertisement or notification in a regional language newspaper of Delhi and an English Daily. To present the change in the name in the public domain is a formality of the process of changing one's name. This step ensures that the change in the name is declared publicly. A newspaper requires the following details to post a name change advertisement:

1. Applicant's old name,

2. Applicant's new name,

3. Father's name or husband's name (if the change in the name is after marriage),

4. Residential address,

5. Date of the Affidavit, and

6. The name of the advocate or notary who attested the Affidavit.

Step 3: Publication of Notification in the Gazette
A person who wishes to change their name must notify the same in the Gazette published both at the State and National levels. The Controller of Publications collects relevant documents from a government-employed person who wants to have their name changed. The documents required for the E-Gazette are as follows:

1. An ID Proof: PAN Card, Aadhar Card, Voter ID Card, or Passport with the old name,

2. Address Proof: Electricity Bill, Aadhar Card, or Ration Card,

3. A recent passport-sized photograph,

4. An Affidavit signed by the applicant and duly attested by the Judicial Magistrate or Notary, and

5. Newspaper with the name change advertisement.

Why do you need a Lawyer?

A person who wants to officially alter their name in Delhi should seek the advice and assistance of a documentation lawyer . A lawyer who is familiar with the technicalities of legally altering a person's name will ensure that the Affidavit is properly drafted and that an eligible person attests to it. The first and most important step in changing a person's name is to prepare and file an Affidavit that is properly stamped and attested. In addition, all documentation must be filed on time.

Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty

4.0 | 2+ user ratings Greater Kailash - 1, Delhi
5 years

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