How to legally change your name in India

Following are the steps for changing your name.

Affidavit

You need to submit an affidavit regarding the change of your name to your respective District Court before a Magistrate or Notary Public. The Affidavit must mention the current name and the desired new name and may mention in brief the reason for the name change. The Affidavit must be made on a Non-Judicial Stamp Paper of minimal value. In the case of Indians living abroad, they will submit a deed duly attested by the respective Indian Embassy or the Indian High Commission, in original to this Department.

Newspaper Publication

You need to advertise or notify your change of name in two newspapers - one in the local language of the state, and the other in the English language. This advertisement publically declares the change of name. It also ensures that in case of a dispute or a conflict, you will have proof later. The details that you must send to the newspapers are: 1. new name, 2. old name, 3. date of birth, and 4. address.

Gazette Notification

You need to get your name published in the Official Gazette of your state. You must approach the Government Press of your respective state and fill up the form for the same and pay the prescribed fees. Your name change notification will be published in the state's Official Gazette and you will be sent copies of the same at the address given by you.

A government-employed person must notify their name change in the Gazette and optional for the rest. However, since the notification is substantial proof of the name change it is highly recommended to follow through with it. With the Gazette notification, the name change is officially completed.

Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty

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

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