How to change your name | Step by Step name change information

There could be many reasons why a person wishes to change their name. Name change is usually required after marriage when the surname needs to be adjusted on documents such as passports. Another trend that is becoming The process that is required to change your name in India is discussed here.

Steps involved

Step 1 – File an affidavit

The first step is to file a request to change your name in the form of an affidavit requesting a change in your legal name. This affidavit can be attested by:

• A notary public or first-class magistrate in India, or
• The nearest Indian consulate applicable to your area of residence (for NRIs).

Prepare a document on clean white paper showing details such as your current name, the name you wish to adopt, your father's or husband's name, and address. If you have an employer, include your employer's name as well. Sign the document in front of two witnesses and have them sign it too. (See Sample Form)

Step 2 – Newspaper advertisement

Advertise in any local daily newspaper a notice of name change. Many newspapers in India have a specific column devoted to name changes. Your advertisement should:

• State that you are changing your name
• Include both your old and new name
• Mention your father's or husband's name and address

You must keep a copy of the original advertisement as it appears in the newspaper when published. It may be prudent to keep a few original copies.

Step 3 – Send documents and fee to the Controller of Publication

Send the documents and fee to: Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-54.

Documents to be sent:

• Attested affidavit
• Your prepared document showing your signature and the two witnesses' signatures (from Step 1)
• Two passport-size photographs
• The original advertisement published in the newspaper
• The printing charges (see fees below)

Fees

• Rs. 700/- for a name change
• Rs. 900/- for a public notice
• Rs. 2,300/- for advertising a change of name in the Gazette of India for Indians living abroad (includes air-mail charges)
• Rs. 35/- per copy for extra copies of the Gazette (up to 2 copies)

Payment can be made in advance by cash, Demand Draft, or Indian Postal Order drawn in favour of Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-54. Documents and payment in cash can also be made in person.

Important notes

• Documents being sent should not be more than one year old.
• Once sent, no documents are returned. Make sure you keep appropriate copies and/or originals of any documents you wish to keep.
• If the individual adopts the name of another religion but does not change his/her religion, an affidavit duly signed by the SDM must be produced stating so. Cost for this type of advertisement: Rs. 900/-. This must also be shown in the newspaper and in the prepared document with two witnesses' signatures (as in Step 1).

Information for Non Residents

NRI’s applicants seeking to change first name or surname or both, are required to place advertisements to that effect in a prominent newspaper of usual place of residence in the country they live in and also in a prominent daily newspaper of area of permanent address in India. Original clippings of these advertisements (newspaper page) along with a sworn affidavit in the prescribed format are required to be furnished with the application. This will be required when a new passport is normally applied for in a changed name.