How to legally change your name in India: Complete guide

Do you want to know how to legally change your name in India? Read below for information on the legal procedures and documents required, as well as the different reasons for changing your name.

How to legally change your name in India: Complete guide

Legal name change in India is a process that allows individuals to change their name through a legal and official procedure. The process of changing one’s name in India involves several steps, and it is crucial to follow the correct procedure to ensure that the name change is recognized by the government and other relevant authorities. In this article, we will provide a complete guide on how to legally change your name in India.

Step 1: Determine the Reason for the Name Change


The first step in changing your name legally in India is to determine the reason for the name change.

Some common reasons for name changes include marriage, divorce, religious conversion, or simply wanting to change your name. Understanding the reason for the name change can help determine the appropriate legal process for the name change.

Step 2: Draft an Affidavit

The next step is to draft an affidavit stating the reason for the name change. An affidavit is a legal document that is used to state facts under oath. The affidavit should include the applicant's current name, the desired new name, the reason for the name change, and any other relevant details. The affidavit should be on a stamp paper of the appropriate value as per the state where the applicant resides.

Step 3: Publish a Notification in the Gazette of India


The next step in the

name change process is to publish a notification in the Gazette of India. The Gazette of India is a publication of the Government of India that contains official government notifications, including name change notifications. The notification should be in the prescribed format and published in at least two local newspapers.

Step 4: Apply for a Name Change Deed


After publishing the notification in the Gazette of India, the next step is to apply for a name change deed. The name change deed is a legal document that confirms the name change and includes the details of the old and new names. The deed should be on a stamp paper of the appropriate value as per the state where the applicant resides and should be signed by two witnesses.

Step 5: Submit the Name Change Deed to the Relevant Authorities


The final step is to submit the name change deed to the relevant authorities, such as the passport office, bank, and other government agencies, to update the records with the new name. The applicant may also need to provide additional documents, such as a copy of the Gazette notification and the affidavit, to update the records.

Conclusion


In conclusion, legally changing your name in India involves several steps, including drafting an affidavit, publishing a notification in the Gazette of India, applying for a name change deed, and submitting the name change deed to the relevant authorities. It is essential to follow the correct procedure to ensure that the name change is recognized by the government and other relevant authorities.
(The content is generated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence)