How to Get a Name Change Affidavit: Complete Guide (2026)

Your marksheet has different name than your ID cards, and your passport keeps getting rejected? Here's exactly how to get a notarized name change affidavit—the first step to fixing your name mismatch.

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Quick Answer

You can get a name change affidavit by visiting a notary public or district court magistrate with your documents. Cost: ₹50-₹250. Time: 15-30 minutes. Documents needed: stamp paper (₹10-₹100), ID proof, address proof, and proof of name (marksheet, birth certificate, or school certificate). Affidavit states your old name, new name, and reason for change. You get back a notarized affidavit that's valid for passport renewal, gazette notification, bank updates, and all government offices.

What is a Name Change Affidavit?

A sworn legal statement that says:

• Your current legal name (as on Aadhaar/ID cards)
• Your previous name (as on marksheet/certificates)
• You're changing from old name to new name
• Reason for change
• This is your authentic identity

Why Government Requires It

• ✅ Legal proof of name change
• ✅ Fraud prevention (prevents identity theft)
• ✅ Official documentation for government offices
• ✅ Verification that you're aware of the change
• ✅ Foundation for all other name change processes

Notarization Makes It Official

Notary public's stamp + signature = Government recognizes it as legal

Without notarization = Just a typed statement (not valid)

With notarization = Official legal document accepted everywhere

Name Change Affidavit vs. Name Correction Affidavit: What's the Difference?

Name Change Affidavit (What You Need)

• ✅ Use when: Your name is actually different (marksheet vs. ID cards)
• ✅ Example: Marksheet says "Priya Sharma" but ID says "Priya S." or "Priia Sharma"
• ✅ Purpose: Legally changing your official name
• ✅ For: Passport renewal, gazette notification, bank updates, Aadhaar correction
• ✅ Cost: ₹50-₹250

Name Correction Affidavit (Different Purpose)

• ❌ Use when: Name has a typo that needs fixing
• ❌ Example: ID card says "Priya" but should be "Priya" (same name, typo fixed)
• ❌ Purpose: Fixing spelling errors
• ❌ Simpler process: Faster, cheaper

Yours is: Name Change (different names across documents, need to standardize)

The Name Change Affidavit Process: 5 Simple Steps

Step 1: Decide Your Official Name (5 Minutes)

What you're deciding:

• Which name do you want officially?
• Option A: Marksheet name (FirstName LastName Initials)
• Option B: ID card name (FirstName LastName)
• Option C: Entirely new name

Your situation: ID card name (FirstName LastName) = most common choice

Action: Write down:

• Your current name (as on Aadhaar/ID cards)
• Your desired name (the one you want in passport)

Why this matters: Affidavit must show both names clearly

Step 2: Collect Required Documents (15-30 Minutes)

You need:

1. Non-judicial Stamp Paper (₹10-₹100)
   • Cost depends on state
   • Karnataka: ₹10-₹100
   • Buy from: Any stationery shop, court office, or online
   • Denomination: ₹100 recommended (safest)
2. ID Proof (for notary to verify)
   • Original Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID
   • Notary will photocopy
   • You keep original
3. Address Proof (optional but helps)
   • Utility bill, rent agreement, Aadhaar
   • Shows current address
   • Notary verifies
4. Proof of Your Current Name
   • Aadhaar (best; official)
   • PAN card
   • Passport (if exists)
   • Voter ID
5. Proof of Your Old/Other Name
   • Marksheet (10th/12th/college)
   • Birth certificate
   • School certificate
   • Any government document showing the name
6. Your Contact Details
   • Mobile number
   • Email (optional)
   • Address (for affidavit)

Step 3: Find a Notary Public (5-15 Minutes)

Where to find notaries:

In Bangalore (or any major city):

• District Court office (main court building)
• City Civil Court
• Private notary offices (in business districts)
  • Indiranagar
  • Koramangala
  • MG Road
  • Whitefield
  • Marathahalli

How to find:

• Google: "Notary public near me"
• Ask at district court (they have list)
• Ask at lawyer's office (they can refer)
• Ask at post office (sometimes have contacts)

Bangalore examples:

• District Court, Bangalore (High Court Campus, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road)
• City Civil Court (Vidhana Soudha area)
• Private notary: Many in Indiranagar, Koramangala
• Cost: ₹50-₹250 (varies by location, complexity)

What to expect:

• Notary is trained legal professional
• Verifies your identity
• Ensures you understand what you're signing
• Stamps and signs the document
• Gives you original + copy
• Takes 15-30 minutes

Step 4: Visit Notary & Get Affidavit Notarized (30-45 Minutes)

What happens when you visit:

Step 4a: Introduction (5 minutes)

• Tell notary: "I need a name change affidavit"
• Provide your situation (name mismatch)
• Notary explains the process

Step 4b: Document Verification (10 minutes)

• Notary checks your ID proof (original)
• Photocopies ID
• Confirms your identity
• Verifies address proof (if provided)

Step 4c: Affidavit Drafting (10 minutes)

• Notary types up the affidavit on stamp paper
• Includes: Old name, new name, reason, your address, date
• Shows you draft
• You approve/make corrections

Step 4d: Signing (10 minutes)

• You sign the affidavit (in front of notary)
• Date the document
• Notary signs + stamps
• Usually 2 signatures (yours + notary's)

Step 4e: Get Your Copies (5 minutes)

• You receive: Original notarized affidavit
• You may receive: 1-2 photocopies
• Notary keeps: Copy for their records

Total time: 30-45 minutes

Total cost: ₹50-₹250

Step 5: Use Your Notarized Affidavit (Immediately)

Your affidavit is now valid for:

• ✅ Passport renewal (submit with application)
• ✅ Gazette notification (foundation document)
• ✅ Bank name updates (submit with KYC update)
• ✅ Aadhaar correction (submit at UIDAI center)
• ✅ Voter ID update (submit online)
• ✅ Passport PAN correction (submit to income tax)
• ✅ College/university records (update transcript)
• ✅ Any government office (valid legal proof)

Your next steps:

• Photocopy affidavit (make 3-4 copies, keep safe)
• Use for passport renewal immediately
• Keep original in safe place (you'll need it for other updates)

Documents Needed for Name Change Affidavit: Complete Checklist

To Bring to Notary Public

• Non-judicial stamp paper (₹100 denomination recommended)
• Original ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID)
• Address proof (utility bill, Aadhaar, rent agreement)
• Proof of current name (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport)
• Proof of old/other name (marksheet, birth certificate, school certificate)
• Your contact details (phone number, email, address)
• Pen (for signing)

Optional but Recommended

• Driving license (additional ID)
• Marriage certificate (if name change is marriage-related)
• Divorce decree (if name change is divorce-related)
• Birth certificate (ultimate proof of original name)

DON'T Bring

• ❌ Photocopies of ID (bring originals; notary photocopies)
• ❌ Money (ask cost first; pay after)
• ❌ Multiple people (you do this alone)
• ❌ Notarized documents from another notary (not needed)

Cost Breakdown for Name Change Affidavit

Item	Cost
Stamp paper	₹10-₹100
Notary fee	₹50-₹200
Photocopies (2-3 @ ₹5 each)	₹10-₹15
Travel to notary	₹0-₹100 (fuel/transport)
TOTAL	₹70-₹415

Usually: ₹100-₹250 (in most cities)

What's included:

• Notary drafts affidavit (no extra charge)
• Notary stamps + signs (included)
• 1 original copy (included)
• Notary makes 1 copy (usually included)

If notary charges extra:

• Extra photocopies: ₹5-₹10 each
• Courier delivery: ₹200+ (usually not needed)

Name Change Affidavit Text Example

Here's what your notarized affidavit will look like:

AFFIDAVIT

I, [YOUR NAME AS ON ID CARDS], son/daughter of [FATHER'S NAME],
residing at [YOUR FULL ADDRESS, PIN CODE], do hereby solemnly affirm
and declare as follows:

1. That I am a citizen of India and my present name as per official records (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport) is [NAME AS ON ID CARDS].

2. That my name as per my educational records (marksheet/certificate) and other documents is [NAME ON MARKSHEET].

3. That the aforesaid names represent the same person, and I am one and the same individual.

4. That I hereby declare and undertake that I will henceforth be known and recognized by the name [YOUR CHOSEN NAME] in all official and personal matters.

5. That the reason for this change is [personal choice/correction of spelling/standardization of name/other reason].

6. That I am making this affidavit to support my application for [passport renewal/gazette notification/bank update/Aadhaar correction].

7. That the statements made herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Solemnly affirmed at [CITY] on [DATE].

[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR NAME]

[NOTARY PUBLIC SIGNATURE]
[NOTARY STAMP]
[NOTARY NAME & SEAL]

Real-Life Example: Your Situation

Your Case

Marksheet: Priya Sharma Initials (e.g., "Priya Sharma A.K.")

ID Cards: Priya Sharma (just name, no initials)

Passport Application: They want standardized name

They rejected: Asking for newspaper ads + affidavit

Your Affidavit Will Say

Name as per Aadhaar/PAN: Priya Sharma

Name as per Marksheet: Priya Sharma A.K.

Desired name: Priya Sharma (same as ID cards)

Reason: Standardization/correction of name

Why It Works

• ✅ Shows both names are yours (same person)
• ✅ Shows you're standardizing (choosing one official name)
• ✅ Supports passport renewal application
• ✅ Removes confusion between different documents

Next Steps After Affidavit

1. Publish newspaper ads (2 newspapers; cost ₹800-₹2,000)
2. Submit to passport office (with affidavit + ads + other docs)
3. Passport renewed with standardized name

Common Mistakes People Make with Name Change Affidavits

Mistake #1: Doing It at Home (Without Notary)

• ❌ Typing affidavit yourself + signing it
• ❌ Getting friend to "witness" it
• ❌ Thinking that's enough

Why it fails: Government refuses to accept affidavits not notarized.

Solution: Always having it notarized by an official notary public is the solution.

Cost of fixing: Have to redo entire process + pay again

Mistake #2: Getting Stamp Paper Wrong Denomination

• ❌ Using ₹10 stamp paper when ₹100 needed
• ❌ Using ₹50 when affidavit requires specific amount
• ❌ Using stamp paper from wrong state

Why it fails: There may be documents that are not the right denomination for the government officers.

Solution: Ask notary what denomination is needed (usually ₹100)

Cost of fixing: Buy new stamp paper + redo affidavit (₹100+)

Mistake #3: Wrong Information in Affidavit

• ❌ Typo in your name (Priya vs. Priiya)
• ❌ Wrong date of birth
• ❌ Wrong address
• ❌ Vague reason ("I want to")

Why it fails: If there is a mismatch between the information in the passport and information on other documents, the passport will be rejected at the passport office.

Solution: Verify all information BEFORE signing

Cost of fixing: Redo affidavit with corrections (₹100-₹250)

Mistake #4: Bringing Photocopies Instead of Originals

• ❌ Photocopies of ID cards
• ❌ Photocopies of address proof
• ❌ No originals to show notary

Why it fails: Notaries can't verify identity with photocopies

Solution: Always take original identification cards (they will photocopy)

Cost of fixing: Have to redo the entire process (₹100-₹250)

Mistake #5: Not Getting Enough Copies

• ❌ Getting just 1 copy from notary
• ❌ Using original for first submission
• ❌ No backup when another copy is needed

Why it fails: You will need copies for passport, bank, Aadhaar etc.

Solution: Notary will make 3-4 photocopies or copies will be made later.

Cost of fixing: Photocopy costs ₹5-₹10 per page (minimal)

Mistake #6: Waiting Too Long After Getting Affidavit

• ❌ Getting affidavit but not using it
• ❌ Delaying passport application
• ❌ Affidavit sitting in drawer for months

Why it fails: Affidavit is valid for years, but delays other processes

Solution: Use affidavit within 1-2 weeks of getting it

Cost of fixing: None, but causes unnecessary delays

Mistake #7: Using Lawyer When You Don't Need One

• ❌ Hiring lawyer to draft affidavit (₹500-₹1,000)
• ❌ Paying for "expedited" affidavit services (₹1,000+)
• ❌ Using fancy legal forms

Why it's unnecessary: It is not required at all, notary will do it for Rs. 50-250 alone.

Solution: Just go to the notary public, bypassing the lawyer.

Savings: ₹500-₹750 by doing DIY

Frequently Asked Questions: Name Change Affidavit

Q: How long is a notarized affidavit valid for?

A: Indefinitely (never expires). Once notarized, it's valid for life. You can use it anytime for a passport, bank, Aadhaar, etc.

Q: Can I get affidavit online?

A: No. Must be done in person:

• Notary must verify your identity (in person)
• You must sign in front of notary
• Notary must stamp and sign (in person)

Some services provide online drafting (you fill out the form) but notarization is required to take place in person.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to get name change affidavit?

A: No, it can be done directly by a Notary public. Lawyers charge extra (₹500-₹1,000) for the same service notary for ₹50-₹250.

When to use lawyer: Only if your name change is complicated (disputed, court case, etc.)

Q: What's the difference between notary public and magistrate?

A: Both can notarize affidavits, but:

Notary Public:

• Private professional
• Faster (usually)
• Easy to find
• Cost: ₹50-₹250

Magistrate (at court):

• Government official
• Slower (court hours only)
• Free or very cheap (₹0-₹50)
• Takes longer

Recommendation: Notary public (faster, easier)

Q: Can someone else get the affidavit for me?

A: No. You must do it yourself:

• You must sign the affidavit (your signature)
• You must be present (notary verifies)
• You must confirm the details

Agent/friend cannot do this for you.

Q: Do I need affidavit for passport renewal if my name has just changed?

A: Yes, if:

• ✅ Marksheet has different name than ID cards
• ✅ Passport office rejects your application (asking for affidavit)
• ✅ You're changing name officially

Not needed if:

• ❌ Your ID cards already match desired name
• ❌ No name discrepancy

Q: Can I get notarized affidavit if I'm a minor?

A: Yes, but:

• Parent or guardian must come with you
• Parent must co-sign the affidavit (in some cases)
• Notary may require parental approval

Q: What if I lost my marksheet?

A: You can use alternative proof:

• ✅ School leaving certificate (SSC)
• ✅ Birth certificate
• ✅ Old passport
• ✅ Any government document with your name

Notary will accept any of these as proof of name.

Q: How quickly can I get name change affidavit?

A: Same day!

• Find notary near you
• Bring documents
• Get affidavit done in 30-45 minutes
• Same day delivery

No waiting (unlike passport, gazette notification, etc.)

Q: Can I use affidavit from one state in another state?

A: Yes! A notarized affidavit is acceptable in all parts of India:

• ✅ Get it notarized in Bangalore
• ✅ Use it in Delhi
• ✅ Valid nationwide
• ✅ No state restrictions