26 Mar Free Name Change Affidavit Format Word/PDF (2026) | Notary Guide
Free Name Change Affidavit Formats (Word/PDF) & Complete Notary Guide India (2026)
Table of Contents
- What Is a Name Change Affidavit and Why Do You Need One?
- Key Legal Terms Explained Before You Draft
- What Does Deponent Signature Meaning?
- What Is Non-Judicial Stamp Paper Meaning?
- What Does Notarized Mean?
- What Is Illegible Meaning in Hindi?
- Free Name Change Affidavit Formats
- Notary Guide: How to Get Your Affidavit Notarized
- 2026 Notary & Affidavit Cost Estimates
- Common Affidavit Mistakes That Cause Rejection
Online Gazette Application Form
What Is a Name Change Affidavit and Why Do You Need One?
The name change affidavit is a legal document, which is sworn, that is, signed before Notary Public, named in that order, your old name, your new name and the purpose of the change. It is the basis document of all the name change procedures in India: gazette notification, PAN correction, Aadhaar update, passport re-issue and bank KYC.
None of the downstream applications will be approved without a properly drafted, notarized affidavit.
Key Legal Terms Explained Before You Draft
What Does Deponent Signature Meaning?
The one making the affidavit is the deponent- you. Your signature at the bottom of the affidavit is the deponent signature which must be signed in the physical presence of the Notary Public. It qualifies in legal terms that the contents are correct to your knowledge and belief. Any signature out of the presence of the notary makes the affidavit invalid.
What Is Non-Judicial Stamp Paper Meaning?
Government stamp paper Non-judgmental stamp paper Government stamp paper to apply to private legal documents - affidavits, agreements, declarations - that are not submitted to court. It is contrasted with judicial stamp paper (used to file documents in court). The change of name affidavits are never signed on judicial stamp paper.
Value varies by state:
| State | Stamp Paper Value |
|---|---|
| Delhi, UP, Bihar | ₹10 |
| Maharashtra, Gujarat | ₹20 |
| Karnataka, Tamil Nadu | ₹20 |
| West Bengal, Odisha | ₹10 |
| Rajasthan, MP | ₹10–₹50 |
What Does Notarized Mean?
An affidavit that has been signed by you and counter-signed + stamped by a registered Notary Public under the Notaries Act, 1952 is known as a notarized affidavit. The notary sells your reputation, authenticity of the document is certified by the notary and your signature witnessed. Notary charges range from ₹100–₹500.
What Is Illegible Meaning in Hindi?
Illegible means अपठनीय (apaThaneeya) -a signature or text that is unreadable. The reason behind many affidavit rejections is that the name of the deponent is written in illegible handiwork. You should always use block letters and sign your name along with a signature always.
Free Name Change Affidavit Formats
Format 1: General Name Change Affidavit (Personal Preference)
AFFIDAVIT
I, [OLD FULL NAME], son/daughter/wife of [FATHER'S / HUSBAND'S NAME], aged [AGE] years, residing at [FULL ADDRESS WITH PIN CODE], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
- That my name has been recorded as [OLD NAME] in my official documents.
- That I have decided to change my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME] with effect from [DATE].
- That henceforth I shall be known, identified, and referred to by the name [NEW NAME] for all purposes.
- That the above-mentioned old name [OLD NAME] and new name [NEW NAME] refer to one and the same person, i.e., myself.
- That I request all concerned authorities, institutions, and individuals to update their records accordingly.
DEPONENT [NEW NAME]
Verification: Verified at [CITY] on this [DATE] that the contents of the above affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.
DEPONENT
(To be signed before Notary Public)
Notary Public Seal & Signature Registration No.: ___________ Date: ___________
Format 2: Name Change Affidavit After Marriage (Wife's Surname Change)
AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE OF NAME AFTER MARRIAGE
I, [MAIDEN NAME], now known as [NEW MARRIED NAME], wife of [HUSBAND'S FULL NAME], aged [AGE] years, residing at [FULL ADDRESS], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
- That I was known by the name [MAIDEN NAME] prior to my marriage.
- That I was married to [HUSBAND'S NAME] on [DATE OF MARRIAGE] at [PLACE], as evidenced by Marriage Certificate No. [NUMBER] issued by [ISSUING AUTHORITY].
- That after my marriage, I have adopted the name [NEW MARRIED NAME] as my official name.
- That the names [MAIDEN NAME] and [NEW MARRIED NAME] refer to one and the same person, i.e., myself.
- That I request all authorities to update their records with my new name [NEW MARRIED NAME].
DEPONENT [NEW MARRIED NAME]
Verification: Verified at [CITY] on [DATE] that the above contents are true to the best of my knowledge.
DEPONENT
(To be signed before Notary Public)
Notary Public Seal & Signature Registration No.: ___________ Date: ___________
Format 3: Father's Name Correction Affidavit (PAN / Aadhaar KYC Fix)
AFFIDAVIT FOR CORRECTION OF FATHER'S NAME
I, [YOUR FULL NAME], son/daughter of [CORRECT FATHER'S NAME], aged [AGE] years, residing at [FULL ADDRESS], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
- That my father's name has been incorrectly recorded as [WRONG FATHER'S NAME] in my PAN Card / Aadhaar Card / [OTHER DOCUMENT].
- That the correct name of my father is [CORRECT FATHER'S NAME] as evidenced by his Aadhaar Card No. [FATHER'S AADHAAR] / PAN Card No. [FATHER'S PAN].
- That [WRONG FATHER'S NAME] and [CORRECT FATHER'S NAME] refer to one and the same person, i.e., my father.
- That the incorrect entry was made due to a clerical / spelling error at the time of document issuance.
- That I request all concerned authorities to correct my father's name to [CORRECT FATHER'S NAME] in their records.
DEPONENT [YOUR FULL NAME]
Verification: Verified at [CITY] on [DATE] that the contents are true to the best of my knowledge.
DEPONENT
(To be signed before Notary Public)
Notary Public Seal & Signature Registration No.: ___________ Date: ___________
Format 4: Minor's Name Change Affidavit (By Parent / Guardian)
AFFIDAVIT FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR
I, [PARENT/GUARDIAN FULL NAME], son/daughter of [GRANDFATHER'S NAME], aged [AGE] years, residing at [FULL ADDRESS], being the natural father/mother/guardian of the minor [CHILD'S OLD NAME], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
- That my minor child's name is currently recorded as [OLD NAME] in school/official records.
- That I wish to change my minor child's name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME].
- That my minor child, being below 18 years of age, is incapable of executing this affidavit personally, and I am executing the same as natural guardian.
- That the names [OLD NAME] and [NEW NAME] refer to one and the same minor child.
- That this change of name is in the best interest of the minor child.
DEPONENT (Parent / Guardian) [PARENT'S NAME]
Verification: Verified at [CITY] on [DATE] that the contents are true to the best of my knowledge.
DEPONENT
(To be signed before Notary Public)
Notary Public Seal & Signature Registration No.: ___________ Date: ___________
Notary Guide: How to Get Your Affidavit Notarized
Step 1: Buy Correct Non-Judicial Stamp Paper
Purchase from a licensed stamp vendor or e-stamp portal (e.g., SHCIL — shcilestamp.com). Use the correct denomination for your state.
Step 2: Type or Handwrite the Affidavit
Type is preferred. If handwritten, use blue/black ink, BLOCK LETTERS for names. Leave space at the bottom for notary seal.
Step 3: Visit a Registered Notary Public
Find one at your local district court, or search the Bar Council of your state directory. Do NOT sign before reaching the notary — the deponent signature must be made in the notary's presence.
Step 4: Carry Your Original Identity Proof
Notaries verify identity before attesting. Carry original Aadhaar, PAN, or passport.
Step 5: Sign in Front of the Notary
Sign as deponent in front of the notary. The notary counter-signs, stamps, and records the attestation in their official register.
Step 6: Collect Notarized Affidavit
You receive the stamped, signed affidavit — valid immediately for gazette, PAN, Aadhaar, and all institutional submissions.
After the Affidavit: What's Next?
| Next Step | Where | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Newspaper name change ad | changeofname.in | Affidavit ready |
| Gazette notification | changeofname.in | Affidavit + newspaper ad |
| Aadhaar name update | myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in | Affidavit + marriage cert |
| PAN correction | NSDL / UTIITSL portal | Affidavit + newspaper ad |
| Passport name change | Passport Seva Portal | Affidavit + gazette |
📢 Affidavit ready? Publish your name change ad next. 👉 Book newspaper + gazette combo at changeofname.in — 10% off gazette packages.
2026 Notary & Affidavit Cost Estimates
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Non-judicial stamp paper | ₹10–₹50 (state-dependent) |
| Notary attestation charges | ₹100–₹500 |
| Typing/drafting charges | ₹50–₹200 |
| Total affidavit cost | ₹200–₹750 |
Common Affidavit Mistakes That Cause Rejection
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Signed before reaching notary | Always sign in notary's presence |
| Wrong stamp paper value for state | Check state-specific denomination |
| Illegible / अपठनीय deponent name | Write name in BLOCK LETTERS alongside signature |
| Notary seal missing or smudged | Insist on clear, complete seal impression |
| Date left blank | Fill date at the time of notarization |
| Affidavit typed on plain paper | Always use non-judicial stamp paper |
FAQ: Name Change Affidavit, Notary & Legal Terms
What is the correct affidavit format for name change in India?
The valid name change affidavit should contain: the full old name, the new name, the name of the father/husband, address, the reason for change, the statement of the same identity, declarations of verification, signature by the deponent and the seal of the notary. Take the free formats mentioned above, all are accepted by gazette offices, UIDAI, NSDL and banks.
What does deponent signature mean on an affidavit?
The individual to declare the affidavit is the deponent (you). Your signature is the deponent signature and is signed in the presence of the Notary Public and the signature affirms the contents of the affidavit are true. Any signature placed elsewhere, i.e. at home, in a typing centre, nullifies the whole document.
What is non-judicial stamp paper and why is it used for affidavits?
Government-revenue stamp paper that is used in non-judicial stamp to make legal declarations without a court proceeding is called non-judgmental stamp paper. Name change affidavits never encircle judicial stamp paper since they are not a filing but sworn statements. It goes between 10-50 invaried of your state.
Can I use a plain paper affidavit for name change?
No. Gazette offices, UIDAI, NSDL and most banks do not accept plain paper affidavits. You have to apply the right denomination of non-judicial stamp paper to your state. SHCIL e-stamps are also recognized in a majority of states.
Is a notarized affidavit enough for PAN card name change or do I also need a newspaper ad?
An affidavit can be signed by a notary but it may not be good enough. Most banks and NSDL also demand the necessity to have newspaper advertisements as supporting public evidence. Placing the ad in two newspapers (English + regional) together with the affidavit makes the rejection rates almost nil. Place your combo advertisement at changeofname.in.
What is the illegible meaning in Hindi for affidavit purposes?
Illegible means अपठनीय (apaThaneeya) — unable to be read. If your signature on the affidavit is illegible, write your full name in BLOCK LETTERS immediately below it. Many gazette offices and banks specifically require a legible name alongside the signature to avoid processing delays.
How much does a notarized name change affidavit cost in India in 2026?
Total affidavit cost ranges from ₹200–₹750 — stamp paper (₹10–₹50), notary fees (₹100–₹500), and typing/drafting (₹50–₹200). Costs vary by state and notary. Delhi and Karnataka notaries typically charge ₹200–₹300; Mumbai notaries may charge up to ₹500.