Name Change Affidavit

Eligibility Criteria for Name Change in India

In India, individuals seeking to change their name must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Indian Citizenship:The individual must be a citizen of India.
• Age Requirement:The individual must be over 18 years of age.
• Valid Identity Proof:The individual must possess a valid Indian identity proof (e.g., Aadhar card, voter ID, passport).
• Valid Reason for Change:The individual must have a valid reason for the name change (e.g., personal preference, marriage, religion, etc.).
• No Pending Litigation:The individual must not have any pending legal or litigation issues under their current name.
• For Minor Name Changes:If applying for a minor's name change, valid parent(s) or legal guardian ID proof is required.

Who May Apply for a Name Change

The following individuals are legally permitted to apply for a name change in India:

• Wife
• Husband
• Parents
• Children
• Relatives

According to Indian law, any individual of sound mind has the legal right to change their name if they are dissatisfied with it.

Documents Required for Name Change in India

To change your name in India, you will typically need an affidavit, newspaper advertisement(s), and proof of identity. Additional documents may be necessary based on your specific situation, such as a marriage certificate for a name change after marriage or a divorce decree for a name change after divorce. Here's a detailed list of the common documents required:

• Affidavit: A notarized affidavit on stamp paper is required. This affidavit must state your old and new names, your address, and the reason for the name change. It serves as a sworn statement confirming your intent to legally change your name.
• Newspaper Advertisement: You must publish your name change in two local newspapers—one in the regional language and another in English. The advertisement should include both your old and new names, along with the reason for the change.
• Identity Proof:Accepted documents for identity verification include:
• PAN card
• Passport
• Voter ID
• Driving license

These documents verify your identity and ensure the legitimacy of your name change request.

• Other Relevant Documents : Depending on your situation, additional documents may be required:
• Marriage Certificate: If you are changing your name after marriage.
• Divorce Decree: If you are changing your name after a divorce.
• Birth Certificate: For minors (under 18 years), a birth certificate and parental consent are required.
• Gazette Notification: After completing the affidavit and newspaper advertisement steps, you can apply for a Gazette notification, which officially records your name change in the government records.
• Documents for Gazette Notification (Optional): If you wish to apply for the Gazette notification, you may also need to provide:
• A soft copy of the application in .docx format
• A declaration letter confirming the accuracy of the application
• A request letter along with the registration fee
• Passport-sized photographs
• Address proof
• Proof of publication (receipts for the newspaper ads)

Key Points to Remember

The required documents can vary depending on your location and the specific authority you are dealing with.
It’s advisable to check with the relevant authorities or consult a legal professional to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Costs

The total cost typically includes fees for the affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification.

This process ensures that your name change is legally recognized.

Reasons for Name Change in India

In India, people may change their names for various reasons, including personal, legal, or religious factors. Here are the most common reasons:

• Marriage:Women often change their surname after marriage to take their spouse’s surname.
• Divorce:After a divorce, individuals may revert to their original surname or choose a completely new one.
• Adoption:Adopted children may change their names to reflect their new family.
• Religious Conversion:Individuals converting to a new religion may adopt a name associated with their new faith.
• Personal Preference:Some individuals may simply dislike their current name or prefer a different one for personal reasons.
• Spelling Errors:Name changes are often made to correct mistakes in official documents such as birth certificates or school records.
• Numerology/Astrology:People may change their name based on numerological or astrological beliefs, hoping for positive outcomes.
• Gender Transition:Those undergoing a gender transition may change their name to reflect their gender identity legally.
• Political Reasons:Political parties or leaders may change their names to align with new strategies or to project a different image.

These are some of the key reasons why individuals may choose to legally change their names in India.