A name refers to a person and shows his identity. It plays a crucial role in communication and social interaction. There are many reasons why people need to change their names, including personal, cultural, religious, or gender identity. Name change is a legal procedure that allows people to change their names through the legal process.
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Name Change Procedure in India
If someone changes their Name in India, it is a legal process by the government with specific guidelines and procedures. Follow the step-by-step procedures for name change in India.
Affidavit
The first step in the name change procedure is to create an affidavit to clarify the intention behind the name change. The Affidavit should include your current Name and new Name, and It must be signed in the presence of a first-class magistrate, notary public, or a court official.
Newspaper Publication
After the Affidavit, you must advertise a Name change ad in a regional or English newspaper. This is Part of the Name Change Process. This is to make the public aware of the name change. Contact YourDoorStep; they will do it for you with all the necessary information.
Gazette Notification
After the Second step of changing your Name in India, let’s continue to the third and Last step, the Official Gazette Notification, which is an official announcement by the government. The individual must submit the required documents, including the affidavit and newspaper clippings, to the Department of Publications for the Gazette notification.
Documents Required for Name Change
A name change is a legal process requiring Documents or Paperwork to continue the process.
- An affidavit of Name Change
- Name Change advertisment
- Two passport-size photographs
- Proof of Identity: Valid government-issued photo ID such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Passport
- Proof of Name Change: It depends on why you need Name correction, including marriage certificate, Divorce decree, religious conversion, and Personal Preference.
These are the same Name Change Documents you need for an online name change.
Sample Of Name Change Affidavit and Its Format
A Name Change Affidavit is a legal document showing a Person’s current Name, desired new Name, reason for a name change, address, and other details. It’s the first step in proceeding with a name change. Here is a sample of the Name Change Affidavit.
Types of Affidavit
There are different types of name change Affidavits for various purposes. The uses of any Affidavit depend on specific requirements. Here are some common types of Affidavits for Name Change.
Individual Name Change Affidavit
It can used for an Individual to declare to change the Name.
Minor Name Change Affidavit
This can be used to change a Minor’s Name. The parents will fill out the Affidavit on behalf of the child.
Marriage Name Change Affidavit
It is used when women change their Sir name after marriage.
Divorce Name Change Affidavit
When someone gets divorced, she wants her old Name back, and then she can request this Affidavit.
Reason for Change a Name in India
Changing a Name depends on various reasons, including Marriage, Divorce, Adoption, Religious Conversion, and Personal reasons. Let’s discuss one by one the reasons for the name change.
Marriage
Marriage is a crucial aspect of changing a name for a Woman, and they want to change it after marriage. It is very common in India for a woman to take their husband’s surname after marriage.
Divorce
Divorce is another factor that causes people to revert to their previous Name or Change their last Name. This change helps to establish a new identity after Divorce.
Adoption
Some Individuals don’t have children for any reason, so they decide to adopt a child and also want to update their Name. Make sure both the adoptive parents and the adopted child agree to change their Name.
Religious Conversion
Individuals who change their Religion embrace a new cultural identity; they also need to change their Name.
Personal Reasons
Some People change their Names just for Personal Preferences, such as Superstitions or Astrology, Avoidance of Stigma or Discrimination, or just dislike their Names.
Benefits of Name Change
Changing a name has several benefits, one of which is that it can give you a new identity. Here are some benefits of changing a Name.
Personal Identity
A Name Change establishes a new identity or expresses their identity and aligns with the new Name.
Cultural or Ethnic Connection
A name change can also be beneficial for their cultural or ethnic heritage; they can connect with their culture in a meaningful way.
Professional Advancement
It can benefit professional advancement by allowing them to achieve new heights in their field.
Legal or Safety Reasons
A legally changed name, which you can use in any government documents such as passports, driving licenses, etc.
Eligibility for Name Change Online
Before going through the Name change Procedure, there are some Eligibility criteria to meet. They can be marriage, Divorce, gender transition, adoption, or personal preference. Let’s see the Eligibility for the Name Change Procedure Online.
Age Criteria
Regarding Eligibility for Name Change, Age is the primary factor. You should be 18+ to apply for a name change online. If you need to name a change for Minors, it can include additional steps and usually requires parental consent and court approval.
Citizenship Status
After age, Citizenship is another factor in a name change. You should be a citizen of India. The process may be different if you are a foreigner residing in India.
Criminal Record
If someone is going to apply for a name change online, make sure they do not have any legal issues or criminal cases against them.
Things to consider after Name Change
After a name change, you need to consider some essential things. You need to update all your legal documents, such as :
Aadhar Card
Visit the nearest Aadhar Enrollment Center with your Gazette Notification and a photo ID to update your Aadhar Card Name Change.
Passport
Update Your Passport to submit the required documents with Gazette Notification.
Voter ID
To change your Name on the Voter ID, complete Form 8 and submit it to the Electoral Office.
PAN Card
Apply for a new PanCard with Gazette Notification.
Driving License
Visit the RTO Office to apply for a name change on the Passport.
FAQs on Name Change
What Should I Do After Name Change?
Congratulations on the Name change and new identity. There is still pending work for you. You need to update all your related government documents, such as your Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, PAN Card, and Driving Licence. By Updating the new Name on all these documents, you will now be recognized by your new Name.
How much time does it take to complete the name-changing process?
The Name change process depends on jurisdiction and other factors, but it usually takes 2–4 weeks.
How much does the name change process cost?
The cost of the Name Change process in India depends on various components such as Affidavit, Notary charges, CD, Newspaper, and Gazette newspaper. Contact YourDoorStep for hassle-free name change solutions with our expert assistance and affordable pricing.
Do I need a witness to change my Name?
Yes, You need two witnesses to attest to your identity or signature on legal documents related to the name change process.