How to Legally Change Your Name in India

Changing one’s name is a significant personal decision. In India, many people choose to change their names due to marriage, divorce, religious reasons, numerology, or even personal preference. Since your name appears in all official documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank records, mark sheets, and driving licence, the process must be completed legally.

This article explains in detail the eligibility criteria, documents required, procedure, fees, and reasons for changing your name in India.

Why Do People Change Their Names?

There are several personal, professional, and social reasons why an individual may want to change their name. Some common reasons include:

• After marriage – Women often adopt their husband’s surname.
• After divorce – Some prefer to return to their maiden surname.
• Religious or cultural practices – For example, after conversion to another faith.
• Adoption of a child – The child may take the adoptive family’s surname.
• Numerology or astrology – Many people add or change letters for good luck.
• Gender transition – Individuals may adopt a name that aligns with their identity.
• Dislike of the existing name – Some want a name that is simpler, modern, or more professional.

While you may informally use a new name among friends or family, legal name change ensures that the new name is officially recognised in all government and institutional records.

Eligibility for Name Change in India

Not everyone is automatically eligible to change their name. The law provides certain conditions:

• The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
• The applicant should be 18 years or older.
• The applicant must hold a valid government-issued ID.
• A valid reason for the name change must be provided.
• The applicant should not have pending litigation or be attempting to evade legal obligations.
• In the case of minors, parents or lawful guardians can apply on their behalf with valid ID proof.

Who Can Apply for a Name Change?

The following individuals may apply:

• Any person who wishes to change his/her own name.
• Parents or guardians, on behalf of a minor.
• Husband or wife, on behalf of the other (with consent).
• Close relatives in certain cases.

Essentially, every person of sound mind has the right to change their name, as long as it is not for fraudulent purposes.

Restrictions on Changing a Name

Although Indian law permits name changes, there are certain restrictions:

• Names that are obscene, offensive, or vulgar are not allowed.
• You cannot adopt the name of a famous personality unless you prove no intention to mislead.
• Names that are excessively long or punctuation-filled are not accepted.
• A name cannot be changed merely to hide from debts or legal troubles.

Documents Required for a Name Change in India

The documents usually required include:

• Name change affidavit on stamp paper.
• Two passport-size photographs.
• Valid ID proof – Aadhaar, PAN, or passport.
• Newspaper publication of name change.
• Gazette notification.
• Publication receipt from the newspaper.
• In some states, a CD copy of the application in MS Word format.
• A request letter along with the prescribed fees.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Name Change in India

The process of legally changing your name involves three main steps:

Preparation of Affidavit

• The first step is to prepare a name change affidavit on stamp paper (₹10, ₹20, or as per state requirement).
• The affidavit should clearly state:
  • Old name and new name.
  • Reason for the change.
  • Father’s or husband’s name (in case of married women).
  • Residential address.
• The affidavit must be signed and attested by a Notary Public, Judicial Magistrate, or Oaths Commissioner.
• For government employees, a deed for name change is required as per Ministry of Home Affairs rules.
• For NRIs, the affidavit must be attested by the Indian Embassy/High Commission abroad.

Tip: Keep multiple copies of the affidavit for future reference.

Newspaper Publication

• After preparing the affidavit, the applicant must publish a name change advertisement in newspapers.
• The ad should appear in:
  • One national daily (e.g., Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Hindu).
  • One regional newspaper in the applicant’s local language.
• The advertisement should mention:
  • Old name and new name.
  • Residential address.
  • Date and place where the affidavit was prepared.
• Keep copies of the published advertisement safely as proof.

Gazette Notification

• The final and most important step is publication of the name change in the Gazette of India.
• Submit the following documents to the Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi:
  • Copy of affidavit.
  • Original newspaper publications.
  • Passport-size photos.
  • Identity proof.
  • Prescribed proforma (signed by applicant and two witnesses).
  • CD copy of application (if required).
  • Request letter + applicable fee.
• The Department verifies the documents and sends them for publication in the Government of India Press.
• Once published, the name change is officially recognised.

Timeline: Gazette publication usually takes 2–4 weeks but may extend up to a few months depending on workload and documentation.

Online Name Change in India

• Some states, like Maharashtra, have introduced a partial online system where applicants can register and apply for Gazette publication online.
• Applicants can:
  • Register as a new user on the portal.
  • Upload affidavit, ad copies, and ID proof.
  • Pay fees online.
  • Track application status through the portal.
• In most states, however, the Gazette step is still offline and requires submission by post or in person.

Fees for Name Change in India

The fees depend on the stage and the state:

• Stamp Paper for Affidavit – ₹10 to ₹20 (varies by state).
• Newspaper Advertisement – Depends on publication, usually ₹300–₹1000 per newspaper.
• Gazette Notification – ₹700 to ₹900 (varies by type of notice).
• For NRIs – Around ₹3500 including airmail charges.
• Extra copies of Gazette – ₹35 per copy (maximum two).

Duration of the Process

• Preparing the affidavit – 1–2 days.
• Publishing newspaper advertisement – 1–2 weeks.
• Gazette publication – 2–8 weeks.
• Overall, the name change process may take 2–6 months depending on how efficiently documents are submitted.

Name Change for Minors

• Parents or guardians must apply on behalf of a minor.
• Documents required:
  • Affidavit by guardian.
  • Original newspaper ads.
  • ID proof of parent/guardian.
  • Passport-size photos of child.
  • Proforma signed by guardian and witnesses.
• The process is otherwise similar (affidavit → newspaper → gazette).

Name Change After Marriage

• Married women commonly adopt their husband’s surname.
• Steps:
  • Affidavit stating maiden and new surname.
  • Newspaper publication.
  • Gazette notification (optional if only surname changes, but mandatory if entire name changes).
• Documents such as marriage certificate may also be required.

Name Change After Divorce

• Women may revert to their maiden surname after divorce.
• If included in the divorce decree, it simplifies the process.
• Otherwise, a separate application (affidavit, newspaper, gazette) is required.

Importance of Gazette Notification

• Gazette publication serves as the final legal proof of the name change.
• It is required for updating:
  • Aadhaar card.
  • PAN card.
  • Passport.
  • Driving licence.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Bank accounts.
• Without Gazette notification, many government offices may not accept the new name.

Updating Name in Legal Documents

Once the Gazette notification is received, the applicant must update all important documents:

• Aadhaar Card – Apply online via UIDAI portal or visit enrolment centre with Gazette copy.
• PAN Card – Apply through NSDL or UTIITSL website; Aadhaar e-KYC used for authentication.
• Driving Licence – Apply via Parivahan portal or at RTO.
• Passport – Submit Gazette copy along with application for reissue.
• Birth Certificate – Apply to local municipal authority with affidavit and Gazette.
• Bank Accounts – Submit Gazette and updated Aadhaar/PAN to the bank.

Benefits of Legal Name Change

• Ensures official recognition across all government and financial institutions.
• Prevents issues with mismatched names in ID proofs.
• Provides permanent, verifiable record of identity.
• Helps in obtaining jobs, travelling abroad, and accessing government benefits.
• Enhances accountability and prevents misuse of multiple identities.

Conclusion

Changing your name in India is a legal right, but it must be done through the proper procedure to ensure recognition in official records. The process involves three crucial steps:

1. Preparing an affidavit.
2. Publishing a newspaper advertisement.
3. Getting a Gazette notification.

Once completed, the Gazette publication serves as final proof of the name change, allowing you to update all your documents smoothly.

Though the process may seem lengthy, it is straightforward if followed correctly. Engaging a legal expert can make it easier, especially for NRIs and government employees.