What’s a Name Change Affidavit?

It’s a signed statement, usually on stamp paper, where you:

• Write your old name
• Write your new name
• Say that both names are yours

This document helps you share your new name in newspapers and with the government.

When Would You Need One?

You might need it if you: Get married and change your surname

• Go back to your old name after a divorce
• Need to correct a spelling error
• Want a new name for personal or religious reasons

Sample Name Change Affidavit

Here’s a basic example:

NAME CHANGE AFFIDAVIT

I, [Old Name], [Age] years old, son/daughter/wife of [Father’s/Husband’s Name], living at [Full Address], state:

1. My name was [Old Name].
2. I’ve changed it to [New Name] starting [Date].
3. I’ll use [New Name] from now on.
4. [Old Name] and [New Name] are both me.

Date: Place:

(Signature) Name: ___________

Verification On [Date] at [Place], I confirm this is true.

(Signature)

When Do You Need a Name Change Affidavit?

You’ll need a Name Change Affidavit in situations like these:

• After Marriage: If you want to take your spouse’s surname or combine names.
• After Divorce: To switch back to your maiden name or previous name.
• Fixing Mistakes: To correct spelling errors in your name on official documents.
• Personal Preference: If you just want a new first name, last name, or both because it feels right.
• Updating Records: To change your name on things like your passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, driver’s license, bank accounts, or school/college records.

How to Make It Official

1. Write the affidavit like the example above.
2. Print it on stamp paper (check your state’s rules, e.g., Rs.500 in Maharashtra).
3. Sign it in front of a Notary Public.
4. Put your new name in a local newspaper.
5. Send it to the Official Gazette of India for full legal recognition.

Conclusion:

The affidavit is the first and most important step. Make extra notarized copies to use at places like banks, the passport office, or schools when updating your name.

Question and Answer:

Common Questions About Name Change Affidavits in India

1. What’s a Name Change Affidavit?
It’s a legal document where you state you’re changing your name. You sign it on non-judicial stamp paper and get it notarized to make it official.

2. When would I need one?
You might need it for:

• Taking a spouse’s surname after marriage

• Going back to your previous name after divorce

• Fixing a spelling error in your name

• Choosing a new first or last name for personal reasons

• Updating records like your passport, Aadhaar, PAN card, bank accounts, or school documents

3. Is the affidavit enough to legally change my name?
No, it’s just the first step. You also need to:

• Announce your new name in local newspapers (one in English, one in a local language).

• Get your new name published in the Official Gazette through the Department of Publication.
  Your name is fully legal only after the Gazette publication.

4. How do I make a Name Change Affidavit?
Include these details:

• Your old name and new name

• Why you’re changing your name

• Basic info like your date of birth, address, and ID details

• A statement saying the information is true

• Your signature and the date, signed in front of a notary

5. How do I update my documents after changing my name?
After the Gazette publication, you can update your:

• Passport

• Aadhaar card

• PAN card

• Bank accounts

• School or college records

• Other official documents

6. How long does the whole process take?
It can take a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on how fast the newspaper and Gazette publications are processed.

7. Do I have to publish in the Gazette?
Yes, the Gazette publication is necessary for your new name to be legally recognized by the government and for official purposes.