Affidavit declaring a change of name — for gazette notification, Aadhaar, passport, bank accounts, and educational records.
Notary Public or Executive Magistrate. Gazette published by Central/State Gazette office.
No statutory limitation. Execute promptly to update all government IDs.
This coverage is provided by a practicing advocate. Specific sections cited depend on the facts you provide during drafting.
A Name Change Affidavit is a sworn statement made by a person before a Notary Public or Magistrate declaring that they have changed their name — from the old name to the new name — and that both names refer to the same person. It is the primary step in a name change process in India, typically followed by a newspaper advertisement and gazette notification for a legally complete name change.
Make a Name Change Affidavit when: changing your name after marriage (women taking husband's surname), after divorce (reverting to maiden name), for any personal reason (preferred name, numerology, rectification of spelling error in documents), correcting a name discrepancy between documents (Aadhaar vs. passport vs. educational certificates), or after legal adoption.
There is no central statute governing name changes in India. The procedure is administrative — affidavit + newspaper advertisement + gazette notification (in the Official Gazette). The Notaries Act, 1952 and Oaths Act, 1969 govern the making of affidavits. Gazette notification in the Official Gazette (published by the Government of India Press) or State Gazette is the most widely accepted proof of name change. The Aadhaar Act, 2016 allows name updates in Aadhaar through supporting documents.
Without a formal name change process, document inconsistencies create problems with passport applications, bank KYC, educational record updates, and property transactions. The affidavit alone (without gazette notification) may not be accepted by all authorities — a full name change process provides the strongest evidence.
Step 1: Execute a Name Change Affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper before a Notary/Magistrate. Step 2: Publish a name change notice in two newspapers (one English, one local language), typically in the city of your residence. Step 3: Apply for a Gazette Notification at the nearest Government Press/online. After gazette publication, update all documents (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank accounts) with the new name.
Gazette notification is the most widely accepted documentary proof of a legal name change. For most official purposes (passport, PAN, Aadhaar), it is required or strongly preferred. Some institutions accept the affidavit + newspaper advertisement alone — check each institution's requirements.
For Aadhaar name change: visit any Aadhaar Seva Kendra or UIDAI enrolment centre with: marriage certificate (government-registered), husband's Aadhaar, and your Aadhaar. Fill the Aadhaar Update/Correction Form. UIDAI accepts marriage certificates directly without requiring a gazette notification for post-marriage name changes.
For a post-marriage name change: apply for a fresh passport with your new name (Type-3 changed name re-issue). Required documents: existing passport, marriage certificate, joint photo with spouse, name change affidavit. The passport office issues a fresh passport with the new name on the same passport number (ECR category may change).
Universities and state boards have their own procedures for name changes in certificates — typically requiring gazette notification and board/university-specific application forms with fees. Contact your specific institution's examination board for the procedure.
No age limit. Adults can change their names at any time. For minors, the parents/guardian make the affidavit on the minor's behalf. Gazette notifications for minors typically state the parent's/guardian's details alongside the minor's.
Typically 4–8 weeks after submitting the application at the Government Press. Applications are submitted along with the affidavit, newspaper advertisement copies, photographs, and prescribed fee. Online applications (where available) may be faster.
Typically ₹20–₹100 non-judicial stamp paper, depending on the state. A Notary will advise on the correct value. Some states require higher stamp duty for affidavits intended for gazette publication.
Please confirm all of the following before proceeding with your Name Change Affidavit document:
Please confirm all eligibility conditions above to proceed. If you are unsure about any point, you may not be eligible for this type of notice.