How to Change Name Legally in India – Complete Process, Documents & Gazette 2025
- Chirag SEHRAWAT
- Dec 1
- 8 min read
Want to change your name? Whether after marriage, personal choice, or correcting spelling – name change is a legal process in India.
Many people change names but don't follow proper legal procedure, leading to document mismatches and future problems. Let's learn the complete, correct process.
Why People Change Names:
Common reasons:
✓ After marriage – Women taking husband's surname✓ Personal preference – Don't like current name✓ Religious conversion – Changing to religious name✓ Spelling correction – "Rajesh" to "Rajeesh"✓ Numerology/astrology – Belief in lucky names✓ Adding/removing surname✓ Gender transition – Transgender persons✓ Adoption – Child taking adoptive parents' name✓ Divorce – Reverting to maiden name✓ Professional reasons – Stage name legalization
You can change your name – It's your right!
Legal Provisions:
No specific law for name change in India.
But recognized through:
Gazette notification (official government publication)
Deed of name change (affidavit)
Newspaper publication
Court decree (in some cases)
All these create legal evidence of name change.
Two Methods of Name Change:
Method 1: Gazette + Newspaper (Most Common)
Publish in Official Gazette
Publish in local newspapers
Make affidavit
Use these to update all documents
Time: 1-2 monthsCost: ₹1,000-5,000
Method 2: Court Decree (For Complex Cases)
File petition in Civil Court
Court issues order changing name
Legally binding
Time: 3-6 monthsCost: ₹5,000-30,000
Most people use Method 1 (Gazette route).
Complete Step-by-Step Process (Gazette Method):
Step 1: Decide New Name
Guidelines for choosing:
✓ Not obscene/offensive✓ Not violating religious sentiments✓ Not already registered trademark✓ Spelling clearly defined✓ Keep it simple (easier for documentation)
You can:
Change first name
Change surname
Add middle name
Remove surname
Change entire name
Examples:
Priya Sharma → Priya Verma (after marriage)
Rajesh Kumar → Rajeish Kumar (spelling correction)
Mohammed Ali → Ali Mohammed (name change)
Sunita Singh → Sunita (removing surname)
Step 2: Make Affidavit (Deed of Name Change)
Visit notary and create affidavit stating name change.
Affidavit format:
AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE OF NAME
I, [Old Name], aged [Age] years, son/daughter/wife of [Father's/Husband's Name], residing at [Complete Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows:
1. That I am known as [Old Name] as per my birth certificate/school records/all documents.
2. That I have decided to change my name from [Old Name] to [New Name] for personal/matrimonial/religious/professional reasons.
3. That henceforth, I shall be known as [New Name] for all purposes.
4. That I have obtained consent from [Parents/Spouse] for this name change (if applicable).
5. That I undertake to use the new name [New Name] in all my future dealings, documents, and correspondences.
6. That this change of name shall in no way affect my identity, and I remain the same person before and after the name change.
DEPONENT
[Signature]
[Old Name]
Verification:
I, [Old Name], the deponent above, do hereby declare that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
Place: [City]
Date: [Date]
[Signature of Deponent]
[Notary seal and signature]Requirements:
Print on ₹10-20 stamp paper (buy from authorized vendor)
Sign before notary
Notary attests
Cost: ₹100-500 (stamp paper + notary fees)
Get 5-10 copies – You'll need multiple!
Step 3: Publish in Gazette
Official Gazette = Government publication for legal notices.
Two Gazettes:
Central Gazette (all-India, Department of Publication, Delhi)
State Gazette (respective state)
Either is sufficient, but State Gazette is easier and cheaper.
How to publish:
A) Online (Easiest):
Many portals facilitate Gazette publication:
egazette.nic.in (official)
Private facilitators (Google "Gazette name change [your state]")
Process:
Register on portal
Fill name change form
Upload documents:
Affidavit
ID proof (Aadhaar)
Address proof
Photo
Pay fees (₹500-2,000 depending on state/gazette)
Submit
Verification:
Department verifies documents
Takes 15-30 days
Publication:
Name change published in next Gazette issue
You get Gazette copy (PDF/physical)
B) Offline:
Visit:
For State Gazette: State's Directorate of Printing or Gazette office
For Central Gazette: Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi
Submit:
Application form
Affidavit
Documents
Fees
Collect Gazette copy after publication (1-2 months).
Step 4: Publish in Newspapers
Mandatory: Publish name change in 2 newspapers:
1 in local language (Hindi/regional)
1 in English
Example: Times of India (English) + Dainik Bhaskar (Hindi)
Format of newspaper advertisement:
CHANGE OF NAME
I, [Old Name], son/daughter/wife of [Father's/Husband's Name], residing at [Address], have changed my name from [Old Name] to [New Name] with effect from [Date].
All concerned may please note.
[Signature]
[New Name]
(Formerly known as [Old Name])How to publish:
A) Visit newspaper office:
Go to classified ads counter
Give advertisement text
Pay fees (₹500-3,000 per newspaper depending on city)
Provide contact number
B) Online:
Many newspapers allow online ad booking
Visit newspaper's website
Book classified ad
Pay online
Publication:
Ad published in 2-3 days
Buy 5-10 copies of newspaper with your ad
Or download PDF (some newspapers offer)
Keep newspaper copies safely!
Step 5: Update All Documents
Now the real work begins – Updating every official document!
Priority order (do these first):
1. Aadhaar Card
Process:
Visit Aadhaar Enrollment Center, OR
Apply online at uidai.gov.in
Documents needed:
Aadhaar card
Gazette notification
Newspaper cuttings
Affidavit
Fees: ₹50
Time: 15-30 days
Verification: Biometric
New Aadhaar: Updated name
2. PAN Card
Process:
Online at incometax.gov.in or nsdl.com/pan
Or visit NSDL/UTITSL center
Documents:
PAN card
Gazette
Newspapers
Affidavit
Updated Aadhaar (if ready)
Fees: ₹110 (online), ₹165 (physical)
Time: 15-20 days
New PAN: Same number, updated name
3. Passport
Process:
Apply for "Re-issue of Passport" at passportindia.gov.in
Select reason: "Change in existing personal particulars"
Documents:
Current passport
Gazette
Newspapers
Affidavit
Updated Aadhaar and PAN
Fees: ₹1,500 (36 pages), ₹2,000 (60 pages)
Time: 15-30 days
Police verification: May be required
New passport: New number, updated name
4. Driving License
Process:
Visit RTO
Or apply online at parivahan.gov.in
Documents:
Driving license
Gazette
Newspapers
Affidavit
Updated Aadhaar
Fees: ₹200-400 (state-specific)
Time: 7-15 days
New license: Updated name
5. Voter ID
Process:
Online at nvsp.in (National Voters Service Portal)
Select "Correction in Voter Details"
Documents:
Upload Gazette, newspapers, affidavit
Fees: Free
Time: 30-60 days
**Electoral officer verifies and updates
6. Bank Accounts
Process:
Visit branch with documents
Fill name change form
Submit documents
Documents:
Gazette
Newspapers
Affidavit
Updated Aadhaar/PAN
Passbook/cheque book (will be replaced)
Time: 7-15 days
New: Cheque books, debit cards, passbook with new name
Do for ALL your bank accounts!
7. Educational Certificates
School/College Certificates:
Process:
Write to institution
Request correction/endorsement
Submit Gazette, newspapers, affidavit
They will:
Either issue new certificate, OR
Make endorsement on original
University Degree:
Apply to university registrar
Fees: ₹100-1,000
May issue revised degree
Keep: Original certificates safe even after name change (as proof of identity continuity)
8. Other Documents to Update:
✓ Insurance policies (life, health, vehicle)✓ Property documents (if owner)✓ Vehicle RC (Registration Certificate)✓ Employee records (inform HR)✓ LPG connection✓ Electricity/water bill✓ Telecom (mobile, broadband)✓ Credit cards✓ Investment accounts (Demat, mutual funds)✓ PF/EPF account✓ GST registration (if business)✓ Professional licenses (doctor, lawyer, CA, etc.)✓ Social media profiles✓ Email accounts
Phew! That's a lot of work!
Timeline Summary:
Action | Time |
Affidavit | 1 day |
Gazette publication | 15-30 days |
Newspaper ads | 2-3 days |
Aadhaar update | 15-30 days |
PAN update | 15-20 days |
Passport | 15-30 days |
Driving License | 7-15 days |
Voter ID | 30-60 days |
Bank accounts | 7-15 days each |
Total process: 2-3 months to complete all updates
Cost Breakdown:
Item | Cost |
Affidavit (stamp paper + notary) | ₹100-500 |
Gazette publication | ₹500-2,000 |
Newspaper ads (2 papers) | ₹1,000-6,000 |
Aadhaar update | ₹50 |
PAN update | ₹110 |
Passport re-issue | ₹1,500 |
Driving License | ₹200-400 |
Miscellaneous | ₹500-1,000 |
Total: ₹3,960 to ₹12,000 approximately
Additional: If using agent/consultant: ₹5,000-15,000
Name Change for Minors (Children):
If changing child's name:
Additional requirements:
Consent of both parents (affidavit)
Birth certificate
School records
Process same but both parents must sign affidavit and documents.
Best time: Before age 10 (easier to update school records)
Name Change After Marriage:
For women taking husband's surname:
Simpler process in some aspects:
Documents sufficient (in some cases):
Marriage certificate
Joint affidavit (husband and wife)
Newspaper publication
Gazette: Helpful but some authorities accept marriage certificate directly
However, Gazette recommended for smoother updates of all documents.
Court Decree Method (When Needed):
Court route required if:
Disputed name change (family objections)
Minor's name change opposed by one parent
Previous criminal/legal issues
Name change for inheritance/property matters
Authorities rejecting Gazette route
Process:
File petition in Civil Court
Serve notice to concerned parties
Court hearing
If satisfied, court issues order
Order published in Gazette
Use court order to update documents
Time: 3-6 monthsCost: ₹10,000-50,000 (with lawyer)
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ Changing name without legal process – Informal name change creates documentation issues❌ Not publishing in Gazette – Many authorities require Gazette❌ Updating some documents only – Creates mismatch, problems later❌ Not keeping multiple copies – You'll need originals for various authorities❌ Choosing very unusual name – May face resistance from authorities❌ Not informing employer – Salary, PF, insurance issues❌ Forgetting insurance policies – Claim rejected if name doesn't match
Special Cases:
A) Gender Transition (Transgender Persons):
Under Transgender Persons Act, 2019:
Right to self-perceived gender identity
Name change to match gender identity
Process:
Standard Gazette + newspaper process
Affidavit mentioning gender identity
May need certificate from District Magistrate
Update all documents
B) Adopted Children:
Process:
Adoption order from court
Affidavit by adoptive parents
Change in birth certificate (apply to municipal corporation)
Then standard process
C) Divorced Women Reverting to Maiden Name:
**Documents needed:**
Divorce decree
Affidavit
Gazette and newspaper
Then update all documents
D) Spelling Correction vs Name Change:
Minor spelling correction:
May not need Gazette (depends on authority)
Affidavit sufficient sometimes
Major change:
Full Gazette process required
Better safe: Do Gazette even for spelling correction
Professional Name vs Legal Name:
Can you have stage/pen name different from legal name?
Yes!
Legal name in all official documents
Professional name for work
Example:
Legal name: Ramesh Sharma
Screen name: Rocky Sharma
If you want professional name to be legal:
Follow name change process
Make professional name your legal name
Digital Name Change Services:
Many online platforms offer:
End-to-end name change service
Handle Gazette, newspapers, document updates
Charges: ₹5,000-20,000
Reputable services:
LegalDesk
VakilSearch
LegalWiz
IndiaFilings
What they do:
Prepare affidavit
Publish in Gazette
Publish in newspapers
Guide you on document updates
What you do:
Provide documents
Visit authorities for biometric (Aadhaar, passport)
Worth it? If you want hassle-free process and can afford.
Tips for Smooth Process:
✓ Plan ahead – Name change takes 2-3 months✓ Keep multiple copies – Gazette (10 copies), newspapers (10 copies each), affidavit (10 copies)✓ Make checklist of all documents to update✓ Update priority documents first (Aadhaar, PAN)✓ Use updated Aadhaar/PAN to update others (easier acceptance)✓ Be patient – Some updates take time✓ Follow up regularly✓ Keep old documents safe – Proof of identity continuity✓ Inform everyone – Employer, bank, insurance, etc.
Proving Identity Continuity:
After name change, you may need to prove you're the same person:
Keep together:
Old documents (with old name)
Gazette notification
Newspapers
Affidavit
Updated documents (with new name)
This bundle proves: You were [Old Name], now you're [New Name], same person.
Real Examples:
Case 1: Priya married Rahul, wanted to change surname from "Gupta" to "Verma". Made affidavit, published in State Gazette (₹800), 2 newspapers (₹2,500 total). Updated Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank accounts over 2 months. Total cost: ₹5,500. Smooth process.
Case 2: Rajesh wanted to correct spelling to "Rajeish" for numerology. Published in Gazette (₹1,200), newspapers (₹3,000). Some authorities questioned "why change for numerology?" Explained it's personal choice. Eventually all updated. Total: 3 months, ₹6,000.
Case 3: Transgender person Akash (assigned female at birth, name was Anita) transitioned. Changed name legally through Gazette + court order. Entire process took 5 months, cost ₹25,000 (including lawyer). Now all documents reflect correct name and gender.
FAQ:
Q1: How many times can I change my name? A: Legally no limit, but frequent changes suspicious. Once or twice in lifetime is normal.
Q2: Can I change my name back to old name? A: Yes, follow same process again.
Q3: Will my old documents become invalid? A: No, but may face questions. Always carry Gazette notification to prove continuity.
Q4: Can authorities reject my name change? A: Generally no (it's your right), unless name is obscene/illegal/violates religious sentiments.
Q5: Do I need to inform everyone about name change? A: Yes – all institutions where you have accounts/records must be informed and updated.
Q6: Can I use old and new names interchangeably? A: No. After legal name change, use only new name. Using old name can be considered fraud in legal documents.
Conclusion:
Name change is perfectly legal and your right in India. The process is straightforward but requires patience and systematic approach.
Key steps:
Affidavit
Gazette publication
Newspaper ads
Update ALL documents
Don't skip any step! Complete legal process ensures no future hassles.
Planning to change your name? Start the process today – your new identity awaits!
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