Are you having trouble confirming your identity because of an incorrect name or details in your official document and are worried about how to change your name in India? If yes! Then you are at the right doorstep. Affidavit for name change in India is the first step toward changing your name in India. A name change affidavit serves as the foundation of your legal name change process.
Whether you are changing your name on your official or legal documents due to incorrect spelling of your name, marriage, divorce, religious reasons, or personal preference, this article will walk you through the entire name change process and teach you how to make an affidavit for name change in India correctly and as per the Indian law.
What is a Name Change Affidavit or Affidavit for Name Change?
An affidavit for name change in India is a legally valid document stating your intention to change, correct or update your name through the legal procedure. The name change affidavit must include your current name (old name), new name ( the intended name), and a valid reason for the name change along with proper supporting documents.
You will also be required to provide a statement confirming the name change is not for fraudulent purposes. Once your name change affidavit is notarized by the public notary, your affidavit for name change becomes valid proof of your name change.
Legal Requirements for an Affidavit For Name Change in India
Mentioned below are the legal requirements for an affidavit for name change in India:
- Stamp Paper Value: Your name change affidavit must be printed on a nonjudicial stamp paper of ₹10-₹20 in Delhi. The stamp paper value may vary from state to state.
- Notarization: Your name change affidavit must be notarized to make it legally valid. To notarize your affidavit, your affidavit must be attested or signed by the notary public.
- Witnesses: You may also require non-relative witnesses to sign the affidavit to complete the legal procedure.
- Clarity: Your name change affidavit must properly state your current name (old name), new name (intended name), and a valid reason for name change.
Step-by-Step Process to Create a Name Change Affidavit
To create an affidavit for name change in India, carefully follow these steps:
Step 1: Drafting the Affidavit Format for Name Change
The first step is to draft your affidavit using this affidavit format as per Indian law:
“`
[Your Old Name]
[Your Address]
AFFIDAVIT FOR NAME CHANGE
I, [Old Name], son/daughter of [Father’s Name], residing at [Address], solemnly declare:
1. I wish to change my name from [Old Name] to [New Name].
2. The reason for this change is [mention reason – marriage, astrology, personal preference, etc.].
3. I confirm this change is not intended to deceive or harm anyone.
I swear this affidavit is true to the best of my knowledge.
_________________________
[Your Old Name]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Witnesses:
1. [Name & Address]
2. [Name & Address]
Notary Attestation:
[Stamp & Signature of Notary]
“`
Step 2: Print the Affidavit for Name Change on Stamp Paper
In the next step, you will be required to print your name change affidavit on stamp paper. To do that, visit a stamp vendor and purchase the stamp paper of the required value for example; if you are in Delhi then you will require a stamp paper of value ₹10-20 (always read and check the guidelines of your state regarding the name change affidavit procedure).
Step 3: Notarize the Affidavit For Name Change
Once you have drafted the name change affidavit on the required stamp paper, visit the notary with two witnesses along with your identity proof such as your Aadhaar card, Passport, or PAN card. Once your identity is verified, the notary will stamp and sign your affidavit converting it into a notary affidavit for name change.
Step 4: Publish a Name Change Newspaper Announcement
Once you have notarized your affidavit, the next step is to publish a newspaper advertisement for your name change. This step is crucial and mandatory as per Indian law and the name change procedure.
You will be required to publish your name change in:
- One in a local newspaper (your regional or native language such as Hindi)
- One in a national newspaper such as English
- You must keep copies of the name change newspaper advertisement for future use and reference.
Step 5: Gazette Notification For Name Change (Optional but Recommended)
A gazette notification is an important legally valid document that confirms and makes sure your name change is legally valid and recognised by government institutions.
To get a gazette notification, you will be required to submit your affidavit, get it notarized, publish an ad in two newspapers (one local and one national), submit the clippings from the newspapers, and apply to the Department of Publication.
Having a gazette notification certificate makes it easier to update or change your name in your other official or legal documents such as your Passport or PAN Card.
Is an Affidavit Enough for Name Change?
One of the most frequently asked questions is “Is an affidavit enough for name change?” Well the answer to the question is, while the name change affidavit is the foundation of your name change journey, updating, correcting, or changing your name in your official documents requires some other important additional steps.
Here are the important additional steps that you may require to complete your name change journey once you have drafted your affidavit:
- Newspaper Publication: You will be required to publish an ad in two newspapers (one local and one national) in public notice.
- Gazette Notification: To make the name change process simple and easy, you must apply for a gazette notification. Having a gazette notification makes it easier to update your legal documents.
- Update IDs: Once you have received your affidavit and gazette notification, you can easily update your name in your other official documents through your gazette. All you have to do is attach a copy of your affidavit and gazette notification and take it to the bank, PAN, or Passport office, to get your name changed or updated.
Tips to Simplify the Name Change Affidavit Process
- Double-Check Details: Always make sure to double-check the details or info in your affidavit. Make sure all the spelling of your name (old and new) is spelt correctly.
- Keep Copies: Always keep 5 to 10 notarised copies of your name change affidavit.
- Seek Help: In case you find it difficult to draft the name change affidavit, you can get help from a field of experts such as YourDoorStep. YourDoorStep is one of the best name change consultants and agencies in India. From drafting your affidavit for name change, making you understand the affidavit format for name change, and preparing documents required for name change process, YourDoorStep can do it all.
Conclusion
The above guide answers your question “How to make an affidavit for name change in India?” Whether you are correcting a spelling mistake in your name or changing your name due to marriage, divorce, religious or personal reasons, you can easily change your name in your official documents by following the steps mentioned in the step-by-step guide.
However, if you still find it difficult to create or draft name change affidavit in the correct format, you can connect to us via call, WhatsApp or fill out the enquiry form.
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