Sample Format of Affidavit for Name Change | Name Change Affidavit Format | Name Correction Affidavi

Changing your name is a big decision. To make this change legally, you need an important document called an “Affidavit.” An affidavit is a written statement that you swear is true. In this case, it’s a self-statement about changing your name. This document helps the government recognize your new name and allows you to use it legally.

What is an Affidavit Format?

An affidavit format is a pre-structured formal statement. When you make one, you promise that everything you wrote is true. You sign it in front of a notary person. An affidavit can be used in legal situations or for personal reasons, like changing your name.

What Do You Need for a Name Change Affidavit?

To make an affidavit, you need the following details:
1. Current Name: Your full name as it appears on official documents.
2. New Name: The full name you wish to have.
3. Reason for Name Change: A short explanation for why you’re changing your name.
4. Address: Your current address.
5. Date of Birth: Your date of birth as shown on your birth certificate.

You have to write all the above points in your affidavit.

Sample of Name Change Affidavit Format

Below is a simple format you can use. You can replace the details with your own information:

Format Of Affidavit for Change of Name

Following is the sample contents of this affidavit for the name change process:

1. I, [Your Current Full Name], son/daughter of [Father’s Name], residing at [Your Full Address], solemnly declare and affirm as follows:

2. That my date of birth is [Your Date of Birth] as recorded in my official documents.

3. That I wish to change my current name, [Your Current Full Name], to [Your New Full Name].

4. That I am making this affidavit to declare my new name officially.

5. I confirm that my reason for changing my name is [Reason for Change, e.g., personal preference, typo mistake, marriage, etc.].

6. From now on, I wish to be known as [Your New Name] in all records and documents.

Sign: [Your Signature]

Date: [Date of Signing]

Note: This is a simple template. Remember to change the brackets’ matter `[ ]` with your own information.

Step-By-Step Guide to Create an Affidavit for Name Change

Follow these steps to create your affidavit:

1. Write Your Affidavit: Use the format above and fill in your details to include your current name, new name, reason for changing, address, and date of birth.

2. Review the Affidavit: Double-check to make sure all information is correct. Any mistakes will lead to issues later.

3. Sign in Front of a Notary: Take your affidavit to a notary public. A notary is an official who witnesses and certifies legal documents. They will check your ID to confirm you are who you say you are, and then sign the affidavit in front of them.

4. Get Notarized: The notary will stamp and sign your affidavit. This step makes it an official document.

Why Do People Change Their Names?

People change their names for many reasons, including:

• Name Correction Affidavit: 

Sometimes people change their names to correct their surname, father’s name, or any kind of typo error, an affidavit is required.

• Changing Name After Marriage: 

Some people (especially females) take their partner’s last name or fully name change after marriage.

• Name Change After Divorce: 

After a divorce, you may want to revert to your maiden name.

• Personal Preference:

Some people just prefer a different name.

• Religious Reasons:

A name change can reflect a special meaning of your name. So sometimes people change their names after a religious conversion or to have a different meaning’s name.

• Spelling Correction:

Sometimes, people want to change the spelling of their name due to some numerological influence.

• Gender Change:

People who transition might want a new name that matches their identity.

No matter the reason, an affidavit for name change is often required. It makes the change official.

Tips to Prepare Affidavit for a Smooth Name Change in India

• Bring Your Physical ID: The notary will need to check your identification. A passport, driver’s license, or other government ID.
• Keep a Copy: Always keep a copy of your affidavit in a safe place.
• Consult or Hire an Expert: Changing your name and making an Affidavit can be a complicated and time-taking process for you. So it is recommended to hire our registered form’s expert name change agent for a smooth and timeless process as we have been serving to make affidavits and helping people to change their names for a decade.

Once your affidavit is ready, you’ll need to take a few more steps to make the name change official.

Publish Advertisement in Newspaper:

You need to announce your new name in a local newspaper. This step helps make the name change public. You may need to publish it in two newspapers: one in English and one in the local language.

Update Important Documents:

After the newspaper publication, update your name on documents like:

• Marriage Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• PAN Card
• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Driver’s license
• Bank accounts
• Voter ID
• School or work records
• Any other IDs or official records

Publishing New Name in Gazette Notification: 

A name change must be published in the government’s official gazette in Gazette Of India. This is a public record of your name change. You may need to apply for this by submitting your affidavit and newspaper copies to the government office.

Why an Affidavit is Important for Name Change

An affidavit is essential because it:

• Makes the Name Change Legal: It provides a legal record of your new name.
• Allows You to Use Your New Name: After the process, you can start using your new name everywhere.
• Helps Avoid Confusion: With the affidavit, you have proof of your name change, which can be shown whenever necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is it expensive to change my name?

A: The cost depends on where you live. There may be small fees for the notary, newspaper publication, and gazette.

Q: Do I need a lawyer to change my name?

A: Not necessarily. If you’re comfortable filling out the affidavit yourself, you don’t need a lawyer. However, you may consult our legal expert if you’re unsure.

Q: How long does it take?

A: The timeline varies. Some steps, like newspaper publication, may take a few weeks. Check with local offices for accurate timing.

Q: Can I change my name back later?

A: Yes, but you’ll have to go through the affidavit and publication process again.

Q: Do kids need an affidavit for a name change?

A: Yes, but usually, a parent or guardian will complete the affidavit formality on their behalf.

Conclusion

Changing your name is an important process, and an affidavit is an important step. By creating this document, you’re formally stating your new name in public. With a notarized affidavit, newspaper publication, and updates to your records, you’ll have everything you need to start using your new name officially and avoid any future complications.