Affidavit For Change of Name: Nowadays, changing names on documents is a common practice. There are a number of reasons why people want to change their names in their documents. Other documents are needed in order to change the name in their legal documents, including proof of identity, proof of residential address, and an affidavit that describes why the name should be changed.

This article covers everything you need to know about the Affidavit for Change of Name. The purpose of this article is to explore what are the reasons for the name change on legal documents, what documents are needed, and how the procedure for the change works.

What is a Name Change Affidavit?

Affidavits are important documents that need to be submitted with all the other important documents during the name change process. In order to change a name, it is the first step. An oath of affidavit stating that someone will change their name and stating the reasons for the change. The document must be duly signed and attested by a notary public.

Additionally, an affidavit is required when a person adds, removes, or corrects their name or even replaces part of it. In order to change or correct the name, an individual needs an affidavit to proceed.

Things to keep in mind while Creating an Affidavit for change of name

There are a few things that an individual should keep in mind while drafting an affidavit for a change of name. Some of them are mentioned below:-

The Affidavit must mention both the old and new names. Both names should be spelled correctly, and no corrections need to be made.
Ensure that your full address is included in your affidavit and that it is accurate. You should mention the same address in the Affidavit as you do in your identity proofs.
Attach the passport-sized photographs to the Affidavit.
Changing your name legally requires printing an affidavit on stamp paper. It should be signed by both witnesses.
Moreover, it should be signed by the rank of the gazette officer and attested by the nearest notary.
A copy of an affidavit needs to be kept at your end so that you can show it if needed in the future.
An NRI who wishes to change their name must file a legal name change document with the Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission, which must be attested by it.

These are some of the major things that an individual should keep in mind while writing an affidavit for a change of name.

Documents required for the Affidavit name change

Documents that are required for the name change in the legal documents are mentioned below:-

An affidavit should consist of the old name, new name, and why an individual wants to change their name. It should be duly signed by the deponent and attested by the concerned authority.
Advertisements in the local newspaper and the English newspaper stating the name change.
Two Passport size photographs
Proof of identity – An individual should submit a copy of their ID to prove their identity. It may include a PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, etc.
A request letter is also required, which should contain the registration fee. It needs to be submitted to the authority.
An application form.

These are some of the important documents that are asked by individuals when they go for their name change.

What are the main reasons for the Affidavit name change?

There are so many reasons why people go for the name change on their legal documents. Some of the major reasons are discussed below:-

Some people marry in different castes, and they have to change their surname after marriage. This is one of the reasons why they want to change the name.
Divorce is also one of the other reasons why women need to change their name back to their original name.
Religion changed.
Astrological reasons
For changing the surname
Do not like the current name
Changing the Gender
Changing the Identity
Correction in the name or spelling mistake.

These are some of the major reasons why people opt for name change. And for that, they require an affidavit for a change of name.

Procedure for the name change in India

When an individual wants to change their name in a legal document, then they have to follow a particular procedure. They also require several documents for the name change, which include proof of identity, address proof, Affidavit for change of name, etc.

Below are the steps given that help an individual to change their name in the legal documents:-

Specify the reason for the name change.

The first step in order to change your name is to specify the reason why you want to change your name. The reasons can be so many, such as marriage, religious conversion, divorce, etc.

Draft an affidavit for change of name.

The second step is to draft an affidavit for a change of name in the legal documents. The reason why an individual wants to change their name is specified in the Affidavit. The main thing is that it should be signed by the nearest notary officer.

Publish a name change notification in the Gazette of India

In the process of name change, publishing a gazette notification is another step that needs to be done. In this, an individual has to publish an official government notification, which includes the name change notification. The important thing that everyone should remember is that the notification should be in the desired format.

Apply for a name change.

After you are done publishing your gazette notification, the next step that an individual needs to follow is to apply for the name change deed. It is one of the legal documents that confirm the name change of an individual. It consists of old and new names. It should be on the stamp paper and must be signed by two witnesses.

Submit all your documents to the concerned authority

The last thing an individual needs to do is to submit all the relevant documents like ID proof, Affidavit for change of name, Gazette notification, advertisements proof, etc., to the respective authority.

After this, your documents will be scanned, and if they are correct, then the process will go further. And within a few days, you will receive your updated name on your legal document.

Conclusion

When an individual wants to change their name in legal documents, then they have to submit many documents such as ID proofs, Gazette notifications, newspaper advertisements, an affidavit for change of name, etc. Make sure the documents are all correct and have correct spelling so that you do not require any further changes in your documents.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Is the affidavit enough to change the name in India?

It is just the beginning of the process of name change in India. This is the first step, and now you need to speak up with a notary public for the further procedure.

How much does the affidavit cost?

In India, the cost of publication of the gazette will cost around ₹750 to ₹900, and you can then change your name. In comparison, the whole process of the name change could take ₹7500.

What is the validity of the name affidavit?

There is no prescribed validity of the affidavit, but having a recent affidavit for the procedure is important, as it might raise a question.

Is the affidavit valid without a notary?

No, you need to get the sign of the notary public with a valid license, and the attestation must be signed by the notary with both his seal and a notary stamp.

Is an affidavit a legal proof?

An affidavit is considered a legal document as it is used as proof of the accuracy of the content.