Can I Change My Name Legally In India?

Changing one’s name is a personal choice that can be made for various reasons. It may be due to a desire for a new identity, religious or cultural reasons, or simply a preference for a different name. However, changing one’s name legally in India is not a straightforward process and requires following certain legal procedures. In this article, we will explore the name change process in India and answer the question “Can I change my name legally in India?”

Reasons for changing name in India

The following are some of the common reasons why individuals change their names in India.

• Marriage: Women often change their names after marriage due to cultural and social reasons.
• Divorce: In some cases, individuals may choose to change their name after divorce to reclaim their identity.
• Religion: Individuals may change their names due to religious reasons, such as converting to a new religion.
• Profession: Individuals may change their names for professional reasons, such as adopting a stage name for their career in the entertainment industry.
• Personal preference: Some individuals may choose to change their names for personal reasons, such as disliking their current name or wanting a new identity.

Legal provisions for changing name in India

The process of gazette name change online in India is governed by the Indian Constitution, which provides every citizen with the right to adopt any name they wish. However, the change must be made through legal means and cannot be done arbitrarily. The Indian law recognizes that the name is an essential element of one’s identity and must be changed only under specific circumstances.

Documents required for changing name in India

The following documents are required for changing one’s name in India:

• Affidavit: The affidavit must be on stamp paper and signed by a notary public or a first-class magistrate.
• Newspaper publication: A copy of the newspaper publication that states the intention to change the name.
• Gazette Notification: The Gazette Notification issued by the Department of Publication of the Ministry of Urban Development.
• Identity documents: Original and photocopies of the updated identity documents.

Name change process in India

The name change process in India involves legal procedures that must be followed to ensure that the change is lawful. The following are the steps involved in changing one’s name in India:

Step 1: Affidavit

The first step in the name change process in India is to prepare an affidavit that declares the intention to change the name. The affidavit must be on stamp paper and signed by a notary public or a first-class magistrate. The affidavit must include the individual’s current name, the desired new name, and the reason for the change.

Step 2: Newspaper publication

Once the affidavit has been prepared, it must be published in a local newspaper with a wide circulation. The publication must state the intention to change the name and must be published in both English and the regional language of the area where the individual resides.

Step 3: Gazette Notification

After the publication of the affidavit in the newspaper, the next step is to notify the change of name in the Official Gazette of India. The application for the Gazette Notification must be submitted to the Department of Publication of the Ministry of Urban Development. The application must be accompanied by the original affidavit, a copy of the newspaper publication, and a prescribed fee.

Step 4: Updating identity documents

Once the Gazette Notification is issued, the individual must update their identity documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, driving licence, and other relevant documents. The individual must provide the original affidavit, Gazette Notification, and other relevant documents to the concerned authorities for the update.

How long does it take to legally change your name in India?

The process of name change in India can take several weeks, depending on the specific procedures and requirements in your state or union territory. The time it takes for the Gazette Notification process can vary. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Once the Gazette Notification is published, you can use it as proof of your name change for all official purposes.

Note that the specific procedures and requirements may vary depending on the state or union territory where you reside, so it’s a good idea to check with your local authorities for detailed information on the process in your area.

Conclusion

Changing one’s name in India is a legal process that must be followed to ensure that the change is lawful. The name change process in India involves preparing an affidavit, publishing it in a local newspaper with a wide circulation, obtaining a Gazette Notification from the Department of Publication of the Ministry of Urban Development, and updating identity documents. The reasons for changing one’s name in India can vary widely, and the decision to do so should be made after careful consideration.