How to Change Name Legally in India: Steps, Documents, Cost & Timeline in 2025

Legally changing one’s name in India is a fundamental right, enabling individuals to align their official identity with personal, social, or professional needs. The process follows three steps: preparing a notarised affidavit, publishing the change in a newspaper, and securing a Gazette of India notification. Completing this ensures the new name is legally valid and updated across official documents like passports, Aadhaar, and bank accounts, thereby formalising one’s identity.

Name Change Process in India - Quick Info

This table provides a consolidated overview of the key aspects of the legal name change process in India, offering a quick reference for applicants.

Why People Change Their Names?

The reasons for undertaking a formal name change are diverse and deeply personal. The legal framework accommodates a wide range of motivations for altering one's official identity.

• Marriage or Divorce: One of the most common reasons is for a person to adopt their spouse's surname after marriage or to revert to their maiden name after a divorce.
• Correction of Spelling Errors: Many individuals have spelling mistakes in their official documents that they wish to correct permanently across all records.
• Numerological or Astrological Beliefs: Some people change their names based on numerological or astrological advice, believing a different name will bring them better fortune or positive energy.
• Adoption: A child's surname is often changed legally upon being formally adopted by a new family to reflect their new identity.
• Personal Preference: An individual may simply dislike their given name and wish to adopt a new one that they feel better represents their personality or identity.
• Gender Reassignment: Individuals undergoing gender transition will legally change their name to align with their gender identity.
• Religious Conversion: Upon converting to a new religion, an individual may choose to adopt a new name that is in accordance with their new faith.

Legal Framework for Minor Name Change

Changing the name of a minor (a person below 18 years of age) follows the same three-step process, but the parents or legal guardians handle the legal initiation and documentation. The name change affidavit for minor must be submitted by the parents, stating that they have no objection to the child's name change. Both parents are typically required to sign the legal documents. If one parent is not available, a death certificate or a custody order from a court may be required.

Documents Required for Legal Name Change

To complete the name change procedure in India, a standard set of documents must be compiled for the final Gazette notification. [1]

• A self-attested copy of a valid photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, or PAN card.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• A compact disc (CD) containing a soft copy of the application in the prescribed format.
• A formal request letter to the Controller of Publications.
• The original affidavit was made on non-judicial stamp paper and duly notarised.
• The original copies of the advertisements were published in two newspapers (one English, one regional).
• The prescribed application form for the Gazette notification, duly signed by the applicant.

Legal Procedure for Name Change in India

The official name change procedure in India is a structured, three-part legal process. Completing each step correctly is essential for the new name to be legally recognised.

• Step 1: Prepare a formal affidavit certificate on non-judicial stamp paper, clearly stating your old name, new name, and address, and have it attested by a Notary Public.
• Step 2: Place an advertisement announcing your name change in two local daily newspapers—one in English and another in a regional language.
• Step 3: Submit the affidavit, newspaper clippings, and a formal application to the Department of Publication to have your new name published in the Gazette of India.

Common Reasons for Minor Name Change Applications

The reasons for changing a minor's name are often different from those of an adult and are typically initiated by the parents for practical or personal reasons.

• Adoption: To give the child the surname of the adoptive family.
• Post-Divorce: A single parent may wish for the child to adopt their surname.
• Correcting an Unpopular Name: Parents may wish to change a name they later feel is unsuitable or causes the child distress.
• Astrological or Numerological Reasons: A name change may be sought based on expert advice for the child's well-being.
• Adding a Surname: In some cases, a child may have been registered with only a first name, and parents wish to add a surname later, legally.

Cost and Timeline for Name Change Process in India

The overall cost for a legal name change in India is relatively modest, but it involves multiple small expenses. This includes the cost of stamp paper for the affidavit, notary fees, the cost of newspaper advertisements, and the official fee for the Gazette notification. The total expense typically ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹5,000.

Important Points to Remember

While undergoing the name change process, it is essential to keep a few key points in mind to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

• Ensure all details (names, addresses, spellings) are identical across the affidavit, newspaper ad, and gazette application to avoid rejection.
• Retain multiple original copies of the newspaper cuttings, as various institutions may require them.
• Once the Gazette notification is published, make at least 10-15 copies. This document is now your primary proof of name change.
• Immediately begin the process of updating your new name on all other documents, including your PAN card, Aadhaar card, bank accounts, passport, and educational certificates. The process for updating the name in educational certificates can be particularly detailed.
• Be prepared for the process to take a few weeks, and follow up with the Department of Publication if necessary.

How can NoBroker’s Affidavit Services Help?

The name change affidavit is the foundational document of the entire process, and any error in its drafting or notarization can cause significant delays. NoBroker’s online notary and affidavit services can streamline this crucial first step. Our legal experts can draft a precise and legally compliant affidavit for your name change, print it on the correct value stamp paper, and get it notarised, delivering the final document to your doorstep. This ensures your application process starts on a solid, error-free foundation.

Know More About the State-Wise Name Change Process

• Name Change in Karnataka
• Name Change in Delhi
• Name Change in Tamil Nadu
• Name Change in Maharashtra