✅ What Is a Name Change Affidavit?

A Name Change Affidavit is a written statement sworn on oath before a notary public or magistrate, declaring your current name, your new name, and the reason for the change. It is the first legal step in the name change process in India.

Whether you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, numerology, gender transition, or personal preference, an affidavit is essential for Gazette notification and for updating official records like Aadhaar, PAN, and passport.

Essential Details to Include in the Affidavit

Your name change affidavit should contain the following details:

1. Your old full name
2. Your new full name
3. Reason for the name change
4. Your permanent residential address
5. Your date of birth and father’s/spouse’s name
6. A statement declaring that you are not changing your name for any fraudulent or unlawful purpose
7. Signature of the deponent (you)
8. Notary public or magistrate’s seal and signature

Name Change Affidavit Format (Sample)

Below is a simple format you can follow:

AFFIDAVIT FOR NAME CHANGE
(On ₹10 or ₹20 Non-Judicial Stamp Paper)

I, [Old Full Name], aged [Your Age] years, son/daughter/wife of [Father’s/Husband’s Name], residing at [Full Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows:

1. That I was born on [Date of Birth] in [Place of Birth].
2. That my name is recorded as [Old Full Name] in all my official documents.
3. That I have changed my name from [Old Full Name] to [New Full Name] for [state reason: personal reasons / after marriage / divorce / numerology / religious reasons, etc.].
4. That I shall henceforth be known as [New Full Name] for all purposes and in all records.
5. That this affidavit is made to declare my name change formally and to request necessary corrections in all government and private records.

I declare that the above statements are true to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing has been concealed.

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Place: [City Name]

Deponent Signature: ___________________
Name: [New Full Name]

Notary Seal & Signature

Where and How to Get It Notarized?

• Print the affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (₹10 or ₹20 denomination).
• Visit a licensed notary public or first-class magistrate with valid ID proof.
• Sign the affidavit in their presence.
• The notary will affix their official stamp and seal.

What to Do After Creating the Affidavit?

Once your affidavit is notarized:

1. Keep multiple photocopies for your records.
2. Use it as part of your application when submitting for Gazette publication.
3. Attach it to other applications for updating documents like Aadhaar, PAN, etc.
4. Optionally, publish a newspaper ad announcing your name change.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using incorrect spellings of the old or new name
• Missing notarization
• Not mentioning the reason for name change clearly
• Using plain paper instead of stamp paper
• Forgetting to include place/date and signature

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is affidavit mandatory for name change in India?

Yes. It is the first step in the legal name change process and is required for Gazette publication and document updates.

Can I write the affidavit myself?

Yes. You can draft it yourself or with the help of a legal advisor. Just ensure it’s notarized properly.

How much does notarization cost?

Notarization fees range from ₹50 to ₹200, depending on your location and notary public.

Final Thoughts

A Name Change Affidavit is your legal foundation for changing your name officially. Creating one is easy if you follow the correct format and include all essential details. Once done, you can proceed with Gazette publication and updating your identity across government records.

Apply for Gazette name change online and Name change after marriage with GazetteGov.com – your trusted partner for hassle-free affidavit drafting, document preparation, and Gazette publication. Fast, reliable service for name changes after marriage, divorce, or corrections. Start your online process today!

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Second blog:

Title:  After Marriage, Change Your Name in All Documents: A Complete Guide

Getting married often brings many changes—and for many, that includes changing your last name. Whether you’re adopting your spouse’s surname, hyphenating both names, or choosing a completely new one, it’s important to legally update your name in all official documents.

In India, name change after marriage is not automatic. It requires a few legal steps and consistent documentation across all IDs and records.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of changing your name after marriage in all documents, the list of documents to update, and helpful tips to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Is It Mandatory to Change Name After Marriage?

No, it is not mandatory to change your name after marriage in India. It is a personal choice. However, if you do decide to take your spouse’s surname or change your name, you must update it across all legal and identity documents to avoid issues in banking, travel, property ownership, and more.

Step-by-Step Process to Legally Change Your Name After Marriage

Step 1: Prepare a Name Change Affidavit

Draft a notarized affidavit declaring:

• Your old name (before marriage)
• Your new name (after marriage)
• Reason for name change (marriage)
• Personal details: address, DOB, spouse’s name

This affidavit is your first legal document and will be required throughout the process.

Step 2: Publish a Newspaper Advertisement

Though not legally required in all cases, publishing your name change in one English and one local language newspaper helps make your new name public and is often requested by government departments.

Sample Text:

I, [Old Name], w/o [Spouse’s Name], residing at [Address], have changed my name to [New Name] after marriage and will be known by this name henceforth.

Step 3: Apply for Gazette Notification

In many states and for central government employees, Gazette publication is essential for legal recognition.

Submit:

• Affidavit
• Marriage certificate
• Photo ID
• Newspaper ads
• Passport-sized photos
• Application form & fee

Once your name is published in the Official Gazette, your name change is legally recognized.

Documents to Update After Marriage Name Change

Here’s a checklist of major documents that must be updated:

1. Aadhaar Card

• Visit UIDAI website or nearest Aadhaar center
• Submit name change affidavit + marriage certificate
• Update biometric data if required

2. PAN Card

• Apply through NSDL or UTIITSL website
• Upload scanned affidavit and marriage certificate
• PAN number remains the same; only name is updated

3. Passport

• Apply for re-issue under “name change” reason
• Submit affidavit, marriage certificate, and old passport

4. Voter ID

• Visit NVSP portal or nearest BLO office
• Submit Form 8 with supporting documents

5. Bank Accounts

• Visit your bank branch with affidavit, marriage certificate, updated Aadhaar/PAN

6. Driving License

• Apply at the local RTO with updated Aadhaar, marriage proof

7. Employer/EPF Records

• Submit a request through HR to update your name in salary records, Provident Fund, insurance, etc.

8. Income Tax Records

• Once PAN is updated, your IT records reflect the new name automatically

9. Insurance Policies, Mutual Funds, Property Papers

• Submit KYC documents and affidavit to update your name with financial institutions

How Long Does the Process Take?

• Affidavit creation: 1–2 days
• Newspaper ads: 1 day
• Gazette publication: 30–60 days (depending on submission method)
• Document updates: Varies by department (7–30 days)

Tips for a Smooth Name Change Process

• Always keep both old and new name IDs during the transition
• Maintain multiple copies of affidavit and Gazette notification
• Make a name change checklist for personal, professional, and financial records
• Use consistent spelling across all applications
• Keep your marriage certificate ready—it is the most important proof

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a marriage certificate enough for name change?

No. A marriage certificate proves your marital status, but you need an affidavit and Gazette notification for official name change.

Can I use my new name without Gazette publication?

Some private institutions may accept it, but for official government documents, Gazette notification is highly recommended.

Can men also change their name after marriage?

Yes, men can also change their name after marriage, though it's less common.

Final Thoughts

Changing your name after marriage is a personal and legal milestone. With a well-organized approach, you can ensure that your name is updated smoothly across all documents. From Aadhaar to bank accounts, each update strengthens your legal identity under your new name.

Apply for Gazette name change online with GazetteGov.com – your trusted partner for hassle-free affidavit drafting, document preparation, and Gazette publication. Fast, reliable service for name changes after marriage, divorce, or corrections. Start your online process today!