Required Documents :
Aadhar Card, Pan Card, Passport, Voter ID, Education Documents, Birth Certificate (Mandatory Doc - Aadhar Card plus any one and doucments having incorrect details))
It is for general information that I, PRADEEP REDDY son of LATE SATYANARAYANA RAO residing at Plot No. 45, Phase 2, Near Sai Baba Temple, Beside Vijaya Bank, VTC: Vijayawada, Dist: Krishna, Andhra Pradesh – 520008 declare that the name of mine, my wife and my minor daughter have been wrongly written as PRADEEP R, KALYANI R and JYOTHI R in my minor daughter JYOTHI REDDY aged 17 years in her 10th class educational documents and birth certificate no 1278/TY/09. The actual name of mine, my wife and my minor daughter are PRADEEP REDDY, KALYANI REDDY and JYOTHI REDDY respectively, which may be amended accordingly.
It is for general information that I, KARTHIK son of VENKATESH residing at Flat No. 101, Ram Residency, Opp. Anna Arch, Adyar, VTC: Chennai, Dist: Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600020, declare that the name of my father has been wrongly written as SRINIVASAN in my 10th Class educational documents and name of my father has been wrongly written as SRINIVASAN in my PAN card No CTJPG8256K and Birth Certificate No 092/2025/15/08432. The actual name of my father is VENKATESH, which may be amended accordingly.
It is for general information that I, RAGHAVENDRA RAO son of LATE MAHESH RAO residing at No. 78, 1st Cross, Near Subrahmanyam Temple, Dwarakanagar, VTC: Visakhapatnam, Dist: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh – 530016 declare that the name of mine, my wife and my minor daughter have been wrongly written as RAGHAVENDRA R, SRAVANI R and SREEJA R in my minor daughter SREEJA RAO aged 17 years in her 10th class educational documents and birth certificate no 5678/AB/21. The actual name of mine, my wife and my minor daughter are RAGHAVENDRA RAO, SRAVANI RAO and SREEJA RAO respectively, which may be amended accordingly.
It is for general information that I, ANIL KUMAR S/o SURENDER SINGH R/o Plot No. 78, Industrial Area, Opp. Bus Stand, VTC: Panipat, Dist: Panipat, Haryana – 132103, declare that name of mine and my wife have been wrongly written as ANIL YADAV and SANGEETA in my minor son DEV JANGID aged 17 years in his Matriculation Certificate. The actual name of mine and my wife are ANIL KUMAR and SANGEETA KUMARI respectively, which may be amended accordingly.
Draft an affidavit stating the old and new name, address as per Aadhar card/passport along with the other details as per gazette norms. Get it notarized by a legal authority.
Place a name change advertisement in the newspaper as per the state mentioned in the given address proof. Newspaper advertisement must be as per the gazette publication format.
Submit an application to the Gazette of India office with supporting documents.
Required documents for file submission
:
Notarized Affidavit on stamp paper.
The newspaper hardcopy in which applicant's name change ad was published.
All other documents signed by Applicant/Deponent & two witnesses.
Two recent passport-size photos of applicant.
Copy of applicant's ID proof (like PAN card, Aadhaar card, or passport etc.).
Soft copy of the application in CD (.docx format).
Government fee payment receipt.
Government fee receipt has to be submitted along with all the documents mentioned above after making the payment for the gazette publication.
A professional name change consultation can help you avoid legal hurdles and ensure smooth updates to your official documents.
Not exactly. For minors, parental or guardian consent is required, and the affidavit must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. The rest of the process—such as newspaper publication and Gazette Notification—is generally the same.
The timeline can vary depending on location and documentation, but on average, the entire process takes about 2 to 4 weeks, not including the time needed to update all your legal records. Starting early is recommended to avoid unnecessary delays.
Costs depend on the state and the newspaper you choose for publication. On average, the process costs between ₹1000 and ₹3000, excluding any additional fees for updating official documents like Aadhar, PAN, or Passport.
Yes, at least one witness is required when notarizing your affidavit. The witness should be someone who knows you personally and can verify your identity.
The official process involves three key steps:
We're here for you every step of the way! Whether you’re choosing the right insurance plan, need help with claims, or just have a quick question — our experts at Cover India by Satvik Enterprises are ready to assist you.
For Name Change Services Contact Us
A name is more than just a label—it plays a vital role in shaping your identity. It helps others recognize and remember you, and often carries personal, cultural, or familial significance. Because of this deep connection, changing one’s name is rarely a casual decision. It reflects thoughtful consideration, often influenced by personal beliefs, life changes, or social reasons.
There are many reasons why individuals in India choose to change their names. Some do it after marriage or divorce, while others are motivated by personal or religious beliefs, such as numerology or astrology. Name changes also occur when someone converts to a different religion or wants to make a fresh start in life.
Whether you’re recently married, divorced, or simply wish to adopt a new name for personal reasons, this guide is here to help. It walks you through every step of the legal name change process in India—from gathering the required documents to understanding the legal procedures—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Changing one’s name is a significant decision and can be influenced by a variety of personal, cultural, or spiritual factors. In India, name changes are quite common for the following reasons:
In essence, people change their names for a wide range of reasons—from life transitions like marriage or divorce to spiritual beliefs or personal expression.
Changing your name in India involves more than simply picking a new one and starting to use it. There is a formal legal procedure that must be followed to ensure your new name is officially recognized. While the process may vary slightly from state to state, it typically involves three main steps:
Skipping these steps might seem easier, but it can lead to complications. Completing the legal process ensures that your new name is officially recognized by government authorities, which is crucial when updating identity documents, applying for a passport, buying property, or registering a marriage.
While the process may take some time and effort, doing it properly will help you avoid legal and administrative issues later on. In the sections that follow, we’ll break down each step to make the procedure simple and easy to understand.
Before you can legally change your name in India, there are a few key requirements you must meet:
Once you meet these basic requirements, you can move forward with the official name change process, which will be explained in detail in the following sections.
To complete the name change process, you’ll need to gather the following essential documents:
In addition to basic identification, you may need to provide supporting documents based on the reason for your name change. For example:
Having these documents ready in advance will make the process faster and help avoid delays or complications.
Changing your name in India involves a series of legal steps. Each step plays an important role in ensuring your new name is officially recognized. Below is a simplified breakdown of the procedure:
The first step is to prepare an affidavit declaring your intention to change your name.
The affidavit serves as your official declaration. It is a legally recognized document that can be referred to by courts and government bodies.
Once written, the affidavit must be notarised. Visit a notary public who will verify your identity and apply an official seal to validate the document.
After notarizing the affidavit, the next step is to publish a name change notice in newspapers.
This step publicly notifies others of your name change, adding legal transparency and accountability.
You must publish your name change in:
Choose well-reputed and widely circulated publications to ensure visibility.
The ad should be concise and include:
Save the original copies of both newspaper advertisements. You’ll need them when applying for the Gazette notification.
The final step is to publish your name change in the Government Gazette.
A Gazette Notification is an official government publication that provides legal recognition of your new name. It serves as the final and formal confirmation.
To issue the Gazette Notification:
Once your name is published in the Gazette, it becomes legally valid, and you can begin updating it across all official records.
Publication Timeline
Once your application is submitted, the name change notification is generally published in the Official Gazette within two to four weeks.
By following each step carefully, you can complete the name change process smoothly. It’s important not to skip any part of the procedure, as every step is crucial for legal recognition.
In the next section, we’ll guide you on what to do after your name has been officially changed, including how to update your documents and records.
Changing your name legally in India involves a few necessary expenses across different stages of the process:
The first step is creating an affidavit, which requires a notary and stamp paper. The typical cost for this is around ₹20, though it may vary slightly depending on location and notary service fees.
You must publish your name change in two newspapers—one in English and one in your regional language. The cost depends on the newspapers you choose and the size of the advertisement but is usually affordable and varies between ₹300–₹1000 per publication.
Publishing your name change in the Official Gazette is the final and most crucial step.
While the process is straightforward, errors can cause delays. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Always double-check all paperwork and follow the procedure carefully to avoid unnecessary complications.
Example 1: Name Change After Marriage
Geeta Sharma changed her surname to Geeta Thakur after marriage. She completed the affidavit and newspaper publication steps, and within three weeks, her name change was officially published in the Gazette.
Example 2: Name Change After Religious Conversion
Rohan Gupta, upon converting to Islam, changed his name to Saad Khan. He completed an affidavit with proof of conversion, published the change in two newspapers, and successfully updated his legal documents after Gazette notification.
Several online platforms, such as ezyLegal, provide comprehensive name change solutions. These services typically include pre-drafted affidavit templates, Gazette notification processing, and assistance with newspaper advertisements—streamlining the entire process and minimizing errors and delays.
Engaging a lawyer can be especially helpful in complex cases, such as those involving minors or ongoing legal matters. Legal professionals can offer tailored advice, ensure accurate documentation, and represent you if disputes arise.
Changing your name can significantly affect many areas of your life. It’s essential to update all official documents—such as bank accounts, educational records, and identification cards—to reflect the new name. Failing to do so may lead to legal or administrative issues in the future, especially when verifying your identity.
Congratulations on your name change! But there’s still important work to do. To ensure your new name is fully recognized, you’ll need to update it across various personal and legal documents.
Your Aadhar card is a key identity document in India. To update it, visit your nearest Aadhar Enrollment Centre with your Gazette Notification and a valid photo ID.
If you travel internationally, updating your passport is essential. Apply for a reissue and submit the necessary documents, including the Gazette Notification and any required identification.
To reflect your new name on your Voter ID, fill out Form 8 and submit it to your local Electoral Office along with supporting documents.
Since the PAN Card is crucial for all financial transactions, updating it is a must. Submit a ‘Request for New PAN Card’ form and include your Gazette Notification to complete the process.
To update your name on your driving license, visit the Regional Transport Office (RTO) where your license was originally issued. Submit the required application along with supporting documents such as the Gazette Notification and a valid photo ID. This ensures that your new name is officially recognized for all driving and identification purposes.
For individuals submitting name change requests through the Central Government, the official Gazette publication office is located in North Delhi:
Office Address:
Department of Publication, Satvik Enterprises
F-1, First Floor, Manish Link Road Plaza-1, Plot No. 9, Sector 5 Main Market, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075
Contact: +91 9871750707 (for assistance and guidance)
This department is responsible for publishing official name change announcements. The process involves sending your application, required documentation, and applicable fees for review and publication.
Cover India provides name change support services across multiple states, including:
Cover India also assists with a wide range of name change needs, such as:
This guide has outlined the complete legal name change process—from understanding why individuals change their names to navigating the legal steps involved. We’ve covered the necessary documentation, key authorities involved, and follow-up actions required.
While changing your name legally can be a detailed and time-consuming process, following the correct steps ensures your new identity is recognized across all official records. Make sure to gather complete information and documentation before proceeding with your name change application.
As you begin this journey of self-transformation or open a new chapter in your life, I sincerely wish you clarity, confidence, and success every step of the way.
Cover India offers name change support in multiple cities throughout the country, including:
Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, Bangalore, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Indore, Pune, Chandigarh, Noida, Ghaziabad, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara.
Yes, personal reasons such as numerology, astrology, or preference are valid. However, you must follow the complete legal procedure to make the name change official.
The process is the same as a regular name change:
The process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, excluding the time needed to update all personal and legal documents.
Costs vary based on the state and newspaper chosen for publication. On average, it ranges from ₹1000 to ₹3000, excluding fees for updating official documents.
Once your name change is published in the Gazette, you should update your details in key documents such as:
No, individuals with pending legal matters or criminal charges are not eligible to change their name until those issues are resolved.
If the name change is due to religious conversion, you’ll need to provide a certificate or proof of conversion along with the affidavit, newspaper publications, and Gazette Notification.
Yes, changing your surname follows the same legal steps:
To legally change your surname in India, you must:
Yes, you can legally change or alter your surname in India by following the official procedure, which includes an affidavit, newspaper publications, and Gazette Notification.
To prepare for a name change, gather all necessary documents and complete the following steps:
To change your name, you must:
A legal name change requires three key steps:
Changing your surname involves:
The legal name change process includes:
After legally changing your name, you must update it on all key documents, including your passport, driver’s license, voter ID, Aadhar card, PAN card, and any other official records.
To change your name in India, follow these steps:
The name change procedure includes:
As of now, there is no fully online method to legally change your name in India. You must follow the traditional offline steps: affidavit creation, newspaper publication, and Gazette Notification.
To formally change your name, you must:
The steps are:
To legally change your name, you must complete these three steps:
Yes, it is entirely possible. By completing the legal procedures—affidavit preparation, newspaper publication, and Gazette Notification—you can legally change your name in India.
Yes, it is legal to change your last name in India. The process involves preparing a notarized affidavit, publishing the change in newspapers, and obtaining a Gazette Notification from the government.
To change your name legally in India, you must:
No, it is illegal to change another person’s name without their explicit consent and legal authorization. Name changes must be initiated by the individual or their legal guardian (in the case of minors).
The official process includes three main steps:
The standard procedure involves:
In India, a legal name change requires the following:
To legally change your last name, follow these steps:
To legally change your name in India, you must:
We’ve now covered every important aspect of the name change process in India. Whether your reason is spiritual, personal, or professional, we hope this guide has been a reliable resource. Additional helpful tools and links are included below to assist you further on this journey.
The legal process requires:
In certain cases, especially for court-ordered name changes, you may need to file a petition with your local court. The court may require you to appear in person and submit documentation. For accurate legal procedures, consult your local municipal office or district court website.
Yes, after receiving your divorce decree and required documents, you can apply online for name change publication in the Gazette. You will need to prepare an affidavit—which some service providers can help you generate in a customized format for online submission.
No, changing your name typically involves certain expenses, such as:
To create a name change affidavit:
While the process is not overly complicated, it does involve strict legal steps, multiple documents, and coordination with government offices. Planning, accuracy, and patience are essential to avoid errors or delays.
The typical documents include:
Yes, you can legally change your entire name—first, middle, or last—at any point in your life. The legal process includes:
The complete name change process generally takes 4 to 6 weeks, though it may take longer depending on the responsiveness of government departments and the complexity of your case.
The legal name change process includes:
Requirements may vary, but commonly needed documents include:
The minimum legal age is 18 years. However, minors can still change their names with the consent of their parents or legal guardians.
Yes, under Articles 19(1)(a) (freedom of expression) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Indian Constitution, every citizen has the right to change or retain their name. However, this right is subject to reasonable legal restrictions.
Here is the step-by-step process:
The typical cost for completing the entire name change process is around ₹8,550, though this can vary depending on newspaper fees, legal assistance, and government charges.
Yes, there is no legal restriction on how many times you can change your name, provided each change follows the official process.
Proof of a legal name change may include:
The minimum age is 18 years to independently request a name change. Minors can do so with parental or guardian consent, following the same legal process.
To legally change your gender and name, follow these three steps:
To update your name on a Transfer Certificate:
Yes, name changes during an MBBS course are permitted. You must:
No, once your name change is legally finalized and published in the Gazette, continuing to use your old name may be considered misrepresentation and could result in legal consequences under charges such as cheating or fraud.
Yes, you can. There is no legal obligation to change your surname after marriage. You are free to retain your maiden name, adopt your spouse’s surname, or use a combination of both.
Yes, but only from the effective date of the Gazette Notification onward. Past documents will remain unchanged. To proceed, create an affidavit, publish the change in newspapers, and apply for Gazette publication.
You must follow the standard legal process:
Yes, you can legally change your name after graduation. You’ll need to submit:
To include your surname officially:
Yes, for spelling corrections: