Affidavit for Name Change — Format for Gazette Publication India

# Affidavit for Name Change — Format for Gazette Publication India

Changing one's name legally in India involves a specific process that includes executing a notarised affidavit, publishing a notice in two newspapers (one in a local language and one in English), and optionally getting the name change published in the Official Gazette (Government of India Gazette or State Gazette). This process, while not governed by a single statute, is the widely accepted legal mechanism for formally adopting a new name and updating identity documents.

The name change affidavit is the foundational document. It is sworn before a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner and serves as the legal declaration of intent to change one's name. Without a valid affidavit, neither the Gazette publication nor the update of official documents is possible.

Common reasons for name change include: marriage or divorce (surname change), personal preference, religious conversion, correction of spelling errors in official records, numerological/astrological reasons, or gender transition.

This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

---

When to Use This Template

This affidavit format is used when:

- You want to formally change your name and need the foundational affidavit for the process

- You are applying for Gazette notification of a name change (required for government employees, defence personnel, and strongly recommended for others)

- You want to change your name on Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or other government documents

- You are changing your name after marriage or divorce and want to update all official records

- You need to correct a name spelling error across your official documents

- Minor children's names are being changed (with affidavit from parents/guardian)

---

The Name Change Process — Overview

**Step 1: Execute the Affidavit** — Sworn before a Notary/Oath Commissioner on stamp paper.

**Step 2: Newspaper Publication** — Publish a notice of name change in two local newspapers (one English, one regional language). Retain the newspaper copies.

**Step 3: Gazette Notification (Optional but Recommended)** — Submit the affidavit and newspaper cuttings to the District Collector's office (State Gazette) or Department of Publication (Central Gazette) for official notification. Government employees are required to publish in the Official Gazette.

**Step 4: Update Documents** — Use the affidavit, newspaper cuttings, and Gazette copy (if obtained) to update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Bank accounts, Educational certificates, etc.

---

Sample Format

```

AFFIDAVIT FOR NAME CHANGE

I, [OLD FULL NAME], [Age: XX years], [Occupation], [Religion], son/daughter/wife/husband of [PARENT'S / SPOUSE'S FULL NAME], presently residing at [COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS INCLUDING PIN CODE], do hereby solemnly affirm and state as follows:

1. I was previously known by the name "[OLD FULL NAME]" in all my records and official documents.

2. I hereby declare that I have changed my name from "[OLD FULL NAME]" to "[NEW FULL NAME]" with effect from [DATE — DD/MM/YYYY], on account of [REASON FOR NAME CHANGE — e.g., "personal preference" / "marriage" / "religious reasons" / "correction of spelling error" / "numerological reasons" — stating the reason is optional but commonly done].

3. I shall henceforth be known and referred to as "[NEW FULL NAME]" in all records, documents, correspondence, and dealings.

4. My other personal details remain unchanged:

a. Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]

b. Place of Birth: [CITY/STATE]

c. Father's / Husband's Name: [NAME]

d. Residential Address: [COMPLETE ADDRESS AS ABOVE]

5. My identity documents currently bear the following name and details:

a. Aadhaar Card No.: [LAST 4 DIGITS — XXXX] — Name: [OLD NAME]

b. PAN Card No.: [PAN NUMBER] — Name: [OLD NAME]

c. Passport No.: [PASSPORT NUMBER, if any] — Name: [OLD NAME]

d. [Any other relevant document]

6. I am making this affidavit for the purpose of legally changing my name and for publication of the same in newspapers and/or the Official Gazette, and for updating my name in all official records and identity documents.

7. I solemnly affirm that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.

DEPONENT

Name: [NEW FULL NAME] (formerly [OLD FULL NAME])

Signature / Thumb Impression: _______________

Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]

Place: [CITY]

---

VERIFICATION

Solemnly affirmed at [CITY] on this [DATE] by the above-named deponent, [OLD NAME / NEW NAME], who is personally known to me / has been identified by [IDENTIFIER'S NAME] / produced identity proof [TYPE AND NUMBER].

[SIGNATURE AND SEAL OF NOTARY PUBLIC / OATH COMMISSIONER]

Name: _______________

Registration No.: _______________

Date: _______________

[OFFICIAL STAMP]

```

---

Sample Newspaper Notice Format

```

PUBLIC NOTICE — NAME CHANGE

I, [OLD FULL NAME], [Age], [Address], hereby give public notice that I have changed my name from "[OLD FULL NAME]" to "[NEW FULL NAME]" with effect from [DATE]. Henceforth I shall be known as "[NEW FULL NAME]" in all records and documents.

[NEW FULL NAME]

(formerly [OLD FULL NAME])

[Address]

[Date]

```

*(Publish this notice in two newspapers — one English and one in the regional language of your state. Keep original newspaper copies for your records and for submission to Gazette/government offices.)*

---

Sample Gazette Submission Application

```

To,

The District Collector / Deputy Commissioner

[DISTRICT NAME]

[COMPLETE ADDRESS]

Date: [DATE]

Subject: Application for Publication of Name Change in [State] Gazette / Official Gazette of India

Sir/Madam,

I, [NEW FULL NAME] (formerly [OLD FULL NAME]), resident of [ADDRESS], hereby request that my name change from "[OLD FULL NAME]" to "[NEW FULL NAME]" be published in the [State Gazette / Government of India Gazette].

Enclosed herewith are the following documents:

1. Notarised Affidavit for Name Change (Original)

2. Newspaper cuttings (two newspapers — English + [regional language])

3. Copy of Aadhaar Card / Identity Proof

4. [Prescribed application form, if any]

5. [Prescribed fee / challan]

Kindly process this application and publish the same at the earliest.

Yours faithfully,

[NEW FULL NAME]

[ADDRESS]

[PHONE]

[DATE]

```

---

Key Elements Explained

**Old and New Name**

Both must be stated precisely as they appear in your existing official documents. Even slight variations (e.g., initials vs. full name) in the old name must exactly match your Aadhaar/PAN/Passport records, otherwise those authorities may not accept the affidavit.

**Date of Change**

State the date from which the new name takes effect. This is typically the date of executing the affidavit or a date shortly thereafter.

**Reason for Change**

Stating the reason is optional for the affidavit but recommended. Some government departments may ask for the reason when updating records. Common acceptable reasons include marriage, personal choice, religious conversion, and spelling correction.

**Other Personal Details**

Including your date of birth, address, and parent/spouse name helps authorities link the old and new identity unambiguously. This is especially important when the name change is significant.

**Identity Document Numbers**

Listing your current document numbers helps you track which documents need updating and helps authorities verify identity. Do not include full sensitive numbers in copies that are publicly circulated — in this affidavit (which is an official sworn document) it is standard to include them.

**Newspaper Publication**

Two newspapers are required — one English and one regional language (vernacular). Both should be widely circulated local newspapers. After publication, the newspaper office may give you a Notarised Cutting Certificate — keep it carefully.

---

Important Notes

**Stamp Paper**

Execute the affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper. The required denomination varies by state — commonly Rs. 20–100. In Maharashtra, stamp paper of appropriate value is available at licensed stamp vendors.

**Notary vs. Executive Magistrate**

The affidavit can be attested by a Notary Public or an Oath Commissioner/Executive Magistrate. For Gazette publication purposes, the affidavit attested by a Notary Public or First Class Magistrate is generally accepted.

**Gazette Publication Timeline**

Getting a name change published in the Official Gazette of India can take 4–8 weeks or longer. State Gazette publication timelines vary. Gazette publication is not mandatory for private individuals — it is primarily required for central/state government employees and those updating certain documents like defence records.

**Updating Aadhaar (UIDAI)**

UIDAI allows name change on Aadhaar twice. You need to visit an Aadhaar Enrollment Centre with the affidavit and/or Gazette copy. Supporting documents and fees (currently Rs. 50) may apply.

**Updating PAN (Income Tax)**

File Form 49A (Change/Correction) with NSDL/UTIITSL. Submit along with affidavit, Gazette copy (if available), and current PAN card copy.

**Passport**

A name change on a passport requires a fresh passport application. An affidavit alone is not sufficient — you need supporting documents such as a Gazette notification, marriage certificate (for name changes after marriage), or court order. Check current MEA guidelines.

**Minor's Name Change**

An affidavit sworn by both parents (or sole surviving parent/guardian) is required. The same newspaper publication and Gazette process applies. School/college certificates may also require an application to the board.

---

FAQ

**Q1. Is Gazette publication mandatory for a name change?**

For private citizens, Gazette publication is not legally mandatory. You can change your name through the affidavit + newspaper notice process and update most documents (Aadhaar, PAN, Bank) on that basis. However, Gazette publication provides the strongest official recognition and is mandatory for central and state government employees, defence personnel, and for passport purposes in certain cases.

**Q2. How long does the entire name change process take?**

The affidavit can be executed on the same day at a Notary. Newspaper publication takes 2–7 days. Gazette publication (if pursued) can take 4–8 weeks. After that, updating each document takes additional time — Aadhaar (2–4 weeks), PAN (15–30 days), Passport (varies). Allow 1–3 months for the complete process.

**Q3. Do I need a court order to change my name?**

No. A court order for name change is not required in India for ordinary citizens. The affidavit + newspaper notice route is the standard process. A court order may be sought in exceptional cases or where an official document-issuing authority insists on it, but this is uncommon.

---

*This template is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Requirements for name change documentation may vary between different government authorities and states. Consult a qualified advocate or Notary Public for your specific situation.*