Name Change Affidavit Format

नाम परिवर्तन शपथ पत्र प्रारूप

Affidavits Updated: 2025-02-28

Overview

A name change affidavit is a sworn statement declaring that a person has changed their name. It is part of the legal process of officially changing one's name in India, which also involves a newspaper publication and gazette notification.

Hindi नाम परिवर्तन शपथ पत्र एक शपथ पूर्वक बयान है जो घोषणा करता है कि एक व्यक्ति ने अपना नाम बदल लिया है। यह भारत में आधिकारिक रूप से नाम बदलने की कानूनी प्रक्रिया का हिस्सा है।

When to Use This Format

  • After marriage when changing surname
  • To correct spelling errors in official documents
  • When legally adopting a new name for any reason
  • For updating name in passport, Aadhaar, PAN, and other documents
  • When converting to another religion and changing name

Key Components

  1. 1 Deponent Details

    Current name, new name, father's name, age, address, and occupation.

  2. 2 Name Change Declaration

    Clear statement that the old name is being changed to the new name.

  3. 3 Reason for Change

    Reason for the name change (marriage, personal preference, correction, etc.).

  4. 4 Old Name Details

    All variations of the old name as it appears in various documents.

  5. 5 Undertaking

    Statement that all future transactions will be under the new name.

  6. 6 Verification

    Standard verification clause that the contents are true and correct.

Sample Format

AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE OF NAME I, [New Full Name] (formerly known as [Old Full Name]), S/o / D/o / W/o [Father's/Husband's Name], aged ___ years, resident of [Full Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows: 1. That my former name was [Old Full Name] and I have changed my name to [New Full Name]. 2. That the reason for changing my name is [marriage / personal preference / correction of spelling / etc.]. 3. That henceforth I shall be known as [New Full Name] in all my future dealings, transactions, and records. 4. That I have published a notice of my name change in the newspaper [Newspaper Name] dated [Date] and have also published the same in the Official Gazette. 5. That my old name [Old Full Name] and new name [New Full Name] refer to one and the same person, i.e., myself. 6. That I undertake to inform all relevant authorities and update all my official documents including Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, and bank accounts with my new name. VERIFICATION I, the above-named deponent, do hereby verify that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Verified at [City] on this ___ day of _______, 2025. DEPONENT (Signature) [New Name] Before me, Notary Public / Oath Commissioner

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Draft the Affidavit

Prepare the name change affidavit on stamp paper of Rs. 10-100 stating old name, new name, and reason for change.

2

Get Notarized

Sign the affidavit before a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner.

3

Publish in Newspaper

Publish a name change advertisement in two newspapers - one local and one national/regional. Keep the newspaper copies.

4

Gazette Notification

Apply for publication in the Official Gazette (state or central) through the Department of Publication.

5

Update Documents

Update all official documents - Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, bank accounts, educational certificates.

6

Keep Records

Maintain copies of the affidavit, newspaper clippings, and gazette notification for future reference.

Important Notes

  • The name change process typically takes 4-8 weeks including gazette notification.
  • Two newspaper publications are recommended - one in a local language newspaper and one in an English newspaper.
  • For minors, name change must be done by the legal guardian.
  • Name change after marriage does not require a gazette notification in many states - a marriage certificate suffices.
  • Some states allow online gazette notification applications through their official websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gazette notification mandatory for name change?

While gazette notification is recommended and many organizations require it, some documents like Aadhaar and PAN can be updated with just an affidavit and newspaper publication. For passport changes, gazette notification may be required. It is advisable to obtain it for comprehensive legal coverage.

How much does the name change process cost?

The approximate costs are: Stamp paper (Rs. 10-100), Notary fees (Rs. 50-200), Newspaper advertisement (Rs. 500-2000 per newspaper), Gazette notification (Rs. 500-1000). Total cost ranges from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 5,000 approximately.

Can I change my name on Aadhaar with just an affidavit?

UIDAI accepts name change through a self-declaration form along with supporting documents. For minor changes (spelling corrections), a request letter may suffice. For major name changes, an affidavit, newspaper publication, and gazette notification may be required depending on the nature of the change.

Legal Disclaimer

This format is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. The format may need to be adapted based on specific circumstances, applicable laws, and jurisdictional requirements. Always consult a qualified advocate or legal professional before filing any legal document. For more details, see our Disclaimer.

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