How to Change Your Name Legally Online in India

Changing your name can be a significant decision that many people make for various reasons. It could be due to marriage, divorce, personal preference or a desire to start fresh. Whatever the reason, the process of legally changing your name in India can seem complicated, but with the right information, it can be done easily and efficiently.

Eligibility Criteria:

Anyone who is a citizen of India and holds a valid government-issued ID can change their name legally. It is also important to note that anyone who has pending legal cases or criminal records is not eligible to change their name.

Steps to Follow:

Publish a Name Change Advertisement: The first step in changing your name legally in India is to publish a name change advertisement in two local newspapers. One newspaper should be in English, and the other should be in the regional language of your choice. This advertisement is a public notice that announces your intention to change your name and acts as proof that you have notified the general public about the change.

Obtain an Affidavit for the Name Change: The next step is to obtain an Affidavit for the name change from a Notary Public. The Affidavit is a sworn statement that contains your old name, the new name you want to adopt and the reason for the change. It acts as legal proof of the change of name and can be used to update government-issued IDs and documents.

Obtain a Gazette Notification of the Name Change: The third step is to obtain a Gazette Notification for name change from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Gazette Notification is a government-issued certificate that confirms the change of name and acts as official proof of the change. The Gazette Notification is necessary to update all government-issued IDs and documents with the new name.

Update Government-issued IDs and Documents: The final step is to update all government-issued IDs and documents with the new name. This includes your PAN card, passport, driving license, voter ID, bank accounts, etc. Most of these updates can be done online, making the process convenient and efficient.

Online Process of Name Change:

In recent years, the Indian government has made it possible to change your name online. The process of changing your name online is simple and straightforward, making it an attractive option for many people. To change your name online, you need to follow the steps outlined above and submit the necessary documents online.

Once you have published the name change advertisement in the newspapers and obtained the Affidavit and Gazette Notification, you can go to the relevant government website and apply for the name change. The websites for different government agencies may vary, so it is essential to check the specific website for the agency you need to apply to.

After you have applied for the name change online, you will be asked to upload the necessary documents, including the Affidavit and Gazette Notification. Once the documents have been verified and approved, the agency will update your records with the new name.

Tips for Changing Your Name Legally Online in India:

Choose a name that is appropriate and does not infringe on the rights of others.

Ensure that all the necessary documents, including the Affidavit and Gazette Notification, are correct and up-to-date. Check the specific government website for the agency you need to apply to and follow their guidelines. Keep a copy of all the documents related to the name change for your records.

Conclusion:

Changing your name in India is a legal process that requires following certain steps and obtaining specific documents. Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria and follow the steps outlined in this blog to change your name legally online in India.

Written by Aman Sharma