People change their names for many reasons—marriage, divorce, numerology, or personal choice. Whatever the reason, the process involves specific legal steps. Sperso Filings (formerly Sperso Filings) offers expert assistance to make your name change procedure smooth, fast, and fully online.

Name Change Process

1. Fill the Lead Form
   Our experts will contact you.
2. File Affidavit for Name Change
3. Placing Advertisement in Newspapers
4. Publishing Name Change in Official National Gazette of India
5. Get Gazette Soft Copy with E-publication Page Details

Name Change Procedure in India

Once you've finalized your new name, the following legal steps must be completed to officially update it:

Affidavit for Name Change

The process begins with drafting a name change affidavit, handled by our legal experts. This affidavit should include your current name, new name, and the reason for the change—be it marriage, legal reasons, numerology, divorce, or correcting existing records. It must be signed by two witnesses and a gazetted officer with an official seal.

Publishing in Newspapers

An advertisement must be published in either a national or regional newspaper, depending on the situation. We will manage the newspaper ad on your behalf with all essential details. It’s advisable to keep printed copies of the ad for documentation.

Gazette Notification

Once the application is submitted, your name will be officially listed in the National Gazette. We’ll monitor the publication, and after release, a soft copy along with the e-publication page link will be shared with you.

Eligibility for Name Change Online Application

Who can apply for a name change online? Here are the basic eligibility criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen
• Should hold a valid government-issued ID
• Must have a valid and justifiable reason for changing the name
• For minors, parents must accompany them during any official visits

Who Can Apply for a Name Change:

• Husband
• Wife
• A relative

Anyone can apply for a name change at any stage of life.

Legal Compliance with Name Change Procedure in India

Why is it important to follow all legal steps during a name change in India? Here are the key reasons:

Any legally completed process holds official value. Since identity proof is now essential in most areas of life, changing your name lawfully is crucial. Our name appears on vital documents like PAN, Aadhaar, bank accounts, academic records, and birth certificates—used for identity verification.

Hence, your name change must be officially validated by the appropriate Central or State authority before updating these records. Legal documentation helps prevent misuse, especially by those with criminal intent, and promotes transparency and accountability.

Documents Required for Online Name Change

• Affidavit prepared on stamp paper
• Original newspaper carrying the name change ad
• Printed proforma signed by the applicant and two witnesses
• Two recent passport-size photos
• Copies of valid ID proof (PAN, Aadhaar, or passport)
• CD containing the soft copy of the application in .docx format
• Declaration letter confirming the accuracy of hard and soft copies
• Application request letter with applicable registration fee addressed to the authority

Sample Name Change Affidavit

A name change affidavit includes the individual’s current and new legal names, the reason for the change, and a declaration confirming it is not for any unlawful or dishonest intent. Below is a sample affidavit format for reference.

Types of Name Change Affidavits

Name change affidavits must include your old name, new name, address, age, and reason for the change. They should also be published in newspapers and the Indian Gazette. Common types include:

• Affidavit for Name Change After Marriage: Used when changing your name post-marriage. Requires a filled form, marriage certificate, and photos of the couple.
• Affidavit for Name Change on Passport: Used to update a passport name due to errors or marital name changes. Follows the general name change process.
• Affidavit for Name Change for Minors: Filed by parents or guardians when a minor's name is changed. Other steps remain the same.

Common Reasons for Legal Name Change in India

• Marriage: Often, women adopt their spouse’s surname after marriage.
• Divorce: Individuals may revert to their maiden name or choose a new one post-divorce.
• Adoption: Adopted individuals may take on the surname of their adoptive family.
• Religious Conversion: A name change may follow conversion to another religion.
• Personal Preference: Some simply wish to adopt a new name for personal or professional reasons.

Advantages of Legally Changing Your Name in India

• New Identity: Helps reflect your true or preferred identity.
• Career Growth: Can support professional branding or uniqueness.
• Legal Validity: Government-recognized name usable on all official documents (passport, Aadhaar, DL, etc.).
• Personal Fulfillment: Offers emotional satisfaction and a sense of empowerment.

Rules for Legal Name Change in India

• Affidavit Submission: Prepare and notarize an affidavit with all required details.
• Newspaper Ad: Publish name change notice in at least one local/national newspaper.
• Gazette Notification: Submit documents for name change publication in the official Gazette.
• Update ID Proofs: Apply for updated documents (Aadhaar, Passport, DL, etc.) with the new name.

Affidavit Format for Name Change

[Full Name of Deponent]
[Complete Residential Address]
[City, State, PIN Code]
[Date]

AFFIDAVIT OF NAME CHANGE

I, [Full Name of Deponent], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:

1. I am above 18 years of age and competent to make this affidavit.
2. My present legal name is [Current Legal Name], which appears on all my official documents including birth certificate, passport, Aadhaar card, and driver’s license.
3. I wish to legally change my name to [New Legal Name].
4. The reason for this change is [State the reason: marriage, divorce, personal preference, etc.].
5. I have been using the name [New Legal Name] for the past [Duration].
6. This name change is not intended for any wrongful or fraudulent purpose, nor to evade any debts or legal responsibilities.
7. I request that my new name, [New Legal Name], be recognized and updated in all government and private records.

I declare that the information provided above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

[Signature of Deponent]
[Printed Name of Deponent]

Why Sperso Filings?

At Sperso Filings, our specialists simplify the complex name change process in India for you.

• We professionally draft your name change affidavit
• We handle the required newspaper advertisement
• We notify you once the Gazette publication is complete
• Entire process is carried out 100% online
• Expert guidance is provided at every step
• Our dedicated support team addresses all your queries