How to Change Your Name Legally in India
Whether you wish to change your last name after marriage or simply want to take on a new name for some other reason, the procedure for legal name change in India is straightforward, but somewhat time consuming. It may take up to 6 months and may involve a few trips to local offices to get all your documents in order and attested. There are also fees associated with every step in the process.
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Things You'll Need
- Advertisement in a local newspaper
- Affidavit
- Passport photographs
- Proforma (typed)
- Fees in Cash, Postal Order or Demand Draft
Instructions
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Request the name change by filing an application with the First Class Magistrate's office which has jurisdiction in your area of residence. They will also attest your affadavit. You could also get your affidavit attested by a notary or oath commissioner. If you are an Indian living abroad, then the affidavit needs to be attested by the respective Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission.
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On a blank sheet of paper, type out the details as specified in the reference document 2, furnishing details including your old name, the new name you wish to adopt, your father's or husband's name and address, and your employer's name. Sign this Proforma in the presence of two witnesses and have them sign the document as well.
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Advertise in one of the daily local newspapers, mentioning your father's or husband's name and address, and your intention to change your name. Be sure to acquire an original of this advertisement as it appears in the paper.
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You may either take in person or send by registered post the following--the original advertisement, original Proforma, attested affidavit, and two attested passport photographs. Pay the fee for having your change of name published in the Gazette of India Part IV. The amount (in the range of Rs. 700 as of 2009) will need to be submitted in advance, in cash or by Demand Draft/Indian Postal Order drawn in favor of Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-54. All of the above mentioned documents will have to be sent to the same address.
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Obtain copies of the official gazette where your change of name has been published and use it as proof of your name change wherever necessary. Two extra copies can be obtained for an extra fee of around Rs. 35 per copy. For Indians living abroad, the cost of advertising change of name in the Gazette of India is Rs. - 2300/- including international postage.
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Tips & Warnings
According to a Times of India report,a proposed amendment to the existing Registration of Births and Deaths Act will make it impossible to have your name changed more than once in India. So, be sure to give your name change careful consideration.
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Comments
View all 13 Comments-
I have submitted all documents except passport photographs to the Controller of Publication to change the name. How can I add my photographs with all documents.
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Hey My name is Venkata Srirama Krishna Teja Konduri(According to Passport- I have been to Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia=>My passport has been used). In my 10th, 12th class memos and in my college my name is written as Krishna Teja V S R Kondury. Now I want to change my name to Ram Konduri. What should I do?
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thanks
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thanks
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I have submitted the affadavit and got my marriage certificate with the changed name. Is that not enough for name change? Is something else needs to be done to change my name? Kindly suggest
