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Name Change Affidavit Format in India – Complete Guide with Sample Affidavit

A Name Change Affidavit is the first and one of the most important legal documents required to change your name in India. It is a sworn declaration executed on non-judicial stamp paper before a Notary Public or Magistrate, confirming your existing name, proposed new name, and the reason for the name change. This affidavit establishes the legal connection between your old and new name and forms the basis for newspaper publication, Gazette Notification, and updating official records. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Whether you are changing your name after marriage, divorce, adoption, religion conversion, correcting a spelling mistake, or changing your first name, middle name, or surname, preparing a legally valid affidavit is mandatory in most cases. Once notarized, the affidavit can be used to proceed with the remaining steps of the Legal Name Change Process.

What is a Name Change Affidavit?

A Name Change Affidavit is a legal declaration made by an individual stating that they have voluntarily decided to change their name. The affidavit records both the old and new names and declares that the applicant will use the new name for all future legal, financial, and personal purposes. It is generally executed on non-judicial stamp paper and notarized before submission to the relevant authorities. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Why is a Name Change Affidavit Required?

  • Serves as the primary legal document for changing your name.
  • Required for newspaper publication.
  • Required for Gazette Notification.
  • Helps update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and other government records.
  • Acts as legal proof linking your old and new names.
  • Prevents identity-related disputes.

When Do You Need a Name Change Affidavit?

Reason for Name Change Affidavit Required
Name Change After Marriage Yes
Name Change After Divorce Yes
Minor Name Change Yes
Name Change After Adoption Yes
Religion Conversion Yes
Spelling Correction Yes
Change of First Name Yes
Change of Surname Yes

Information to Include in the Affidavit

A properly drafted affidavit should generally include the following information:

  • Applicant's existing full name.
  • Proposed new name.
  • Father's or Husband's Name.
  • Date of Birth.
  • Residential Address.
  • Occupation.
  • Reason for changing the name.
  • Declaration that the new name will be used for all future purposes.
  • Date and Place of execution.
  • Applicant's Signature.
  • Notary Seal and Signature.

These details help establish the legal identity of the applicant and are commonly required before newspaper publication and Gazette Notification. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Sample Name Change Affidavit Format

AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE OF NAME

I, [Old Full Name], Son/Daughter/Wife of [Father's/Husband's Name], aged [Age] years, residing at [Complete Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows:

  1. That my present name is [Old Full Name].
  2. That I have decided to change my name to [New Full Name].
  3. That henceforth I shall be known and identified by the name [New Full Name] for all legal, official, personal and financial purposes.
  4. That this affidavit is executed for publication in newspapers, Gazette Notification, and updating all my government and private records.
  5. That the information furnished above is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date : ____________

Place : ____________


Signature of Deponent


VERIFICATION

I hereby verify that the contents of this affidavit are true and correct and nothing material has been concealed.


Signature of Deponent

Documents Required Along with the Affidavit

  • Aadhaar Card.
  • PAN Card.
  • Passport (if available).
  • Address Proof.
  • Passport Size Photographs.
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
  • Divorce Decree (if applicable).
  • Birth Certificate (Minor Name Change).
  • Adoption Certificate (where applicable).

View the detailed checklist on our Documents Required for Name Change page.

How to Prepare a Name Change Affidavit?

  1. Prepare the affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper as applicable in your State.
  2. Include all mandatory personal details.
  3. Mention both your existing and proposed names.
  4. Clearly specify the reason for changing your name.
  5. Sign the affidavit before a Notary Public or Magistrate.
  6. Obtain the official seal and signature of the Notary.
  7. Retain multiple copies for future use.

Once the affidavit is notarized, you can proceed with Newspaper Publication and then apply for the Gazette Notification. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using different spellings across documents.
  • Incorrect date of birth.
  • Incomplete residential address.
  • Not mentioning the reason for the name change.
  • Unsigned affidavit.
  • Missing notary attestation.
  • Mismatch between affidavit and identity documents.

What Happens After Preparing the Affidavit?

After the affidavit has been executed and notarized, applicants should complete the remaining steps of the legal name change process:

  1. Publish the name change advertisement in newspapers.
  2. Apply for Gazette Notification.
  3. Receive Gazette Publication.
  4. Update Aadhaar Card.
  5. Update PAN Card.
  6. Update Passport.
  7. Update Voter ID.
  8. Update Driving Licence.
  9. Update Bank Account.
  10. Update Educational Certificates.

Related Name Change Guides

Why Choose IndiaFilings?

IndiaFilings provides complete assistance in preparing legally compliant Name Change Affidavits, coordinating newspaper publication, filing Gazette Notification applications, and updating government records. Our legal experts ensure that your affidavit contains all mandatory information and complies with applicable requirements, helping you complete your legal name change smoothly and efficiently. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}