One can wish to change one’s name for any reason – like on an astrologer’s advice, to join films (like Yusuf Khan became Dilip Kumar), changing one’s religion, simply changing the spelling as a matter of preference (from, say, Ranveer to Runbir) or, more commonly, for a traditionally married girl to adopt her husband’s surname (many girls today don’t bother). But the new name cannot be legally used – say, when applying for a passport, PAN card and meeting other such requirements. Therefore, certain steps are required. These are:

• The document of request to change one’s name must be written on a clean white paper and clearly state the present and proposed names along with the father’s/husband’s name. If the person is employed, the employer’s name should also be included. This document should be signed in the presence of two witnesses who will countersign it.

• File an affidavit as a request for a change in name that has been attested by a first class magistrate or a notary public in India. Abroad, the affidavit can be attested by whichever Indian consulate is nearest to the person’s residence.

• Place a name change advertisement with the particulars as a notice in even the cheapest local newspaper. Supported by a photocopy of the affidavit, the ad should mention the old and new names as well as the father’s/husband’s full names and address.

• Once the ad appears, keep more than one original copy for possible future use.

• The final step is to send the document by Speed post to: The Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi 110 054.

• The package must include:

1.) The attested affidavit
2.) The document prepared to show signatures of self and two witnesses
3.) Two passport-size photographs
4.) The original advertisement published in the newspaper.
5.) Costs of printing charges for the publication of change of name Rs. 700 + Rs 900 for the public notice, the amount to be submitted or remitted in advance in cash or by demand draft/India Postal Order drawn in favour of Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi 110 054.
6.) The cost of advertising of change of name in the Gazette of India for Indians living abroad is Rs. 2300 including air mail charges.
7.) Up to two extra copies of the Gazette are supplied on additional payment of Rs. 35 per copy.

Note:

• Documents and payment can be made in person also.
• The documents being sent should be less than one year old.
• Since documents sent are never returned, ensure that appropriate copies and/or originals of documents are kept of those expected to be needed in future.
• If the individual adopts a name from another religion without changing religion, the affidavit must be signed by a sub-divisional magistrate that there has been no change of religion.
• Such an ad will cost Rs. 900 and must also be shown in the newspaper as well as in the document prepared with the signatures of two witnesses.

Non-resident Indian applicants seeking to change their first name or surnames (or both) must place advertisements saying so in a prominent newspaper at their usual place of residence in the country they live in besides in a prominent daily newspaper of the area of their permanent address in India. Original clippings of these advertisements along with a sworn affidavit in the prescribed format must be furnished with the application. This is necessary when a new passport is applied for in a changed name.

Assistance in this matter is available instantly online from Myadvtcorner, newspaper advertising services.

For Any inquiry related to advertisement publishing for name change requirements please call us at +91-9810904604 or mail us at contactus@myadvtcorner.com