The process of changing a name legally in India incurs some costs and a lot of administrative formalities to be completed. Know everything about a legal name change cost and more information in this article.
Overview
Are you considering changing your name on official documents and seeking information about the name change process in India? Look no further. At Vakilsearch, we specialize in facilitating legal name changes. With circumstances and needs, people wish to change their legal name, be it a part of the name or the complete name itself. There is a defined process by law to change your legal name in India. In this guide, we will provide comprehensive details on how you can legally modify your name on official documents.
Why Do People Change Their Legal Name in India?
- To rectify misspelling or mispronunciation
- For astronomical or Vastu reasons
- The desire for a fancy name
- To put behind the past and start afresh
- Name change after marriage
- Disliking the current name
- Conversion to a different religion
- The person has been divorced
- Name change due to gender change
The Process to Legally Change a Name in India
1. Notarising an Affidavit
Create an affidavit and get it printed on ₹10 stamp paper. The cost of printing would be ₹10. You can do it by yourself without the help of a lawyer. The details you need to mention in the affidavit include your current name, your proposed new name, your current address, and the reason for a name change. The process of the affidavit is simple with Vakilsearch with the minimal charge of Rs.1999/-
2. Advertisement in the Newspaper
You will need to advertise your Name Change India in two local newspapers, one in the English language and one in the vernacular language. This may cost you around ₹750 to a maximum of ₹1,000 depending on the newspaper you wish to publish your advertisement in.
3. Gazette Publication
The last step would be to get your name published in the official gazette. For this, you will need the following documents
- The ‘Deed Changing Surname Form’
- 2 true copies of the newspapers in which the advertisements were printed
- A letter to the Secretary, requesting him/her to allow you to change your name
- Attested copy of the name change affidavit
- Attested copies of 2 photographs
- A copy of your identities like your PAN Card, Birth Certificate, Voter ID, school/college certificates, etc. with the address as mentioned in your newspaper advertisement and the affidavit.
You can choose to send these documents to the Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-110054 or hand over the documents to the same address within the office hours which is 10 AM-1 PM and 2 PM-3 PM on working days. This will incur you charges based on the postal service used.
The cost of publication in the gazette will cost around ₹750 to ₹900 depending on whether you want a public notice. You can make the payment through cash, demand draft, or postal order.
You might want to save cost by skipping this step, as a gazette publication is only a mandatory step for people in Government services or applicants for Government examinations. However, some banks may require a gazette publication as proof to update your legally updated name in their bank records. So to be on the safer side you should consider getting your name change published in the official gazette of India: https://egazette.nic.in/
How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name in India?
The approximate cost for a name change in India is Rs. 3000* and includes the following components:
- Affidavit: INR 500* on stamp paper
- Notary charges: INR 1000*
- CD: INR 50*
- Newspaper: INR 1000*
- Gazette newspaper: INR 1500*
*Note: The costs provided are approximate and may vary based on specific circumstances. It’s advisable to check the latest fee structure and requirements.
Summing Up
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cost of name change standardized across all states in India, or does it vary?
The cost of name change may vary across states in India. It is advisable to check the specific requirements and fee structures of the respective state authorities.
Are there different costs associated with changing one's name for different purposes, such as legal, educational, or personal reasons?
The costs associated with changing one's name may vary based on the purpose and the documentation required. Legal, educational, or personal name changes may incur different fees.
What are the typical fees charged by government authorities or agencies for processing a name change application?
Government authorities may charge fees for processing name change applications. These fees can include affidavit costs, notary charges, newspaper publication costs, and Gazette notification fees.
Are there additional expenses, such as legal fees or documentation costs, that individuals should be aware of when changing their name?
Additional expenses may include legal consultation fees if you’re seeking professional assistance and documentation costs for obtaining necessary certificates or affidavits.
Are there any exemptions or fee waivers available for individuals facing financial constraints?
Some states may offer fee waivers or exemptions for individuals facing financial constraints. It is recommended to inquire with the respective authorities about available concessions.
Can individuals expect additional costs for updating identification cards, passports, and other official documents after changing their name?
Yes, individuals should anticipate additional costs for updating identification cards, passports, and other official documents after a name change. These costs will vary depending on the document and issuing authority.
Are there online tools or resources available to estimate the total cost of a name change in India?
Online resources may provide general information, but for accurate estimates, individuals should refer to official government websites or consult with Vakilsearch professionals who are familiar with the name change process in India.
