In this article, we shall take a step-by-step look at how an individual can change their birth name as per official records.
Introduction
Our given name is something that is applied to individuals without consent. This is not to say that there is anything wrong with it. It would of course be impractical to ask a new born what it wants to be named. But a person can want to change their given names later in life for numerous reasons. It could be for business purposes; it could be due to belief in numerology or astrology; or it could be due to last name change post marriage as per custom. It must be noted here that a person doesn’t necessarily need a reason to change their given name. It is their right to do so. But how does one go about it? In this article we will discuss the
Our name is our primary identity. It defines us effectively, in a manner more than what we realize. A significant percentage of people around the world have changed their names, rationalizing the fact that a name is more than just a name. People opt for a complete name change, add a title to their name, change or remove their surnames.
There are specific protocols and rules to be followed to change your name legally in India. In this article, we will discuss how you can get your name changed and what is the right procedure to do it.
Why Do People Usually Change Their Name?
- To change their surname after marriage or after divorce.
- Numerological or astrological reasons
- Religious reasons
- Change of gender
- Dislike current name
- Political reasons
- Easy steps of Name Change
Rules Involved In Legal Name Changing:
Although Indian law allows its citizens to change their name into anything they prefer, there are still a few exceptions.
- You cannot change your name to hide your real identity.
- You cannot change your name to avoid your debt liabilities or escape from legal issues.
- The court will never allow changing your name to that of a famous personality unless you prove you have no intention to mislead anyone.
- You cannot choose an obscene or an offensive name.
- You cannot choose a complicated name that involves punctuation and numerals.
What Are The Documents Required For A Name Change?
For successful completion of the name change process in India, you will be required to submit the following documents:
- An affidavit signed by the applicant and attested by the notary.
- An original newspaper in which you have given an ad regarding your name change
- Prescribed proforma with signatures of the applicant along with two witnesses
- A compact disc that has a soft copy of the application in Word format. In the place of signature of the applicant, the applicant’s old name must be given, and all the witness details must be present.
- A certificate where the applicant has declared that all the content on the documents is true
- Self-attested passport size photographs
- Photocopy of Valid ID proof, also self-attested
- A request letter along with required fees
All of these documents must be printed and sent to The Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-110054, along with the fees.
Procedure To Change Your Name Legally:
You can change your name officially by following these three simple steps:
Step 1: Create an Affidavit
The first step towards change of name is creating an affidavit for the same. It must include the following:
- Full name of the applicant
- Father’s name or husband’s name
- Complete residential address
- A statement declaring that you are willing to opt for a change of name and all the information provided by you is correct.
- The applicant must sign the affidavit at the designated place, and this document must be attested by a Judicial Magistrate or Notary or an Oaths Commissioner.
Step 2: Notify The Public With An Advertisement In The Newspaper
Once you have got the affidavit made, the next step is to place the advertisement in 2 newspapers. This advertisement must include your old name and the new name along with your address, and name of the witnessing and attesting Authority.
In case the applicant is a government employee, they need to submit a deed for change of name as per the rules mentioned in the Office Memorandum No. 19016/01/87 as issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In case the applicant is living abroad, then he/she must submit the deed (original) attested by the Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission to the concerned Authority.
Step:3 Submitting The Newspaper To The Department Of Publication
On submitting the newspapers to the Department of publication, you will receive a change of name gazette notification. This last step is optional for applicants other than government employees. You will have to submit the newspapers along with the affidavit and identity proofs.
To change your name using the above procedure, you have to be 18 years old and above. The procedure for changing the name of the individuals before the age of 18 is different.
How To Get Name Changed On A PAN Card?
The PAN Card is an authorized document that serves as an ID proof. You will be required to produce a PAN card for every bank transaction. In case of discrepancy or if you wish to get your name changed on a PAN card, you would need to follow these steps:
Steps For Changing Name In PAN Card:
- To get your name changed in the PAN card, visit the Tax Information Network website, and select Apply Online.
- After this, go to Application Type and select the option that allows you to change or correct existing PAN Data/ Reprint of PAN Card (No changes in existing PAN data).
- Choose the ‘Individual’ category and enter details like your surname, first name, DOB, email ID, PAN Number, citizenship, and captcha code. Once you have entered the details, submit the form.
- On completing the above steps, you will get your token Number. This is sent to your email ID.
- Now fill the remaining PAN application form. You need to click on ‘Continue with PAN Application Form”.
- After this, you will be redirected to the online PAN application change page. Here, you can verify the details you had already entered.
- Then enter the details like your name as given in your Aadhaar card. Then, update your photo and signature.
- On completing the above steps, you will get an acknowledgement slip.
- One can use the acknowledgement number in the slip to check the PAN update status. You can choose to get an e-PAN, a physical PAN card, or both at the time of filling the requisition form. It generally takes around 45 days to receive the updated PAN card after the name change process.
Conclusion
There are certain services that are considered high up in the list of priorities as far as the government procedures are considered. Change in name is a simple but a non-priority item. So, even though the service as such is mostly straightforward, the procedure may be complicated without the right guidance and expert help. Any mistakes in the application and you may have to conduct the process all over again. So it is always advisable to seek the help of someone who has hands on experience in such matters. If you have any further queries or require any legal assistance, then get in touch with us and we will ensure that you receive the right kind of guidance and support for your requirements.
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