A birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths, a state-level official, contains a legally valid name. Anyone above the age of 18 in India has the legal right to alter this name by completing the proper legal procedures.
Your name is a reflection of who you are; nevertheless, many individuals are unhappy with their name and desire to change it since their name does not accurately reflect who they are or their personalities. Fortunately, our legal system can assist us in such instances, since there is a mechanism in place to deal with such identity crises.
In India, the process of legally changing one’s name involves following certain legal procedures and submitting the necessary documents to the appropriate authorities. It is important to note that changing one’s name is not a simple process and requires careful consideration and planning.
Valid Reasons For Renaming
- You’ve probably observed folks who add an additional letter to their name or alter the spelling of their name. This is primarily due to numerological factors or astrological reasons.
- It is quite normal in India for the wife to take her husband’s surname as her own. Renaming on crucial papers is necessary for this situation.
- When a marriage ends, many women revert to their maiden names, erasing their previous husband’s surname. They must also go through the change procedure in this scenario.
- People sometimes even loathe their given names and seek to alter them. In this instance, they too have the option of requesting a change.
- Many politicians and those who aspire to be politicians alter their names to develop a regional connection with the public. Some people add titles to their names like ‘Swaraj,’ ‘Bharat,’ and so on.
- When someone wishes to alter their gender, the next step is to rename.
- Some people even rename their names for a host of other reasons, including professional branding or religious conversion.
What Are the Documents Required to Alter Name Legally in India?
- An affidavit on a stamp paper
- The original newspaper with the name change advertisement
- The prescribed proforma in printed format, duly signed by the applicant and two witnesses
- Two passport size photographs
- Photocopies of valid ID proof ( PAN card, Aadhaar card, or passport)
- A CD with a soft copy of the application in .docx format
- A letter stating that the content in the hard and soft copies of the application is credible
- A request letter along with the registration fee to the authority.
Learn more about Documents Required for Name Change in Gazette
Outline of the Procedure to Rename Legally in India
- The first step is to prepare and have notarized an affidavit on stamp paper which proclaims your intention to alter your name.
- After you’ve filed the affidavit, you’ll need to advertise your decision to rename in two local newspapers. In the advert, both the old and new names should be disclosed.
- Following that, provided no objections are raised the applicant needs to get the application published in the Indian Gazette.
Notwithstanding your motivation for rename, you must go through a legal procedure to do it. Furthermore, the legal mechanism for rename mentioned above is a mere overview, the actual process may be lengthy and difficult! However, via Vakilsearch, the procedure is streamlined to make changing your name as simple as possible. Get in touch with us today!
Conclusion:
In conclusion, legally changing your name in India requires following certain legal procedures and submitting the necessary documents to the appropriate authorities. It is important to ensure that you have a valid reason for changing your name and that you have updated all your identity documents with your new name.
FAQs
How Can I Change My Name Legally in India?
To change your name legally in India, you need to follow a legal process. This may involve filing a petition in the local district court, publishing a public notice in a leading newspaper, and obtaining a court order for the name change.
How much does it cost to legally change your name in India?
The cost of legally changing your name in India can vary. It includes court filing fees, publication costs for the notice, and any legal assistance fees if you choose to hire a lawyer. Costs may differ based on the region and complexity of the process.
What evidence do I need to change my name in India?
You generally need supporting documents such as identity proof, address proof, and a gazette notification for the name change. Affidavits stating the reason for the change and confirming no fraudulent intent are also typically required.
How to get a court order for name change in India?
Obtain the necessary forms from the district court, fill them out, and submit them along with supporting documents. Attend court hearings as scheduled. Once the court approves the name change, you will receive a court order.
How can I change my name online permanently?
While the core legal process involves offline steps, some administrative aspects like updating records with government authorities can be done online. However, the legal name change itself requires approval through traditional channels.
How long does it take to legally change your name in India?
The duration for a legal name change can vary. It depends on factors such as processing times, publication timelines, and any potential challenges. On average, the process may take a few weeks to a few months.
How difficult is it to change names in India online in 2023?
Changing names online is not a standalone process. The legal aspect of administrative updates with various agencies and institutions for updating records is the most cumbersome aspect of changing your name online.
Is changing names difficult in India in 2023?
The difficulty level remains subjective and depends on individual circumstances. While the legal process might involve some paperwork and adherence to procedures, it is a manageable process with proper guidance
How Is an affidavit enough for a name change?
An affidavit is a legal document where you declare your intention to change your name, stating reasons and confirming no fraudulent intent. While it is a crucial part of the process, a court order may be required for the change to be legally recognized.
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