Changing one’s name is surprisingly common, and happens for a variety of reasons, be it marriage, change of religion, or just a desire for one to be more comfortable with themselves. However, there are many bureaucratic requirements involved in this.

Overview:

In spite of the fact that many individuals dislike their names, not every person would opt to make name changes. They simply hold tight to their names for the duration of their lives, generally on the grounds that possibly they may not understand what choices are accessible to them, or maybe they believe that the method for the changing the name is simply tedious. People tend to change name due to multiple reasons like marriage, dislike of their current name, religious reasons, political contexts, identity makeovers, etc.

Changing your Name in India:

1. Affidavit Submission: When changing a name in India, an affidavit is required
2. Ad Publication: An announcement should be published in the newspaper.
3. Gazette Notification: Name Changes should be notified in the Gazette of India.

Step 1: Affidavit Submission

The first step in the name changing is affidavit submission. To do this, you’ll have to contact a notary.

1. Approach your local notary and mention your request.
2. The notary would suggest the stamp paper of the required value on which the affidavit is made.
3. The following details need to be provided:

• Name and new name
• Current address
• Reasons for Renaming

4. Once the affidavit is printed on a plain stamp paper, it needs to be signed by two witnesses.

5. In case of a central government employee, the process of how to change name must be done in lieu with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

6. Married women changing their name, must furnish the following details:

• Current name with father’s name and address
• New name with husband’s name and address
• Marriage date

Note: An affidavit reflects both your old and new names. It can be used for changing the whole name, surname, or just a few letters.

For overseas Indians who would like to change their name, he/she needs to submit a deed stating the change of name, duly signed by the Indian High Commission office or the Indian Embassy.

Step 2: Ad in Newspaper

If you have made the affidavit, the next step is to publish an advertisement in the leading local daily newspapers that you have changed your name. The advertisement must include your

• Old name
• New name
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Name of witnessing authority
• Place and date on which the affidavit is made.

Note: The ad must be published in two newspapers, one in the official language of the state and the other in English.

Newspaper Ad Format

The newspapers allot a column for these kinds of notifications. The format for placing a changed name ad in newspaper is given below:

I, Sanjay r/o Bommanahalli, Begur road, Bangalore, Karnataka have changed my name to Sourav, sworn in front for Notary M. Rajesh on 15/02/2020.

If your announcement is published in the newspaper, remember to preserve as many copies as possible, and store them for future use. Although one single copy will do, it would be better to retain as many original newspaper ads as you can.

Note: Married women who would like to change their surname after marriage, should add their husband’s name and address in the notification.

Requirements For Renaming

An individual who is going to change his/her name must keep the below documents ready for the publication of Renaming advertisement in the Gazette of India:

• An affidavit duly signed by the applicant and attested by Judicial Magistrate/Notary
• Original newspaper in which change ad is given
• Prescribed proforma (must be computer typed and not handwritten) with signatures of applicant and two witnesses
• A C.D. (compact disc) that contains the soft copy (typed content, not a scanned copy) of the application in MS Word format. In place of the signature of the applicant, the applicant’s old name has to be given, and witness details need not be included
• A certificate in which the applicant declares that the contents included in both soft copy and hard copy are similar. The applicant should duly sign the certificate
• Two passport-size photographs, both self-attested by the applicant
• A photocopy of a valid ID proof, self-attested by the applicant
• A request letter along with the requisite fee as per the authority.

The above-listed documents, along with a forwarding letter must be submitted to The Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-110054. The papers have to be submitted either personally or shall be sent by post/courier to the department.

Note: The documents must not be more than a year old and the documents once submitted shall not be returned under any circumstances. So, it is advised that the applicants keep extra copies of the documents for their personal reference.

Step 3: Gazette Notification

Applying for the name change in the Gazette is the final step of the Renaming journey. Once the Gazette notification is published, your name will be legally changed.

Once the application is received by the officials, the documents will be checked and sent for notification to the respective Govt. of India Press. It usually takes around one or two months for name change advertisements to appear in the Gazette Publication. Applicants can download the e-copy from the Digital Directory of the Gazette of India. Also, a copy of the name change notification in Gazette of India will be sent to your residential address by post.

Note: The name change Gazette notification is mandatory for those in employment with the government. However, it is a substantial proof of your changed name. Since it just involves sending a few documents for publication, it makes sense to go through with it.

Fee for Gazette Notification

Now your part of the work in the Renaming  journey in India is over. Let us get into the gazette Renaming online fees. The Government will print the change of your name in the Gazette. The amount charged for Gazette notifications varies either ₹ 700 or ₹ 900/- depending on whether you want a public notice or not.

You can pay the money either in cash or by a demand draft/postal order drawn in favour of’ the Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054’. This is the address you need to visit in case you will be submitting it in person (office hours are between 10 AM and 1 PM and 2 PM to 3 PM on any working day), or you can courier/speed post the envelope with all details to the address mentioned above. Check the website of the Department of Publication (Government of India) for further details.

FAQ’s

What are the main objects of Section 8 company?

The main objectives of a Section 8 company are to promote art, science, commerce, sports, education, research, social welfare, religion, charity, protection of the environment, or any other charitable purpose. It operates for the promotion of public welfare.

What is a Section 8 company name?

A Section 8 company, as per the Companies Act in India, is named after the section under which it is registered. Typically, the name must include words like Foundation, Association, Society, Council, Club, Charity, or other suitable terms.

Who is eligible for Section 8 company?

Any individual, organization, or association desiring to promote charitable objectives and apply its profits or income towards promoting the welfare of the public can register as a Section 8 company.

Is Section 8 company a Pvt Ltd company?

Yes, a Section 8 company can be registered as a private limited company.

Which is better, trust, or Section 8 company?

The choice between a trust and a Section 8 company depends. Trusts are generally simpler to set up, while Section 8 companies offer a more formal structure. Consider factors like governance, compliance and long-term objectives, before setting up a trust or a Section 8 company.

Can Section 8 company directors get a salary?

Yes, the directors of a Section 8 company can receive a salary. However, per the regulations, any income, profit, or other earnings of the company must be used solely for promoting its charitable objectives, and no part of it can be distributed to its members.

What is the limit of Section 8 company?

There is no specific limit on the size of a Section 8 company. The company can be of any size, depending on the scale of activities it plans to undertake for the promotion of charitable purposes.

How Can Vakilsearch Help You for Changing Your Name?

Vakilsearch holds immense knowledge and expertise in changing your name.  We make it easier for you to change your name. To start with, we will need your basic details such as old name, new name, residential address, ID proof, photographs etc. The rest will be taken care of by us. All you need to do is sit back and relax!

Also, Read:

• Things to Know Before Changing Your Name
• How to Change Your Name Online on a Birth Certificate?
• Change Your Name After Marriage