Name Change After Marriage: Process, Documents & Steps

Name Change After Marriage

A marriage name change is the legal process of altering your surname after getting married, and it matters because it reflects your new marital status and can impact your legal identity and official documents. Changing your name due to marriage allows you to adopt your spouse's surname, a hyphenated name, or a combination of both. This marital name change impacts various official documents, including your driver's license, passport, and Social Security card. The process typically involves obtaining a certified marriage certificate and then applying to relevant government agencies.

Documents Required for Name Change in Passport After Marriage

To re-issue your passport with a new surname, these are the documents required for passport after marriage.To apply for a name change in the Gazette, a notarized affidavit from a notary public is required along with other documents and other necessary documents.

• Original passport and self-attested copies of the first and last pages
• Duly filled and signed Annexure D (name change affidavit)
• Marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages
• Joint photograph with your spouse (optional but recommended)
• Proof of current address (Aadhaar, utility bill, etc.)
• Self-attested copy of spouse’s passport (if applicable)

• Please note: The time to change your name usually takes a few weeks, but can vary based on location and specific procedures.

• Cultural and Personal Considerations

  • Adopting a husband's surname often signifies a new identity and unity in marriage.
  • Retaining a maiden name can symbolize personal identity and individual achievement.
  • A unified family identity can be promoted by using the same surname as one's children.
  • Keeping a maiden name can help maintain professional recognition and credibility.
  • Adopting a dual surname can create a blend of cultural identities in multicultural marriages.
  • The choice to change names is influenced by cultural practices and societal expectations.
  • If you decide to revert to your maiden name later, it requires a similar legal process to change your name back.
  • Your current name remains legally valid even after getting married.For any such queries in your mind get in touch with our experts and they will assist you right away!

• Professional Identity and Name Change after marriage

  • Many women choose to keep their maiden names to preserve their personal identity and past achievements.
  • Choosing not to change one's name can symbolize equality within a marriage.
  • Changing names after marriage can simplify legal and financial matters, especially in joint accounts.

• Costs and Fees for Name Change

  • Legal fees for changing your name typically involve costs for preparing affidavits, newspaper advertisements, and official gazette notifications.
  • The overall expense to get your name changed in India may vary between ₹7,500 and ₹15,000 or even more.
  • You can obtain 2 free ads in newspapers for your name change after completion of the name change in the Gazette if you are a resident of Mumbai.
  • The time duration for processing a name change in the Maharashtra Gazette is usually 10-15 days.
  • Changing your name after marriage generally requires obtaining a marriage certificate and publishing a name change announcement in two local newspapers.

6 Steps: Name Change After Marriage Process

To change name in marriage certificate, you must follow a legal process that involves updating official documents and validates your marital name change with all my documents and verification. Here's the step-by-step process for a marriage certificate surname change:

• Prepare an Affidavit– Draft an affidavit declaring your name change after marriage. An affidavit must be printed on ₹10 stamp paper and must be signed in front of a notary to be valid.
• Gather Required Documents – Collect ID proofs, marriage certificate, and address proof.
• Visit the Marriage Registrar’s Office – Submit the application along with the affidavit and documents.
• Verification by Authorities – The registrar will verify all documents and may call for in-person confirmation.
• Certificate Update – Once approved, your updated marriage certificate will be issued with the new surname.
• Keep a Copy for Records – Store both old and new certificates safely for future reference or legal use.

How to Change Surname in Passport After Marriage in India?

Changing last name after marriage on your passport, including updates on your husband's passport, is a key step to ensure your marriage name change is reflected in international travel documents.
Here’s what you’ll need:

• Original and self-attested copy of your current passport
• Marriage certificate issued by the Registrar of Marriages
• Joint photograph with your spouse
• Affidavit for name change (Annexure D)
• ID proof showing your new surname

• Follow these steps:

  • Log in to the Passport Seva website and fill out the re-issue application form.
  • Select the reason for re-issue as “change in personal particulars.
  • Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra.
  • Submit the documents in person and complete the biometric and verification process.

Why is Gazette Notification Essential for Name Change After Marriage?

A gazette for name change after marriage is a mandatory part of the name change process after marriage to make your new name legally valid and widely accepted, providing a clear statement of your new identity .
Here’s why it’s essential:

• It serves as the official government record of your name change.
• It is required for updating key documents like your passport, Aadhaar, and bank records.
• It helps avoid future legal or identity issues related to mismatched names.