Introduction

A Name Change Affidavit is a sworn legal declaration, prepared and signed before a Notary Public or First-Class Magistrate, affirming that you have willingly changed your name and that both your old and new names refer to the same person. It is the foundation on which your Gazette publication, newspaper advertisements, and official record updates are based.

However, most rejections or delays in the Gazette process happen because the affidavit was incorrectly drafted or notarized. That’s why it’s always advisable to consult a professional advocate who specializes in name change and affidavit drafting. The right lawyer understands the exact legal language, format, and supporting requirements — ensuring your document is accepted without any complications.

Why Hiring an Advocate for Name Change is Important

Many people assume that preparing a name change affidavit is just a formality, but it actually holds significant legal importance. Any incorrect phrase, missing declaration, or invalid attestation can make your application invalid.

A professional Name Change Advocate ensures:

• ✅ The affidavit follows the Central and State Gazette publication guidelines.

• ✅ All personal details such as old name, new name, address, and reason for change are correctly formatted.

• ✅ The affidavit is attested by the right authority (Notary or Magistrate).

• ✅ Supporting IDs and address proofs are verified properly.

• ✅ The affidavit matches the Gazette and newspaper formats to avoid duplication or mismatch.

Your advocate acts as your legal representative in this process, helping you navigate the often confusing documentation and submission stages with confidence.

Role of LSO Legal Private Limited

LSO Legal Private Limited, a government-registered legal service provider, has a specialized team of advocates who handle Name Change, Gazette Notifications, and Legal Document Corrections across India.

With over 30 years of combined professional experience, LSO Legal provides:

• Personalized affidavit drafting according to your purpose (marriage, divorce, religion, minor name, etc.)

• Attestation support (Notary / Magistrate)

• Preparation of newspaper publication formats

• Assistance in Gazette submission and tracking

• Document correction help in Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and Educational Certificates

Every client is guided step by step — from the affidavit stage to Gazette publication — ensuring legal accuracy and complete peace of mind.

Different Situations Where Name Change Affidavit is Needed

1. After Marriage or Divorce:
   To adopt a spouse’s surname or revert to your maiden name.

2. For Minor Child:
   When parents wish to change their child’s name due to spelling or religious reasons.

3. Due to Spelling Mistake or Clerical Error:
   For corrections in official documents like marksheets or Aadhaar cards.

4. For Religious Conversion:
   When someone adopts a new name after converting religion.

5. For Astrological or Numerological Reasons:
   People often alter spellings or initials based on numerology.

6. For Identity or Gender Change:
   After gender reassignment or identity modification for transgender persons.

7. For Privacy or Personal Preference:
   When someone simply wants a name that reflects their personality or profession.

Each of these scenarios requires a slightly different affidavit format, and a qualified advocate ensures that it matches your case perfectly.

Step-by-Step Process for Name Change through Advocate

1. Legal Consultation:
   Discuss your reason for name change and collect required details (ID proof, old documents, etc.).

2. Drafting the Affidavit:
   The advocate prepares the affidavit in prescribed format on ₹10 or ₹50 stamp paper.

3. Attestation:
   The affidavit is signed and verified by a Notary Public or First-Class Magistrate.

4. Newspaper Publication:
   The change is published in one English and one regional language newspaper.

5. Gazette Notification:
   All documents (affidavit, newspaper, ID proof) are submitted to the Gazette office for official publication.

6. Record Update:
   Once the Gazette notification is published, your new name can be updated across Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID, and educational certificates.

Documents Required

• Original Name Change Affidavit (attested)

• Old and New ID Proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)

• Passport-size Photographs

• Newspaper Publications (both language editions)

• Application Form for Gazette (as per department)

• Covering Letter signed by the applicant

• Fee receipt or Demand Draft, if applicable

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is a Name Change Affidavit and why is it required?
It is a legal document confirming that you have changed your name voluntarily. It is mandatory for Gazette publication and all subsequent document updates.

Q2. Can I write my own affidavit at home?
No, affidavits require legal phrasing and attestation. A professional advocate ensures it’s legally valid across departments and jurisdictions.

Q3. Is notarization enough for affidavit attestation?
For general cases, notarization is sufficient. However, for court or government submissions, a First-Class Magistrate Attested Affidavit may be required.

Q4. What is the difference between Name Change and Name Correction?
Name Change means adopting a completely new name, while Name Correction refers to fixing spelling or clerical errors. Both require different affidavit formats.

Q5. Can minors apply for name change?
Yes, but the affidavit must be signed by the parents or legal guardian on behalf of the minor.

Q6. How much time does the process take?
Usually between 15 to 30 working days, depending on newspaper and Gazette office timelines.

Q7. Is online affidavit submission possible?
Yes, LSO Legal helps you generate and submit your affidavit online for notarization and Gazette publication.

Q8. Can NRIs or citizens living abroad apply for a name change in India?
Yes. NRIs can authorize their representative through a Power of Attorney to complete the process legally.

Tips for Smooth Processing

• Always use your correct spelling across all documents.

• Ensure the reason for name change is clearly written.

• Avoid overwriting or corrections in the affidavit.

• Keep multiple photocopies of the affidavit for future use.

• Get professional help if you’re changing name due to legal or matrimonial reasons.

Conclusion

Changing your name is a deeply personal decision — but getting it recognized legally is a professional process. A single mistake in your Name Change Affidavit can lead to rejection or unnecessary delay. Therefore, choosing the best advocate for name change is the most important step in securing your new legal identity.

At LSO Legal Private Limited, our advocates ensure every affidavit is drafted with precision, attested with validity, and processed with transparency. Whether you’re updating your name after marriage, correcting a mistake, or changing it entirely for personal reasons, we stand by you throughout — from affidavit to Gazette publication and final document updates.

Need Assistance?
If you need help with name change or any document correction, our legal team will guide you end-to-end—from affidavit drafting to Gazette publication—with complete document verification.

For applying online, click here and fill your details.

Call/Helpline: 9171052281 | 07554222969  8109631969'

WhatsApp: +91 8109631969

Email: support@lsolegal.com | Website: https://lsolegal.com

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