Name Change Procedure in India

Following your decision on a new name, you need take the following actions to formally change your name.
Step-by-Step Process for Name Change in India:

• Step 1: Prepare Affidavit for Your Name Change

  The first step is to prepare an affidavit for name change, which will be taken care of by our expert lawyers. The affidavit must have details of your old name, new name, the reason for the name change (marriage, legal, numerological, divorce, correction in existing name, etc.). The affidavit for name change has to be signed by two witnesses and gazetted officer rank along with their stamp.

• Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisements

  Newspaper advertisement is a part of the name change procedure. The advertisement goes out in one national or regional newspaper, whichever is suitable. We will place the ad for your name change in the newspaper with all the necessary information.
  
  It’s recommended to retain the copies of the published newspaper for future reference.

• Step 3: Submit for Gazette Notification

  After submitting an initial name change application, your name will be published in the official national gazette. We will track the publication daily. Once the publication is done, a soft copy of the gazette with the details of the e-publication page will be sent.

Most Visited Pages by People NAME CHANGE IN EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENTS

• Now, who is eligible to change their names or apply for a name change online? Let us see the eligibility for name change application:
• They ought to possess a legitimate government ID
• He or she must have a good reason for the name change
• Incase of name change for minors, they should be accompanied by their parents when visiting a government office.Who May Apply for a Name Change:
• Either husbands
• Wife
• a relative
• At any point in their lives, anyone can change their name.

• 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,Aadhar Card, or passport)
• A CD with a soft copy of the application in .docx format duly filled
• A letter stating that the content in the hard and soft copy of the application is true
• A request letter along with the registration fee to the authority.

Types of Name Change Affidavit

Affidavits for name changes must be published in newspapers and the Indian Gazette. Your former name or maiden name, your new name, your current residence, your age, and the cause for the name change must all be entered on this affidavit form. Here are some of the Name change affidavits that are widely used:

Affidavit for Change of Name After Marriage

If you want to alter your name after marriage, use this affidavit. A completed application must be provided along with a copy of the marriage license and pictures of the applicant and their spouse.

Affidavit for Change of Name On the Passport

The affidavit is used when a person needs to change their name on a passport because of a typo or when they get married and change their last name. The steps are the same as for a name change.

Affidavit for Change of Name for Minors

This affidavit needs to be filled every time a minor changes their name. The affidavit must be presented by the parents or guardians. The other steps don't change.

Reasons for Name Change in India

There are several reasons why people in India may choose to change their name legally. Some of the most common reasons include:

Marriage: Women often change their surname after marriage to adopt their spouse's surname

Divorce: After a divorce, some people may choose to change their name to distance themselves from their former spouse

Adoption: Adopted children may change their name to reflect their new family name

Religious Conversion: People may change their name after converting to a different religion

Personal Reasons: Some people may simply prefer a different name and wish to change it legally.

Benefits of Name Change Online

There are several benefits to changing one's name legally in India, such as:

Identity: A name change can help to establish a new identity or to reflect one's true identity

Professional Advancement: A name change can also be useful for professional advancement or to create a more distinctive and memorable brand

Legal Recognition: A legally changed name is recognized by the government and can be used on official documents such as passports, driving licenses

Personal Satisfaction: A name change can provide a sense of personal satisfaction and empowerment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Name Change Procedure in India & Bhopal

1. What is the legal process for name change in India?

The name change process in India involves three legal steps:

1. Affidavit Preparation: Draft and notarize an affidavit declaring your old and new name with reason.

2. Newspaper Publication: Publish your name change in one local and one national newspaper.

3. Gazette Notification: Apply for publication in the Government Gazette of India (Central or State). Once published, your new name becomes legally valid across India.

2. Can I apply for name change online from Bhopal?

Yes ✅. Through LSO Legal Private Limited, citizens of Bhopal and all of Madhya Pradesh can complete the entire name change process online, including affidavit drafting, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification.

3. What documents are required for name change in Bhopal?

• Notarized name change affidavit

• Aadhaar card or voter ID

• Two passport-size photographs

• Copies of newspaper publications

• Gazette application form (Annexure-E)

• Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)

4. How long does the process take in India or Bhopal?

? The process usually takes:

• 2–3 days for affidavit and newspaper publication

• 15–30 days for Gazette publication

5. Is Gazette publication mandatory for name change?

Yes ✅. Gazette publication is the final legal step. It officially validates your new name across all government and private documents like Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and bank records.

6. What are the common reasons for name change in India and Bhopal?

• After marriage or divorce

• Spelling correction or clerical error

• Adoption or guardianship

• Religious conversion

• Numerology or astrology

• Gender identity update

• Personal preference or family reasons

7. Can minors change their name legally?

Yes. Parents or legal guardians can apply on behalf of minors with a signed affidavit and supporting documents. The Gazette will be published in the child’s name.

8. Is court approval required for name change?

No. For normal name change cases, court approval is not required. It’s only necessary in complex cases involving criminal background, fraud, or identity disputes.

9. Can LSO Legal help with the Gazette application in Bhopal?

Yes. LSO Legal Private Limited manages the complete Gazette process — from affidavit preparation to online publication — ensuring legal compliance and verification.

10. Why choose LSO Legal Private Limited for name change services?

Because LSO Legal is a government-registered legal company with 30+ years of experience. It offers transparent, affordable, and legally valid name change services both online and offline across India.

? Helpline: 0755-4222969
? Website: www.lsolegal.com