Name Change Affidavit Format (Original): Complete Guide

People looking for a name change affidavit format should know that an affidavit is an official declaration used to adopt a new name. Marriage, personal preference, spelling errors, numerology, religious reasons, or other personal circumstances are some common reasons for a name change.

Name Change Affidavit Format

It’s important to note that the affidavit is only the beginning of the name change process. You must follow other steps to apply the change in Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or other official documents.

We’ll today discuss the complete process for creating an affidavit. You’ll also get the Name Change Affidavit Format here.

What Is a Name Change Affidavit?

It is a sworn written statement in which a person mentions their old name, new name, and reasons for using the new name. A non-judicial stamp paper of the applicable value is generally used to make this document. The Notary Public, Oath Commissioner, or other authorized person attests it based on the process.

It creates a formal connection between old and new names. It may be later submitted with newspaper advertisements, Gazette notification, identity documents, and other supporting papers.

A person may need this document for:

Changing a surname after marriage
Correcting a spelling error
Selecting a different name by personal choice
Adding or removing a part from a current name
Changing a name for religious circumstances, numerological or astrological advice

A parent or legal guardian must complete a name change process for a minor.

Name Change Affidavit Format (Sample)

The exact wording may differ based on the reason behind the name change and the concerned authority’s requirements. A common format is:

NAME CHANGE AFFIDAVIT BEFORE THE NOTARY PUBLIC, [CITY NAME]

I, [Old/Current Full Name] son/daughter/wife of [Father’s/Husband’s Name] aged about [Age] years residing at [Complete Address] do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows:

That my current/present name is [Old Name] and I’m a citizen of India by birth/naturalization

That my current date of birth is [Date of birth] and place of birth is [city/state].

That my father’s/husband’s/wife’s/mother’s name is [father’s or husband’s or wife’s or mother’s name].

That the educational document/Aadhar card/other official document contains the name as [Old name], but due to reason of {mention reason}, I wish to formally change my name.

I have adopted a [new name] and will henceforth be known as [new name] for all intents and purposes or in all documents, records, and transactions.

That this change is not intended for any fraudulent activity or to evade any legal obligation. It is solely for the reason mentioned above.

That I undertake to update all my records and inform all concerned authorities about this change.

DEPONENT
[Signature]

Verification

I [new/old name] hereby confirm and verify at ________ (Place name) on the day of ______month____Year, that the content of this affidavit is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and that nothing has been hidden.

DEPONENT
[Signature]

The completed document must be reviewed against the authority’s requirements where it will be submitted & notarized. It is therefore best to consult a legal expert to know the exact wording.

Name Change Affidavit Attestation

Once you have drafted your name change affidavit format, you need to get it printed or typed on Rs.10 to Rs.50 stamp (whatever lower is available in your city).

Now you have to get it attested by a Notary Public if you are changing your first name with common last names like KUMAR, KUMARI, DEVI or using the surname of your Father. If you are adopting a different surname than your father or husband in case of married women then the same name change affidavit format is needed to get attested by 1st Class Executive Magistrate of your area.

Is Name Change Affidavit Sufficient for name change?

No, an affidavit alone does not help you in getting your name change in documents like Aadhar card, PAN card, Passport or any other public documents.

In fact, an affidavit is a part before getting your name change Ad published in a newspaper or a Gazette notification file.

If you want to change your name and get it updated in all your documents, then you need an official declaration of name change in the Gazette of India. This Gazette will help you in getting your name updated in all of your documents. An affidavit is just the first step needed in the process of name change.

Name Change Documents Required

The exact documents, however, differ based on your requirement and reason for name change. Common documents are:

Current ID
Address Proof
Passport-size photos
Name change affidavit
Name change application
Newspaper advertisement
Name Change Gazette notification
Marriage or divorce certificate if needed
Other supporting documents

Extra age-related or guardian documents may also be required for a minor name change.

Name Change Process (Step by Step Guide)

Step 1: Prepare and Notarise the Affidavit

You must initially prepare the affidavit mentioning all your details and reasons behind the name change. The stamp paper value might differ by state. Confirm it with the local Notary or relevant authority. It would also be great to consult us to know the exact process.

Step 2: Publish the Name Change in Newspapers

The applicant must then publish an advertisement in a local daily newspaper after notarizing the name change affidavit. It’s necessary to publish it in 2 newspapers, i.e one in the regional state language and the other in English. You must also keep the advertisement copies safe for later steps.

Step 3: Gazette Publication

Gazette Publication may also be needed in certain cases.

The exact process depends on whether you’re applying for the state or the Gazette of India. The affidavit, newspaper publications, identity and address proofs, photographs, application forms, and applicable Gazette notification fees are the common documents for this process.

You must confirm the process from the relevant Gazette authority before preparing anything.

Step 4: Update Your Official Documents

You can then reach the relevant authority to update your records after completing the name-change process. Common documents to update are:

Although the exact documents may differ based on authorities, an affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification can serve as the supporting document base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure the old and new names are spelled correctly throughout the document
Confirm the stamp paper’s value
Keep notarised affidavit copies
Store newspaper advertisement’s copies
Make sure all details provided are consistent
Confirm the requirement of each authority

FAQs to Name change affidavit format

Is a Name Change Affidavit enough to change my name on Aadhaar or PAN?

No, it doesn’t automatically change your name in all your private or government records. You must generally complete the name change process & submit it to the relevant authority.

Can a minor change their name?

Yes, but a minor’s parent or guardian must complete the process based on the applicable requirements.

Can I prepare the affidavit myself?

You can prepare a draft using an appropriate format. But the final document should meet the applicable requirements based on your specific case.

Conclusion

A Name Change Affidavit makes an initial formal declaration connecting the old & new name. The affidavit doesn’t automatically update your name on Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, etc.

It’s best to check the current requirements applicable to your state and the documents to update before starting. Contact us to discover the exact process to create the Name Change Affidavit.