What is a Name Change Affidavit?
A name change affidavit is a sworn legal document in which the deponent declares their old name, their new name, and the reason for the change. It is the first and most important step in the legal name change process in India. The affidavit must be executed on non-judicial stamp paper and notarized before a Notary Public.
Under Indian law, name change is governed by the Indian Contract Act and various state-specific regulations. The affidavit format for name change establishes the legal basis for updating records across all government authorities, banks, and educational institutions. Use our Affidavit Generator to create a personalized name change affidavit instantly.
When is a Name Change Affidavit Required?
- After Marriage: Adopting spouse's surname or adding spouse's name
- Deed Poll: Voluntarily changing name for personal or professional reasons
- Name Correction: Fixing spelling errors in official documents
- Religious Conversion: Adopting a new name after conversion
- Divorce: Reverting to maiden name after divorce
- Adoption: Changing child's name after adoption
Affidavit Format for Name Change — Standard Template
Below is the standard name change affidavit format used across India:
Generate Your Name Change Affidavit ?
Name Change Affidavit Sample — After Marriage
Here is a completed sample for name change after marriage:
For more sample affidavits, visit our affidavit sample page.
Complete Name Change Process in India
- Step 1 — Affidavit: Execute a notarized name change affidavit on stamp paper
- Step 2 — Newspaper Publication: Publish in two newspapers (local language + English)
- Step 3 — Gazette Notification: Apply to Department of Publication, Government of India
- Step 4 — Update Documents: Update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, bank accounts
Documents Required for Name Change
| Document | Purpose | Notarization |
|---|---|---|
| Name Change Affidavit | Legal declaration of name change | Required |
| Birth Certificate | Proof of original name | Not required |
| Marriage Certificate | Proof for name change after marriage | Not required |
| Newspaper Clippings | Public notice | Not required |
| ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN) | Identity verification | Required |
| Stamp Paper | Non-judicial stamp paper | Required |
Name Correction Affidavit vs Name Change Affidavit
| Aspect | Name Correction | Name Change |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Fix spelling errors | Legally adopt new name |
| Gazette Required | Not typically | Mandatory |
| Newspaper Publication | Not required | Required |
| Common Use | Typo in certificates | Marriage, deed poll |
Stamp Paper Value by State
- Maharashtra, Gujarat: Rs. 100
- Delhi, Uttar Pradesh: Rs. 50
- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu: Rs. 50-100
- Bihar, Jharkhand: Rs. 50 — see Bihar affidavit format
- West Bengal: Rs. 20-50
Common Mistakes
- Old vs new name confusion — clearly state which is which
- Missing spelling declaration — specify correct spelling
- No Gazette notification — affidavit alone is insufficient
- Wrong stamp paper value — use correct value for your state
- Notary not registered — ensure registered with state government
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
Create your affidavit online instantly
Affidavit FormatBlank format with all sections
Affidavit Format HindiHindi language affidavit format
Affidavit SampleView filled affidavit samples
How to Write AffidavitStep-by-step affidavit writing guide
Birth Certificate AffidavitAffidavit for birth certificate
Affidavit Format BiharBihar-specific affidavit format