By Hemant Sharma Changing your surname in India is a common practice. Many people choose to change their surname due to marriage, divorce, adoption, personal preference, numerology, or even a spelling correction. The good news is that changing your surname is completely legal in India, as long as you follow the proper government procedure.
Here is a simple and updated guide on how to change your surname legally in India:
1. Prepare a Surname Change Affidavit
The first step is to create an affidavit for surname change. This affidavit acts as your legal declaration.
Details to include in the affidavit:
- Your current full name
- Your new surname (or corrected version)
- Your date of birth
- Your permanent address
- Reason for surname change
- A statement confirming that the change is voluntary
You must sign the affidavit before a Notary Public, Executive Magistrate, or First-Class Magistrate. The affidavit is usually made on non-judicial stamp paper worth ₹50 or ₹100.
Keep a few photocopies of the affidavit for future legal updates.
2. Publish Your Surname Change in Newspapers
You must publish your new surname in two newspapers:
- One in English (national or local English daily)
- One in the regional language of your state
The newspaper ad must include:
- Old surname and full name
- New surname
- Date of affidavit
- Complete residential address
Example: “I, formerly known as ________, now adopt the surname ________ with effect from (date).”
Keep the original newspaper copies safely, as they are required during Gazette application.
3. Apply for Gazette Notification
A Gazette notification is the official step that legally validates your surname change across India.
Documents required for Gazette application:
- Surname Change Affidavit
- Two newspaper advertisements
- Passport-size photographs
- ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Request letter to the Gazette office
- CD or digital copy (some states ask for this)
- Specimen form provided by the Department of Publication
Once your application is submitted, the Department of Publication will process it. In many cases, the updated name appears in the e-Gazette within 4–8 weeks.
The Gazette notification serves as your strongest proof of surname change for all future legal purposes.
4. Update Your Government and Personal Documents
After the Gazette notification, you must update your surname in all your official records.
You may need to update:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Driving Licence
- Bank accounts
- Insurance policies
- Employment records
- School or college certificates (if needed)
Each organisation may ask for:
- Gazette copy
- Affidavit
- Application form
- Passport-size photos
Start with Aadhaar and PAN, as these are linked to most services and ID verification systems.
5. Special Situations
a. Surname Change After Marriage
Women commonly change their surname after marriage. For this, they need:
- Marriage certificate
- Affidavit
- Newspaper ads
- Gazette application
Some departments may update the surname using only a marriage certificate, but Gazette entry is still recommended.
b. Surname Change After Divorce
If you want to revert to your maiden surname:
- The divorce decree
- Affidavit
- Newspaper announcements
- Gazette notification
These documents will help update all your IDs smoothly.
c. Surname Change for Children
Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of minors. Follow the same process and ensure the school records are updated afterwards.
Conclusion
Changing your surname legally in India is a straightforward process if you follow the required steps: affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification. Once the Gazette confirms your new surname, you can easily update it on all official documents without any trouble.