Name Change Affidavit Format: Sample with Gazette Steps
A name change affidavit records that you have changed your name and that the old and new names refer to the same person. It is the first step in a sequence that usually includes newspaper notices and a Gazette notification.
When you need this affidavit
- Adopting a new surname after marriage or divorce.
- Changing a first name for personal or religious reasons.
- Using a father’s or mother’s surname consistently across records.
- Updating passport, PAN, bank and school records after a change.
Name Change Affidavit format
Non-judicial stamp paper or e-stamp certificate of value Rs. ______________ as applicable in the State of ______________
E-stamp certificate No. ______________ Date of issue ______________
Stamp duty depends on the State and the type of document. Confirm the correct value before printing.
AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE OF NAME
I, Anjali Verma, D/o Shri Rajesh Verma, aged about 29 years, by occupation Service, residing at House No. 21, Sector 15, Rohini, Delhi 110089, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
- That my name was earlier recorded as Anjali Kumari in my Class 10 marksheet, Aadhaar card and PAN card.
- That I wish to use my father’s surname in all records, and I have therefore changed my name from Anjali Kumari to Anjali Verma.
- That I shall henceforth be known as Anjali Verma for all purposes, and Anjali Kumari and Anjali Verma are one and the same person, namely me.
- That I shall cause the change of name to be advertised in newspapers and notified in the Gazette as required by the authorities.
- That I request all concerned authorities to record my new name Anjali Verma in their records.
DEPONENT
VERIFICATION
Verified at Delhi on 14 October 2026 that the contents of paragraphs 1 to 5 of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.
DEPONENT
Solemnly affirmed / sworn before me by the deponent, who is identified to me, on ______________
Notary Public / Oath Commissioner: name ______________ Registration No. ______________
Seal and signature ______________
Drafting note: Name change usually also needs newspaper advertisements and a Gazette notification. Ask the office that will update your record which proof it accepts.
Registration, if required: Sub-Registrar office ______________ Document No. ______________
How to fill it
| Field | What to write | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Old name | Exactly as it appears in your current records. | Include all variants you have used. |
| New name | The name you will use from now on. | Spell it as you want it on every document. |
| Reason | Marriage, personal choice, uniformity, religious reason. | Keep it short and factual. |
| Documents | Records that show the old name. | List the main ones: certificates, ID cards. |
After the affidavit: newspapers and Gazette
- Newspaper noticesPublish the change in two newspapers, commonly one English and one in the regional language, and keep the full printed pages.
- GazetteApply to your State Government Press for the State Gazette, or to the Department of Publication, Delhi for the Central Gazette, with the affidavit, notices, ID and photographs.
- Update recordsUse the Gazette copy, affidavit and notices to update PAN, Aadhaar, passport, bank and other records.
Getting it sworn
- Print on stamp paper if requiredMany offices want affidavits on non-judicial stamp paper or with an e-stamp certificate; the value depends on the State and the office. Some accept plain paper. Ask first.
- Do not sign at homeSign only in front of the notary or oath commissioner, who checks your identity and records the oath or affirmation.
- VerificationThe verification paragraph at the end confirms the contents are true. It is dated and placed, and you sign again under it.
- Collect the attested copyThe notary affixes seal and signature and enters it in the register. Keep photocopies.
Frequently asked questions
What are the steps for a legal name change in India?
Make an affidavit and have it verified by a notary or oath commissioner, publish notices in two newspapers (one regional language, one English), and publish the change in the State Gazette or the Central Gazette where the authority requires it. Keep copies of everything.
Is a Gazette notification compulsory?
It depends on the authority. Passport and many central offices ask for it for a full name change; some offices accept the affidavit and newspaper notices. Ask the office that will update your record.
Can a married woman change her surname with an affidavit?
Yes. Many offices accept the marriage certificate and an affidavit. For a passport, follow the Passport Seva instructions for change of name after marriage.
Do I need a separate affidavit for a minor’s name change?
Yes. The parent or guardian makes it on behalf of the minor, stating their relationship and the reason.
Please note: these templates are for general information and are not legal advice. Laws, stamp duty, notarisation and registration rules vary by State. Consult an advocate for your case. This is an independent website, not a law firm and not a government office.