What Is The Name Change Certificate? Eligibility, Procedure, & Benefits

Name is one of the most crucial components of all our lives, in contrast to the famous quote by Shakespeare. It is one of the most uncomplicated ways of representing and sharing one’s identity. Regarding the legal side of things, the name helps the individual conduct all legal business. However, there are times when an individual desires to change their name due to several reasons and changing name seems to be a tricky thing to do.

However, the government of India has made a provision wherein people who would like to change their names can do so by obtaining a Name Change Certificate. The Name Change Certificate is a proof given to individuals who opt for changing names and with the help of which they can change their names in other official documents.

Read the article to learn about the meaning, eligibility, procedure, and other related things for obtaining the Name Change Certificate.

What Is A Name Change Certificate?

A Name Change Certificate is an official document provided as proof to individuals who opt for changing names and with the help of which they can change their names in other official documents.

How To Apply For A Name Change Certificate In India?

The procedure for name change in India is straightforward and convenient. People can opt for a name change and apply for a Name Change Certificate by going through a simple procedure which is laid down below in brief for one’s better understanding and reference:

Step 1: Apply: Write an application for a Name Change Certificate by stating your present name and the desired name.

Step 2: Affidavit: Mention the reason as to why you are opting for a name change in an affidavit. The affidavit needs to be notarized by a judicial magistrate or notary public.

Step 3: Name Change Certificate: After approval, a Name Change Certificate will be issued to you that will prove your name change.

Step 4: Announcement: Announce your name change by publishing an advertisement in at least 2 local newspapers. Please ensure that you’re doing so as this is compulsory.

Step 5: Gazette notification: Submit your Name Change Certificate to the Gazette of India for further official approval.

Step 6: Notify the authorities: Submit your Name Change Certificate with other relevant documents to the concerned authorities.

Required Documents For Name Change Procedure

Applicants may need to submit some supporting documents to apply for a name change successfully. The list of those documents is as follows:

• Name change affidavit

• Newspaper cutting with the name change advertisement

• Valid ID proof such as an Aadhaar card or passport

• Prescribed proforma duly signed by the applicant and two witnesses

• An acknowledgement letter

• Request a letter with the registration fee to the authorities

• Passport-sized photographs

• CD containing a soft copy of the filled application in .docx format

Benefits Of Changing One’s Name Legally

The government has made a special provision for those individuals who wish to change their names as names are one of the most significant measures of one’s identity and it is important that we all like our respective identities and things associated with them. The procedure for name change in India is very simple and convenient which people can complete without any hassle.

Please ensure that if you would like to change your name, then you shall follow the official procedure and secure a Name Change Certificate as proof to submit to other concerned authorities. Following the legal procedure is also important because many criminals change their names to commit crimes for personal gain.