Vidya Bala

How to Change Your Name in Delhi?

Written by Roshni

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Changing your name is a personal decision, and in India—especially in Delhi—it’s a legally recognized process as long as you follow the right steps. Whether you’re changing your name after marriage, due to personal beliefs, or simply correcting a spelling error, it’s important to make sure it’s done properly so that your new name is valid in all official records.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand how the name change process works in Delhi.

Why Do People Change Their Names?

There are many valid reasons why someone might want to change their name. Here are a few common ones:

  • After marriage (commonly for women)
  • Name change After divorce
  • Spelling corrections
  • Religious conversion
  • Personal or professional reasons
  • Adoption or gender identity change
  • Numerology or astrology preferences

No matter what the reason is, the process remains fairly standard.

Who Can Apply for a Name Change?

If you’re:

  • An Indian citizen,
  • Residing in Delhi,
  • Above the age of 18 (if not, parents/guardians can apply for minors),

You can legally apply for name change.

Steps to Change Your Name in Delhi

Changing your name might sound complicated, but it’s actually quite straightforward if you follow these three key steps:

Step 1: Create a Name Change Affidavit

The first step is to draft an affidavit that clearly states your current name, the new name you want to adopt, and the reason for the change. This needs to be printed on stamp paper and signed in front of a Notary Public.

Key details to include:

  • Your old and new names
  • Reason for the name change
  • Your address and age
  • Date of affirmation and your signature

Once the affidavit is notarized, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Publish in Newspapers

Next, you’ll need to publish a name change advertisement in:

  • One English national newspaper
  • One local Hindi newspaper (preferably in Delhi)

The format is simple and includes your old name, new name, and address. Be sure to keep the original copies of both newspaper ads—they’re essential for future documentation.

Step 3: Apply for Gazette Notification (Optional for General Public)

Although Gazette publication is mandatory for government employees, it’s optional for the general public. However, many people still prefer to do it for added legal proof.

You’ll need to submit an application to the Department of Publication, Government of India.

Documents required:

  • Name change affidavit (notarized)
  • Newspaper clippings
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
  • Cover letter and prescribed format for Gazette publication

If you’re applying by post, make sure to send all documents to the Department’s address in Delhi.

Documents You’ll Need

To complete the process smoothly, keep these documents ready:

  • Original notarized affidavit
  • Copies of newspaper ads
  • Aadhar Card/PAN Card/Voter ID
  • Two passport-size photos
  • Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
  • Application letter (for Gazette, if opted)
  • CD with soft copy of the name change (for Gazette)

How Long Does the Name Change Process Take?

  • Affidavit preparation: 1 day
  • Newspaper ads: Within 1–2 days
  • Gazette notification (if opted): Takes 30–45 working days

What Happens After the Name Change?

Once your name change is official (especially if it’s published in the Gazette), you can start updating it across all your documents like:

  • Aadhar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Passport
  • Voter ID
  • Bank accounts
  • Educational certificates

This step is important to avoid confusion in legal or financial matters.

Can You Change Your Name Online?

Yes! With platforms, you don’t need to visit multiple offices or worry about the right legal format. You can complete the process from the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

Changing name in Delhi isn’t difficult when you know the correct steps to follow. With the right documentation, proper advertisement, and (optionally) Gazette publication, your new name becomes legally valid.

Whether you’re doing it for personal reasons or legal corrections, make sure the process is done properly—so you don’t face issues later when updating documents.

Published by Sourabh Joshi

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