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.

Overview

Name of the certificate	Name Change Certificate
Objective	Proof stating that the individual has officially changed their name
Reasons for opting for name change	Personal choice, marriage, divorce, religious conversion, etc.
Issued by	Local government body
Eligibility Criteria	Any person above the age of 18 years with a valid reason
Required documents	Proof of address, current ID, and declaration

Read More: UIDAI's New Name Correction Rules for Aadhaar Card

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.

Is Changing Name Legal In India?

Changing one’s name is completely legal in India and the government has designed a special provision for those individuals. All one has to do is follow the official procedure for a name change, secure a Name Change Certificate, and use that certificate as proof to change names in other official documents.

How Many Times Can A Person Change Their Name In India?

An individual can change their name as many times as they want. However, the individual who wants to change their name must have a valid reason for the same, and one might also not get to change their name if they are deemed unfit for the eligibility criteria.

Penalty & Punishment Illegally Changing Names In India

If any individual changes their name without following the said legal procedure, they will be liable to face legal consequences like fines or even imprisonment based on the section of the law they violate. So, please ensure that you’re complying with all the steps of the legal process.

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.

Eligibility Criteria For Name Change Procedure

Interested individuals first need to ensure whether they fit the eligibility. The eligibility criteria for name change application are as follows:

• Applicant must be above the age of 18 years.

• If the applicant is a minor, the legal guardian can change their name.

• Applicant must have a legal govt ID such as an Aadhaar card.

• Applicant should have a valid reason for the name change.

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

What Are The Accepted Reasons For Name Change In India?

Some of the major and accepted reasons for name change in India are mentioned below in brief for one’s reference:

• Marriage/Divorce

• Adoption of a child

• Religion conversion

• Numerology or astrology

• Changing surname

• Dislike of present name

• Identity change

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.

Conclusion

Name change in India is a legal procedure that individuals with a valid reason can opt for. The procedure for name change is very simple and efficient allowing people to get their desired names as quickly and without additional issues as possible.

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