How can I change my name permanently?

Changing your name permanently follows a parallel process to changing your surname but is slightly broader—especially if you’re altering the given (first) name or restructuring your full name. Below is a stepwise guide, again illustrated using the Indian legal framework:

1. Draft a Name Change Affidavit.
• Affidavit Content:
1. Current Full Name (as per official documents).
2. Proposed New Full Name (given name, middle name, surname as desired).
3. Reason for Change (personal preference, religious conversion, marriage/divorce, etc.).
4. Declaration of Authenticity: Affirm you’re not seeking a name change to avoid legal or financial obligations.
• Notarization: Write the affidavit on stamp paper (?10–?100, depending on the state) and notarize it through a Notary Public or a First Class Magistrate.
2. Publish Public Notice in Newspapers.
• Local (Regional-Language) Publication:
1. Insert your old name, new name, father’s name (or spouse’s, if applicable), date of birth, and address.
2. The cost is typically ?500–?1,000. Obtain a tear sheet as proof.
• National (English) Publication:
1. Same format and content. Keep certified copies of both notices.
3. Gazette Notification (State & Central).
• State Gazette:
1. Visit the official e-Gazette portal for your state (e.g., egazette.maharashtra.gov.in).
2. Fill out the “Name Change Advertisement” application form.
3. Upload scanned copies of:
• Affidavit (notarized)
• Local & National newspaper tear sheets
• Proof of identity (Aadhaar, voter ID) and address (utility bill, passport).
4. Pay the required fee (?400–?800).
5. Wait 4–6 weeks for publication.
• Central Gazette (If Desired):
1. Optional but adds a national-level record. Download the form from gazetteofindia.nic.in, attach the notarized affidavit, tear sheets, and identity proofs, then pay approx. ?1,000–?1,500. Processing can take 6–8 weeks.
4. Update Government IDs & Records.
• Aadhaar Card: Visit an Aadhaar Enrolment Center with your new Gazette notification. Fill the Update/Correction form selecting “Name” as the field to update. Provide your current Aadhaar copy, new Gazette, and leave biometrics unchanged. You’ll receive an updated e-Aadhaar within 10–15 days.
• PAN Card: On NSDL e-Gov or UTIITSL portal, choose “Apply for PAN correction.” Upload scanned copies of your old PAN, new Gazette, and execute e-KYC. A new PAN is issued within 7 business days.
• Passport: Apply for re-issuance via Passport Seva – select “Re-issue due to Name Change.” Upload Gazette and affidavit; police verification may be required if your address changes or if the passport was issued over 10 years ago. Processing typically takes 4–6 weeks.
• Voter ID (Electors Photo Identity Card): On NVSP (National Voter Service Portal), fill “Form 8” for corrections. Upload scanned new Gazette and identity proof. Expect 2–3 weeks for the updated EPIC.
• Driving License: Visit your local RTO (Regional Transport Office). Submit an application form (Form 33 for driving license changes), attach Gazette and affidavit, and pay nominal fee (?200–?500). A new DL arrives within 15–20 days.
5. Update Educational & Professional Documents.
• Educational Certificates & Mark?Sheets: Contact each board (CBSE, ICSE, or your state board). Submit a written application, new Gazette, affidavit, and a copy of your passing certificate. Boards typically issue a corrected mark sheet within 2–3 months.
• Professional Registrations: If you hold professional memberships (e.g., medical council, bar council), write to the registrar with a copy of the Gazette and your membership number. They’ll update your records.
6. Update Private Contracts & Utilities.
• Bank Accounts: Fill out the bank’s KYC update form, attach a copy of the gazette and any updated ID (PAN, Aadhaar), and request a new cheque book and passbook.
• Insurance Policies & Loans: Notify insurers or lenders in writing, attaching the Gazette and updated IDs. They will send revised policy documents or loan records.
• Utilities (Electricity, Water, Telecom): Often updated via an online portal or branch visit; submit the Gazette and a government ID reflecting your new name.
7. Final Tips & Checklist.
• Consolidate Documents. Keep multiple certified copies of your Gazette notification—most institutions require an original or certified copy.
• Sequential Updates. Begin with Aadhaar (since many other processes require Aadhaar as proof). Then update PAN and Passport, which are accepted widely. Next, update bank accounts, voter ID, driving license, and other documents.
• Monitor Timelines. Note that educational boards and government departments have varying turnaround times—plan at least 3–6 months to update everything.