How do I change my surname?

Changing your surname legally involves a structured legal process—steps can vary by country, but below is a comprehensive guide tailored to the Indian context (the steps are similar in many jurisdictions, but always confirm local regulations):

1. Determine Eligibility & Reason.
• Common Reasons: Marriage (adopting spouse’s surname), divorce (reverting to maiden name), personal preference (unhappy with birth surname), religious conversion, or honorific reasons (e.g., to adopt a maternal surname).
• Legal Age: You must be at least 18 years old (majority age) to submit documents independently. Minors can change surnames via parental application with a notarized consent from both parents/guardians.
2. Prepare an Affidavit for Surname Change.
• Drafting the Affidavit:
• Use a notarized affidavit on stamp paper (value varies by state, often ?10–?50).
• Content must include:
1. Your current full name (as per official documents).
2. The surname you wish to adopt.
3. The reason for changing your surname.
4. A declaration that you are not involved in any criminal proceedings or that changing a surname is not to escape liabilities.
5. A statement that you will use the new surname in all official records henceforth.
• Sample format is widely available online; ensure it’s attested by a Notary Public or First Class Magistrate.
3. Publish Name Change in Two Newspapers.
• Local Newspaper (Regional Language).
• Place an advertisement/public notice stating your old name, new name, father’s name, date of birth, and address.
• Typical cost: ?500–?1,000 for a half-column ad.
• National Newspaper (English).
• Choose an English daily with wide circulation (e.g., The Times of India).
• Same content requirements as local—old name, new name, father’s name, DOB, address.
• Retain tear sheets (hard copies) and notarized copies of the published notice.
4. Publish in the Official Gazette (State or Central).
• State Gazette Notification:
• Visit your State Government’s Official Gazette portal (e.g., e.gazette.karnataka.gov.in for Karnataka).
• Fill online application for “Name Change Advertisement.”
• Upload scanned affidavit, two newspaper tear sheets, proof of identity (Aadhaar/Voter ID), and proof of address (utility bill).
• Pay the prescribed fee (?400–?800, depending on state).
• Central Gazette (Optional):
• The State Gazette listing usually suffices, but publishing in the Central Gazette (gazetteofindia.nic.in) gives national-level proof.
• Process: Download form from Central Gazette website, attach notarized affidavit, newspaper tear sheets, identity docs, and pay processing fees (?1,000–?1,500).
• Processing Time: Typically 4–6 weeks for Gazette publication.
5. Update Government & Private Documents.
• Government IDs:
• Aadhaar Card: Visit local Aadhaar Center with new Gazette notification and affidavit; fill Aadhaar correction form. Processing usually takes 10 – 15 days.
• PAN Card: Fill the online PAN correction form on NSDL e-Gov portal. Upload the old PAN, new Gazette, and affidavit. Expect 5–7 business days for the corrected PAN.
• Passport: Apply for re-issuance via Passport Seva Kendra. Upload affidavit, Gazette notification, and existing passport. Book an appointment; police verification may be required if address changes.
• Voter ID: Via NVSP site, submit an application for corrections/additions.
• Educational Certificates & Mark Sheets:
• Contact each educational board (CBSE, ICSE, State Board) with an application form, Gazette copy, and affidavit. They will issue a corrected mark sheet within 2–3 months.
• Bank Accounts & Financial Instruments:
• Provide the bank branch with a copy of the new Gazette, affidavit, and updated PAN/Aadhaar. The bank will reprint your cheque book and passbook with the new name.
• Insurance Policies, Utility Bills, Employment Records:
• Notify HR to update employment records, PF accounts, and insurance policies by submitting the Gazette and affidavit.
• Utility providers (electricity, water) require a similar update.
6. Additional Tips & Precautions.
• Maintain Original Copies: Keep multiple notarized copies of your affidavit and Gazette notification.
• Check Spelling Carefully: Any discrepancy (e.g., missing middle initial) can cause delays. Ensure consistency across all documents.
• Timeline Management: Begin the Gazette process immediately after newspaper publications; do not apply for ID changes before Gazette notification is issued.
• Name Consistency: Use the exact “new name” format on all documents—no abbreviations unless legally permitted.