Changing your name in government service records in India means updating official documents to reflect a new name. This could be due to marriage, divorce, or personal preference. The process involves submitting a formal application along with supporting documents like a marriage certificate or affidavit. Once approved, the new name will be reflected in various government records such as employment documents, identification cards, and official paperwork. It ensures consistency and accuracy in legal documents, making it important for individuals to keep their records up-to-date with any changes in their personal information.

Reasons Behind Name Change In Service Records

In our country, when someone wants to change their name, they go through a legal process called Name Change. This means they can choose a different name from the one their parents gave them when they were born.

There could be various reasons for a name change in service records:

• One common reason is marriage, where an individual, especially a woman, might change their last name.
• Some individuals may legally change their names for personal or professional reasons, and this would be reflected in their service records.
• In some cultures or religions, individuals may adopt new names for various reasons, and this could lead to a change in service records.
• Sometimes, name changes are made to correct errors in previous records, such as misspellings or inaccuracies.
• In cases of adoption, individuals may change their names to reflect their new family identity, which would be updated in their service records.
• For individuals undergoing gender transition, changing their name to align with their gender identity would be reflected in their service records.
• In rare cases, individuals may change their names due to privacy concerns or safety reasons, and this change would be noted in their service records.

Name Change Procedure

Step 1: Making an Affidavit for Name Change

If you want to change your name, the first step is to create an affidavit for Name Change with a local Notary. This document should include your old name, the new name you want, and the reason for the name change. It should also include details about you, like your husband's or father's name, address, and proof of age.

Step 2: Publishing in Newspapers

After completing the affidavit, the next step is to publish a notice about your name change in two local newspapers: one in your regional language or Hindi, and the other in English.

Important points to include in the newspaper publication:

• New name of the applicant
• Old name of the applicant
• Date when the affidavit was made by the applicant
• Full address of the applicant
• Age of the applicant
• Name of the notary who attested the affidavit
• Father's or husband's name of the applicant

Before placing the advertisement in the newspaper, double-check all the details to ensure accuracy. Even a small mistake can disrupt the entire process.

Step 3: Publishing in Official Gazette of India

After publishing the name change notice in newspapers, the next step is to publish it in the Gazette of India. Here's what you need to do:

1. Write an application for the name change along with a Demand Draft (DD) for the fee and required documents.

2. Send the following documents to the Department of Publication for the name change:

• A duly notarized hard copy of the name change affidavit.
• If you live abroad, submit a deed duly attested by the respective Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission.
• Hard copies of the newspaper publications.
• A filled-out name change form in the specified format.
• Prepare a digital CD containing a soft copy of the specimen.
• Government employees need to submit the deed for name change as per the Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines.
• A Demand Draft of Rs. 1100/- (for adults) or Rs. 1700/- (for minors), payable to the Controller of Publications, Delhi.
• Two self-attested passport size photographs.
• One self-attested photo ID proof.
• A certificate signed by the applicant stating that the information in the hard and soft copies is the same.
• An application or forwarding letter describing all the documents enclosed within the envelope.

Ensure all documents are accurately filled out and submitted as per the instructions provided.

Documents Needed for Name Change in Gazette of India:

Identity Proof: Provide one of the following:

• PAN Card
• Passport
• Driving Licence
• Aadhar Card
• Voter's ID

Proof of Address: Provide one of the following:

• Ration Card
• Aadhar Card
• Passport

Photo: Two passport-size photographs.

Application Form:You can obtain the application form for the Gazette offline or online. Ensure it is duly signed by the applicant and includes details such as:

• Old & New Name
• Current address
• Contact details of the applicant
• Reason for the name change.