Name Change Process After Marriage
The Legal Way to Change Surname After Marriage
After marriage, women often want to add their husband’s surname to their name. Although this name can be changed easily in common places, changing the surname or name in official documents and certificates such as Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, passport, and other such official documents is a legal process. If you also want to change name after marriage, then in this blog, you have been told about the whole process in detail.
Documents List for Name Change After Marriage
- Marriage certificate: After marriage, you will first have to register the marriage. And you will have to get your marriage certificate. Marriage certificate is an important document.
- Identity card: Identity cards like Aadhar card, passport, PAN card, voter ID will be required.
- Passport size photo: 2 passport size photos taken after marriage.
- Gazette notification: If you want legal recognition and legal proof of name change, then you will have to publish a notification of your Name Correction in Gazette Notification.
Procedure for Changing the Surname After Marriage
1 Marriage registration: First of all you have to register your marriage legally. For this you have to go to the magistrate office or registrar office and fill a marriage form and submit a copy of the necessary documents along with it. You can also register the marriage online.
2 Making an affidavit: You have to get an affidavit made from the notary public for surname change. In this affidavit, you will write your new name along with the surname. And it will be written that you want to Surname Change After Marriage.
3 Gazette notification: You have to get the notification of name change published in the Gazette of India. For this, you have to fill a Gazette form for name change. Along with the name change form, you have to give a marriage certificate, identity card, affidavit, 2 passport size photos and other necessary documents. After submitting the form, it is verified and after that the name change is published in the gazette.
Next Steps After Gazette Notification?
Once the surname change notification is published in the Gazette of India, download it and keep 4-5 copies. Then, you'll need to submit a copy of other documents to prove your name change. These documents include:
If you're just starting out on this journey, we have a complete guide to help you understand the process of changing your name on all documents after marriage.
Read our Guide - Complete process of name change in documents after marriage
Consider the timing for changing your surname
The process of changing surname after marriage can take some time. Before changing your name in documents, keep in mind that you must have a gazette certificate, and it takes 30 to 40 days for the name to be changed in the gazette. Only after that can you change your name in other documents. Therefore, apply for the gazette certificate first, and then apply for the name change in other documents. If you are considering a name change, start the process with time in mind.
Important Points to Keep in Mind
- After changing your name in the Gazette, be sure to change it in all other important documents as well.
- Always keep a copy of the Gazette notification publication of your name change.
- To change your name in any document, provide a copy of the Gazette notification publication along with the name change.
- Keep 4-5 copies of the advertisement page in the newspaper.
- Use only Central Gazette notifications for name change.
Understanding the Government Gazette
The official legal voice of the Government
A Gazette is essentially the official legal document of the Government. In simple terms, no rule, law, or notification is considered "final" or "legally binding" until it is published in the Gazette.
Gazette Categories
In India, the Gazette is primarily divided into two categories:
- Central Gazette: Issued by the Central Government.
- State Gazette: Issued by the respective State Governments.
Note: If you are looking to legally change your name, you generally require the Central Gazette.
Why "Part 4" Matters
Many people find the various "Parts" of the Gazette confusing. While the Gazette is published in four distinct parts, Part 4 is the most relevant for the general public.
If you are checking the Gazette for name change or other personal legal corrections, Part 4 is typically where those notifications are published.
Central vs State Gazette: Key Differences
| Feature | Central Gazette | State Gazette |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Applicable across the entire country of India. | Applicable only within the boundaries of the respective state. |
| Publication | Published by the Department of Publication, Government of India. | Published by the official Government Press of the State Government. |
| Passport | Accepted for Passport name updates. | Accepted for Passport name updates. |
| Employment (Job) | Valid for both Central and State Government jobs. | Generally valid only for State Government jobs. |
Legal Name Change Process: Overview
The Gazette Notification is the most important document for legally changing your name or surname. It is also the most important document for making changes to all your other ID proofs and documents. To simplify the process and avoid mistakes, it is wise to seek expert advice.
Talk to an Expert
For information related to the Gazette, talk to our experts:
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- 📧 Email: advocateadvice75@gmail.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Necessary To Change Your Name After Marriage?
No, it's entirely your choice. Legally, you can continue to use your old name. However, if you want to use your husband's surname, you'll need to follow a legal process to avoid any future documentation issues.
What Is A Gazette Notification, And Why Is It Important?
The Gazette of India is an official government document. Publishing a name change in it is legal proof that you've changed your name. For major purposes like passports and bank accounts, the Gazette Notification is considered the most valid document.
How To Get An Affidavit For A Name Change?
First, you'll need to visit your nearest notary. There, you'll need to get an affidavit made on ₹10 or ₹20 stamp paper, stating your old name, new name, marriage date, and address.
What Should The Newspaper Advertisement Include?
After the affidavit is prepared, you must place an advertisement in a newspaper (state newspaper). It should clearly state: "I have changed my name from [old name] to [new name] after marriage." Print it carefully.
What Is The Correct Way To Apply For A Gazette Notification?
The process is fairly simple, but the steps must be followed carefully:
- Prepare an affidavit.
- Place an advertisement in the newspaper.
- Fill out the gazette application form and pay the fee.
Submit the file along with your documents (ID proof, photo, marriage certificate) to the Department of Publications.
How Long Does It Take For The Gazette Notification To Arrive?
After the file is submitted, it takes approximately 30 to 45 days for the government to verify and publish it. Nowadays, it's available in digital format, which you can download online.
Can A Name Be Changed Without A Marriage Certificate?
No, but attaching a marriage certificate or valid proof of marriage (such as a wedding card or a joint photo) to the gazette process makes the process much easier and faster.
Which Document Should I Update First After Getting The Gazette?
First, you should update your Aadhaar card. Once your Aadhaar is updated, changing your name on your PAN card, voter ID, and bank account becomes much easier.
What Is The Total Cost Of A Name Change?
The government fee is fairly low (approximately ₹1,100 - ₹1,500), but the total cost can increase due to affidavits, newspaper advertisements, document verification, and expert assistance.
Should I Consider A Gazette Just To Change My Surname?
Yes, if you want to change your surname in official documents (e.g., from Sharma to Verma), a Gazette notification is the safest and legal way to do so, thereby avoiding property or inheritance related issues later.
