Are you looking for a way to change your surname or Last name after marriage? In this article I will teach you a 3-steps easy to follow guide that will help you get your name changed in your public documents like Aadhar, PAN, Voter card, Passport, Driving Licence etc..
Is Name Change After Marriage Mandatory?
No. There is no legal obligation to change your name after marriage in India. It’s once personal choice. Many women choose to retain their maiden names, while some hyphenate both surnames and others fully adopt their husband’s surname. The government allows all options, provided the name is consistent across all official documents.
Obtain The Marriage Certificate
The first and most important document to obtain official marriage certificate as a legal proof of marriage.
How to get it:
- By applying to the local registrar of marriages.
- By submitting necessary documents like wedding invitation, photographs, Id proof, and joint affidavit (if required).
- And once it get verified, the marriage certificate is issued within a few weeks.
This certificate acts as a legal proof of marriage and forms the basis for your name change in all official document.
What if you Don’t have Marriage Certificate?
No worries, in that case, you can give a name change notification in the Gazette of India and with the help of Gazette notification you can get your last name changed in all your documents.
Steps for Gazette Notification
Step 1: Draft a Name Change Affidavit
The first step is to create an affidavit declaring:
- Your old name, husband name and address declaring you have changed your old name to new name with husband’s Surname.
Where and How:
- Draft an affidavit on a non – judicial stamp paper (Rs.10 or Rs.20) and get notarized by a public notary.
Example Statement:
- “I, Nikita Sharma, w/o Rishab Babbar, resident of XYZ, have married Rishab Babbar on DD/MM/YYYY and have adopted the surname ‘Babbar’. I shall henceforth be known as Nikita Babbar.”
Step 2: Publish a Newspaper Advertisement
The second step is to publish a notice about your name change in 1 Newspaper only (Not two):
- Ad in the local regional language (In particular community or region)
The Ad Must Include:
- “Your old name and new name, Your husband’s name, address and A declaration of the name change.”
It is an important step that acts as a public notice and is required by many government agencies to verify authentically.
Step 3: Gazette File Preparation
The third step is to draft a Gazette file with the help of any lawyer or Expert, which includes;
Whatsapp on 99142-53193 for complete Gazette file preparation.
- Formal request to the Department of Publication, Government of India
- Attach:
- Notarised affidavit
- Newspaper advertisement
- Two passport–sized photographs
- ID proof
- Application form
- Govt fees Rs. 1100/-
Outcome: After publication, you will receive a gazette copy officially recording your name change, which is useful in future references and legal documentation.
Read Also,
How to change last name after divorce? 3 Easy Steps
How to change your child last name? (Minor Name Change)
Update Your Name in All Government and Personal Documents
Once the Gazette notification is published and your name change is legally recognised, you must update your name on all major documents to avoid in consistency. So, here are few important documents:
- Aadhaar Card by visiting Aadhaar Seva Kendra using Gazette notification and one ID proof with old name.
- PAN card correction through NSDL or UTIITSL and attach the Gazette notification.
- Passport by providing all supporting documents along with the Gazette notification.
- Bank Account, Insurance, Employment Records by submitting a request to HR or the respective department with name change affidavit and Gazette notification.
- Voter ID by applying through the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) and submitting them Form 8 (for correction) and use the Gazette notification as a supportive document.
- Driving license by visiting the local RTO and submitting their name change request with supporting documents.
Whatsapp on 99142-53193 for complete Gazette file preparation.
Optional Documents to Update
Optional documents are – Ration card, Property documents, Academic certificate (if needed), Mobile service provider records, Mutual funds, investments, or demat accounts.
Key Points for a Smooth Name Change Process
- Store multiple copies of your affidavit, newspaper ads, and Gazette notification.
- When applying for the name change process, always carry originals and photocopies of your ID proof.
- Update your name uniformly across all government documents and records to avoid mistakes.
- If you are insecure, consult a legal professional or use online legal service portals.
Conclusion
Changing your last name after marriage in India is a deeply personal decision or one’s personal choice. The above article explains about how to change your last name after marriage process and gives you appropriate direction to follow the step starting with a notarized affidavit, newspaper publication and optionally a gazette notification, you can establish your new identity with comfort and confidence.
By Updating your name you must ensure that it is reflected across all official documents not only simplifies in paperwork but also provide clarity in legal, financial and all other related matters. With the right steps, you can change your last name after marriage easily.
