Documents Required for Name Change in India (Full List – 2026 Guide)

If you’re planning to change your name legally, knowing the exact documents required for name change in India is crucial. Missing even one document can delay or reject your application.

This complete 2026 guide covers all documents needed for affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification—so you can complete your name change smoothly.

🔹 Why Are Documents Important for Name Change?

Every step in the gazette name change process in India requires proper documentation to verify your identity and ensure legal validity.

👉 Incorrect or incomplete documents = application rejection or delay

🔹 Complete List of Documents Required for Name Change in India

✅ 1. Name Change Affidavit Format

This is the first and most important document.

Your affidavit must include:

• Old name and new name

• Father’s/Husband’s name

• Full address

👉 Must be printed on stamp paper and notarized or by a first class magistrate as applicable

✅ 2. Newspaper Publication For Name Change

You must publish your name change in:

• One local language newspaper

• One English newspaper

👉 Submit:

• Original newspaper copies or clear printouts

Gazette of India requires only one newspaper, however, for change in educational documents, you have to publish in two newspaper.

✅ 3. CD Containing Name Change Matter

You need to submit a CD (soft copy) containing:

• Typed name change content

• File format: MS Word (.doc)

• How to Make CD (Complete Process)

✅ 4. Other Documents Required for Name Change

• Request Letter

• Self Certificate

• Self Attested two Photos

• Undertaking

• Two original copies of Gazette format

👉 Any mistake in the form can delay approval.

✅ 5. Identity Proof (Self-Attested)

Submit signed photocopies of any valid ID:

• Aadhaar Card

• PAN Card

• Passport

• Voter ID

• Employee ID Card

👉 All copies must be self-attested (signed by you)

✅ 6. Address Proof

Provide valid address proof such as:

• Aadhaar Card

• Utility bill (electricity/water)

• Rent agreement

• Passport

• Voter ID Card

• Driving Licence

👉 Address must match your application details.

✅ 7. Gazette Fees Payment Proof

You must attach proof of payment:

• Fees must be paid through Bharatkosh

• Send printout of the Gazette Fees Payment

• How to Pay Gazette Fees? (Click Here for Complete video)

👉 Keep a copy for your records.

🔹 Additional Documents (In Special Cases)

🔸 For Minor Name Change:

• Birth certificate

• Parents’ ID proof

• Consent affidavit by parents

🔸 For Name Change After Marriage:

• Marriage certificate (optional but useful)

• Husband’s ID proof

Before submitting your application, ensure you have:

✔ Original Affidavit
✔ Original Newspaper
✔ CD with name change matter
✔ Other documents mentioned at point 4 above
✔ ID proof (self-attested)
✔ Address proof
✔ Fee payment proof

🔹 Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mismatch in spelling across documents

• Missing signatures on photocopies

• Incorrect format in CD

• Incomplete application form

👉 Always double-check before submission.

🔹 FAQs – Documents for Name Change

❓ Is affidavit mandatory for name change?

Yes, it is the first and essential document.

❓ Can I use Aadhaar as both ID and address proof?

Yes, Aadhaar can be used for both.

❓ Is PAN card required?

Not mandatory but highly recommended.

🔹 Conclusion

Having the correct documents required for name change in India ensures a smooth and hassle-free process. From affidavit to Gazette publication, each document plays a crucial role in making your name change legally valid.

🔹 Need Help with Documentation?

We assist with:

• Affidavit preparation

• Newspaper publication

• Gazette filing

👉 Contact us on WhatsApp for quick and reliable support.