Affidavit for name change in birth certificate

If you are someone who has recently got married or is about to get married soon, you must be wondering when you should legally change your name after marriage. Here is an article with all the details you should know.

People change names for various reasons. The very first step to legally changing your name is to create an affidavit. This article serves as an explanation of how to write an affidavit for name change, how to use one for a legal name change, etc.,

Change of faith, marriage, personal preferences divorce, gender change are some of the reasons why people desire to change their legal name. A legal name change could mean a change of an initial, the entire name, replacing the surname, addition of a surname, spelling correction, among others.

The only eligibility for the legal name change is that the petitioner should be aged above 18 years. For minors, the parent or the guardian can apply for a legal change of name.

What Is an Affidavit?

An affidavit serves as an oath. It is a document wherein you mention a statement and make a declaration that the statement mentioned therein is true of your knowledge. It is a written statement that is sworn before a person with the authority to administer an oath. In the case of an affidavit for administrative uses such as one for the legal name change, it can be attested by a notary.

An affidavit can be used to change a person’s full name, add, remove, or replace a part of the name, or alter just a few letters in the name.

Writing an Affidavit for Name Change

You need to keep in mind the following details while creating an affidavit for a name change:

1. You need to mention your current name and the proposed new name. Be careful about the spelling when mentioning your proposed new name
2. The affidavit must mention your complete current address. This should be the same address mentioned in your identity proofs
3. You need to affix a passport size photograph on the affidavit
4. For the purpose of the legal name change India, you will have to print the affidavit on a stamp paper of ₹10 or ₹20 or any other minimal value as required by the state. The affidavit has to be signed by two witnesses
5. According to the legal process, the affidavit must be signed by two persons of gazetted officer rank, along with a rubber stamp on it and get it notarised from the nearest notary office
6. You must save a copy of the affidavit as it might be useful for future legal requirements
7. For NRIs who desire to change their legal name, they must file a document for the legal name change, and get it attested by the Indian High Commission or the Indian Embassy.

Sample Format for Legal Name Change Affidavit

I ____ (Applicant Name as per id proof), S/O. W/O. D/O ____residing at _______(Address as per address proof) do solemnly affirm and stated as under: That my name has been recorded as (old name) in all the educational certificates and other relevant documents. That by virtue of this affidavit, I changed my name from (old name) to (new name) and henceforth I shall be known as the (new name) for all purposes. I shall be known and addressed as for all future purposes. That the facts stated above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my former and adopted name/surname of………….. And ……… affix my signature and seal, if any, this ………………….. Day of ………Signed sealed and delivered by the above name Date……… Former name…………… In the presence of Name……………….. Address ………………..

Why Vakilsearch?

You can opt for Vakilsearch’s services for not just an affidavit, but the entire legal name change process. The best part is that you don’t have to visit our offices. You can just sign with us online and send us the documents and details, and we can get your name legally changed for you.

By India Today Web Desk: A birth certificate is issued by the Municipal Corporation/Municipal Council in urban areas whereas in rural areas the authority is the Tehsildar at the Taluka level, while the authority at the village level is the Gram Panchayat Office. To change or update name in the birth certificate is not such a difficult task. You can get your name changed in the Birth Certificate by following the below stated simple steps.

Steps to change name in birth certificate:

Step 1: Obtain 'Birth Certificate Update/correction Form' the municipal corporation office or gram panchayat where your child took birth.

Step 2: Obtain an affidavit from local notary and approach the officer regarding change of name in the birth certificate. Make an affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper of minimal and mention the reason of name change.

Step 3: Fill the correction form and submit it to the municipal corporation along with affidavit or certified copy with judge original signature.

Step 4: After the completion of the application process, publish the advertisement in the local newspaper and your state official Gazette publication.

How to get name change publication in official Gazette:

For the name change publication in official Gazette, you need to write an application letter to the Gazette office with supporting documents such as a copy of local newspaper advertisement, affidavit, passport size photo, and your application form.

Apart from this, here is the complete procedure for you to apply for your Birth Certificate.

Process to apply for a birth certificate

Step 1: Get a birth Certificate Registration Form from the registrar's office (from your municipal authority).

Step 2: When a child is born in a hospital, the form is provided by the Medical Officer In-charge.

Step 3: Fill in the form within 21 days of birth of the child.

Step 4: If birth is not registered within 21 days of its occurrence, the birth certificate is issued after police verification.

Step 5: Once the verification of the birth records (date, time, place of birth, parent's ID proof, nursing home etc.) is done by the registrar, the birth certificate is issued to the applicant.

Step 6: 7 days after applying for a birth certificate, follow up with municipal authority to obtain the birth certificate.

Step 7: By providing a self-addressed envelope at the municipality office, the birth certificate is posted to the respective address within 7-14 working days.

Importance of birth certificate:

The birth certificate is very important for a child’s admission to schools or colleges, hospital benefits and in establishing inheritance and property claims. It is the first right of a child and establishes his or her identity. It becomes important for the following processes:

• Establishing age for insurance reasons
• Proving parentage
• Age proof for employment
• Age proof for marriage
• Admission to schools/colleges
• Establishing age for enrolling in Electoral Rolls
• Registering in NPR (National Population Register)
• Application for a passport
• Immigration requirements (like getting a green card)

A person without a birth certificate will not be identified as an Indian citizen & will not be eligible to reap all the benefits/ rights.

So, always remember toget your child's birth certificate as soon as possible just after his/her birth!

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