A name is something that is given to us when we are born. We don’t get to vote on it. However, there is no denying that it is one of the key things that define our identity. While some of us like our names and stick with them for life, others might want to change the same. So, if you are planning to change your name, this guide is for you.
If you want to change your name for any reason, you must follow a legal course of action. Quite a few legal formalities are involved in the process and each one of them needs to be fulfilled cautiously to arrive at the desired result.
However, if you want to change your name but aren’t taking any action because the procedure seems lengthy or confusing, then let us assure you that it is clearly defined, and if you follow the required steps, then it shouldn’t take much of your time and effort. Leading newspapers like The Times of India make it especially simple.
To ease the task for you, we have shared the complete change of name procedure. This will provide you a detailed account of how to publish name change in newspaper and various other formalities involved in the process. In addition to this, we have also shared name change newspaper ad samples to help you draft the advertisement content with ease. Read on to understand the same.
Or just click here to book a name change ad easily.
Reasons for Change of Name
The name change procedure is completely legal in India. Anyone can go for it, but before we acquaint you with the procedure to change the name, let us find out why people usually change their name. There can be many reasons.
In most cases, women file request for change of name post their marriage. They may even require changing their name after divorce or in case of remarriage. At times, the wrong name gets registered in official records due to negligence. In such cases, a name change newspaper ad needs to be published to get the name corrected. The complete procedure needs to be followed in case of spelling error too.
Many people also change their name just because they do not like it. These days, many people change their name because of numerological and astrological reasons too. Our name is said to influence our profession as well as overall life in many ways. Thus, many people consult astrologers/numerologists to change their name to lead a better life. Child adoption, child custody cases, gender change and change of religion are among some of the other common reasons because of which people change their name as well.
Name change newspaper publication along with other steps involved in the name change process need to be followed irrespective of the reason for change.
Steps to Book a Name Change Classified Ad in a Newspaper
It is easy to book an ad for name change in The Times of India. And it is the wise thing to do too. That is because it is important to choose a newspaper that is circulated widely across the country to ensure a better reach. You also need to choose a regional or local Hindi newspaper as the ad needs to be published in two newspapers. Here are the simple steps to book a name change ad in The Times of India:
- Log on to https://ads.timesgroup.com/
- On the homepage, click the “change of name” icon.
- Select the “type of advertisement” and place where it is to be published from the drop-down menu.
- Next, mention the header, select individual editions option, number of ads to be published and publishing date, and upload the message to be published in PDF format. Or just enter your ad text in any of the available templates.
- The charges for the same will be displayed once you upload the message. The preview of the ad will also be shown.
- Next, make the payment and book the ad.
You should compare the rates being charged by different newspapers before you finalise the deal. Also note that ads.timesgroup.com, The Times of India’s Official Ad Booking platform offers attractive packages that allow you to reach a large audience with the best prices in the market.
3-Step Change My Name Procedure
Step Number 1
Name Change Affidavit
The first step in the process is to make an affidavit for change of name. This needs to be made at the local notary. The affidavit must contain the below mentioned information:
- Your Old Name
- Your New Name
- Reason for change of name
- Father’s/ Husband’s name
- Complete address
- Age Proof
Any other key information required for the affidavit must also be filled in.
Step Number 2
Name Change Newspaper Publication
The second step is to get the name change ad published in the newspaper. The advertisement must be published in two local newspapers. One of these should be a regional language newspaper or a Hindi newspaper and the other one must be an English newspaper. The information to be included in the name change ad in newspaper is as follows:
- Your old name
- Your new name
- Date on which the name change affidavit is created
- Name of the notary who attested the affidavit
- Your complete address
- Your age
- Father’s/husband’s name
It is important to cross-check all the information before submitting the advertisement in order to avoid any kind of error and ensure a smooth procedure. Even a minor error at your end can result in delayed processing or require you to go through the entire procedure all over again. Sample ad text is readily available on our portal when you book the ad. Documents required to publish this ad need to be uploaded.
Step Number 3
Publish Name Change Information in Official Gazette of India
Next, you need to notify about your name change in the official gazette of India. This can be done by writing and submitting an application for the same. Relevant documents as well as a demand draft need to be submitted along with it to complete the procedure.
Here is a look at the various documents that need to be submitted to the Department of Publication of Name Change to complete step number 3:
- Hard copy of the name change affidavit duly notarised
- Hard copy of the newspaper publication
- Hard copy of the name change form, duly filled according to the set format
- Soft copy of the specimen in a compact disc (CD)
- Two self-attested passport size photographs
- One photo ID proof, self-attested
- Government employees must submit the Deed for Name Change as per the Ministry of Home Affairs O. M. No. 190016/1/87 – Estt. Dated 12/03/1987
- Those living abroad need to submit deed duly attested by the respective Indian High Commission/Indian Embassy
- In case of name change of a major, a Demand Draft of INR 1100 drawn in favour of Controller of Publications, Delhi, needs to be submitted along with the mentioned documents
- In case of name change of a minor, a Demand Draft of INR 1700 drawn in favour of Controller of Publications, Delhi, needs to be submitted along with the mentioned documents
- A certificate signed by the applicant mentioning that the information given in the hard and soft copy is the same
- Forwarding Letter describing all the documents enclosed in the envelope
Name Change Publication in Newspaper Examples
Name change ads are short and simple. These are to the point and do not include any difficult format. Here is a look at the information that goes into name change ads published to change the name for different purposes. You can use these to write your name change ad in newspaper.
- Complete Name Change Ad
I, Safina Shaikh D/O Mohammad Shaikh R/O14/55, Santa Apartments, Khushidabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 220300 aged 26 years have changed my name and shall hereafter be known as Aamna Mohammad for all future purposes vide affidavit dated 20/6/2021 Sworn before notary G.S. Pant, Lucknow. I have complied with all the legal requirements in this regard.
2.Name Change Ad After Marriage
I, Revati Dua W/O Mohit Kumar Verma R/O C-94, Paranthe Wali Gali, Varanasi – 321010 have changed my name to Mrs. Revati Dua Verma post marriage vide affidavit dated 20/4/2022 Sworn before notary Y.K. Yadav, Varanasi.
Documents Required
You need to upload only one document to publish a name change ad in newspaper, and that is the affidavit. You are also required to send an email to the publication department and confirm that the ad sent is for publication or classified.
Seek Professional Help to Change Your Name Legally
So, as you can see, change of name is basically a three-step process with the name change newspaper ad being a crucial part. There are different reasons due to which people change their name, including marriage, divorce, astrology, numerology and religion change, to name a few. Whatever be the reason, all the three steps must be followed to change your name legally.
Book a name change ad from anywhere, without any hassle, through The Times of India’s online ad platform –https://ads.timesgroup.com/categories/personal-announcements