Change the name of an Adult legally in Mumbai

As an Adult are you not satisfied with your current name and want to change your name legally in Mumbai but are not sure and aware of the process to change your name legally in Mumbai then you need our guidance to help you out with the procedure of changing your name in Mumbai. You may contact our team of legal experts to get your name changed legally in Mumbai. We are just one call away from you to guide you through the procedure of name change in Mumbai. 

Introduction to Name Change

Name change refers to the act of changing one's previous name to a new one. You can change the spelling of letters, add initials, pronounce names differently, add or remove letters, and more. When changing someone's current name from their old name, there is a procedure called a name change that needs to be followed. There are several reasons why someone could decide to change their name; these are all discussed in detail below. However, because the prior name is already registered with the government and institutions, the process can be a bit difficult. Therefore, obtaining guidance from  legal experts should be sought to change their names legally in Mumbai. 

What are the different types of Adult Name Changes available in Mumbai?

There are three legal name changes available in Mumbai. These are specified according to the type of situation and the circumstance in which the person is in. Hence, the types of legal name changes in Mumbai are as follows:

1. Changing of the First Name only: If the person is not at all satisfied with their initial name or due to any defect they want to legally change their name in Mumbai it could range from astrological, or any personal reasoning (which has been discussed in detail in the further details of this Article) they may present an application to change their name in Mumbai. 
2. Changing of the Surname only: If the person changes their religion, or in case of marriage, divorce, and adoption the surname of the person changes. Therefore, it becomes necessary that they should present an application to change their name legally in Mumbai. 
3. Changing of both Name and Surname of the Applicant: If for any reason (which has been discussed in detail in the further details of this Article) the applicant needs to change their name along with their surname they may present an application to change their both name and surname legally in Mumbai. 

Thus, these are the types of the changing names in Mumbai. An applicant or the relations (depicted below in the further sections of this Article) may present an application for legally changing their names or surnames or both as the case may be in Mumbai along with the required documents. 

Reasons for Adult Name Change in Mumbai

There are a plethora of reasons available to an adult to change their name legally in Mumbai. Some of the common reasons have been explained below. However, an adult may choose another set of reasons for changing their name legally in Mumbai. The most common reasons are as below defined ones: 

1. Spelling Errors: If a person's name contains any spelling errors, the adult may consider getting a new name. If at any time the adult considers their name to be incorrectly spelled then in such a case they may consider getting their name changed legally in Mumbai. 
2. Personal Reasons: An adult may request to have their name changed if their entire name has changed for any reason, including astrological signs, star signs, religious changes, gender identities, nationality changes, or simply because they are unhappy with their existing name.
3. Astrological Reasons: If due to astrological reasons or suggestions made by the astrologer, an adult is required to change their name in Mumbai they may do so by following the procedure of  legally changing their names in Mumbai. 
4. Religious Reasons: If an adult has converted to another religion then in such a circumstance they will need to change their name in consonnace with their converted religion from their previous religion. 
5. Change in the Gender: If an adult has changed their gender at some point of time in their lifetime then in such a scenario they will be required to change their names accordingly  by following the procedure to name change in Mumbai. 
6. Change in Nationality: If an adult has recently changed their nationality from any other to Indian then in such circumstances they may wish to change their name legally in Mumbai by following the proper procedure (which has been discussed in further detail)
7. Change in the Surname: A change in the Surname of a person can be because of marriage or not. Therefore, it is essential that the procedure for legally changing the name of an adult is to be followed for changing the surname of the person. 
8. Marriage: In India, it is common for a woman to take on her husband's name after marriage, hence there is a good chance that she will change her name or surname after being married. Mostly, in such a case it is required for the women to change their names legally by following the procedure of changing the names and surnames in Mumbai. 
9. Divorce: As we have already mentioned, marriage necessitates a name change; nevertheless, divorce also counts as a form of separation and calls for a name change. While getting a divorce from her husband a woman is required to opt for legal name change in Mumbai and right away update the government institution regarding it so that she does not have to suffer from any financial losses or difficulties from the acts of her husband. 
10. Adoption: Adoption is the process of adopting a kid from another family; hence, in this case, the child's surname must be changed. Sometimes it could be a possibility of changing the whole name of the child  legally in Mumbai and also the child may not like their name after becoming an adolescent or an adult and in such a scanario they may opt for legally changing their names by following the below mentioned procedure in Mumbai. 
11. Professional Reasons: At times to pursue any career or to pursue any profession an adult may be required to change their names or surnames for the sake of building their career. The adult may opt for legally changing their names in Mumbai. 

Hence, these are the list of reasoning that can be put forth by an applicant to change their names legally in Mumbai. However, they may put forth different reasoning, circumstances, or scenarios to strengthen the reasoning for their change of name in Mumbai. 

Who can be the person applying on behalf of the applicant?

A person's name is a representation of who they are. It is the address of the person with whom they are known in their lifetime. It's crucial to keep everything in mind while naming someone as a result. There are numerous situations and times in life when someone thinks about changing their name. At times if the person thinking to change their name is unable to personally present an application for changing their names legally in Mumbai then in such a cicusmtance the law prescribed the below-mentioned person to be authorised to present an application on their behalf. The following people are eligible to apply for name changes:

1. Parents of the Person whose name is required to be changed
2. Spouse of the applicant and, 
3. Wife of the applicant

Because they are extremely close to the person in question, these three people have been given permission to file for name changes on their behalf. These persons may file an application as if they are the real persons (adults) applying in Mumbai to change their names or surnames. These persons according to the law are the real ones to apply for name change in Mumbai. 

What is the Eligibilty Criteria to Name Change in Mumbai?

Each has the right to equal rights under the Indian Constitution. Thus, anyone can alter their name in accordance with the Indian Constitution, regardless of their age. It is crucial that the person changing their name in Mumbai has the following documents with them:

1. Indian Resident: The adult applicant who wants to change their names legally in Mumbai should be an Indian Resident. They should possess a valid Indian Identity Proof and have a permnnent abode in Mumbai. Though, it is not a mandatory requirement that the applicant should be an Indian Citizen but an essential requirement as the person from foreign origins has to go through other layers of processes and authentication to change their names legally in Mumbai. 
2. An applicant for Name Change should possess a Sound Mind: The applicant should be well-aware that the person should possess the required min set to confirm that the decision taken by them is required and they are taking the decision in necessary good faith. 
3. Pending Legal Suit: It is imperative that the thinking to change their names should be clean and no criminal record is pending against them in the court of law. This is followed in order to confirm and to make sure that the person is not changing their names in order to avoid any litigation against their name or to abscond from the litigation in their names.  
4. Pure Intentions: It is very essential that the person thinking to change their names possess pure and true intentions towards changing their name. The intention of the applicant should not be to forge or play any deceitfulness to any government institution. 

Hence, these are the eligibility criteria for changing an adult’s name legally in Mumbai. These criteria are required to be fulfilled before hand by an applicant before applying for a name change in Mumbai. The above list of reasons should be followed strictly in order to get the certificate for legally changing their names in Mumbai. The government is required to keep an eye on the eligibility criteria 

What are the required documents for Adult Name Change in Mumbai?

If you intend to change your name in Mumbai in the near future or if you are applying for legally changing your name in Mumbai on someone else behalf, you must keep the following list of documents with you in order to make an application by the adult to name change in Mumbai:

1. Government ID Verification of Identity A person's proof that they are the legitimate citizens of a state or nation is carried with them in the form of documents Hence, while presenting an application for legally changing their names in Mumbai an adult is required to present their ID Document. 
2. Photographs: In India, a person must attest two passport-size photos of themselves as additional proof at every stage of the judicial process. Therefore, a passport-size photo of the applicant is also needed for legally changing their name in Mumbai. 
3. Miscellaneous Documents: These documents include those that must be presented in order for the names to be changed. It might be a certificate of marriage, divorce decrees, adoption contracts, paperwork pertaining to a change in sex, religious beliefs, etc. These are the other additional documents that the adult is required to present while making an application for legally changing the names in Mumbai. 

These are the documents one has to have on hand in order to change their name legally in Mumbai. This list of documents is not an exhaustive one, this list of documents is just illustrative. The list of documents is totally based upon the case to case basis. 

The procedure to Name Change in Mumbai

If you are an adult and thinking of changing your name legally in Mumbai then you are required to obtain an expert consultation and consideration to be able to work out properly through the procedure of legal name change in Mumbai. The process runs as under:

1. Obtaining the Affidavit: The applicant is required to draft the Affidavit along with all the necessary documents to obtain a name change certificate in Mumbai. The applicant is required to procure an e-affidavit of Rs. 10 and Rs. 20. The Affidavit must contain the below mentioned details:

1) The previous name of the applicant along with their new name, 

2) Father’s name of the applicant

3) Husband of the Applicant (in case of married women)

4) Permanent Residential Address of the Applicant

5) Declaration by the Applicant that these are true and accurate to the knowledge of the deponent accompanied  by their signature. 

An Affidavit can be attested by a Notary Public, Oaths Commissioner, or a Judicial Magistrate as the case may be. However, if the applicant is living in a foreign country then they are required to get the Affidavit attested firstly from the Indian Embassy or High Commissioner then only they will be able to present their application for legal changing of the name in Mumbai. 

2. Newspaper Ad: Along with other relevant information, a notice outlining the Name Change must be published in regional Hindi and English periodicals. It is imperative that the parties keep a copy of the notice along with themselves for any future reference or to avoid any further disputes. The Newpaper advertisement should contain the old name, and new name of the applicant, along with the authority that has attested the Affidavit, and the date, and place where it gets attested. 

3. Publication in the formal Gazette: The third and last step in the Mumbai Adult Name Change process is the formal publication of the revised name in the Official Gazette. The application must be submitted with all required documentation, such as a copy of a notarized affidavit, identification evidence, photos, a newspaper ad, etc. The document for publication can be sent either through courier or can be presented personally by the applicant to the Controller of the Publications, Delhi. The presented documents are then scrutinised by the official and then they will be sent for publication. This whole process usually takes around one or two months to appear in the Official Gazette. 

Thus, this is the whole procedure that is required to be followed by the adult applicant to change their name legally in Mumbai. The process is a bit complex and time consuming therefore, it is advised that legal consultation should be sought in order to obtain the certificate for name change easily in Mumbai.  

What are the exceptions to the Adult Name Change in Mumbai?

There are a few exceptions that have been highlighted in red by the government while checking an application for an adult name change in Mumbai. These exceptions are as:

1. A new name cannot be with punctuation. The name is required to be clear and crisp.
2. The name change process cannot be used to get absolved from liabilities or any kind of debt.
3. The name cannot be on the name of any famous personality as to prove to be misleading to the general public.
4. The name change process should not be followed to hide the identity of an individual.
5. The new name should not be offensive or obscene. 

Thus, these are the exceptions provided by the laws for which an adult name change application in Mumbai is liable to be rejected. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is a performance required along with the application to have the name changed published in the official gazette?

Ans. Yes, you must submit the application request together with a performance to the Government Press Controller.

Q2. Do I need a witness if I want to change my name in Mumbai?

Ans. Indeed, two witnesses are required to attest to a name change in Mumbai.

Q3. Do I have to inform the authorities if I change my name?

Ans. Yes, you have to inform relevant entities such as your bank, workplace, or school, and any other place where you are registered.

Q4. Is the entire procedure of changing one's name done online?

Ans. With our assistance, you can complete the Name Change procedure entirely online.

Q5. Is an Affidavit required when renaming yourself?

Ans. Yes, a fully certified affidavit from the local notary is necessary in order to change the name.

Q6. What is the minimum age for presenting an application for an Adult Name Change?

Ans. The minimum age to present an application for Adult Name Change in Mumbai is 18 years or more.