Name Change in Marriage Certificate: Exploring the Options and Implications for Indian Couples

Introduction

Changing your name refers to the process of altering name, it could be changing the initials or adding/ deleting a single letter, or changing one’s name completely. It is to be done in a systematic manner by following the procedural requirements. One can change name due to many reasons that can be religious, social, adoption, marriage, divorce, etc.

Procedure For Name change in Marriage Certificate

1. Make an Affidavit: Prepare an affidavit with your details mentioning you wish to change your name and the reason i.e. you are married now. In the affidavit you must also mention the other details like your maiden name, new name, your husband’s name, complete address and a copy of Marriage Certificate may also be affixed. Put your signature on the affidavit and attach a photograph of yours. Once it is ready take a print out on a stamp paper.

2. Notarise the Affidavit: You have to visit a notary and get it done. If you are abroad then get the affidavit attested by the embassy.

3. Advertisement in a Newspaper: After getting the affidavit notarised, publish an ad about your name change in local and national newspapers. Place one advertisement in a local newspaper that can be in a vernacular one and another in an English newspaper. Many newspapers have a section dedicated to such advertisements and hence it is an easy process.

4. Gazette Publication: If you wish to change your name officially then this is the final step. This is a mandatory step for government employees, however, others are also advised to do so. You have to approach the Controller of Publication of any Government Gazette and they will guide you about the internal procedures. The affidavit prepared initially along with other identity proof, clippings of the newspaper advertisement and documents need to be presented at this point.

You can notify the institutions, organizations, family, friends, relatives, etc. about your name change. It is also advised to update your online accounts including Facebook, Instagram, twitter, LinkedIn, etc. about your name change.

Why is a name change required after marriage?

It is not a mandate to change your name after marriage, but in India the brides do change their name after marriage as it gives a feeling of togetherness.

Changing your name is a simple process, but it is important to be aware of the potential consequences before making the decision. As once you have changed your name, surname or both, then it will be your new identity and you have to update all your documents and ID proofs accordingly.

Benefits of name change after marriage

To change one's name has many reasons attached to it, it could be religious reasons, traditions associated with it, divorce, adoption, etc. One of the reason is marriage, where brides in India change their name after marriage. It is a sign of respect to the husband and his family, also it generates a feeling of belongingness and association with the family.

The procedure of name change in India is not tedious and it can be done by following the procedure mentioned above.

Changing name in various documents

Pan card: The procedure to change your name on your PAN card is actually simple. You have to send a written request to the PAN Card Authority along with the following documents:

1. Original PAN card  
2. Copy of marriage certificate
3. Copy spouse's passport (if they are not Indian)
4. Copy of new ration card having new name (if applicable)
5. A copy of any other legal document that has your new name (such as a bank statement or utility bill)

Changing Name in Bank Statements: After marriage in India brides change their surnames according to her husband’s surname. Hence, it needs name updation in all the bank accounts. You need to change the details in the bank statements according to your new name if you have changed your maiden name after marriage.

You can personally visit the bank and meet officials there or this could also be done online. To change your name online, you have to login into your account and update your personal details. After updating your details, the new name will appear on your next bank statement.

In case you have joint accounts with your husband then you have to update the account with the new name. You can do so by visiting the bank or calling customer care for the same purpose.

Passport:  You have to apply for a new passport along with your old passport, carry a copy of your marriage certificate, copy of the husband’s passport, etc. to change the name in the passport.

Driving License: You have to submit an application along with the copy of marriage certificate, form LLD, form 1, complete address proof, original driving license, identity proof documents and the processing fee to the RTO for further processing is required.

Example: After marriage the famous Bollywood actress Kareena Kapur changed her name and she added her husband’s surname to her name. Now her name is Mrs. Kareena Kapur Khan.

Conclusion

As we have discussed above, one can change name for various reasons and one of the most common reasons to change name is marriage. Hence, one can do so but needs to follow the prescribed procedure. 

After changing your name you also have to update your bank statements, Aadhar card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, your social media accounts, etc. The procedure is simple but needs to be followed in a systematic manner.

FAQs

1. Is it mandatory that I have to change my maiden name after marriage?

Ans: No, there is no such requirement or any mandate that you have to change your maiden name or surname after marriage. It is a tradition in India that is being followed by many.

2. Can I change both my name and surname?

Ans: Yes, you can do so. The only requirement is that you have to do it by following the proper procedure and you need to update your new name in all your documents and social media accounts.

3. How do I change my name after marriage?

Ans: You have to get a copy of your marriage certificate from the registrar.  Then you need to approach the concerned authorities along with the relevant documents that may vary from region and state wise.  After your request is processed you can use your name on all official documents.

4. What documents are required to change names after marriage?

Ans: You need a marriage certificate, prepare an affidavit and get it notarized, you need the copy of advertisement in the newspaper, your birth certificate and ID Proof.

5. How long does it take to change names?

Ans: The time frame varies based on the procedure of concerned departments. However, on an average it takes time of 2-3 weeks for the entire procedure to complete.

Finally, this article was written by Shivangi Dubey, an extremely established lawyer. Shivangi Dubey holds a BSL-LLB degree from ILS Pune & also is a gold medalist in LLM-Business laws from Amity University. With 12 years of experience in the law domain, she has established herself as an expert in her field. Presently, Shivangi works as an Advocate at the Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Government of India. Her expertise as well as insights have considerably added to the content of this article.