Name Change in Kolhapur

Introduction

Kolhapur's name-change procedure is a meticulous dance between personal intention and legal validity. It begins with a personal declaration through an affidavit, then publicly announces the change in local newspapers and the official district gazette. This ensures transparency and creates a paper trail for the new identity.

The cornerstone of this process is the Gazette Notification, a formal endorsement that grants legal legitimacy to the change. It serves as a foundation upon which individuals update official records and build a consistent, recognized identity. Navigating this process requires careful attention to detail and adherence to local regulations. With thoroughness and, if needed, expert guidance, individuals can emerge from this intricate legal landscape with a newfound sense of self, firmly supported by the robust legal framework surrounding their name.

Various Reasons For Legally Changing Name In Kolhapur 

1. Take your husband's last name after marriage, if you so choose: In Kolhapur, a lot of women want to take on their husband's last name after marriage. Still, some women may choose to use a different middle or first name.
2. Errors made in academic papers: Those who seek to have their names altered do so because errors can occasionally be found in school records.
3. Birth certificate error: Individuals wish to amend birth certificates with their new names.
4. Post divorce: In Kolhapur, after a divorce, women usually don't want to take on their husband's last name. Most women want to change their last name completely or go back to their maiden names after a divorce.
5. Any errors in spelling: If someone's name has a spelling mistake, they may decide to get it fixed in order to avoid confusion or legal issues.
6. About the adoption of children: Renaming their adopted child to reflect their own name is a custom among adoptive families. 
7. Shift in religion: A person who wants to preserve their name in line with their new religion after changing their faith.
8. For any other governmental purposes. 

Eligibility For Legally Changing Name In Kolhapur 

1. Minimum Age Requirement: In Kolhapur, a person seeking a name change must be at least eighteen years old. The application must be submitted by the applicant's parents or legal guardians if they are a minor.
2. Citizenship Requirement for Kolhapur: Name changes in Kolhapur are only allowed for Indian citizens. Residents of Kolhapur who are foreign nationals are not eligible to apply for a name change.
3. In Kolhapur, there is no criminal record: In Kolhapur, it is not possible for someone with a criminal record to modify their name.
4. Not Changing Name in Kolhapur with Fraudulent Intent: It is against the law for someone to falsely alter their name. This suggests that altering one's name won't help someone fool someone or escape legal consequences.

How Is Legally Changing Name Advantageous In Kolhapur?

There are various reasons why people choose to legally change their name in Kolhapur. Few of them are listed below-

1. Religion change: When converting to a new faith, a person may choose to change their name to reflect their new beliefs.
2. Spelling mistakes: People may want to get their names corrected to avoid misunderstandings or legal issues.
3. Marriage: Kolhapur women usually alter their surname after marriage. However, some women may want to modify their first or middle name.
4. Divorce: After a divorce, some people may choose to entirely change their name or revert to their maiden name.

What Are The Various Documents Required For Name Change In Kolhapur? 

1. Kolhapur Affidavit: An official document attesting to your request to get your name changed in Kolhapur is called an affidavit. You must submit a sworn statement explaining why you want to alter your name.
2. Public Notice in the Gazette: A gazette notification is an official notice of your name change that appears in the official government gazette. This notification is necessary for the name change procedure to be recognised legally.
3. Proof of identity from Kolhapur: You will need to show a government-issued identity proof, such as a passport, driver's licence, or Aadhaar card, to confirm your identity and residency in Kolhapur.
4. Proof of address: One should also present a proof of address, say, Kolhapur utility bill or tenancy agreement.
5. Photos: They have to forward multiple passport sized pictures so that they are included in your gazette notification and other official documents.
6. Marriage certificate: In case you change your name due to marriage then you need to provide the copy of marriage certificate as identification
7. Divorce decree (if applicable): 12 You must provide a copy of your divorce decree as proof if you are changing your name due to a divorce.

What Is The Procedure For Change In Name In Kolhapur?

Step 1: Affidavit for name change: If you wish to change your name in Kolhapur, you must prepare an affidavit for name change with a legitimate and specific reason. When this affidavit is made, a local notary public must be present. It should include details like your new and old names, the cause for the name change, and details about your domicile, father or husband, and proof of age.

Step 2: Newspaper Ad: When the above step is finished, the name change needs to be published in newspapers. Your name change must be announced in two local publications, one published in Kolhapur's regional language, Hindi, and the other in English.

The advertisement should include the following:

1. The applicant's old name, current name, and
2. The date that the applicant made the affidavit,
3. The applicant's complete address,
4. The age of the applicant,
5. The notary's name who attested the affidavit,
6. Name of the applicant's father/husband.
7. Make sure all the information is accurate before placing an advertisement in a newspaper by cross-checking the advertisement. A small error could throw off your entire process.

Step 3: Gazette Notification: It is necessary to publish the notice of the name change in the central Government Gazette.

The application, a DD for the cost, and the remaining documentation must then be sent to the Kolhapur Gazette in order for the name change notice to be published.

Step 4: Update all other papers: Following a successful name change, you must update all other documents, including your driver's licence, Aadhar card, and PAN card.

Fees Payments Required For Name Change In Kolhapur

1. Government fee (normal): Rs.800/- to Rs.1500/-
2. Tatkal Government fee: Rs.1500/- to Rs.2500/-

FAQs on Name Change in Kolhapur 

Q1: What is the procedure for changing my name in Kolhapur?

Ans: Initiate the process by drafting an affidavit for your name change through your local notary. Ensure that the affidavit includes crucial information such as your old and new names, the reason for the change, and personal details like your husband’s/father’s name, address, and age proof.

Q2: What documents do I need to submit for a name change in Kolhapur?

Ans: You need to show a valid ID like Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Passport to confirm your identity. You will also need passport-sized photos for various stages, such as when you’re filling out the affidavit or having it notarized.

Q3: How long does it take to change my name in Kolhapur?

Ans: The process usually takes around 30 days from the date of submission of the application.

Q4: What is the fee for changing my name in Kolhapur?

Ans: The fee for changing your name is Rs. 500.

Q5: Can I change my name more than once in Kolhapur?

Ans: Yes, you can change your name more than once, but you will need to follow the same procedure each time.

Q6: Do I need to appear in person to change my name in Kolhapur?

Ans: No, you do not need to appear in person to change your name. You can submit the required documents by post or through a representative.

Q7: Can I change my name if I am a minor in Kolhapur?

Ans: Yes, you can change your name if you are a minor, but you will need to submit an affidavit signed by your parents or legal guardian along with the other required documents.

Q8: What is the minimum age requirement for changing my name in Kolhapur?

Ans: There is no minimum age requirement for changing your name in Kolhapur.

Q9: What is the maximum age limit for changing my name in Kolhapur?

Ans: There is no maximum age limit for changing your name in Kolhapur.

Q10: Can I change my name after marriage in Kolhapur?

Ans: Yes, you can change your name after marriage in Kolhapur by following the same procedure as for a regular name change.