Name Change Process for NRI Citizens in India

 Changing a name feels straightforward, but NRIs Name changing process can feel it’s a little more complicated when Indian documents are concerned. For many NRIs, there’s confusion about whether it is required to change the name after marriage, divorce, or personal choice. The truth is that a name change is a personal choice, unless legally required by your situation.

Why Do NRIs Want to Change Their Name?

Marriage: Adding the spouse’s surname is a common reason.

Divorce: Some people want to remove their ex-spouse’s name after separation.

Numerology or religion: Some people change their name based on numerology.

Correction of spelling: If there was any correction in ID proof.

Matching Indian and foreign documents: A mistake can cause trouble in the legal or office processes.

Is it compulsory for NRIs to change their names?

No, NRIS doesn’t need to change their name, but not in every situation. If you’re not using Indian documents for official use and if you don’t mind the mismatch in your names, there is no law forcing you to change your name.

• You are updating your Indian passport after marriage or divorce.
• You are applying for an OCI card or Indian visa.
• You plan to buy or sell property in India.
• You want to register your marriage or divorce in India.
• You want to update bank accounts or PAN card details.

Name Change Process for NRIs in India

1. Create a Name Change Affidavit

First, you are to draft an affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper in India. If you are outside India, you can prepare it at the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your area. This paper should indicate your old name, new name, and the reason for the change.

2. Publish in Newspapers

Now, go ahead and publish the name change ad in two newspapers, one in English and the other in a local Indian language. Getting more public evidence is important. Keep copies of your ads. You may need these later.

3. Gazette Notification

Make an application to the Department of Publication for a Gazette notification. This is a mandatory step if you’re making a legal change. Applications can be considered electronically or sent by post.

The documents required usually include:

Affidavit (notarized)

Newspaper clippings

Copy of passport

Proof of residence

Passport size photos

Properly filled application form

4. Update Your Documents

After gazette publication, you will now want to update your name in all Indian documents:

Passport

PAN card

Aadhar (if any)

Bank accounts

Property papers

Marriage certificate (as needed)

Originals Always: When updating any documents, you will always need to take the original documents when you go to Indian offices.

Consular Services: In many cases, Indian embassies are able to help NRIs with this process. If you are outside of India, use the consular services.

Keep Copies: Make plenty of extra copies of the affidavit, gazette, and advertisement in the newspaper — you may need them again for restarting this process.

Update Overseas: If you have changed your name in India, you will also want to change your name in your foreign ID or passport.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not completing the Gazette notification. While this may seem optional, it certainly helps provide legal proof.

Spelling errors in the new name.

Not updating all documents. This can cause mismatches.

Waiting to complete the process once you are married or divorced. The sooner, the easier.