Legal Documents & Steps

A name change runs on a few legal documents and steps. Here's what each one is and why it matters.

Affidavit

A written statement you swear to be true before a notary. In a name change it declares your old name, your new name, and that both belong to you. The Gazette and newspaper advertisement both flow from it, so its exact wording matters.See: The affidavit explained

Joint affidavit (husband & wife)

A sworn statement by both spouses together, commonly used for a married-name change when there's no marriage certificate. A well-established route, prepared at an additional cost disclosed in advance.See: Joint affidavit explained

Notary / Notarisation

An official authorised to attest documents. Notarising your affidavit — attesting that you affirmed and signed it — is what turns a written statement into a sworn document.See: Notary & e-stamp

e-Stamp

The electronic non-judicial stamp used to pay the small stamp duty on your affidavit, with a verifiable certificate and unique number. Included in our packages, so you don't work out the value yourself.See: Notary & e-stamp

Self-declaration

A statement you make about yourself, without the sworn weight of a notarised affidavit. Accepted for some minor purposes, but weaker than an affidavit or Gazette for updating major records.

Attestation

Confirmation by an authorised person — often an employer — that a document or fact is genuine. Some corrections, such as certain EPFO cases, need employer attestation.

Draft approval

The stage where you review the prepared wording of your affidavit and Gazette before anything is filed. It's your single best safeguard against a published mistake, so check every letter.See: Draft review checklist