name change

A joint notarised affidavit is a declaration made by you and your wife on stamp paper, signed by a magistrate or a notary. The declaration states that your wife name was  so and so.

Then by virtue of your marriage, you shall be known by this name..The affidavit also carries a joint photograph of your and your wife.A notarised affidavit, along with your marriage certificate, is enough to change your name at the bank, on your passport, on the Permanent Account Number (PAN) for income tax (IT) deductions and even on your driving license.

However, submitting a notarised affidavit can be a tedious and expensive affair every time your new name has to be recorded. More so, if the concerned departments / officials ask for the original affidavit each time!

Make your life simpler by registering your new name with your state government gazette. Collect a copy of the name change form --- available free of cost -- and fill in the details correctly. Attach a copy of your marriage certificate and pay a nominal fee.