The Process of Changing Your Name in Bihar: A Complete Guide

Changing your name is a significant decision, and the process involved can seem daunting. Whether it’s due to marriage, divorce, personal preference, or any other reason, understanding the legal steps to change your name in Bihar is crucial. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth transition to your new identity.

Why People Change Their Name

There are various reasons why someone might want to change their name, including:

• Marriage or Divorce: Many people choose to adopt a spouse’s surname after marriage or revert to their maiden name after divorce.
• Religious Reasons: Some people change their names after converting to a different religion.
• Personal Preference: A person might want a name that better represents their identity.
• Numerology or Astrology: Some believe that a name change can positively impact their lives.
• Correction of Spelling Errors: If a name has been incorrectly spelled in official documents, changing it is necessary to avoid future complications.

Legal Process of Changing Your Name in Bihar

The process of changing your name in Bihar is governed by a series of legal steps that ensure the name change is recognized by the government and other official bodies. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Affidavit Submission

The first step in changing your name legally in Bihar is to submit an affidavit stating your intent to change your name. This affidavit must include:

• Your current name
• Your desired new name
• The reason for the name change
• Your personal details, including your address and age

The affidavit must be signed by a notary or an oath commissioner. You can draft the affidavit yourself or seek help from a legal professional to ensure accuracy.

Step 2: Publication in Newspapers

After your affidavit is notarized, you must publish a notice of your name change in two local newspapers – one in the local language and one in English. The notice should include:

• Your old name
• Your new name
• The affidavit number and date
• Your full address

Ensure that you keep copies of the newspaper publications as they will be required in the subsequent steps.

Step 3: Gazette Notification

The most crucial step in the name change process is getting it published in the Bihar Gazette. To do this:

1. Collect the required documents:
   • Notarized affidavit
   • Newspaper publications
   • A passport-sized photograph
   • Identity proof (like Aadhar Card, PAN Card)
   • Address proof
2. Submit these documents to the Bihar Gazette office along with a formal application requesting the name change.
3. Pay the required fee for the gazette notification.

Once your name change is published in the Bihar Gazette, it is legally recognized.

Step 4: Update Your Documents

After your name change has been published in the Bihar Gazette, you must update all your official documents, including:

• Aadhar Card
• PAN Card
• Voter ID
• Passport
• Bank Accounts
• Educational Certificates

To update your name on these documents, you’ll need to submit a copy of the Bihar Gazette notification along with the updated affidavit and other supporting documents.