Divorce is not just the end of a marriage — it’s the start of a new identity. For many Indian women, name change after divorce is a powerful and necessary step. Whether you want to return to your maiden name or drop your spouse’s surname, doing it legally ensures your identity is respected across all government and personal documents.
In this blog, we explain how to legally change your name after divorce, update official documents, and how Gazette Consultant can help you do it smoothly, without court or lawyer visits.
Is Name Change After Divorce Mandatory?
No. You are not legally required to change your name after divorce.
However, if you choose to change your surname — or revert to your maiden name — you must go through the proper legal procedure. This ensures your Aadhar, PAN, passport, and other records reflect the correct name.
Name Something to Change After Divorce
Here are the most common documents you may want to update:
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- Passport
- Bank account
- Voter ID
- Driving licence
- Employment and HR records
- Child’s school records (in case of child name change after divorce)
Step-by-Step Legal Procedure for Name Change After Divorce
Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit
This affidavit should declare:
- Your old name (married name)
- Your new name (maiden name or new surname)
- Reason for change (divorce)
📝 Print it non-judicial stamp paper 🔏 Get it notarised by a certified notary public
This is your first legal proof of intent.
Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisements
Publish your name change in one English daily newspaper
Example format: “I, [Old Name], D/o [father name] and ex-wife of [husband name] residing at [Address], have changed my name to [New Name].”
📰 Save newspaper clipping for submission.
Step 3: Apply for Gazette Publication
This is the final and most important step. You must publish your new name in the Official Gazette of India to make it legally valid.
How to Apply:
- Affidavit (notarised)
- Newspaper ad
- Divorce decree (must)
- Passport-size photos
- Government ID and address proof
- Gazette application form
- CD with typed name change content
- Gazette fee can be paid securely through the BharatKosh government payment portal.
Send all documents to the Controller of Publication, Department of Publication, Delhi.
Once accepted, your name change will appear in the Official Gazette, which is valid for all future legal purposes.
⏳ Time: 30–45 working days
Child Name Change After Divorce
If you’re a parent seeking child name change after divorce, you must:
- Get legal consent (from the other parent, or a court order if contested)
- Follow the same Gazette procedure
Consult our team for child-specific legal support.
Update These Documents Using Gazette Proof
Once your name change is published, update the following:
PAN Card Name Change After Divorce
- Visit NSDL/UTI portal
- Attach Gazette copy + ID proof
Aadhar Card Name Change After Divorce
- Visit UIDAI portal or Aadhar Kendra
- Submit Gazette copy and biometric verification
How to Change My Name on My Passport After Divorce
- Reissue passport with name change option
- Attach Gazette copy + affidavit + divorce decree
Other updates: banks, property documents, LIC, voter ID, DL
Why Gazette Proof Is Required
- Passport and visa applications need Gazette proof
- Banks follow Gazette as final identity document
- Aadhar and PAN rejections happen without Gazette
Skipping Gazette can lead to ID mismatches and legal delays.
No, it is not mandatory. You can keep your married name if you choose. But if you want to change it, follow the legal steps to avoid future complications.
Yes. You can legally revert to your maiden name through affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification. No court order is needed.
Yes, with the other parent’s consent or a court-approved custody order. You will still need to follow the Gazette name change process.
No. They may support your case but are not considered legal proof of name change. Gazette notification is required.
It is possible, but we strongly recommend publishing your name change in the Gazette for uniformity across all documents.
Typically 30–45 working days from application to Gazette publication. Updating documents may take additional time.
No. You do not need a lawyer. Gazette Consultant handles the process legally and professionally without any court visits.
How Gazette Consultant Can Help
We know the process is emotional and confusing — especially after a divorce. Let us help you make it simple.
We take care of:
- Affidavit drafting
- Newspaper publishing
- Gazette Application formatting and submission
- CD preparation
- Tracking and status updates
- Support for child name change cases
📲 WhatsApp us now: +91 836-842-6853
🌐 Visit: gazetteconsultant.com
