For many trans and queer individuals, the act of transitioning might involve adopting a new name that resonates with them. If you’re on this journey, this guide was made to help you along the way.
What’s In A Name?
For some, just having their preferred name used in social interactions can be sufficient, but for others, wanting to see their new name on all legal documents is an essential affirmation of their identity. Either decision is valid as long as it affirms you and ensures that you’re comfortable.
Once you have figured out your name and where you’d like for it to be used, you can then consider who needs to be informed.
If you’re looking for your new name to be reflected in all legal documents, then there are essentially two methods to go about it––
Ektara’s method, which involves making a declaration in the newspaper.
The other method that requires qualifying for a transgender identity card.
Wondering how to get started? We got you covered!
New name, same person…more paperwork?
One wonders if changing names for trans folx is as easy as it is for say, married women who take on their husband’s last name? Ektara (she/her), a queer person, got her name changed in legal documents a couple of years ago. “While it was a relatively smooth process for me, I can say that it differs from person to person. For example, it took me a few tries to get it all in order, but my other friend faced no such errors and got it all approved in one go! Surprisingly, it wasn’t hectic at all, I had support each step of the way,” she explained.
By her own account, it took Ektara a couple of rounds to get the details changed on her Aadhar Card, PAN card and bank details. Here’s the breakdown of Ektara’s name change process:
1. Draft an affidavit: Draft an affidavit, which is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court. State your full name, the name you wish to change to, and the reason for the change. This affidavit must be clear and truthful, explaining the reason for your name change. Sign it.
Here’s an example of what it might look like:
“I, [Current Name], formerly known as [Previous Name], do hereby change my name to [New Name] for all purposes. This change is effective as of [Date].”
2. Notarize the affidavit: Have the affidavit notarized to make it legally valid. A notary public, a legally authorized individual (like a lawyer or government official), will verify your identity, witness your signature, and ensure the affidavit’s authenticity.
Notarised: have (the signature on a document) attested to by a notary*
3. Publish in a local newspaper: Announce the name change in a local newspaper for public record. This step typically involves paying a fee, which can vary depending on the newspaper’s size and reach, but it is generally affordable.
4. Gazette publication: Have the name change published in the national or state gazette for official declaration. You’ll need to submit an application to the relevant government authority, typically through an online portal or physical submission, depending on your location. This official process requires a formal request for publication, and there might be a fee.
5. Once the name change is approved, the gazette will publish a notice of the change, making it legally recognized. And you can now have it updated in your Aadhar card, PAN card, bank details etc.
Ektara’s name change journey—one step at a time
Once Ektara saw her name had been changed on the declaration, she proceeded to get her name, gender and photograph changed in the Aadhar Card. She was able to get her gender and photograph updated by herself, but not her name. To move forward, she decided to get in touch with a local agency that makes the changes for you at an additional cost(similar to agencies that help you with your passport updates etc). It took the agency (Little Flower Consultancy in Mira Road) 2 attempts to get the correct details updated, at a cost of ₹500.
To keep things simple, Ektara also got her PAN card updated for ₹200 using the services of the same agency. Once the aadhar card was updated, she was able to get her bank details changed in a smooth manner. And since she was already employed at the time, her workspace changed her name and gender details on her request almost immediately!
A More Common Approach–
As per the guide shared by Lawtendo, and other websites helping transgender folx navigate this maze have another method that people can use, which also combines the usual name-change process in India:
Letter For Approval: Submit an application addressed to the District Magistrate (basically, your letter of approval). The District Magistrate is a civil servant who is the executive head of a district’s administration––for example, for folx in Mumbai it’s Sh. Sanjay L.Yadav (I.A.S.) for Delhi Sh. Sunny Kumar Singh, IAS.
Transgender ID: Once approved, a certificate of identity and transgender identity card will be issued. Applicants can then use their Transgender ID to change details on their Aadhar Card, PAN card etc.
For M to F or F to M: To change your gender identity from Male to Female or vice versa, you would have to get a certification from a medical practitioner.
Aadhar Update: For name and gender changes to your Aadhar card, you will be required to upload your transgender ID card. And then simply select the “legal name change” option at the form.
Bank + PAN Card Change: Once your Aadhar card changes are implemented, for PAN card changes, you can opt for using e-KYC for a digital PAN card update!
Both of these methods are valid. The latter only ensures that you’re nationally recognized as a transgender person by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, granting access to benefits like allowances, reimbursements, and welfare measures under schemes like Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE). This method is commonly used across the country—for example, when a married person wants to change their name, a marriage certificate is required. The only difference here is that you are also applying for a transgender card.
