Congratulations! You have finally tied the knot with your soulmate and you have officially gone from Miss. to Mrs. but it doesn’t end there.
As a married woman, you are required to legally change your name on your personal documents and there is a process to it.
It is quite easy and inexpensive and we are here to help you out. See below the 3 easy steps to follow.
#1. The first step is to swear an affidavit in court stating your intention to change your name. An affidavit is a technical term for a sworn statement in writing made especially under oath or on affirmation before an authorized magistrate or officer of the court.
The affidavit should state your fathers name, your place of residence, your present name, and your new name.
All you need to do now is go to the high court and swear an affidavit saying you have changed from your old name and wish to be known by your new name, and you show your affidavit anywhere you want to present any documentation in your old name.
#2. The second step is to contact the offices of any leading newspaper in your locality and advertise the change of your name indicating clearly your present name, your husband’s name, your address, and your new name.
Get your new name printed in the Official Gazette. Send an application to the documentation Department of Publication, Civil registry, requesting them to publish the above advertisement for a change of your name.
#3. Ensure you change your name on all of your personal documents, inform your employers so they can update their employee records (and any tax records). You will have to attach a copy of the newspaper when applying for other government documents (passport, National identification card, etc).