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Name Change And Affidavit Lawyer Fees in India (2026)
A name change is one of the more affordable legal tasks in India, because it is paperwork rather than a court battle. Still, it helps to know what the lawyer will charge and what you pay separately for the gazette notification and newspaper. This guide gives honest ranges, explains what you are paying for at each step, and shows how to keep the cost down.
- Affordable: a name change is paperwork, so the lawyer's fee is modest.
- Affidavit drafting: often Rs 500 to Rs 2,000 (typical range, confirm with the lawyer).
- Full process help: often Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.
- Separate costs: notary, newspaper publication, and the gazette notification fee are not part of the lawyer's fee.
- Costs more: a child's name change or an adoption-linked change may need a court step.
- Save: DLSA, NALSA, and filing on the e-gazette portal yourself keep costs down.
01Why name change fees are low
A legal name change is mostly an administrative process: a sworn affidavit, a newspaper notice, and a gazette notification. There is usually no litigation, no hearings, and no long fight. Because the work is drafting and filing, the lawyer's fee is modest compared with a court case. A simple name correction, such as a spelling fix, is lighter still.
Before you decide, it helps to know whether you even need a lawyer for a change of name. See do I need a lawyer for name change and when to hire a name change lawyer.
02Typical fee ranges
These are typical ranges only, not quotes. They vary by city and the advocate. Always confirm the exact fee with the lawyer.
| Service | Typical fee range (confirm with the lawyer) |
|---|---|
| Drafting an affidavit for a name change | Rs 500 to Rs 2,000 |
| Lawyer help with the full process | Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 |
| Simple name correction (spelling) | Lower end, often Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 |
The lawyer's fee usually covers drafting the affidavit, guiding the newspaper notice, and preparing the gazette notification application. Confirm what is included before you pay.
03Costs that are separate from the lawyer
The lawyer's professional fee is not your only cost. For a name change you also pay:
- Notary or stamp cost: a small charge to swear the affidavit.
- Newspaper publication: the newspaper charges for the change of name notice, and rates differ by publication.
- Gazette notification fee: a government fee paid to the gazette department. Central matters go through the e-gazette portal; states have their own.
Always ask the lawyer to separate their fee from the gazette and newspaper costs, so you know exactly what goes to whom.
04What makes it cost more
A few things can push the cost up:
- A child's name change or one tied to adoption: this can need a court step, which adds work and fee.
- Urgency: faster processing or express newspaper publication can cost more.
- Full-service handling: a lawyer doing every step for you costs more than one who only drafts the affidavit while you file the gazette notification yourself.
- City: metros tend to charge a little more than smaller towns.
05Low-cost and free options
You can keep the cost low or even free in some cases.
- DLSA and SLSA: the District and State Legal Services Authorities can help eligible people with an affidavit or guidance at no cost. Visit the authority at your local court complex.
- NALSA: see nalsa.gov.in for eligibility and the helpline.
- Do part yourself: the affidavit format is standard and the gazette notification can often be filed directly on the gazette portal, so you might pay a lawyer only for the drafting.
06How Claw helps you find the right lawyer
To get an exact quote for your change of name, Claw can connect you with a verified, independent advocate who handles name change and affidavit work, so you can ask directly. You describe your need in a short guided chat, and Claw matches you with a relevant advocate in your state or city where possible, for an online or in-person consultation. There are two options: a free basic request, or Rs 99 priority for faster matching.
Claw is a technology platform that helps you find and reach a lawyer. Claw does not hire or employ advocates; the advocate is independent. Claw is not a law firm, is not your advocate, and does not give legal advice. The advocate's fee is paid directly to that advocate and Claw does not share it (in line with Bar Council of India Rule 36). Start at Claw Find a Lawyer.
Claw is an all-in-one legaltech platform for Indian advocates, law firms, and corporate legal teams, combining AI-based case search, an AI legal assistant (Legal GPT), case management, and compliance automation across all Indian courts and tribunals.
07Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to change your name in India?
The lawyer's part is modest: drafting an affidavit is often Rs 500 to Rs 2,000, and help with the full name change process Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 as a typical range. On top of that you pay the notary cost, the newspaper charge for the change of name notice, and the gazette notification fee. Confirm each amount with the lawyer.
Is the gazette notification fee part of the lawyer's fee?
No. The gazette notification fee is a government charge paid to the gazette department, separate from the lawyer's professional fee. The newspaper publication charge is also separate and paid to the newspaper. Ask the lawyer to split out their fee from these so you know exactly what goes where.
Why is a name change cheaper than other legal work?
Because it is an administrative process, not litigation. Most adult name changes involve an affidavit, a newspaper notice, and a gazette notification, with no hearings. A simple name correction is cheaper still. Costs rise only if a court step is needed, for example for a child's name change.
Can I reduce the cost?
Yes. The affidavit format is standard and the gazette notification can often be filed directly on the gazette portal, so you can pay a lawyer only for the drafting. If you qualify, the District or State Legal Services Authority (DLSA or SLSA) and NALSA can help with an affidavit at no cost.
Does a name correction cost the same as a full name change?
A simple name correction, such as fixing a spelling, is usually at the lower end because the paperwork is lighter. A full change of name with a new first name or surname involves the same three steps but a bit more care in the affidavit and gazette notification, so it can cost a little more.
Should I pay the full fee in advance?
For a small task like this, discuss the fee first and get a receipt. A genuine advocate will separate their fee from the gazette and newspaper costs and will not demand a large cash amount with no paperwork. Confirm what the fee includes before you pay.