How to Change Your Bank Account Name

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

A detailed account of the process for Bank Account Name Change: Following her recent marriage, Miss Sheena Melvin Das decided to adopt her husband's last name. It was her decision to alter her name to Sheena Raymond Diaz. In order to reflect her new identity, she was required to update all of her legal documents, including her bank accounts.

Should you also require a name change for a valid reason, this article will provide you with the necessary information to facilitate the procedure. It describes the most common causes of name changes, how to legally change your name, and how to update your name in the banks.

Key Takeaways

• Changing your name in the bank records is a 3-step legal process
• A written application needs to be submitted to the bank to change your bank account name
• Relevant documents supporting the name change are required to be submitted too
• You can also update your name on passbooks, cheque books, debit cards and more
• You can change your name for various reasons, including marriage, change in spelling

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

Common Reasons for a Name Change

• Marriage: Changing your first and/or last name after getting married
• Divorce: Reverting to a previous name or adopting a new name after a divorce
• Hyphenating Last Names: Combining two last names after marriage
• Personal Reasons: Changing your name for religious, numerological, or other personal reasons

3-Step Process to Change Your Name Legally

The legal name change process must be completed prior to updating your name on identity documents, such as your PAN card, Aadhaar card, or driving licence, or with banks. It is a 3-step process involving notarised affidavit, newspaper advertisement and gazette notification.

1. Notarised Affidavit: You must sign an affidavit on the suggested stamp paper stating your reason for the name change along with your new name. The affidavit should be notarised to make it legally valid.
2. Newspaper Advertisement: Publish an advertisement in two local newspapers, informing about the name change. You must also get your name published in your state gazette by submitting the relevant forms and newspaper publications.
3. Gazette Notification: You will receive copies of the Gazette on which the name change notification has been published.

Steps to Change Your Bank Account Name

1. You must submit a signed written application to the bank. You can refer to the following sample letter.

   To,

   The Branch Manager

   (Bank Name)

   (Address)

   Subject: Application for Changing the Name on the Bank Account

   Sir/Madam,

   I, (your name), hold a bank account with an account number (your bank account number), in your branch (your current branch). I have legally changed my name and would like to update the new name in my bank account. A copy of the notarised affidavit, gazette notification and newspaper publications are enclosed for your reference.

   Kindly do the needful at the earliest.

   Thank you.

   Yours Sincerely

   (Name and Signature)

2. Include the following documents with your application: notarised name change affidavit, gazette notification, marriage certificate (in case of name change after marriage) and copies of newspaper publications
3. After your application is verified and acknowledged, the bank will initiate the process to change your name in its records.
4. Once this process is completed, the bank will notify you via SMS or email.
5. Request that your new name be updated on your passbooks, cheque books, debit cards, credit cards, and any other relevant documents.

Open Savings Account
in 3 easy steps

Aadhar Card + PAN Card + Video KYC
= Account opened!

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

Conclusion

In order to change your name, you must first go through the outlined legal name change procedure. You cannot ask to have the information on your bank account updated until your name has been officially changed. You can apply in person at your bank location or online to change the name on your bank account.

With the DBS Bank app, you can open a new savings account online in a few minutes! Download the app to get started.

Open a DBS Bank Account Now

*Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. We recommend you get in touch with your income tax advisor or CA for expert advice.