Affidavit of Change of Name: Meaning, Purpose, and Sample Form
An Affidavit of Change of Name is a sworn legal document used to formally declare a person’s intent to change or correct their name in official records. This affidavit is often required when the individual requests name corrections, updates, or changes due to spelling errors, inconsistencies in documents, marriage, adoption, gender transition, personal preference, or cultural reasons.
Many government offices, financial institutions, schools, employers, and agencies require this affidavit as part of the documentation needed to validate the name change and update public or private records. In some cases, a court petition may also be required depending on the nature of the name change.
When Is an Affidavit of Change of Name Needed?
This affidavit is commonly required when a person needs to:
- Correct a misspelled name in birth certificates or government IDs.
- Change surname due to marriage, separation, or personal reasons.
- Update legal documents after adoption.
- Standardize name spelling across different records.
- Change first, middle, or last name for legitimate or personal reasons.
- Align official documents with preferred or commonly used name.
Supporting documents such as IDs, PSA certificates, marriage certificates, and school or employment records may be required.
What Should Be Included in an Affidavit of Change of Name?
A proper Affidavit of Change of Name must include:
- Affiant’s personal details.
- Old or incorrect name.
- New or correct name to be used.
- Reason for the name change.
- A statement confirming the change is voluntary and truthful.
- Purpose of the affidavit.
- Signature of the affiant and notarization section.
Some name changes require a petition to the court, depending on the law and issuing agency.
Sample Affidavit of Change of Name (Editable Template)
Below is a professionally structured and editable Affidavit of Change of Name. Replace bracketed text with your information before printing and notarization.
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
[CITY / MUNICIPALITY]
[PROVINCE]
AFFIDAVIT OF CHANGE OF NAME
I, [FULL NAME OF AFFIANT], of legal age, [citizenship], [civil status], and residing at [complete address], after being duly sworn according to law, hereby declare and state:
1. That my name appearing in my records is [old or incorrect name].
2. That I am requesting that my name be corrected or changed to [new or correct name] for the following reason(s): [state reason: misspelling, personal preference, marriage, adoption, legal correction, etc.].
3. That I am executing this Affidavit to attest to the truth of this name change and to request that all concerned offices, agencies, and institutions update my records accordingly.
4. That I undertake full responsibility for the accuracy of the information stated herein, and affirm that this change is not intended for any unlawful or fraudulent purpose.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto affixed my signature this [day] day of [month, year], at [place of execution].
_________________________________
[FULL NAME OF AFFIANT]
Affiant
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this [day] day of [month, year] at [place], the affiant having shown competent proof of identity as follows:
ID Type and No.: [ID type and number]
Date & Place of Issuance: [details]
_________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC
Doc. No. _____;
Page No. _____;
Book No. _____;
Series of _____.
Disclaimer: This affidavit template is for general guidance only. Some name changes require a court order under Philippine law. Always verify requirements with PSA, local civil registry, or legal counsel.