Have you ever wondered why it’s so complicated to make a correction of name in a Savings Bank account?
You may have maintained your account at the State Bank of India or any other bank. Wherever you maintain, the issue is just the same.
Even for a minor mistake like changing a single letter, it takes quite a few times you will have to visit your Bank to make it happen.
Nevertheless, we are here to talk about it and if you have faced the issue, with this article you might end up having a better idea of how to proceed further.
Correction of a minor mistake
At certain times, an error in your name occurs due to a clerical error. If that is the case, it’s quite easy to rectify. You see, all you have to do is, produce your valid identification where your proper name is mentioned.
Note that, the ID you produce should be listed under Valid Official Documents (KYC) under RBI guidelines.
These documents are given below
| 1 | Aadhaar card |
| 2 | Voter ID card |
| 3 | Driver’s licence |
| 4 | Passport |
| 5 | Job card of MNREGA |
Once you submit any of the documents listed above as a supportive document for correction of name. Your request will be processed in no time.
Surname changed due to marriage
Women normally tend to face this problem after they got married. It’s been a custom in India that when a daughter gets married, she has to change her surname to her husband’s surname. For instance, when Pallavi Mishra marries Gaurav Malhotra, she will use Malhotra as her surname after they get married.
This thing occurs and women tend to face several other issues related to the maintenance of savings Bank accounts. In order to resolve the issue, they will have to update their personal details in their account too.
If she retains your earlier surname. That’s great, there is nothing to do. If she wants to update her account then she has to submit all the required documents.
If that’s the case with you, then here’s what you need to do.
| 1 | Visit your bank with your marriage certificate. |
| 2 | Write an application describing what you intend to do with your account. |
| 3 | Provide your ID card which should be as per KYC guidelines. |
| 4 | A photo will come in handy, so go along with a passport-size photo. |
As per your request, your name will be updated in the system. It will not take much time. Get your passbook updated.
If you change your name
What if you change your name to a completely new one? That’s where things got a bit tricky. This is somewhat rare but it happens. People do weird things and this is one of them. You have seen lots of celebrities who have changed their name due to many reasons.
Many people believe that one’s name does bring good or bad luck. That’s why in our country when we are to name a newborn child, we get advice from the pandits to get a better name that would bring harmony and a better future for the child.
There is a psychological point of view too. We believe that our names give certain aspects of our personality to one being. Whether one agrees or not, a name makes a lot of difference while getting acquired knowledge as one grows.
If such is the case and you have changed your name. How would you update your account?
Here’s what you need to do.
| 1 | You have to publish in the local newspaper about the change of your name. This will serve as proof of your name. |
| 2 | Some banks also accept affidavits from the district magistrate. Just to ease your work keep it ready. |
| 3 | All your KYC documents should be updated as per your new name. So initiate updating your name in Voter card, Adhaar card, PAN card, DL etc. |
Conclusion
Changing or correcting of name in an account is not an easy task due to various factors. There is a risk involved in it as it is concerned with financial matters. Moreover, banks are required to follow certain guidelines laid down by the regulatory authority such as the Reserve Bank of India.
Nevertheless, it can be done with proper channels and documentation. If you can produce all the documents that Bank ask for, there is no issue. Your name will be updated in your account.
Minor corrections such as spelling mistakes or title or surname can be done easily without any hardship. It becomes difficult when you want to change your name to a completely new one. And giving reasons for it is quite impossible.
If you change it during your minority, that’s before you attain the age of 18, it’s quite simple. The reason is, your new name will be registered during the declaration for the appearing board exam.
This declaration is a crucial part where you declare your official name as you are and from there all other documents are created or registered in different departments.
All your documents will be as per your new name and it will happen with ease. Driver’s licence and voter card are applicable only when you attain 18 years old. If you obtain aadhaar before, you will have to update it.
If you change in an adult phase of life, things are quite tricky as you have to change all your IDs and it’s quite gruesome to do it as visiting all these government departments is hectic and not easy to update as you think.
Although, it’s possible and can be done with some effort. If it’s a genuine case, you should be able to do it provided you are able to produce all the documents as your bank ask.