Affidavit of Name Change Dubai — Notarized Name Discrepancy Declaration in the UAE

What Is an Affidavit of Name Change?

An affidavit of name change — also widely known as a name discrepancy affidavit or name correction affidavit — is a sworn, notarized declaration that two or more different name spellings or variations appearing in different official documents refer to the same individual. It is also used when an individual has legally adopted a new name and requires formal documentation of that change for government, banking, or employment purposes.

In the UAE, name discrepancies are extremely common among expatriates because passports, birth certificates, and other documents from different countries often romanize non-Latin names differently. Without a name affidavit, these discrepancies can block visa applications, salary transfers, employment contracts, and property transactions.

When Do You Need an Affidavit of Name Change in Dubai?

• Your name is spelled differently on your passport vs. your educational certificates
• Your Emirates ID name differs from your bank account or payroll records
• Marriage has resulted in a surname change that needs formal recognition across documents
• You wish to adopt a preferred name for professional or personal use in the UAE
• Applying for a visa where name inconsistencies across travel documents could cause rejection
• Opening a bank account where AML/KYC requires consistent name documentation
• Attesting educational certificates for employment where the graduate name differs from current ID
• Real estate transactions where title deed names must match current identification

What an Affidavit of Name Change in Dubai Must Include

• Full legal name as it appears on your current valid passport or Emirates ID
• All variant name spellings used across your official documents (listed individually)
• Explanation of the reason for the discrepancy or change
• A clear sworn declaration that all names refer to the same person
• Declarant’s date of birth, nationality, and identification document numbers
• Copies of the relevant documents showing the name variants (attached as exhibits)
• Notary’s official seal, signature, and date of notarization

Will My Home Country Need to Recognize the Name Change?

An affidavit of name change notarized in Dubai is recognized by UAE authorities and most foreign embassies for administrative purposes. However, for the name change to be formally reflected in your passport or national ID, you will typically need to apply to your home country’s relevant authority (civil registry, ministry of interior, or equivalent). Our notary partners regularly assist clients in preparing documentation packages for home country name change applications, including drafting supporting letters and coordinating attestation.

Name Discrepancy Affidavit vs. Deed Poll: What’s Right for You?

A deed poll is a formal legal instrument commonly used in the UK and Commonwealth countries to formally change one’s name. A name discrepancy affidavit, by contrast, does not change your legal name — it simply explains and declares that two name variants belong to the same person. If you want to permanently and legally change your name, a deed poll (or equivalent home country process) may be required. If you simply need to clarify existing discrepancies for official purposes in the UAE, a notarized affidavit is the appropriate and sufficient solution.