A changed signature can prevent transactions from going through. This guide walks you through the legal steps to update your signature, with interactive tools and expert insights to support you at every stage.
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LEGAL PROCESS SIMPLIFIED
Signature Mismatch?
Your Guide to the Affidavit Fix
A changed signature can block transactions. Here’s the step-by-step legal process to update it, featuring interactive tools and expert insights to help you along the way.
Key Takeaways
- ✓A notarized Affidavit is the mandatory legal document to validate a new signature.
- ✓The required stamp paper value is state-specific (e.g., ₹10 in Delhi, ₹100 in Maharashtra). Using the wrong value leads to rejection.
- ✓The process involves drafting the affidavit, printing on correct stamp paper, getting it notarized, and submitting it to the bank in person.
- ✓You'll need ID proof, address proof, and the bank's specific signature change form.
The 5-Step Process Visualized
Gather Documents
Collect your PAN card, Aadhaar, passport-sized photos, and the bank's specific signature change form.
Draft & Print Affidavit
Write the affidavit text and print it on the correct non-judicial stamp paper for your state.
Notarize the Affidavit
Sign the affidavit in front of a Notary Public, who will attest it with their seal and signature.
Visit Bank In-Person
Submit the original affidavit and all supporting documents at your bank branch. This cannot be done online.
Confirmation
Get an acknowledgement receipt and wait a few business days for the signature to be updated in the system.
The Legal 'Why': Understanding the Affidavit
An affidavit is more than a formality; it's a legal shield. Here's why it's essential.
What is an Affidavit?
It's a formal written statement of facts, made voluntarily by a person (the "deponent"). To be legally binding, it must be sworn or affirmed before an official authorized to administer oaths, like a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner.
Why is it Required?
A simple letter isn't enough. An affidavit provides legal validity to your new signature and protects institutions like banks from fraud claims. It creates a verifiable record, preventing disputes about forgery.
How to Get Stamp Paper
Traditional Method
Purchase physical non-judicial stamp paper from licensed vendors near courts. Crucially, it must be bought in the name of the deponent (the person making the affidavit).
E-Stamping
A secure, modern alternative available in many states. Pay online via portals like SHCIL and get a verifiable e-stamp certificate with a Unique ID Number (UIN).
State-Wise Stamp Duty Costs
The cost for an affidavit stamp paper varies significantly. Use the filters to explore.
*Stamp duty rates are subject to change. Always verify with a local notary or stamp vendor before purchasing.
Summary Infographic
Draft Affidavit
Prepare the legal text.
Get Stamp Paper
Buy correct value for your state.
Notarize
Sign in front of a Notary.
Submit to Bank
Provide all documents in-person.
Done
Signature is updated.
Affidavit Template
Affidavit for Change of Signature
**AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE OF SIGNATURE**
(To be executed on non-judicial stamp paper of ₹[Insert correct value for your state])
I, [Full Name], son/daughter/wife of [Father's/Husband's Name], aged about [Age] years, residing at [Full Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:
1. That I am the deponent herein and a citizen of India.
2. That I hold a Savings/Current Account bearing Account Number [Your Account Number] with [Bank Name], [Branch Address].
3. That my signature has been recorded in the bank's records at the time of opening the said account. My old specimen signature is appended below.
4. That due to personal reasons / natural variation over time (select whichever is applicable), my signature has changed. My new specimen signature is also appended below.
5. That I hereby declare that my old signature, as provided below, stands cancelled and shall no longer be used for any purpose related to the aforementioned bank account.
6. That I request the bank to update its records with my new signature for all future transactions and correspondence. I shall be solely responsible for all transactions conducted with my new signature.
7. I hereby affirm that I shall not hold the Bank or its agents responsible for any consequences that might occur directly or indirectly on account of the Bank or its agent acting on my request to replace the signature in the Bank's records.
**Old Signature:**
_________________________
**New Signature:**
_________________________
**Deponent**
**VERIFICATION**
I, the deponent named above, do hereby verify that the contents of paragraphs 1 to 7 of this affidavit are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that no part of it is false and nothing material has been concealed therefrom.
Verified at [City] on this [Day] day of [Month], [Year].
**Deponent**
**Identified by me:**
**Advocate/Notary Public**
(Seal and Signature)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my signature online?
No. For security reasons, you must visit your bank branch in person to submit the affidavit and have your new signature verified and recorded.
What if I don't remember my old signature?
If you cannot replicate your old signature, you should still proceed with the affidavit. Explain the situation to the bank official. They have other methods to verify your identity using your ID proofs and photo.
Do I need a lawyer to draft the affidavit?
While not strictly necessary, as you can use our template, consulting a lawyer or a notary can ensure the language is precise and covers all legal bases for your specific situation.
