Complete Guide: How to Apply for Gazette Name Change in India
Online & Offline Process
Your name is your identity. Whether it's after marriage or because of a spelling mistake, it's crucial to make it legally valid. The name change process is legal and ensures consistency across all your documents.
What is Gazette Notification for Name Change?
A Gazette notification is an official publication issued by the government to announce public decisions and legal changes. In India, there are two types: State Gazette and Central Gazette.
We recommend the Central Gazette for name change because it is accepted universally across all states and departments.
Who can apply for a Name Change?
- Minors: (Process initiated through parents)
- Adults: (Anyone aged 18+)
- Government Employees: (Specific departmental protocols)
Why is Name Change Gazette Necessary?
Changing a name is a legal process. All proof and documents must be official and legal. Nowadays, any document requiring a name change requires a gazette notification as proof of the change.
A name change gazette is necessary because:
- The gazette notification is legal proof of a name change.
- Required for changing names on Aadhaar cards, passports, or bank accounts.
- Helps with service records, property records, and school certificates.
- Helps resolve errors in the old and new names on documents.
- A name change is not accepted without a gazette.
- Affidavits and NAS papers are required for proof.
Differences: Central Gazette vs State Gazette
| Feature | Central Gazette | State Gazette |
|---|---|---|
| Publisher | Government of India | State Government |
| Acceptance | Valid throughout India | Valid only in the State |
| Passport/Visa | Accepted for Passport updates | Not accepted for Passport |
| Govt Jobs | Central & State Govt Jobs | Only State Govt Jobs |
| Aadhaar Centre | Accepted for Aadhaar updates | Not accepted in Aadhaar card |
| Process Time | 30-45 Days | 60-70 Days |
| Our Advice | Best for everyone | Avoid if possible |
The 3-Step Legal Process for Name Change Gazette
There is a step-by-step process for changing your name. This process involves preparing certain documents, based on which your name change will be published in the gazette. The process consists of three main steps.
3 Steps for a Gazette Name Change
Prepare an Affidavit
First, prepare a name change affidavit, which includes the person's old name, new name, and address, indicating that the person has changed from the old to the new name. For this, it can be made on stamp paper of ₹10 or ₹20 and can be signed by a notary or magistrate.
Required information in the affidavit:- Old and new name
- Full address
- Date of birth
- Reason for name change (e.g., marriage, spelling correction, religion, etc.)
- Declaration that both names belong to the same person
Newspaper Advertisement
Previously, you could advertise in two newspapers, but now only one newspaper is sufficient for the gazette. You must publish your name change notice in a local newspaper in your state.
- Old and new name
- Advertisement must be in English (regardless of the newspaper)
- Your address
- A brief statement that both names refer to the same person
Fill out the Gazette Form
Fill out the application for a name change in the Gazette and submit the form to the Central Gazette Office along with your affidavit, newspaper, CD, fee receipt from the Bharat Kosh website, and other documents.
Required items to accompany the application:- Two passport-sized photographs
- Two witness signatures and address
- Declaration certificate in CD format
⚠️ Common Mistakes for Gazette File Rejection
- Newspaper ads older than 6 months
- The MS Word file on the CD is not formatted correctly
- Using whitener or cutting tools on the form
- The government face is not cut in the correct format
- The old name on the ID is different
📄 Documents Required for Gazette Name Change
The name change process requires certain documents in the Gazette, some of which must be prepared carefully.
| Documents | Information |
|---|---|
| Name Change Form | Available on the Gazette website. |
| Name Change Affidavit | Must contain the old name, new name, and address. |
| Newspaper Ads | Advertisement in the local newspaper of the individual's state. |
| Identity Proof | Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID. |
| CD Format | Information must be saved in an MS Word file in CD format. |
| Fee Receipt | Receipt of payment from the Bharat Kosh website. |
Prepare your file by gathering all documents, affidavits, and forms. Submit it to the Gazette Office via post/courier or in person. Once verified, your name change notification will be published in the Central Gazette.
Time & Gov. Fees for Gazette Name Change
| Type of Name Change | Government Fees | Duration (Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Name Change (18+) | ₹1100 | 30-40 |
| After Marriage | ₹1100 | 30-40 |
| Public Notice / Correction | ₹1400 | 30-40 |
| Minor Name Change | ₹1700 | 40-45 |
Name Change Fee for a Gazette Notification
Publishing a name change notification in the Gazette requires a fee. This fee is paid online through the Bharatkosh portal. Payment can be made using any credit card, debit card, UPI, or net banking. A photocopy of the fee receipt is submitted along with the Gazette name change file.
Steps to Pay the Gazette Name Change Fee
- Visit the Website: Official Bharatkosh portal.
- To Pay the Fee: Click on Quick Payment / Non-Registered Users.
- Select Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
- Select Purpose: Cell of Gazette (PAO Printing, New Delhi).
- Enter Fee Amount: Enter the fee as per your category.
- Enter Remarks: Enter "Name Change" in the field.
- Payment Method: Choose Credit/Debit card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Download Receipt: Save the receipt after successful payment.
Process to Check/Download Gazette Notifications?
- 1. Visit the Gazette website and click the search icon.
- 2. Click on "Search by Gazette Category".
- 3. Select the WEEKLY GAZETTE category in the menu.
- 4. Select Parts and Sections - PART IV.
- 5. Select the second calendar (Saturday dates) from the first calendar (Saturday dates).
- 6. Download the required PDF file.
- 7. Search for your name (old/new) in the search icon.
- 8. Download both page 1 and the page with your name.
How to Update Your New Name in Documents?
Once your name is published in the Gazette, begin making name changes in other documents. First, update your name on your identity proofs.
| Document | Where to Update |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | UIDAI Website or nearest Aadhaar Center |
| PAN Card | NSDL or UTIITSL Website |
| Passport | Passport Service Center |
| Bank Account | Bank Branch office |
| Driving License | Gov. Parivahan Portal Or RTO Office |
Gazette Notification for Name Change After Marriage
Women who change their surname after marriage are legally required to do so. This requires publishing a name change notification in the Indian Gazette. Once the Gazette notification regarding your name change is published, you can update your surname in your documents. The documentation required for a name change after marriage differs slightly from the standard name change process.
Documents for a Name Change After Marriage:
- Marriage Certificate
- Your ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)
- Husband's ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, etc.)
- Your passport-size photo
- Husband's passport-size photo
Name Change After Divorce or Religious Change
Documents Required:
- Divorce Decree (if applicable)
- Affidavit of Religious Change (if applicable)
- Proof of Identity and Address
People Also Ask
Yes, but remember that you will have to repeat the same legal process (Affidavit + Ad + Gazette) each time. Therefore, it is recommended to correct the spelling of the name once.
CBSE and most state boards do not change the name on old certificates. But there is no need to worry; your Gazette notification and old certificate together will be considered valid legal proof. You just need to show a copy of the Gazette everywhere.
A Gazette notification is valid for life. Once published, it becomes your permanent legal record.
It depends on which document you are using. If there is a mismatch in Aadhaar, passport, or bank records, the Central Gazette is the safest and most permanent solution.
No. Wherever you live in India, you can send your application by registered post to the "Department of Publication (Civil Lines, Delhi)" or start the process online.
Government fees depend on the category:
- Adults (General): ₹1,100 approximately.
- Minors (Under 18): ₹1,700 approximately. (Because parental details are verified).
- Government Employees: ₹1,400 approximately.
Note: These fees are only paid on the government portal (Bharatkosh).
Affidavit for Name Change (Sample)
Newspaper Ads for Name Change (Sample)
A Sample of the Gazette of India
Need Help? Hire an Expert for Gazette Name Change
Professional Services is the best solution for many people in India to apply for a name change online. A gazette notification for name change is a legal proof used to change the name on every document.
