Information about Gazette Notification

Gazette notification is the process of publishing personal and government changes as legally valid and public information. Simply put, it is an official public document issued by the government, in which only official and legal information is publicly published. This document is legally valid everywhere. It is used to legally validate changes. It is considered a legal document. This document is valid not only in government offices, but also in non-government offices, schools, colleges, etc. The first publication of gazette notification in India began with Hicky’s Bengal Gazette on January 29, 1780. However, the Gazette of India was made exclusively digital on October 1, 2015.

Most common people use gazette notifications for name changes, such as changing surnames after marriage, correcting names, or changing names for other personal reasons. Without a gazette notification, your name change will not be accepted in many places. This blog explains what gazette notification is, the process for obtaining it, and how to use it.

What exactly is a GazetteNotification?

A gazette is an official publication that is also considered a legal document. It is used by the government to officially publish new rules, regulations, government decisions, new acts, and official personal identity changes to the general public. This document serves as legal proof of the change.

Legal Authority and Purpose of a Gazette Notification

An individual can publish their name change in a gazette notification. This gazette notification serves as a legal certificate of the name change. With this gazette name change certificate, a person can change their name on any identity card or document. This gazette notification is more valid than any affidavit or public notice, which is valid for a lifetime. Whereas affidavits and public notices are only valid for 6 months or 1 year.

How Many types of Gazettes are There?

Two types of Gazettes: State and Central Gazette

There are two types of gazettes in India. One is the Central Gazette and the other is the State Gazette. Most names require the Central Gazette for name change, as it is accepted throughout India. All central government agencies (such as passports, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, and others) also require the Central Gazette. The Central Gazette is valid for life. The State Gazette is valid for only five years. After five years, the State Gazette is invalid and is used only for state-related matters. However, the Central Gazette is valid for life and is accepted everywhere, both government and non-government, for all types of matters and places.

Why is the Gazette Notification important for a Name Change?

To legally change your name, you must also change it in all documents. This includes changing names in Aadhaar card, PAN, passport, educational certificate, and other official documents. To change your name in any document, you are required to provide legal proof of your name change. Once the name change is published in the Gazette notification, this Gazette becomes the legal and official proof of the name change. Based on this, your new name will be validated and updated in the document. While the name is not updated in any document, the Gazette notification will automatically accept your new name.

How to Change Your Name in the Official Gazette?

Name Change Process in the Official Gazette

The legal process for a name change in the Official Gazette has three parts. This process may seem complicated, but it’s important to follow it step-by-step. This simplifies the name change process.

Affidavit Prepare an affidavit stating your old name, new name, and address. It should state that you are changing your old name to a new one.

Newspaper Advertisement: Publish an advertisement about your name change in your state’s local newspaper. The advertisement will include your old and new names. This newspaper advertisement serves as public notice of your name change.

Digital Format: Prepare a digital format of your material, which will be stored on a CD drive. This material should be in the same format as the Gazette notification of a person changing their old name to a new one.

Gazette Application: Fill out an application to publish a name change in the Gazette. Your old and new names will be printed on it.

Fee Payment: Pay the publication fee, usually through the Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP).

File Submission: Prepare a file containing the affidavit, Newspaper advertisement clippings in digital format, two passport-size photographs, Aadhaar card, fee payment receipt, application form, and other documents and submit it to the Gazette Office.

After submitting the file, it is registered in the Gazette Office. If all documents are in order, the name change is published in the Gazette. Publication time may vary from 3 to 4 weeks.

Conclusion
The Gazette notification is an official legal publication issued by the Government of India. However, it is primarily used as a legal document. It is used by the public to officially and legally change their name and gender, and most often serves as legal proof of the change. If you wish to obtain a Gazette for a name change, you can do so through an online name change service. Legal consultancies like Advocate Advice and Vakil India offer this service to help people across India, making it easier to obtain a Gazette.

Questions searched by people on Google

What is a gazette?

A gazette is an official government journal or publication used to formally publish public and legal information, new laws, regulations, and government decisions. It serves as a legal document.

What is the gazette used for?

It is used to officially inform the public about government actions and laws. For individuals, gazette notification is often required as legal proof of a name change.

What documents are required for Gazette?

The exact number and type of documents vary, but at least three key documents are generally required when applying for a Gazette name change – an affidavit, a newspaper advertisement, a digital copy (CD/soft copy), and proof of identity.

Is a gazette notification enough for a name change?

A gazette notification is not a certificate, but rather a mandatory and important legal proof of a name change in India. The gazette notification also applies to changes in your other documents.

Can the Gazette be used for Aadhaar name change?

Yes, a Gazette notification is one of the legal documents used to change or update a name on an Aadhaar card. A Gazette notification is required for more than two name changes on an Aadhaar card. In many cases, a Gazette notification is required for the first time.

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Gazette Name Change