How to Change Name in Any Documents after Gazette Notification

Understanding the Gazette for Name Change

Before you start updating your bank accounts or ID cards, you must understand what a Gazette for Name Change signifies. It is a weekly publication by the Department of Publication, Government of India (or State Governments), that serves as a public record of your intent to adopt a new name.

Why is Name Change in Gazette Mandatory?

While a simple affidavit might work for some private institutions, most government departments and high-security agencies will not accept a name change without a Gazette Notification for Name Change. It is mandatory for:

• Updating a Permanent Account Number (PAN) card.

• Re-issuing a Passport with a new name.

• Updating service records for government employees.

• Correcting significant spelling mismatches in educational certificates.

Step-by-Step Guide to Gazette Name Change Online

The modern Gazette Name Change Online process has simplified what used to be a tedious manual task. Below is the systematic approach to securing your notification.

1. Drafting the Legal Affidavit

The foundation of the Name Change Process is a notarized affidavit. You must draft this on non-judicial stamp paper (typically ₹10 or ₹100). The affidavit must clearly state your old name, new name, full address, and the specific reason for the change. It must be signed by the applicant and attested by a Notary Public or a First-Class Magistrate.

2. Newspaper Advertisement

Once the affidavit is ready, you must publish a public notice. You only need to publish this in one leading daily newspaper (English or regional). This advertisement acts as a public declaration to ensure no fraudulent intent is behind the name change. Ensure you keep at least 3-4 original copies of the full newspaper page, as "clippings" are often rejected by the Gazette office.

3. Submission of the Gazette File

To Change Name in Gazette, you must prepare a physical file to be submitted to the Department of Publication. This file includes:

• The original notarized affidavit.

• The original newspaper advertisement.

• A digital CD/DVD containing the application in MS Word (.docx) format.

• Self-attested ID and address proofs.

• The government fee receipt paid via the Bharat Kosh portal.

Documents Checklist for Name Change

To ensure your application is not rejected, follow this checklist of documents required for the Gazette for Name Change:

• Notarized Affidavit: Original copy stating old and new names.

• Newspaper Copy: Full page of the newspaper where the ad appeared.

• Identity Proof: Self-attested copy of Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID.

• Address Proof: Utility bill, Rent Agreement, or Aadhaar.

• Photographs: Two passport-sized photographs (self-attested).

• Digital CD: A CD containing the matter to be printed in MS Word format.

• Application Proforma: Hard copy signed by the applicant and two witnesses.

• Certificate of Content: A declaration stating the hard copy and soft copy (CD) match.

How to Update Documents After Name Change in Gazette

Once your name is published in the Official Gazette, you can download the digital PDF from egazette.gov.in. This PDF is your primary evidence for updating other documents.

Updating Aadhaar Card

Visit a nearby Aadhaar Enrolment Centre. You will need to provide the Gazette Notification for Name Change and an old ID proof with your photograph. The process typically takes 30 to 90 days to reflect online.

Updating PAN Card

You can apply for a PAN correction through the NSDL or UTIITSL portals. Select the "Changes or Correction in PAN Data" option and upload your Gazette notification as the supporting proof.

Updating Passport

For a Gazette Name Change in Delhi or any other city, you must apply for a "Re-issue of Passport." You will need to submit the Gazette copy along with the newspaper advertisement and the affidavit at the Passport Seva Kendra.

For a deeper dive into the specifics of these updates, you can refer to this guide on How to Update Documents After a Name Change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it mandatory to change the name in the Gazette?

Yes, for most government-related updates like Passport and PAN, a Gazette notification is mandatory. It is the only document that provides absolute legal validity across India.

2. Can I apply for the Gazette notification online?

While you can pay the fees and download the final notification online, the physical file (including the CD and original newspaper) usually needs to be submitted or couriered to the Department of Publication in Delhi.

3. How many times can I change my name?

Legally, there is no fixed limit, but frequent name changes may invite stricter scrutiny from government authorities during the verification process.

4. What if there is a spelling error in my Gazette notification?

If the error was made by the Department, you can apply for a corrigendum. If the error was in your original application, you would likely need to repeat the process and pay the fees again.

5. How do I track the status of my application?

You can track the status on the official Department of Publication website using your Bharat Kosh receipt number or by searching the weekly Gazette PDF on egazette.gov.in.

Conclusion

Successfully navigating the Gazette Notification for Name Change is a significant legal milestone. While the process involves multiple steps—from drafting an affidavit to publishing a newspaper ad—the result is a legally invincible identity that simplifies your future interactions with banks, government offices, and international authorities