Gazette Name Change Process

Why Is the Gazette Name Change Process Mandatory?

While many people believe that a simple affidavit or a newspaper advertisement is sufficient, the reality is more rigorous. For any permanent change to be accepted by central government departments, banks, and for international travel, a Central Gazette notification is required.

The Gazette for name change in India acts as the "gold standard" of proof. It is a public record published by the Department of Publication, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Without this notification, you may face rejections when applying for a visa or updating your permanent account number (PAN).

Step 1: Drafting the Affidavit for Name Change in Gazette

The first pillar of the Gazette Name Change Process involves creating a legal affidavit. This document serves as your formal declaration of the intent to change your name.

• Execution: The affidavit must be printed on non-judicial stamp paper.

• Contents: It should clearly state your old name, the proposed new name, your full residential address, and the specific reason for the change.

• Verification: This document must be signed by you (the deponent) and notarized by a Notary Public.

For those residing in the capital, Name Change in Delhi often requires specific attention to the local notary formats to ensure the affidavit is not rejected during the later stages of submission.

Step 2: Newspaper Publication for Public Notice

Once your affidavit is ready, the next legal requirement is to inform the general public. This is done by publishing a notice in local newspaper.

1. Details: The advertisement must include your old name, new name, father’s/husband’s name, address, and the date of the affidavit.

2. Preservation: It is vital to keep at least 3-4 original copies of the full newspaper page, as clippings alone are often not accepted during the Gazette for Name Change Process.

Step 3: Submission to the Department of Publication

The final and most critical phase of the Gazette Name Change Process is the submission of your application to the Government of India. This is typically handled by the Department of Publication located at Civil Lines, Delhi.

Documents Required for Gazette Notification for Name Change

To ensure your file is processed without delays, you must compile the following:

• Original notarized affidavit.

• Original copies of the newspaper advertisements.

• A prescribed proforma (application form) signed by you and two witnesses.

• A digital CD/DVD containing the soft copy of the application in .docx format.

• Two self-attested passport-sized photographs.

• Self-attested copies of valid ID proofs (Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport).

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

The Gazette Notification for Name Change is usually published within 30 to 45 days of a successful submission.

Common Challenges in the Gazette For Name Change

Many applicants face hurdles due to minor clerical errors. A signature mismatch between the affidavit and the ID proof can lead to an immediate rejection. Similarly, if the digital file on your CD does not exactly match the printed proforma, the department will return your application.

The Change Name in Gazette procedure is a legal one, and strict adherence to the prescribed formats is mandatory. Using outdated forms or incorrect stamp paper values can result in both a loss of time and money.

Conclusion: Securing Your New Identity

The Gazette Name Change Process is the only way to ensure your new identity is legally sound across all platforms. While the steps are structured, the documentation requires a keen eye for detail. Once the notification is published in the e-Gazette, you can download the PDF and use it to update all your government and private records with confidence.