Gazette Notification for Name Change: A Simple Guide for You

Gazette notification for name change is the most important thing you need if you want to change your name legally in India. Many people think that just making an affidavit or putting an ad in the newspaper is enough. But honestly, if you want your new name to appear on your Passport, PAN card, or Government ID, you must get a Gazette Notification for Name Change. It is like a final stamp from the government that says, "Yes, this person is now known by this new name."

Whether you are changing your name because of marriage, astrology, or just because you don't like your old name, this process helps you avoid many legal problems later. In this guide, I will explain everything in very simple words so that even a student can understand how it works.

What is a Gazette Notification for Name Change?

A Gazette is basically an official book or journal of the government. When the government wants to tell the public about a new law or an official change, they publish it in the Gazette. So, a gazette for name change is when your new name is printed in this official book.

Once your name is published here, it becomes a permanent record. It is very useful for name change because every department, like banks or schools, will trust this document more than anything else.

Why do you need a Gazette Certificate for Name Change?

• Government Jobs: If you work for the government, you cannot change your name without this.

• Passport: For a big name change, the Passport office usually asks for the Gazette copy.

• Education: If you want to change your name on your 10th or 12th certificates, you will need a name correction gazette.

• Bank Records: To update your KYC in banks, a gazette certificate for name change is the best proof.

Step-by-Step Process for Gazette Notification for Name Change

The whole process of gazette notification for name change can be broken down into three main steps. You have to follow them one by one.

Step 1: Make a Name Change Affidavit

This is a legal paper where you state that you are changing your name. You need to buy a stamp paper (usually ₹10 or ₹100) and write your old name, new name, address, and the reason for the change. You must sign this in front of a Notary Public. This affidavit is the first proof you will use.

Step 2: Newspaper Advertisement

After the affidavit is prepared, an advertisement announcing the name change is published in a local newspaper of the state. This serves as a public announcement. Keep 4-5 copies of the newspaper page containing the advertisement, as these copies will be needed for the gazette notification and other purposes.

Step 3: Filling the Change of Name Gazette Form

Now, you need to prepare a file for the Department of Publication. You have to fill out a change of name gazette form (also called a specimen proforma). This form needs to be typed and signed by you and two witnesses. Along with this, you also need to prepare a digital CD that has the same information typed in MS Word.

How to Apply for Gazette Name Change Online?

In 2026, things have become much easier. You can now start the process of gazette name change online by paying the fees through the Bharatkosh website.

1. Visit the official Bharatkosh portal.

2. Pay the government fee for your category (Adult, Minor, or NRI).

3. Download the receipt.

4. Even though you pay online, you still have to send your physical file (with the CD, newspapers, and form) to the Department of Publication in Civil Lines, Delhi.

The gazette name change online system helps you track your application status easily from home.

Documents Required: A Quick Checklist

To make sure your file doesn't get rejected, you must have all these documents ready. Here is a simple table to help you: 

Document Name                                           -             Purpose      

Notarized Affidavit                                     -            Legal proof of intent     

Newspaper Clippings                               -             Public announcement 

Gazette Form (Proforma)                      -             Application for entry 

Digital CD                                                             -             Soft copy for printing 

ID & Address Proof                                      -             Identity verification 

Passport Size Photos                                 -             Visual ID 

Fee Receipt                                                          -             Payment proof 

Fees and Timeline for Gazette Notification for Name Change

The cost and time can vary depending on your case. Here is a general estimate: 

1. Government Fees

• For Adults: Around ₹1,100.

• For Minors: Around ₹1,700.

• For NRIs: Around ₹7,500.

• For Name Correction: Sometimes there are extra charges of about ₹250 for name correction.

2. Timeline

• Affidavit and Ads: Takes about 3 to 5 days.

• Submission and Processing: Once you submit the file, it takes about 30 to 60 days for the notification to be published.

• Download: You can download the digital copy from the e-Gazette website as soon as it is published (usually on Saturdays).

Important Tips for Name Correction Gazette 

If you are only changing a small spelling mistake, it is called a name correction. Even for a small mistake, the process is mostly the same. You still need an affidavit and a name correction gazette entry. This is very common for students whose names are spelled differently on their birth certificates and school marksheet.

Pro Tip: Always double-check the spellings on your CD and the printed form. If there is even one letter wrong, you might have to do the whole process again!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it mandatory to get a Gazette notification? 

It is not mandatory for everyone, but it is highly recommended. For government employees and for updating a Passport, it is usually 100% required.

2. Can I change my name after marriage without a Gazette? 

Yes, some places accept a marriage certificate, but having a gazette notification for name change makes it much easier to update all documents like PAN and Aadhaar without any questions.

3. Do I need to go to Delhi to submit the documents? 

No, you can send your documents by Speed Post or Courier to the Department of Publication office in Delhi.

4. Where can I find the gazette name change form? 

You can download the change of name gazette form from the official website of the Department of Publication (egazette.nic.in).

5. How do I get my Gazette copy? 

The government does not send hard copies anymore. You have to visit the e-Gazette website, search for your name, and download the PDF. This PDF is legally valid everywhere.

Conclusion

Getting a gazette notification for name change might seem like a long task, but it is very important for your future. It gives you a clean legal identity and makes sure you don't face problems during job interviews, travel, or banking. By following the steps Making an affidavit, publishing ads, and submitting the gazette for name change file—you can easily finish this process.

If you find the paperwork too confusing or don't have time to visit offices, it is always a good idea to talk to a legal expert. They can help you fill out the forms correctly so your application doesn't get rejected.