Gazette Notification for Name Change in Delhi

Gazette Notification for Name Change in Delhi: Step-by-Step Guide 

Gazette Notification for Name Change is the final and most critical step for anyone looking to legally update their identity in India. Whether you are opting for a surname change gazette entry after marriage or a name correction gazette due to clerical errors, the process ensures your new identity is recognized by all government and private institutions. In the National Capital Territory of Delhi, this procedure is structured to maintain legal transparency and prevent identity fraud.

Changing your name is often an emotional journey—marking a new chapter in life like marriage, or simply reclaiming your identity. However, without a gazette notification, your new name remains a mere alias. To make it a legal reality for your Passport, Aadhaar, and Bank accounts, you must navigate the official channels of the Department of Publication.

What is a Gazette Notification for Name Change? 

A gazette for name change is an official public record published by the Government of India. It serves as a permanent legal certificate that validates your transition from an old name to a new one. In Delhi, the Central Gazette is published every Saturday by the Department of Publication, Civil Lines. 

While an affidavit or a newspaper ad may suffice for some local work, a gazette certificate for name change is mandatory for central government documents. This ensures that your gazette name change is valid not just in Delhi, but across the globe.

The Three Pillars of the Name Change Process in Delhi 

The gazette name change online or offline process is built on three mandatory legal steps. Skipping any of these can lead to the rejection of your application. 

1. Drafting the Name Change Affidavit

The foundation of your application is the name change gazette form in the form of an affidavit. You must draft this on a non-judicial stamp paper (usually ₹10 or ₹20). It must include:

• Your old name and new name.

• Your father’s or husband’s name.

• Your full residential address in Delhi.

• A clear reason for the name change (e.g., marriage, numerology, or correction).

The affidavit must be signed by the applicant and attested by a Notary Public or a First-Class Magistrate.

2. Newspaper Advertisement

After the affidavit is prepared, you must inform the public. You will need to publish a notification in a local newspaper of your state, Keep at least 3-4 original copies of the newspaper, as the entire page is required for submission to the Gazette for name change, not just a clipping.

3. Submission of Gazette Form for Name Change

The final step involves preparing the gazette form for name change along with a digital copy (CD). This "proforma" must be typed, and a soft copy in MS Word format should be burned onto a CD. This ensures the government can digitally print your notification in the weekly e-Gazette.

Essential Documents Checklist

To ensure a smooth gazette notification for name change, keep the following documents ready:

Document Name - Purpose

Notarized Affidavit - Legal declaration of intent

Newspaper Originals - Public notice verification

Proforma (Hard Copy) - Prescribed application format

CD (Soft Copy) - Digital printing of the notice

ID & Address Proof - Verification of current identity

Passport Size Photos - Visual identification

Payment Receipt - Proof of government fee

Fees and Timeline for Name Change in Delhi 

Understanding the costs and time involved helps in planning your transition effectively. As of 2026, the government has streamlined the digital process. 

Government Fees

The official fee for gazette notification for name change is paid via the Bharat Kosh portal.

• Adults (Major): Approximately ₹1,100.

• Minors: Approximately ₹1,700.

• NRIs: Approximately ₹7,500.

Expected Timeline

• Affidavit & Newspaper Ads: 2–3 Working Days.

• File Preparation & Submission: 2 Working Days.

• Gazette Publication: 4–6 Weeks (published every Saturday).

How to Apply for Name Correction Gazette Online

While the final file submission often requires physical presence or courier to the Civil Lines office, much of the gazette name change online preparation can be handled digitally.

1. Online Payment: Visit the Bharat Kosh website to pay the gazette notification fee.

2. Download Form: Obtain the change of name gazette form from the official Department of Publication website.

3. Digital CD: Ensure your soft copy strictly follows the government-mandated font and format.

Legal Tip: If you are a government employee, you must also submit a Deed Jamannama or an NOC from your department head along with the standard documents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a Gazette notification mandatory for a name change?

Yes, if you wish to change your name on "Class A" documents like a Passport or for government service records, a Gazette Notification for Name Change is compulsory.

2. Can I change my name in the Gazette multiple times?

Technically, yes. However, frequent changes are scrutinized closely by authorities. You must provide a valid legal reason for each subsequent change.

3. Do I need to visit the Gazette office in person?

No. You can send your complete document kit via Speed Post or Registered Post to the Controller of Publications, Civil Lines, Delhi-110054.

4. How do I download my Gazette copy?

The government no longer issues physical booklets. You can download the PDF of the weekly Gazette from egazette.gov.in by searching for your name or the date of publication.

5. What if there is a spelling error in my school certificate?

A name correction gazette is the most effective way to bridge the gap between your school records and your current ID proofs.

Conclusion: Take the Legal Route Today

Navigating the Gazette Notification for Name Change in Delhi might seem daunting due to the paperwork, but it is the only way to ensure your new identity has 100% legal backing. By following the structured steps of affidavit drafting, newspaper publication, and official filing, you protect yourself from future legal hurdles.

If you find the process overwhelming or are unsure about the formatting of the gazette form for name change, it is always wise to seek professional help. A legal expert can ensure your application is error-free, saving you from potential rejections and delays.