Gazette Name Change is the final and most critical step in legally transitioning from your old identity to a new one in India. Whether you are changing your name due to marriage, divorce, spelling errors, or personal preference, the Gazette Name Change process ensures that your new name is recognized by all government departments, banks, and educational institutions.
While the idea of dealing with government paperwork can feel overwhelming, understanding the Gazette Notification for Name Change is the first step toward a hassle-free transition. This process is not just a legal formality; it is an empowering journey that aligns your official records with your true identity. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every stage of the Name Change Gazette Online and offline procedures to help you navigate the legal landscape with ease.
A Gazette notification is an official public record published by the Government of India (Central Gazette) or a State Government. When you apply for a Gazette For Name Change, the government records your intent and publishes it in "Part IV" of the weekly Gazette.
This document serves as the "Gold Standard" of proof. While an affidavit or a newspaper ad might suffice for some private matters, a Gazette notification for name change is mandatory for updating high-security documents like your Passport, PAN Card, and permanent service records for government employees.
The Gazette name change process follows a structured three-step legal path. Skipping any of these steps can lead to the rejection of your application.
The foundation of your application is a notarized affidavit. This is a legal declaration where you state your old name, your new name, your full address, and the reason for the change.
Stamp Paper: Print the affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper (usually ₹10 or ₹100, depending on your state).
Notarization: The document must be signed and stamped by a Notary Public or a First-Class Magistrate.
You must inform the public about your name change by publishing an advertisement in local newspapers:
Regional Language Daily (the language of the state you reside in).
Ensure you keep at least 3-4 original copies of the full newspaper page, as "clippings" are often rejected by the Gazette office.
The final step is submitting your file to the Department of Publication (Civil Lines, Delhi, for the Central Gazette). This involves preparing a physical file that includes your affidavit, newspaper copies, and a digital CD containing your name change application in MS Word format. Once submitted and verified, the government will publish your details in the Gazette for name change.
In 2026, the government has streamlined the process, allowing for Name Change Gazette Online submissions through digital portals. Here is how you can manage the Name Change in Gazette from your home:
Visit the e-Gazette Portal: Access the official e-Gazette website to download the "Proforma" for name change.
Digital Payment: Use the Bharat Kosh portal to pay the government fees online.
Soft Copy Preparation: Ensure your digital CD content exactly matches the hard copy.
Verification: Upload your scanned documents (Affidavit, Newspaper, ID) if using a state-specific online portal, or courier the physical file to the Central Gazette office.
One of the most frequent questions people ask is: "How long does it take?" and "How much does it cost?"
The government fee for a Gazette Name Change for a major (adult) is approximately ₹1,100. For minors, the fee is slightly higher, around ₹1,700. If you are changing your name after a religion change or for a government job, additional charges may apply.
Affidavit & Newspaper: 3–5 days.
File Processing: 15–20 days.
Final Publication: 30–60 days.
The Gazette is typically updated every Saturday. You can download the PDF once it is live on the e-Gazette website.
Yes, it is mandatory for updating a Passport, high-level government records, and banking documents. To learn more about why it's necessary, see what is Gazette notification and what is its use.
Yes, you can. However, each time you must follow the complete three-step process (Affidavit, Newspaper, Gazette) and provide a valid reason for the subsequent change.
No, the government has stopped issuing physical hard copies. You must download the digital e-Gazette PDF from the official website and print it as needed.
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A minor cannot apply themselves. The parents or a legal guardian must file the application on their behalf, including the minor's birth certificate in the document list. You can check how to get a Gazette certificate for name change for minor-specific formats.
If the error was made by the Department of Publication, you can request a "Corrigendum" (correction). If the error was in your submission, you may have to re-file and pay the fees again.
The Gazette Name Change process is the ultimate legal shield that protects your identity in the eyes of the law. While the steps are systematic, even a small error in the affidavit or the digital CD format can lead to months of delay. Following a what is Gazette notification guide ensures you are well-prepared.