Changing your name in India—whether after marriage, for astrology or to fix a spelling error—is a significant step that requires legal recognition.A Name Change Gazette notification, published in the official Gazette of India, is the gold standard to make your new name legally binding.This ensures banks, government offices and schools recognize your updated identity seamlessly.
This guide walks you through how to change your name via Gazette notification for Name Change, covering the affidavit, newspaper ads, submission process and post-Gazette updates. With tips for NRIs, minors and state-specific rules, we’ll make your name change in India smooth and stress-free.
Why Change Your Name and Why Use the Gazette?
People change their names for many reasons:
- Post-Marriage: Women adopting a spouse’s surname.
- Divorce: Reverting to a maiden name.
- Errors: Fixing typos in birth or school certificates.
- Personal: Astrology, numerology or gender identity changes.
- Adoption: Updating names for adopted children.
- Official: Adding/removing surnames for consistency.
A Gazette Notification India is a public record published by the Department of Publication, making your name change official. It’s recommended for updating Aadhaar, PAN, passports or other IDs, though minor changes (e.g., spelling) may only need affidavits and ads for some institutions.
Real-Life Example: After her divorce, Priya used a Name Change Gazette to revert to her maiden name, ensuring her Aadhaar and bank accounts matched.
Did You Know? The Gazette is India’s official journal, recognized by all legal and administrative bodies.
Steps to Publish a Name Change in the Gazette
The name change process involves three key steps, applicable if you’re over 18:
- Create a Name Change Affidavit
- Visit a notary public or Judicial Magistrate to draft an affidavit.
- Include:
- Old and new names.
- Full address and age.
- Father’s/husband’s name (for married women).
- Reason for change (e.g., “post-divorce”).
- Sign in the presence of the notary; pay ₹50–₹200 for stamp paper and fees.
- Publish Newspaper Advertisements
- Place ads in two newspapers: one national (e.g., Times of India) and one local (e.g., Dainik Bhaskar).
- Content:
- Old and new names.
- Address and age.
- Notary details.
- Cost: ₹500–₹2,000, depending on circulation.
- Verify publication dates to include originals in your submission.
- Submit to the Department of Publication
- Prepare documents (see below).
- Submit via:
- Online: https://egazette.gov.in (preferred since 2020).
- Mail/In-Person: Controller of Publications, Civil Lines, New Delhi-110054.
- Pay ₹700–₹1,100 (bank draft to “Controller of Publication”).
- Track status on the e-Gazette portal.
Processing Time: 30–60 days; delays up to 90 days if documents are incomplete.
Tip: Use the e-Gazette portal for faster submission and tracking.
Documents Required for Gazette Notification
Gather these documents for a smooth submission:
- Affidavit: Notarized, stating old/new names and reason (₹50–₹200).
- Newspaper Ads: Originals from national and local papers.
- Prescribed Proforma: Typed (not handwritten) with applicant’s and two witnesses’ signatures.
- CD: MS Word file (Times New Roman, 12-point) with application content, omitting witness details; label with old name.
- Certificate: Declaring soft/hard copies match, signed by applicant.
- Photos: Two passport-sized, self-attested.
- ID Proof: Self-attested Aadhaar, PAN or Voter ID.
- Request Letter: Addressed to Controller of Publications, with fee details.
- Fee: ₹700–₹1,100 via bank draft.
State-Specific Notes:
- Delhi requires Aadhaar in affidavits.
- Maharashtra charges higher notary fees (₹200).
- Tamil Nadu accepts e-stamped affidavits.
Tip: Save digital scans (PDF/JPEG, <2 MB) for online submission.
State-Wise Nuances for Name Change
Affidavit formats, notary fees and newspaper rules vary. Examples as of April 2025:
| State/UT | Affidavit Fee | Newspaper Ads | Notes |
| Andhra Pradesh | ₹100 | Required | MeeSeva (https://ap.meeseva.gov.in); e-stamping available. |
| Delhi | ₹150 | Mandatory | E-district (https://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in); Aadhaar mandatory. |
| Karnataka | ₹100 | Minors exempt | Seva Sindhu (https://sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in); notary needed. |
| Maharashtra | ₹200 | Mandatory | Aaple Sarkar (https://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in); high notary fees. |
| Tamil Nadu | ₹50 | Minors exempt | e-Sevai (https://www.tnesevai.tn.gov.in); e-stamped affidavits. |
| Uttar Pradesh | ₹100 | Required | E-district (https://edistrict.up.gov.in); Aadhaar-linked forms. |
| West Bengal | ₹100 | Mandatory | E-district (https://edistrict.wb.gov.in); local dailies needed. |
| Chandigarh | ₹100 | Required | Chandigarh e-Services (https://chdservices.gov.in); quick processing. |
Tip: Use state e-Governance portals for affidavit e-stamping to save time.
Name Change for NRIs
NRIs can apply for a Name Change Gazette:
- Embassy Attestation: Sign affidavits at an Indian embassy ($25–$50 fee) or get an apostille (Hague Convention countries).
- Local Agent: Appoint someone in India to submit to the Department of Publication.
- Documents: Same as residents, plus attested ID proof.
Example: An NRI in Canada changed her surname post-marriage, using an embassy-attested affidavit and a Delhi agent.
Tip: Hire a lawyer for seamless embassy coordination.
Post-Gazette Steps: Updating IDs
After Gazette publication:
- Download Notification: Get the PDF from https://egazette.gov.in.
- Update Aadhaar: Visit a UIDAI center with the Gazette copy (30 days).
- Update PAN: Apply online at incometax.gov.in (₹100 fee).
- Update Passport: Submit at a Passport Seva Kendra (₹1,500–₹2,000).
- Notify Others: Inform banks, schools or employers with the Gazette copy.
Processing Time: 15–30 days per ID.
Tip: Carry multiple Gazette copies for simultaneous updates.
Costs Involved
- Affidavit: ₹50–₹200 (stamp paper, notary).
- Newspaper Ads: ₹500–₹2,000 (national + local).
- Gazette Fee: ₹700–₹1,100 (bank draft).
- Agent Fees: ₹500–₹1,000 (optional, for NRIs or kiosks).
Total: ₹1,750–₹4,300, varying by state and ad rates.
Tip: Save costs by applying online and avoiding agents.
Conclusion
A Name Change Gazette is your ticket to a legally recognized identity, whether you’re fixing a typo, embracing a new surname or aligning with your beliefs. From notarized affidavits to newspaper ads and Gazette Notification India, the process is straightforward with the right steps. Start your name change in India today—visit https://egazette.gov.in, gather your name change affidavit and make your new name official!
Ready? Take the first step toward your new identity now!
Frequently Asked Questions on Name Change Gazette
Q1. What is a Gazette Notification for Name Change in India?
Ans1. A Gazette Notification for Name Change is the official publication by the Government of India confirming an individual’s change of name for legal and administrative recognition.
Q2. Is Gazette Notification mandatory for a name change?
Ans2. Yes, especially for updating identity documents like Aadhaar, PAN and passport, a Gazette Notification is essential.
Q3. How to apply for Gazette Name Change in India?
Ans3. Create a name change affidavit, publish newspaper ads, and submit to https://egazette.gov.in
Q4. How long does it take to get the name change published in the Gazette?
Ans4. It typically takes 30–60 working days from submission to publication, with delays up to 90 days if incomplete.
Q5. What documents are needed for Gazette Notification?
Ans5. Required documents include a notarized affidavit, newspaper ads, ID proof, photographs, a CD with typed application content and a request letter.
Q6. Can NRIs apply for Gazette name change?
Ans6. Yes, NRIs can apply through the Indian Embassy or appoint a representative in India.
Q7. Is the Gazette notification valid for a lifetime?
Ans7. Yes, once published, the Gazette notification serves as a permanent legal proof of name change.
Q8. How much does the name change Gazette process cost?
Ans8. The total cost may range between ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 including affidavits, newspaper ads and Gazette fees.
Q9. Can minors apply for name change Gazette?
Ans9. Yes, but the application must be made by a parent or legal guardian on the child’s behalf.
Q10. Can I change my surname only through Gazette?
Ans10. Yes, surname additions or deletions can also be processed through Gazette notification.
