Changing your name is a very personal decision, and in Maharashtra, thousands of people apply every year to legally change or correct their names. Common reasons include marriage, divorce, spelling errors, adoption, religious conversion, numerology, or personal preference.
The good news? The name change process in Maharashtra is completely legal and recognized across India through the Gazette notification. Even better, citizens can now apply online without visiting Delhi or any local office. Once published in the Gazette of India, your new name becomes valid across the country and even abroad.
At MakeMyGazette, we assist Maharashtra residents with the complete process — from affidavit preparation to Gazette notification and updating all ID proofs smoothly.
What is a Name Change?
A name change means officially adopting a new name that is different from the one given at birth or used previously. It can involve changing your first name, surname, middle name, or even adding initials. Once your new name is published in the Gazette of India, it becomes legally binding across Maharashtra, all states in India, and even recognized abroad.
Common Reasons for Name Change in Maharashtra
There are many personal, legal, and cultural reasons why people in Maharashtra apply for a name change. Some of the most common include:
- Errors in birth certificate, school records, or official documents.
- Name change after marriage, especially when women adopt their spouse’s surname.
- Divorce-related changes, where an individual reverts to their maiden name.
- Adoption cases, where a child is given a new name by adoptive parents.
- Religious conversions that involve adopting a new name.
- Spelling corrections to fix mistakes in legal documents.
- Numerology or astrology-based changes for luck or personal belief.
- Gender transition, requiring a new identity.
- Personal preference, where someone dislikes their current name.
- Cultural or social identity reasons, such as aligning with community traditions.
Who Can Apply for a Name Change in Maharashtra?
The name change process in Maharashtra is open to a wide range of applicants. Anyone who fulfills the legal requirements can apply, including:
- Men and women of any age.
- Married or divorced women who wish to update or revert their surname.
- Parents/guardians applying on behalf of a minor child.
- Government employees, who need to follow specific departmental rules.
- NRI citizens or those living abroad, with documents attested by the Indian Embassy.
Eligibility for Legal Name Change in Maharashtra
Before applying for a name change in Maharashtra, applicants must meet basic eligibility criteria. The process is open to Indian citizens, including adults, married or divorced women, parents applying for minors, and even NRIs. Meeting these conditions ensures your application is valid and avoids delays in Gazette publication.
- Be an Indian citizen.
- Possess a valid government-issued ID proof.
- Have a genuine reason for requesting the name change.
- Provide parental or guardian consent if the applicant is a minor.
Documents Required for Name Change in Maharashtra
When applying for a name change in Maharashtra through the Gazette of India, you need to submit a proper set of documents. These papers act as proof of your identity, address, and the reason for changing your name. Submitting the right documents in the correct format ensures your application is processed smoothly without rejection or delay.
- Address proof – Aadhaar card, voter ID, rent agreement, or utility bill.
- Passport-size photographs (recent).
- Marriage certificate (if name change is due to marriage).
- Divorce decree (if reverting to maiden name).
- Birth certificate (mandatory for minors).
- Duly notarized affidavit for name change.
- Copies of newspaper publications (in English + local language).
- Filled name change application form (hard copy).
- Digital CD containing the Gazette format of your name change.
- Government employee deed (if you work in a government department).
- Old valid ID proofs such as Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID.
- Demand Draft for Gazette fees (amount depends on type of application).
Step-by-Step Name Change Process in Maharashtra
The legal name change process in Maharashtra is simple if you follow the right sequence. It mainly involves three stages — affidavit preparation, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification. Once these are completed, you can update all your government IDs.
Step 1: Create Your Affidavit (The Foundation of Name Change)
The very first step in the name change process is preparing a legal affidavit. This affidavit works as an official declaration of your old name, new name, and the reason for the change. If there are any spelling mistakes in this document, the entire process may get delayed or even rejected. That’s why drafting the affidavit carefully is extremely important.
Checklist for Affidavit:
- Clearly mention your old name and new name.
- State the valid reason for name change (marriage, divorce, spelling correction, adoption, numerology, etc.).
- Add your personal details: age, father’s/husband’s name, and full residential address.
- Prepare the affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (₹20 or applicable value).
- Sign it in front of a notary or magistrate for attestation.
Step 2: Publish in Newspapers (Don’t Skip This Step!)
Once your affidavit is ready, the next step is to publish your name change notice in newspapers. This is done so that the change is made public and in case of any objections, they can be raised in time. Skipping this step can result in rejection of your Gazette application.
Requirements for Newspaper Publication:
- Publish in two newspapers – one local language newspaper (Marathi/Hindi) and one English newspaper.
- The advertisement must include:
- Old name and new name.
- Date of affidavit.
- Age and residential address.
- Father’s/husband’s name.
- Notary/magistrate details.
- Old name and new name.
- Keep at least 2–3 original copies of each newspaper for future records.
Step 3: Gazette Notification – The Final Legal Proof
This is the most crucial step because once your name is published in the Gazette of India, it becomes legally valid across the country. The Gazette notification serves as permanent legal proof of your name change.
How to Apply for Gazette Notification:
- Collect the following documents: affidavit, newspaper copies, ID proofs, passport-size photos, and the filled application form.
- Prepare a digital CD containing the Gazette format.
- Attach a Demand Draft in favor of the Controller of Publications.
- Send all documents to the Department of Publication, Delhi.
Fees & Timeline:
- Normal: ₹1,300 – ₹1,500
- For minors: ₹1,700
- Tatkal: ₹2,300+
- Timeline: 2–4 weeks for Gazette publication.
Step 4: Update Your ID Proofs (Start with Aadhaar & PAN)
Once your name is officially published in the Gazette, the next step is to update all your ID proofs. It is highly recommended to start with Aadhaar and PAN cards first, since they are linked to most other services. Updating these two documents will make the rest of the process much smoother.
Documents to Update After Gazette Notification:
- Aadhaar Card (through UIDAI portal or enrollment center).
- PAN Card (via NSDL/UTIITSL).
- Passport (apply at Passport Seva Kendra).
- Bank accounts (submit Gazette copy to your branch).
- Driving License, Voter ID, Property papers, Educational certificates, etc.
Pro Tip: Always update Aadhaar and PAN before applying for changes in other documents.
Step 5: Keep All Proofs Safe (Your Lifetime Record)
Once your name change is completed, you will have several legal proofs. These documents serve as lifetime evidence of your new identity and should always be stored safely in both physical and digital form.
Essential Proofs to Keep:
- Copy of the Name Change Affidavit.
- Copies of the Newspaper Advertisements.
- Official Gazette Notification copy.
These records will be required in the future for job applications, property dealings, passports, visas, government services, and legal verification processes.
Quick Reference Table
| Step | Action | Documents Needed | Timeline | Key Notes |
| 1 | Affidavit Preparation | ID & Address proof | 1–2 days | Must be notarized |
| 2 | Newspaper Publication | Affidavit, Photo ID | 1–3 days | Publish in local + English |
| 3 | Gazette Notification | Affidavit, Newspapers, ID | 2–4 weeks | Final legal proof |
| 4 | Update Documents | Aadhaar, PAN, Passport | 1–3 weeks | Start with Aadhaar & PAN |
| 5 | Keep Proof | Affidavit, Ads, Gazette Copy | Permanent | For lifetime verification |
Also Read>> How to change name in aadhar card after marriage ; how to get gazette notification for name change
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Maharashtra Name Change Process
Many applicants face rejection or delays due to avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes you should be careful about:
- Spelling errors in affidavit or newspaper publications – even a minor mismatch can cause rejection.
- Not keeping extra copies of important documents – always maintain photocopies and digital scans for future reference.
- Skipping the Gazette notification – publishing only in newspapers does not make the name change legally valid.
- Delaying updates in Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or bank accounts – mismatched details can cause serious issues later.
- Submitting the wrong Gazette format in the digital CD – this is a frequent reason for rejection, so check carefully before submission.
Pro Tip: Double-check spellings and maintain an organized digital file of all documents to avoid unnecessary delays.
Benefits of Legal Name Change in Maharashtra
Completing your name change through the Gazette of India offers multiple long-term advantages. Once the name change process in Maharashtra is completed, your new identity gets official recognition and can be used for all legal and personal purposes. Some key benefits include:
- Official recognition of your new name across India and abroad.
- Easy updates in Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, voter ID, and other official documents.
- Smooth handling of marriage or divorce-related name changes.
- A permanent government record of your new name through Gazette publication.
- No need to hire a lawyer, as the process can be completed by individuals themselves with proper guidance.
Pro Tip: Gazette notification is also accepted by embassies, consulates, and foreign institutions, which is especially helpful for those planning to study, travel, or settle abroad.
Also Read>> Name Change Process in Chandigarh ; Name Change Process in Punjab
Conclusion
The name change process in Maharashtra may look lengthy, but it is actually simple if you follow the steps: affidavit → newspaper → Gazette notification. Once Gazette-approved, update all your ID proofs and records.
If you want expert guidance, MakeMyGazette offers end-to-end assistance in Maharashtra — from affidavits and newspaper publications to Gazette notification and updating Aadhaar, PAN, and bank records.
👉 Start your official name change in Maharashtra today with MakeMyGazette!