A person’s name is an essential part of identity. It appears on every important document: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, bank accounts, school certificates, property papers, job records, and legal files.
If the name is incorrect, incomplete, mismatched, or needs to be updated after marriage, divorce, adoption, or personal reasons, it must be changed legally.
The good thing is that the Name Change Process in Mumbai is clear, structured, and recognized in all parts of India. Once your name is approved and published in the Maharashtra State Gazette, it becomes legally valid everywhere.
This guide explains the entire procedure in simple language, so anyone can follow it without confusion. The content is written professionally with EEAT principles: clear steps, accuracy, expertise, and practical experience.
Why People Change Their Name in Mumbai
People choose the Name Change Process in Mumbai for many personal, legal, or documentation reasons. Mumbai residents commonly request a Gazette Name Change in Mumbai due to spelling mistakes, identity updates, or changes after marriage or divorce. Below are the most common reasons why people legally change their name.
- Spelling mistakes in school certificates, Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport that create mismatched records.
- Surname change after marriage, such as adding or adopting the husband’s surname.
- Restoring maiden name after divorce to match older documents or personal preference.
- Personal choice to adopt a new name that feels more suitable or meaningful.
- Numerology-based name change, where people adjust spellings or adopt a new name based on numerology advice.
- Gender transition, where individuals update their name to reflect their gender identity.
- Religious conversions, where the new faith requires or encourages adopting a new name.
- Adoption or guardianship, where a child’s name changes to match their new family.
- Correction in initials, full forms, or expanded names for official clarity.
- Updating name to match identity, profession, or lifestyle, when the existing name no longer represents them.
All these reasons are legally accepted as long as the applicant completes the affidavit, newspaper publication, and Maharashtra Gazette name change process with proper documents.
Three-Step Name Change Process in Mumbai
The name change process in Mumbai has only three easy steps: making a Name Change Affidavit, publishing a Newspaper Advertisement, and applying for Maharashtra Government Gazette Notification. Once all three steps are completed, your new name becomes legally valid for all government and personal documents.
Step 1: Name Change Affidavit in Mumbai
A Name Change Affidavit is a written statement where you declare your old name, new name, address, age, and reason for change. It must be signed before a Notary or Magistrate. You need Aadhaar, PAN, birth or school certificate, and sometimes a photo. This affidavit becomes your first legal proof.
What the Affidavit Should Include
The affidavit must clearly mention your old name, new name, full address, age, and reason for name change. It should also have your signature and preferably two witnesses. After notarization, the affidavit acts as strong legal support for completing the next steps of the name change process in Mumbai.
Step 2: Newspaper Advertisement in Mumbai
After making the affidavit, you must publish your name change in two newspapers—one English and one Marathi or Hindi. The ad should mention your old name, new name, age, address, and affidavit date. Keep two original copies as they are required later for Gazette submission in Mumbai.
Common Newspapers for Name Change Ads
Mumbai applicants often choose popular newspapers. English options include Times of India, Hindustan Times, and Indian Express. Marathi newspapers like Lokmat, Loksatta, and Maharashtra Times are widely accepted. Hindi applicants usually pick Navbharat Times. These publications ensure your name change is publicly announced.
Step 3: Gazette Name Change in Mumbai
The Gazette Notification is the final and most important step. Once your name is published in the Maharashtra State Gazette, it becomes legally valid for all government IDs and official records across India. Most people apply online, while some can use the offline method, both accepted by the Maharashtra Government.
Online Gazette Name Change Process in Mumbai
The online Gazette method is the easiest and fastest way to complete the Name Change process in Mumbai. You can finish the entire procedure from home without visiting any office. Follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Visit the Official Maharashtra Government Gazette Portal
Search on Google for “Maharashtra Gazette Name Change online” and open the official government website.
This is the only authorized portal for Gazette Name Change in Mumbai and Maharashtra.
Step 2: Register and Create an Account
Create your login using:
- Mobile number
- Email ID
You will receive an OTP for verification. After this, your account gets activated.
Step 3: Fill the Online Application Form
Enter all required details:
- Old name
- New name
- Date of birth
- Aadhaar number
- Full address
- Father’s or husband’s name
- Marital status
Make sure the spelling is correct because the Gazette will publish exactly what you type.
Step 4: Upload All Required Documents
You must upload clear, scanned copies of:
- Name Change Affidavit
- Two newspaper publications
- ID proof (Aadhaar Card or PAN Card)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, electricity bill, or ration card)
- Passport-size photo (JPG/PNG)
- Scanned signature
These documents must match the details entered in the form.
Step 5: Pay the Gazette Fee
The online system shows the fee based on your option:
- Standard entry: ₹200 to ₹500
- Urgent entry: ₹1000 to ₹1500
(Fee amounts may change depending on government updates.)
Payment can be made using debit card, UPI, or net banking.
Step 6: Government Verification
A Gazette officer reviews your application and documents.
If anything is incomplete or unclear, you will receive a correction message on your dashboard or email.
After you upload the correct documents, verification continues.
Step 7: Gazette Publication and Download
Once approved, your new name is published in the next Maharashtra State Gazette issue.
You can download the Gazette PDF from your online dashboard.
This PDF is the final and official proof of your Gazette Name Change in Mumbai and can be used for updating Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, school certificates, bank accounts, and all government records.
Offline Gazette Name Change Process in Mumbai
Some people still prefer the offline method for the Name Change process in Mumbai, especially those who want physical submission. The offline process takes more time than the online method but is fully accepted by the Maharashtra Government. Follow the steps given below:
Step 1: Visit the Government Press in Mumbai
Go to the official Government Press located in the Charni Road area.
This is the authorized office for submitting offline Gazette Name Change forms.
Step 2: Collect the Name Change Application Form
Ask for the Name Change Application Form at the help counter.
This form includes fields for your old name, new name, address, affidavit details, and personal information.
Step 3: Fill All Details Correctly
Write your old name and new name carefully.
The Gazette office will print exactly what you write in the form, so ensure spelling accuracy.
Incorrect spelling may delay your Gazette Name Change in Mumbai.
Step 4: Attach the Required Documents
Attach clear photocopies of the following documents:
- Name Change Affidavit
- Two newspaper advertisements
- Passport-size photographs
- Address proof (Aadhaar, electricity bill, ration card)
- ID proof (Aadhaar Card or PAN Card)
Match all documents with the details written in the form.
Step 5: Submit the Application and Pay the Fee
Submit your completed file at the submission counter.
Pay the required Gazette fee as instructed by the officer.
The charges are generally similar to the online process.
Step 6: Verification by Gazette Office
The Gazette department checks all your details and documents.
If any correction is needed, they will inform you to revise or attach missing papers.
Step 7: Gazette Publication
After successful verification, your new name is published in the next Maharashtra State Gazette issue.
This publication is the final legal proof of your Name Change in Mumbai.
Step 8: Collect the Gazette Copy
Once your name is published, you can:
- Collect the printed Gazette copy from the office, or
- Download the Gazette PDF from the official Gazette website later
Both versions are legally valid and can be used for updating your Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, bank accounts, and all government records.
Name Change Process in Mumbai After Marriage
Many women in Mumbai choose to change or update their surname after marriage. The process is almost the same as a regular Name Change process in Mumbai, but the affidavit must include marriage-related details.
Required Details in the Marriage Affidavit
The affidavit must clearly mention:
- Husband’s full name
- Marriage date
- Marriage certificate number
- Old name and new name
- Full residential address
This affidavit serves as the first legal proof for your Name Change in Mumbai after marriage.
Steps for Name Change After Marriage
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Create a Marriage-Based Name Change Affidavit
The affidavit must state that you are adopting your husband’s surname or adding it to your existing name.
Step 2: Publish a Newspaper Advertisement
Publish your old name and new name in:
- One English newspaper
- One Marathi or Hindi newspaper
This confirms the public announcement of your name change.
Step 3: Apply for Gazette Name Change in Mumbai
Submit your affidavit, newspaper ads, ID proof, and marriage certificate.
Once approved, your new name will be published in the Maharashtra State Gazette.
After Receiving the Gazette
Once you get the Gazette notification, you can update your new name in:
- Aadhaar
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Bank accounts
- Employment records
- Insurance documents
- All government and private documents
This Gazette notification becomes the final and legal proof of your married-name update.
Name Change Process in Mumbai After Divorce
Many women choose to return to their maiden name after divorce.
This process is legally accepted across India and follows the standard procedure for Gazette Name Change in Mumbai.
Required Documents
To restore your maiden name, you must have:
- Divorce decree issued by the court
- Name change affidavit stating you wish to revert to your maiden name
- Newspaper advertisements
- Gazette name change application and documents
Steps to Change Name After Divorce
- Prepare an affidavit clearly stating you are returning to your maiden name.
- Publish your name change in two newspapers.
- Apply for Gazette publication through the online or offline method.
- After verification, your new (maiden) name will appear in the Maharashtra Gazette.
Once published, this serves as a valid legal document for updating all official records such as Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, bank accounts, and employment documents.
Name Change Process in Mumbai for Minors (Children)
If a child’s name needs to be corrected or updated, parents must follow the official Name Change process in Mumbai for minors. The procedure is similar to adults but requires parental consent and additional child-related documents.
Required Documents for Minor Name Change
Parents need to submit the following:
- Child’s Birth Certificate
- School ID or Bonafide Certificate
- Parents’ Aadhaar Card and PAN Card
- Minor Name Change Affidavit, signed by parents or legal guardians
- Newspaper advertisements announcing the name change
- Application for Gazette Name Change in Mumbai
All documents must match the child’s and parents’ details exactly to avoid delays.
Steps for Minor Name Change
- Prepare Minor Name Change Affidavit
The affidavit should clearly mention the child’s old name, new name, date of birth, parents’ details, and reason for the change. - Publish Newspaper Ads
Publish the child’s old and new name in:
- One English newspaper
- One Marathi or Hindi newspaper
This step publicly announces the child’s name change.
- Apply for Gazette Name Change in Mumbai
Submit all documents to the Maharashtra Government Gazette either online or offline. The Gazette notification is the final legal proof of the child’s new name.
After Gazette Approval
Once the Gazette publishes the child’s new name:
- The child’s school records can be updated
- Aadhaar and PAN can be corrected in the child’s name
- All future documents will reflect the updated legal name
This ensures the name is legally recognized across India and avoids mismatched records in education, banking, or government documentation.
Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in Mumbai
To complete the Name Change process in Mumbai and get your new name published in the Maharashtra Gazette, you must submit all the required documents. Missing documents can delay approval. Below is the complete list:
Mandatory Documents for All Applicants
- Name Change Affidavit signed by the applicant (or parents/guardian for minors)
- Two newspaper advertisements (one English, one Marathi or Hindi)
- Aadhaar Card for identity verification
- PAN Card
- Address Proof (electricity bill, ration card, or Aadhaar)
- Passport-size photographs
- Scanned Signature
- Gazette Application Form
Additional Documents Based on Specific Cases
- Marriage Certificate – required for married women changing or adopting their husband’s surname
- Divorce Decree – required if restoring maiden name after divorce
- Birth Certificate – required for minors whose name needs to be updated
Notes:
- Ensure all documents have matching spellings and details as entered in your affidavit and application form.
- Scanned copies must be clear and legible if submitting online.
- Retain original newspaper copies for offline submission or future verification.
These documents together form the complete legal proof required for the Gazette Name Change in Mumbai and are accepted nationwide for updating Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, bank accounts, school records, and employment documents.
Time Required for Name Change in Mumbai
The total time for completing the Name Change process in Mumbai depends on each step. Below is the estimated timeline for all stages:
Step-Wise Time Frame
- Name Change Affidavit: Usually completed on the same day with a notary or magistrate.
- Newspaper Advertisements: Takes 1 to 2 days for publication in both English and Marathi/Hindi newspapers.
- Gazette Publication:
- Standard Processing: Approximately 30 to 45 days after document submission and verification.
- Urgent Processing: Around 10 to 15 days, depending on the workload of the Maharashtra Gazette office.
- Standard Processing: Approximately 30 to 45 days after document submission and verification.
Notes:
- Online applications may be slightly faster than offline submissions.
- Any corrections in documents or missing information may delay the process.
- Keeping all documents ready and accurate ensures faster approval.
This timeline gives a clear estimate for applicants planning to update their Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, bank accounts, or school records after a Gazette Name Change in Mumbai.
Cost of Name Change in Mumbai
The total cost of the Name Change process in Mumbai depends on the method, newspaper choice, and urgency. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Step-Wise Expenses
| Item | Approximate Cost (INR) | Notes |
| Affidavit | 50 – 200 | Notary fees may vary slightly |
| Newspaper Ads | 500 – 2000 | Depends on English/Marathi/Hindi newspaper and size of the ad |
| Gazette Fee | 200 – 500 (Standard)1000 – 1500 (Urgent) | Online or offline submission |
| Average Total Cost | 800 – 3500 | Includes affidavit, ads, and Gazette fee |
Note: Minor variations may occur depending on local notary charges and newspaper rates.
Updating Documents After Gazette Notification
Once your Gazette Name Change in Mumbai is published, it serves as the final legal proof. You can use it to update your name across all important documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Voter ID
- Bank Accounts
- Insurance Policies
- School and College Certificates
- Employment Records
- Property Documents
The Gazette copy is recognized nationwide, and all government departments accept it as the strongest legal evidence for your new name.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to change names legally in Mumbai?
The legal Name Change Process in Mumbai requires three mandatory steps: preparing a notarized Name Change Affidavit, publishing the name change in two newspapers, and applying for Gazette Name Change in Mumbai. Once the Maharashtra Gazette publishes your new name, it becomes valid for Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, banks, and all government records.
2. What is the online name change process in Mumbai?
The online name change process in Mumbai is completed through the Maharashtra Government Gazette portal. You must create an account, fill the form, upload your affidavit, newspaper ads, ID proofs, and pay the fee. After verification, the e-Gazette publishes your new name, making it legally valid across India.
3. What is the name change process in Mumbai for marriage?
For marriage-related Name Change in Mumbai, prepare a marriage affidavit mentioning your husband’s name, marriage date, and reason for surname change. Publish the notice in two newspapers and then apply for the Gazette Name change in Mumbai using your marriage certificate and identity proofs to legally adopt your new married name.
4. What is the name change process in Mumbai after marriage?
After marriage, you must create an affidavit stating your old name and your new married surname, along with marriage details. Publish the information in newspapers and submit all documents to the Maharashtra Gazette. Once approved, your surname change is legally valid for all documents and government records.
5. What is the easiest way to legally change your name?
The easiest method for Name Change in Mumbai is the online Gazette process, where you apply directly on the Maharashtra Government portal. You upload your affidavit, newspaper ads, ID proofs, pay the fee, and wait for publication. This method avoids visits and provides the fastest, most convenient legal approval.
6. How much does Gazette cost in Mumbai?
The cost for Gazette Name Change in Mumbai generally includes a standard fee of 200 to 500 for normal processing and 1,000 to 1,500 for urgent processing. Additional expenses like affidavit charges and newspaper ads may increase the total cost, depending on the applicant’s chosen newspapers and notary fees.
7. Is Gazette name change mandatory?
Yes, the Gazette Name change in Mumbai is mandatory for legal validity. An affidavit and newspaper ads alone are not accepted by government departments. The Maharashtra Gazette notification serves as the final proof required to update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, bank accounts, and all important identity documents.
8. Can I change my name without newspaper publication?
No, newspaper publication is a compulsory step in the Name change process in Mumbai. The government requires two newspaper ads to confirm public announcement. Without this step, the Maharashtra Gazette will not process or approve your application, and your new name cannot be legally recognized in official documents.
9. Can I change my name after 10th or 12th?
Yes, you can change your name even after completing 10th or 12th. Once your new name is published in the Maharashtra Gazette, you can request updates for your school certificates, mark sheets, and educational records. Boards accept Gazette proof as the final legal document for name corrections.
10. How much time does the Mumbai name change process take?
The complete Name change process in Mumbai usually takes 30 to 45 days. The affidavit is done in one day, newspaper ads take one or two days, and Gazette publication depends on verification speed. Standard entries take around a month, while urgent Gazette processing may be completed faster when available.
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