Changing your name is both a personal decision and a legal step. Many people choose to change their names after marriage, to fix spelling mistakes, or for personal, professional, or religious reasons. A name represents identity, and keeping it accurate across all records is essential.
In India, to make your new name legally valid everywhere, you need to publish a Gazette Notification for Name Change. Once published, it becomes the official proof accepted by all government departments, banks, and institutions for updating your name in every document.
What Is a Gazette Notification for Name Change?
A Gazette notification is an official announcement made by the Government of India through its publication, the Gazette of India, or by the respective State Gazette.
It is a legal record that confirms your old name and your new name. Once your notification is published, your new name becomes valid in all government and legal records.
Example
If your old name is Riya Sharma and you want to change it to Riya Kapoor, the Gazette notification will legally declare this change. From that day, you can use Riya Kapoor on all your official documents.
There are two types of gazettes in India:
- Central Gazette (Department of Publication, Government of India): Valid across India.
- State Gazette: Published by individual states, valid within that state only.
For wider recognition, most people prefer publishing their name change gazette in the Central Gazette of India.
Why Is the Gazette Name Change Important?
Publishing your name change in the Gazette is essential for the following reasons:
- It serves as official legal proof of your new name.
- It is required when updating your Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or bank account.
- It helps in employment verification, property records, and educational certificates.
- It prevents confusion and rejection when your old and new names do not match across documents.
Without Gazette publication, your name change remains incomplete under Indian law.
The Complete Name Change Process
The name change process involves three main stages:
- Preparing an affidavit
- Publishing your name change in newspapers
- Submitting an application for Gazette notification
Below is a detailed explanation.
Step 1. Prepare a Name Change Affidavit
An affidavit is a written statement on stamp paper declaring your old name, new name, and reason for change.
You can make it on a ₹10 or ₹20 stamp paper and get it signed by a notary or magistrate.
Your affidavit should include:
- Your old name and new name
- Full address
- Date of birth
- Reason for name change (for example, marriage, spelling correction, religion, etc.)
- Declaration that both names belong to the same person
Keep at least three photocopies of the signed affidavit for your records.
Step 2. Publish the Change in Two Newspapers
Next, you must publish your name change notice in two local newspapers:
- One in English (for example, The Times of India, Hindustan Times)
- One in your regional language (for example, Dainik Bhaskar, Eenadu, etc.)
The newspaper notice must contain:
- Your old name and new name
- Your full address
- Date and place of the affidavit
- A short statement that both names refer to the same person
Keep one full newspaper copy from each publication, as you will need them later for the Gazette application.
Step 3. Apply for Gazette Notification for Name Change
After completing the first two steps, you must apply for Gazette publication through the Department of Publication (for the Central Gazette) or your State Gazette office.
There are two ways to apply:
- Online (Central Gazette of India website)
- Offline (Submit forms physically to the publication office in Delhi)
Documents Required for Gazette Name Change
| Document | Description |
| Duly filled application form | Available on the Gazette website |
| Name change affidavit | Notarized and signed |
| Newspaper publication copies | One English and one local language |
| ID proof | Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport |
| Address proof | Utility bill, voter ID, etc. |
| Passport-size photos | Usually two copies |
| Digital signature (for online) | Optional but useful |
| Payment receipt | For online fee submission |
Step 4. Gazette Verification and Publication
After you submit your application, the Gazette department verifies your documents.
Once approved, your name change notice is published in the next available Gazette edition.
You will receive:
- An acknowledgment slip
- A Gazette publication number
- A PDF copy of your Gazette notification (available for download)
This Gazette copy is your permanent legal proof of your new name.
Gazette Name Change Fees and Duration
| Type of Name Change | Average Government Fees | Estimated Duration |
| General name change | ₹900 – ₹1,100 | 30–45 days |
| After marriage | ₹1,100 – ₹1,500 | 45–60 days |
| Correction or spelling error | ₹850 – ₹1,000 | 30 days |
These amounts are indicative and may differ based on whether you apply online or offline.
How to Publish a Name Change Gazette Notification After Marriage
Many women change their surnames after marriage or add their husband’s name. To make this change legally valid, you need to publish a name change gazette notification through the Official Gazette of India. This step ensures that your new name is officially recognized by all government departments and institutions.
Additional Documents Required:
- Marriage certificate (original or copy)
- Husband’s ID proof
- Joint photo (optional but sometimes required)
Once your name change gazette notification is published, you can easily update your name in Aadhaar, PAN, bank accounts, and other official records to reflect your new identity.
Gazette Name Change After Divorce or Religion Change
If you revert to your maiden name after divorce or adopt a new name after converting religion, the Gazette notification makes it legally valid.
You must attach:
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Affidavit for religion change (if applicable)
- Identity and address proof
These are treated as special cases but follow the same Gazette procedure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Name Change Process
- Mismatch between name in affidavit and newspaper notice
- Missing or unsigned affidavit pages
- Submitting unclear or old photographs
- Applying without complete address proof
- Not checking Gazette status after submission
Even a small spelling error can delay your Gazette publication. Always double-check your documents before submission.
How to Check Gazette Name Change Status
If you have applied for a name change in the Official Gazette of India, you can easily track your Gazette name change status online.
For Online Applications:
- Visit the Gazette of India website.
- Log in using your registered email ID or user credentials.
- Go to the “Status/Check Application” section.
- Enter your Acknowledgment Number or application details.
- The portal will show whether your name change gazette notification has been processed or is still under review.
For Offline Applications:
If you submitted your documents physically, you can:
- Contact the Department of Publication (Government of India) in New Delhi, or
- Check the latest Gazette releases on the official website under the “Weekly/Extraordinary Gazette” section.
How to Download Your Gazette Copy Online
Once your name change gazette notification is officially published, you can download your Gazette copy directly from the Government of India website.
Steps to Download:
- Go to egazette.gov.in.
- Click on the “Search Gazette” or “e-Gazette” tab.
- Choose the part and section under which your notification is published (usually Part IV for name changes).
- Enter your old and new name in the search box and click Search.
- Download the PDF copy of your Gazette notification.
Pro Tip:
Keep both a digital and printed copy of your Gazette safely. You will need it whenever you update your name in Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, bank accounts, or any other official records.
How to Update Your New Name in Official Documents
After receiving your Gazette notification, you can start updating your name across documents.
| Document | Where to Update | Process |
| Aadhaar card | UIDAI portal or nearest Aadhaar center | Submit Gazette + ID proof |
| PAN card | NSDL or UTIITSL portal | Apply for PAN correction |
| Passport | Passport Seva Kendra | Submit Gazette + affidavit |
| Bank account | Branch office | Give copy of Gazette and ID proof |
| Driving license | RTO office | Apply for correction with Gazette proof |
This ensures your new name appears everywhere without any mismatch.
Sample Name Change Affidavit Format
Below is a simple format you can use for your affidavit:
AFFIDAVIT FOR NAME CHANGE
I, [Old Name], aged [Age] years, residing at [Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows:
- That my name has been recorded as [Old Name] in all my documents.
- That I have changed my name from [Old Name] to [New Name] for personal reasons.
- Henceforth, I shall be known as [New Name] for all official and legal purposes.
Declared at [City] on this [Date].
(Signature)
[Old Name] / [New Name]
MakemyGazette – Your Trusted Legal Name Change Partner
Sometimes, updating your Aadhaar or PAN is not enough. To make your new name legally valid everywhere, you must publish it in the Official Gazette of India. A Gazette Notification for Name Change is the final legal proof accepted by all government departments, banks, and institutions.
This is where MakemyGazette helps you.
MakemyGazette is a trusted online platform that assists individuals with the complete name change process — from preparing the affidavit to publishing your name in the Gazette. The service ensures that your Gazette Name Change is simple, fast, and 100% legal without visiting any government office.
How MakemyGazette Helps You
- Prepare your legal name change affidavit
- Manage your Gazette Notification application
- Publish your newspaper advertisements
- Represent your file at the Gazette of India office
- Handle document pickup and delivery
- Provide your Gazette Certificate in both PDF and printed form
MakemyGazette simplifies the entire name change process so that you can focus on what matters, while we take care of the paperwork and legal formalities.
Final Thoughts
Changing your name through the Gazette is the most trusted and legally valid method in India.
Whether you are updating your name after marriage, correcting a spelling mistake, or adopting a new identity, following the Gazette name change process ensures your documents remain accurate and accepted everywhere.
If you want professional assistance, MakeMyGazette can help you prepare your affidavit, newspaper ads, and Gazette submission online. This saves time, avoids errors, and makes the process completely hassle-free.
Your name is your identity. Make sure it is updated the right way — legally, clearly, and permanently through the Gazette Notification for Name Change.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Gazette Notification enough for name change?
Yes. The Gazette notification is the final and legal proof of your name change in India. Once your new name appears in the Government Gazette, you can update it in Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and all legal documents without any further verification.
Q2. What is Gazette Notification for name change in Aadhaar?
A Gazette notification for name change in Aadhaar is an official document published by the Government of India confirming your new name. It is required along with your affidavit and ID proof to legally update your name in the Aadhaar database.
Q3. What is a Gazette Notification?
A Gazette notification is an official government publication that announces legal changes such as name change, company notices, or government orders. For individuals, it serves as legal evidence that the person’s name has been officially changed and recognized.
Q4. How can I change my name in Gazette of India?
To change your name in the Gazette of India, prepare a name change affidavit, publish the change in two newspapers, and apply online or offline to the Department of Publication. After verification, your new name is officially published in the Government Gazette.
Q5. Why is Gazette required after marriage?
The Gazette notification after marriage legally confirms your new name or surname change. Married women often publish their name change in the Gazette to update it in Aadhaar, PAN, bank accounts, and other legal records. It serves as valid proof across India.
Q6. What is the proof of name change in India?
The Gazette of India publication is the main legal proof of name change in India. Along with the name change affidavit and newspaper publication, the Gazette acts as government-verified confirmation that your new name is officially valid everywhere.
Q7. How long does the Gazette name change process take?
The Gazette name change process usually takes 30 to 45 days after document submission. Once verified, your name appears in the official Gazette copy, which you can download online and use as proof for updating all your legal documents.
Q8. What documents are required for Gazette name change?
The required documents include a notarized name change affidavit, two newspaper publications, identity and address proof, passport-size photos, and a completed Gazette application form. These are necessary for both online and offline name change applications in the Gazette of India.
Q9. Can I apply for Gazette name change online?
Yes. You can apply online through the official Gazette of India portal by uploading your affidavit, ID proofs, newspaper publications, and paying the fee. Once approved, your new name will appear in the e-Gazette PDF available for download.
Q10. Is Gazette name change mandatory for updating government documents?
Yes. Gazette publication is mandatory for legally updating your name in government records such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or voter ID. Without the Gazette notification, your name change will not be officially accepted by government authorities.