Changing your name is one of the most important personal decisions. Take the example of Sagar, a Delhi resident working in a private company. His certificates carried a spelling mistake in his surname. Because of this, he faced repeated issues during job verifications and even in his bank account.
After research, he found that the name change process in Delhi is simple, legal, and affordable through the Gazette of India. Today, thousands of people like Sagar apply every year to correct spellings, update surnames after marriage, or adopt a new name. The best part – with trusted services like Makemygazette, the process starts at just Rs 999, and you don’t need to run around government offices.
In this blog, you will get a complete step-by-step guide to name change in Delhi — eligibility, documents, procedure, fees, mistakes to avoid, and FAQs. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make your journey stress-free.
Quick Facts – Name Change in Delhi
| Fact | Details |
| Processing Time | 30–45 days (including Gazette publication) |
| Cost | Rs 999 only (service fee covering affidavit, ad & filing) |
| Authority | Gazette of India – Central Government |
| Eligibility | Any Indian citizen (adult or minor via guardian) |
| Validity | Permanent & legally accepted in Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Bank, Voter ID |
What is Name Change?
A name change means officially replacing your old name with a new one in all legal and government records. Once the process is approved, your updated name reflects everywhere – like Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, Bank Accounts, Property Papers, and Educational Certificates.
This change becomes permanent because your new name is published in the Official Gazette of India, which is the only government record that validates a name change in Delhi. Without Gazette proof, most authorities will not accept the change.
Example:
- Old Name: Priya Sharma
- New Name: Priya Verma
After Gazette publication, all government IDs and documents will use the new name Priya Verma. This makes the name change legally valid and recognized across India and abroad.
Why Gazette is Important for Name Change?
- Gazette is the only government-recognized proof of a legal name change.
- Without Gazette, updates in Aadhaar, Passport, or PAN may get rejected.
- It ensures lifetime validity and creates a permanent public record of your identity.
Why Do People Need a Name Change in Delhi?
There are many situations in which people in Delhi choose to apply for a legal name change. Some of the most common reasons include:
- Spelling mistakes in birth certificates, Aadhaar, or school records
- Marriage (women adopting husband’s surname or adding a middle name)
- Divorce (restoring maiden name or removing spouse’s surname)
- Religious conversion (changing to a spiritual or faith-based name)
- Numerology or astrology (adopting a name believed to bring success)
- Adoption cases (child getting new family surname)
- Changing surname/family name for social or cultural reasons
- Personal choice or privacy (modern lifestyle or professional needs)
Case Study: A software engineer in Delhi had a spelling mistake in his passport. When he applied for a visa, the embassy rejected his application because the documents did not match. After completing the Gazette name change process, his passport and all other IDs were corrected, and his visa was successfully approved.
Real-Life Uses of Legal Name Change
- Hassle-free job verification and background checks
- Smooth banking and property transactions
- Mandatory for foreign travel and visa applications
- Helpful in marriage/divorce legalities
- Permanent record for identity protection
Who Can Apply for Name Change in Delhi?
The name change process in Delhi is open to almost every Indian citizen, provided the reason is genuine and legal. Applicants include:
- Any adult Indian citizen (18 years & above) – for correction, marriage, divorce, or personal reasons.
- Parents/guardians applying for minors – to update or correct a child’s name in school or government records.
- Married women – wishing to adopt their husband’s surname or make corrections after marriage.
- Divorced individuals – restoring maiden name or updating official records post-divorce.
- Anyone correcting errors – spelling mistakes, missing initials, or mismatched records across IDs.
Important Note: The Gazette name change facility cannot be used for fraudulent purposes like hiding a criminal background, escaping debts, or impersonation.
In short, any genuine reason is acceptable, and once approved by the Gazette, your new name becomes legally valid across India.
Eligibility for Name Change in Delhi
To apply for a Delhi Gazette name change, you must meet the following conditions:
- Indian Citizenship – The applicant must be an Indian citizen.
- Valid Identity Proof – Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License is mandatory.
- Supporting Documents – Marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or legal orders (if applicable).
- Genuine Reason – The name change must not be for fraudulent purposes such as hiding criminal background, evading loans, or impersonation.
- For Minors – Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of children below 18 years with a valid birth certificate and ID proofs.
Pro Tip: Always keep original as well as scanned copies of your documents ready. This ensures faster approval in the name change process in Delhi.
Documents Required for Name Change in Delhi
When applying for a name change in Delhi, make sure you have the following documents:
- Aadhaar card copy
- PAN card copy
- Two to three recent passport-size photographs
- Any government ID proof with the old name (Voter ID, Passport, Driving License)
- Marriage certificate or divorce decree (if applicable)
- Birth certificate (mandatory for minors)
- Notarized affidavit for name change
- Scanned soft copies of all documents for Gazette submission
Important Tip: Keep both photocopies and digital scans of every document ready. Missing or unclear documents often lead to delays or rejection of the application.
Step-by-Step Name Change Procedure in Delhi
Changing your name legally in Delhi requires completing a few mandatory steps. Once the process is done, your new name gets published in the Gazette of India, which acts as permanent government proof. After Gazette publication, you can easily update your name in Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, Bank Accounts, and other official records.
The entire Delhi name change process is simple and follows three main steps:
Step 1: Prepare Name Change Affidavit
The first and most important step is preparing an affidavit. This affidavit acts as the legal foundation of your name change request. Without it, your application will not be accepted.
How to prepare the affidavit:
- Draft on ₹20 non-judicial stamp paper.
- Mention Old Name, New Name, Reason for change.
- Add applicant details: DOB, Father’s/Husband’s Name, Address.
- Get it notarized by a notary or magistrate.
This affidavit becomes your first official proof of the name change.
Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisement
After preparing the affidavit, the next step is to make the name change public through newspapers. This ensures transparency and gives a chance for any objections (if any).
Key requirements for newspaper ad:
- Publish in two newspapers – one English + one Hindi/local.
- Must include: Old Name, New Name, Affidavit Date, DOB, Father’s/Husband’s Name, Address, Notary Details.
- Keep the original cuttings for Gazette submission.
Tip: Always cross-check the details before printing. A single mistake can delay or reject your application.
Step 3: Gazette Notification (Final Step)
The final step is Gazette publication by the Department of Publication, Delhi. Once your name appears in the Gazette, it becomes legally valid across India.
Process for Gazette notification:
- Submit affidavit, newspaper ads, and ID proofs to the Department of Publication.
- Provide a soft copy (CD) of the name change format.
- Attach 2 self-attested photos and valid ID proof.
- Pay fee via Demand Draft (₹1,100 for adults / ₹1,700 for minors).
- Gazette publishes the new name within 30–45 days.
After Gazette approval, you can officially update your name in all government IDs and records.
With these three steps — Affidavit, Newspaper Ad, and Gazette Publication — your name change in Delhi becomes 100% legal and valid.
Timeline for Name Change in Delhi
The legal name change process in Delhi is simple but time-bound. Here’s the approximate duration of each step:
- Affidavit Preparation – Same day
- Newspaper Publication – 2 to 3 days
- Gazette Approval – 30 to 45 days
- Total Duration – Around 45 days for the complete procedure
Name Change Fees in Delhi
The cost of a legal name change in Delhi is quite reasonable compared to traditional lawyer charges. Here’s the breakdown:
- Government Fees – ₹1,100 to ₹1,500 (depending on case type)
- Our Service Fee – ₹999 (covers affidavit drafting, ad publication, and Gazette filing support)
- Total Cost – Under ₹2,500 (all-inclusive)
This is much more affordable compared to lawyer fees, which usually start from ₹5,000 and above.
Central Government Gazette Office for Delhi
The Department of Publication, Government of India manages Gazette notifications. Citizens of Delhi apply online or through the New Delhi office.
As per the Indian Constitution, every Indian has the right to choose or change their name legally, but fraudulent or criminal intent is not allowed.
Benefits of Legal Name Change in Delhi
- Legal recognition across India
- Easy Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Bank updates
- Permanent Gazette record for lifetime
- Useful for jobs, visas, property matters
- Freedom to choose your own identity
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong spelling in affidavit or newspapers
- Skipping Gazette step (invalidates change)
- Submitting expired ID proofs
- Not keeping Gazette copy for future use
- Delaying updates in Aadhaar/PAN/Bank
Special Cases of Name Change in Delhi
The name change process is almost the same for everyone, but in certain situations like marriage, divorce, minors, or NRIs, the procedure requires a few additional documents. Let’s understand each case in detail:
1. Marriage Name Change in Delhi
Many women in Delhi prefer to adopt their husband’s surname after marriage. To make it legally valid, some additional documents are needed.
- Marriage Certificate – issued by the registrar
- Joint Affidavit – signed by both husband and wife confirming the name change
- Husband’s ID Proof – Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport
This ensures that the new surname is officially recognized in all future documents like Aadhaar, PAN, and Passport.
2. Divorce Name Change in Delhi
After divorce, some individuals wish to restore their maiden name or adopt a completely new name. In such cases, legal proof of divorce is mandatory.
- Divorce Decree – certified copy from the family court
- Affidavit for Name Change – stating the reason (restoring maiden name or adopting a new one)
This allows a divorced person to legally update their name in Aadhaar, PAN, and bank records without facing disputes later.
3. Minor’s Name Change in Delhi
When parents want to change their child’s name due to spelling corrections or personal reasons, they must apply on behalf of the minor.
- Birth Certificate of the Child – issued by MCD or municipal authority
- School Records – transfer certificate, report card, etc. (if applicable)
- Parent’s ID Proof – Aadhaar/PAN of either parent
The application must be filed by the parent/guardian, and once approved, the child’s school and government records can be updated.
4. NRI Name Change in Delhi
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) who want to change their name must go through the Indian Embassy or High Commission in their country of residence.
- Affidavit/Application – attested by the Indian Embassy/High Commission
- Supporting ID Proofs – passport and Aadhaar/PAN (if available)
- Forwarding to Gazette – Embassy sends the verified documents to the Gazette of India for final approval
This ensures the name change is legally recognized in India and abroad, making it valid for visas, passports, and overseas legal work.
Also Read>> Name Change in Process Chandigarh ; how to change name in aadhar card after marriage
Online vs Offline Name Change Process in Delhi
When applying for a legal name change in Delhi, applicants can choose between the online name change process and the offline name change process. Both methods are approved by the Gazette of India, but they differ in speed, convenience, and cost.
| Factor | Online Name Change in Delhi | Offline Name Change Process Delhi |
| Convenience | Complete application from home with online submission | Must visit Delhi Gazette office personally |
| Speed | Faster processing (30–45 days) | Slower due to manual verification |
| Errors | Expert-guided process, fewer mistakes | Self-managed, higher chance of errors |
| Cost | Affordable, minimal service fees | Higher due to travel and extra expenses |
Recommendation: For most applicants, the online name change in Delhi is the best option as it saves time, reduces mistakes, and costs less. The offline method is only useful if someone prefers manual submission or faces unique requirements.
How to Book Order with Us
- Call/WhatsApp our team
- Share documents via email/WhatsApp
- Pay Rs 999 online
- We prepare affidavit, publish ads, and apply to Gazette
- You receive Gazette copy at home
Why Choose Makemygazette for Name Change in Delhi?
When it comes to legal name change services in Delhi, choosing the right platform saves both time and money. At Makemygazette, we provide a transparent, affordable, and expert-guided process to make your name change hassle-free.
Reasons to Choose Us:
- 1000+ successful name change cases completed
- Affordable pricing starting at just ₹999
- Complete online process – no office visits required
- Legal experts handle affidavit, newspaper ads, and Gazette filing
- Trusted by thousands of citizens across Delhi
Conclusion
The name change process in Delhi is 100% legal, simple, and affordable when done through the Gazette of India. With affidavit, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification, your new name becomes your permanent legal identity.
For just Rs 999, you can avoid long legal hassles and complete the gazette name change process smoothly. Whether for marriage, correction, or personal reasons – your new identity will be officially recognized across India.
With expert guidance from Makemygazette, you can finish the name change process quickly and correctly, without confusion or extra costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How to change name legally in Delhi?
To change your name legally in Delhi, follow the name change process in Delhi: prepare a notarized affidavit, publish newspaper ads, and submit for Gazette notification for name change in Delhi. Once published, your new name is legally valid across India.
Q2. How do I change my name online in MCD?
You can apply for name change in Delhi online via Makemygazette or MCD portals. Submit scanned documents, affidavit, and newspaper ad proofs for delhi gazette name change without visiting offices.
Q3. What is the procedure of name change?
The procedure of name change in Delhi involves drafting and notarizing an affidavit, publishing newspaper advertisements, and getting your new name published in the Gazette notification office in Delhi.
Q4. What is the cost of Gazette publication for name change in Delhi?
The Gazette publication for name change in Delhi costs ₹1,100–1,500 (government fee). Expert services like Makemygazette offer complete support including affidavit and newspaper ads for ₹999.
Q5. Can we change name without Gazette?
No, Gazette notification for name change in Delhi is mandatory. Without it, official IDs like Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID cannot be updated.
Q6. What documents are required for name change in Gazette of India?
Required documents for name change in Gazette Delhi: Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, birth certificate (for minors), marriage/divorce certificate (if applicable), notarized affidavit, and newspaper ad proofs.
Q7. Is Gazette valid for name change in Aadhaar card?
Yes, once your name appears in Gazette notification for name change in Delhi, it is legally valid and accepted for updating Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and bank accounts.
Q8. Who is a gazetted officer?
A gazetted officer is a government officer authorized to notarize affidavits and certify documents. For Gazette name change in Delhi, the affidavit must be signed and notarized by a gazetted officer.
Q9. How to make an affidavit for a name change?
Draft a notarized affidavit on ₹20 stamp paper mentioning your old name, new name, DOB, reason for change, and parent/spouse details. This affidavit becomes the first official proof for Delhi Gazette name change.
Q10. Can married women change their surname in Delhi?
Married women can legally adopt their husband’s surname through the Gazette name change in Delhi. Required documents include a marriage certificate and a joint affidavit confirming the name change.