What is Gazette Notification for Name Change?

April 22, 2025

Changing your name officially in India involves more than just a personal decision—it requires a legal procedure to ensure your new name is recognized across all official records. One of the most important steps in this process is publishing a Gazette Notification. In this blog, we’ll explain what a gazette notification is, why it’s necessary for a name change, and how you can get it done.

What is a Gazette Notification?

A Gazette Notification is an official government publication used to make public announcements. It is issued by the Department of Publication, Government of India, and is legally recognized as an official record. When you publish your name change in the Gazette, it serves as public and legal proof that your name has been officially changed and is accepted by government authorities.

Why is Gazette Notification Important for Name Change?

Publishing your name change in the Gazette is a crucial step for the following reasons:

✅ Legal Proof: It acts as valid legal evidence of your new identity.
✅ Acceptance by Authorities: It is accepted by various government departments, banks, educational institutions, and other organizations.
✅ Updates Across Documents: It helps in updating your new name in documents like Aadhaar Card, Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, etc.
✅ Public Record: It informs the public and prevents identity confusion or fraud.

Who Needs Gazette Notification for Name Change?

Gazette notification is required in cases such as:

Personal name change (due to marriage, divorce, numerology, personal choice, etc.)
Spelling correction in name
Change of surname
Name change after religious conversion
Name change for minors (with parental consent)
Name change for government employees (mandatory as per rules)

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change

To apply for a name change gazette notification, you’ll need the following documents:

Affidavit for Name Change – A notarized affidavit stating the reason for the name change.
Newspaper Advertisement – A copy of the ad published in a local and national newspaper.
Name Change Application Form – Properly filled application addressed to the Department of Publication.
Identity Proof – Copy of Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or any government-issued ID.
Passport-size Photographs
CD (Soft Copy) – A soft copy of the name change details in a prescribed format (for publication use).
Demand Draft/IPO – Fee payment in the form of a demand draft or Indian Postal Order.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Gazette Notification

Here’s a simple guide to get your name changed through Gazette notification:

Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit

Create a notarized affidavit mentioning:

Your old name
Your new name
Reason for name change
Your complete address and age

Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisement

Publish an ad announcing your name change in one local newspaper and one national newspaper. The advertisement should include:

Old name
New name
Date of birth
Address
Declaration of name change

Step 3: Submit Application for Gazette Notification

Prepare the application file with all the necessary documents mentioned above. Send it by post or submit it personally to:

The Controller of Publications, Department of Publication,
Civil Lines, Delhi-110054

Step 4: Pay the Gazette Fee

Pay the applicable fee through DD/IPO. The charges vary based on whether you want a public or private advertisement in the Gazette.

Step 5: Publication in Gazette

After successful submission, your name change will be published in the Official Gazette of India, and you will receive a copy of the notification as proof.

How Long Does It Take?

The Gazette name change process usually takes about 30 to 45 working days, depending on the submission method, document verification, and workload of the department.

How to Download Gazette Notification?

You can download your name change notification by visiting the official website:
👉 egazette.nic.in

Follow these steps:

Select “Weekly Gazette”
Choose the appropriate date range
Search by your name
Download the PDF of your name change entry

Is Gazette Notification Mandatory for Everyone?

While it’s mandatory for government employees, even private individuals are advised to get a gazette notification to:

Ensure smooth update in all government and legal records
Avoid identity issues in the future
Establish a valid legal proof of the name change

Conclusion

Changing your name is a significant personal decision, and getting it legally recognized is essential. A Gazette Notification for a name change is not just a formality—it’s your official declaration to the world. By following the legal process correctly and maintaining proper documentation, you can ensure your new identity is recognized everywhere.

Legal Mentor