Gazetted Name Change Service

Legally change your name with official Gazette notification - accepted by all government and private institutions across India

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Gazetted Name Change Service

Changing your name in India is more than just a personal decision — it's a legal process that requires official documentation, public declaration, and government approval. Whether you're changing your name after marriage, for religious reasons, gender transition, or personal preference, one of the most important steps is publishing your name change in the Official Gazette of India.

The Gazetted Notification for Name Change is the final and most authoritative proof that your new name is legally recognized by the Government of India. It's accepted by banks, passport offices, universities, employers, and international authorities.

What Is a Gazetted Notification?

A Gazetted Notification is an official public announcement published in the Rajya Sabha Gazette or Central Gazette of India, issued by the Department of Publication, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

When you change your name, the Gazette serves as official proof that:

  • You have voluntarily changed your name
  • The change is legal and recognized
  • It has been publicly declared
  • All government and private institutions must accept it

Why Is Gazette Publication Important?

While you can change your name informally, only a Gazetted Notification gives it full legal validity.

Here's Why You Need It:

Legal Recognition - Courts, police, and govt. bodies accept Gazette as proof
Bank & Financial Updates - Banks require Gazette copy to update account names
Passport & Visa Applications - Required for name mismatch in documents
Employment & Promotions - Employers need legal proof for HR records
Property & Legal Documents - Required for sale deeds, wills, and inheritance

Without Gazette publication, you may face rejections, delays, or suspicion when updating official documents.

Who Needs a Name Change in Gazette?

Almost anyone can change their name — but not everyone knows they need Gazette publication. Here are the most common categories:

1

After Marriage

From Priya Sharma to Priya Mehta. Required for passport, PAN, and bank updates.

2

After Divorce

From Anjali Kapoor to Anjali Verma. Especially important if divorced or widowed.

3

Transgender Persons

Changing name and gender. Gazette is mandatory for gender change in official records.

4

Religious Change

From Rahul to Anand Swami. Common among monks, nuns, or devotees.

5

Name Correction

From Sneha to Snigdha. To match pronunciation or cultural spelling.

6

NRIs/OCIs

Need Gazette for name updates in Indian documents. Accepted by embassies abroad.

There's no restriction on name changes in India as long as it's not for fraud, evasion, or illegal purposes.

Legal Basis for Name Change

India does not have a single central law for name change, but the process is legally valid under:

  • The Constitution of India - Article 19(1)(a): Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression includes the right to choose your name.
  • The Gazette of India Act, 1899 - Governs the publication process and gives Gazette notifications legal standing.
  • Indian Evidence Act, 1872 - Gazette entries are public documents and admissible in court.
  • Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 & Special Marriage Act, 1954 - Allow women to change surnames after marriage.
  • Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 - Recognizes right to self-perceived gender and name change.

You don't need court permission for a simple name change — only affidavit + newspaper + Gazette.

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change

Complete Checklist:

Affidavit on Stamp Paper (₹10–₹100) - Notarized with old & new name, reason, address
Newspaper Publication - Scanned copy from two newspapers (one local, one national)
Identity Proof - Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID (PDF)
Address Proof - Aadhaar, Electricity Bill, Rental Agreement (PDF)
Passport-Sized Photo - Clear, white background (JPEG)
Marriage Certificate (if applicable) - For married name changes (PDF)
Application Form (Form I) - Download from Gazette portal (PDF)

All documents must be clearly scanned (max 2 MB each) in PDF or JPEG format.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Drafting the Affidavit

An affidavit is a sworn statement declaring your name change.

How to Draft It:

  • Buy non-judicial stamp paper (₹10–₹100, varies by state)
  • Write the affidavit with the required content (see template below)
  • Get it notarized by a Notary Public or Oath Commissioner
AFFIDAVIT FOR CHANGE OF NAME

I, [Old Full Name], son/daughter/wife of [Father's Name], resident of [Full Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:

  1. My present name is [Old Full Name].
  2. I have decided to change my name to [New Full Name] with effect from [Date].
  3. The reason for the change is [Marriage / Personal Preference / Religious Reasons / Gender Transition].
  4. I shall henceforth be known as [New Full Name] in all official and personal matters.
  5. This change is not intended to defraud or evade any legal obligation.

Solemnly affirmed at [City] on this [Date].

Signature: __________
Name: [Old Full Name]
Thumb Impression (if illiterate)

Step 2: Newspaper Publication

You must publish your name change in two newspapers:

  • One local newspaper (in your city/district)
  • One national newspaper (English or regional language)

Recommended Newspapers:

National
  • The Hindu
  • Times of India
  • Hindustan Times
  • Indian Express
Local
  • Mumbai Mirror
  • Bangalore Mirror
  • Amar Ujala
  • Dainik Bhaskar

Cost: ₹500–₹2,000 per newspaper

Content to Publish:

Name Change Notice
I, [Old Name], resident of [Address], have changed my name to [New Name] with immediate effect. All previous references to [Old Name] shall now be read as [New Name].

Save scanned copies of the published notice (with date and newspaper name visible).

Step 3: Apply for Gazette Notification

Submit your application online via the e-Gazette Portal:

1

Visit Website

Go to egazette.gov.in and click "Online Application for Name Change"

2

Register/Login

Create account with email and mobile, verify via OTP

3

Fill Form I

Enter personal details and upload all required documents

4

Pay Fee

General: ₹1,500 | SC/ST: ₹500 | Transgender: ₹500

5

Submit & Track

Note Application ID and track status online

6

Download PDF

Once published, download digitally signed Gazette PDF

Need Help With Your Gazette Application?

Our experts can handle the entire process for you - from affidavit drafting to Gazette publication.

Get Professional Assistance

Special Cases

Name Change After Marriage

Documents Needed:

  • Affidavit
  • Marriage Certificate (registered)
  • Newspaper publication
  • Husband's Aadhaar (optional)
  • Passport-sized photo

Tips:

  • You can keep your maiden name in PAN and change only in passport
  • Gazette is mandatory for passport name update

Name Change for Transgender Persons

Additional Documents:

  • Transgender Certificate (from DM)
  • Gender Change Affidavit
  • Medical Certificate (optional)

Benefits:

  • Update gender and name in all IDs
  • Apply for Transgender ID Card
  • Access welfare schemes

Name Change After Divorce or Widowhood

Required:

  • Divorce Decree or Death Certificate
  • Affidavit stating reversion to maiden name
  • Newspaper publication

You don't need court permission — just legal documents.

NRI Name Change Process

NRIs can apply from abroad:

  • Draft affidavit (notarized by Indian Consulate)
  • Publish in Indian newspapers (via relatives or agencies)
  • Apply online at egazette.gov.in
  • Pay fee via international card

Gazette PDF will be emailed — use it to update OCI, passport, and property records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Gazette mandatory for name change?

Yes, for legal recognition across all institutions.

Can I change my name multiple times?

Yes, but frequent changes may raise suspicion.

How long does it take?

15–30 days (online).

Can I change my child's name?

Yes, with birth certificate and parental consent.

Is the Gazette valid internationally?

Yes, accepted by embassies and immigration.

Can I apply without a lawyer?

Yes, but consultants reduce errors.

Book a Free Consultation with a Name Change Expert

As a certified legal documentation consultant, I've helped over 3,500 clients successfully change their names — from brides to transgender individuals to NRIs.

I offer:

  • Ready-made affidavit templates
  • Newspaper publication assistance
  • Gazette application filing
  • Document correction & tracking
  • Post-Gazette support (PAN, passport, bank updates)

Ready to Legally Change Your Name?

Get expert guidance for a smooth, error-free process.

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