By Admin 
Changing your name is a big decision. Whether it’s due to marriage, personal choice, or any other reason, you’ll need to make it official. In India, getting your new name published in the Gazette is an important step in this process, as it gives your name change legal standing.
What is Name Change in Gazette?
A name change in the Gazette refers to the official process of changing your legal name in India by publishing the change in the government Gazette, a public journal used for official notices. This process is commonly used by individuals who wish to change their name due to personal reasons, marriage, religious conversions, or other legal purposes.
The Gazette notification ensures that your name change is recognized by government authorities, and it becomes part of the public record. It also provides legal proof of your new name, which you can use to update your name on official documents like your passport, Aadhaar card, voter ID, bank accounts, etc
Here’s a breakdown of the documents you’ll need to complete the name change process:
1. Affidavit for Name Change
The first step is to create an affidavit, which is a legal declaration of your name change. You can get this done at a notary office. The affidavit should include:
- Your current name
- The new name you want
- A reason for changing your name
Once signed and notarized, this affidavit is your official statement.
2. Identity Proof
To verify your identity, you’ll need to provide a government-issued ID. Acceptable documents include:
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
Make sure the name on your ID matches your current name.
3. Address Proof
You’ll also need to provide proof of your current address. Acceptable documents for this include:
- Utility bills (like electricity or water bills)
- Bank passbook or statement
- Ration card
- Aadhar card with the correct address
This confirms your residential details.
4. Newspaper Advertisement
Before submitting your application to the Gazette, you’ll need to publish your name change in two newspapers—one in your local language and one in English. Keep copies of both newspapers, as they are required for the application. The ad should include:
- Your old name
- Your new name
- The date of publication
- A short statement that this is a name change notice
This step makes the name change public.
5. Passport-Sized Photos
You’ll need two to three passport-sized photos, although some authorities may require more, so it’s helpful to have extras just in case.
6. Application Form
The government provides a specific application form for name changes, which can be obtained from the Department of Publication in New Delhi. Fill out this form with all your details and attach it to your other documents.
7. Demand Draft or Bank Challan
There is a fee for publishing your name change in the Gazette, usually ranging between ₹1,000 and ₹2,000. The payment is made through a demand draft or a bank challan, depending on whether you want a printed or digital copy of the Gazette.
8. Cover Letter
You will also need to write a simple cover letter addressed to the Controller of Publication. The letter should request the publication of your name change in the Gazette and list the documents you’re submitting.
What Happens Next?
After submitting all the documents, the authorities will verify your application. If everything is correct, your new name will be published in the Gazette. Once the publication is done, you can use the Gazette notification to update your name on other official documents like your PAN card, passport, bank accounts, and more.
Conclusion
- Prepare a notarized affidavit with details about your name change.
- Submit proof of identity and address to verify your information.
- Publish your name change in two newspapers before applying.
- Include a demand draft and a cover letter with your application.
Though the process sounds detailed, it’s fairly straightforward once you gather the right documents. Follow these steps, and your new name will be legally recognized in no time!