Deciding your new name isn’t enough to change your name. You must complete the prescribed formalities to add your new name to identity documents, banking records, passports, employment records, etc.
The Change of Name in Gazette is one of the most important parts of this process. It can now be completed without visiting the government offices repeatedly. The application documents can easily be prepared and sent through the post.
The publication can also be handled by e-publishing. Keep reading to learn the complete process for a Change of Name in Gazette.
What is Change of Name in Gazette?
It is the official publication of the Government of India that records a person’s name change. Its process requires an adult applicant to complete some simple steps before the name-change notification can be published in the Gazette of India Part-IV.
A Gazette publication can be useful as documentary proof of your old and new names for updating official records. It can be used to change your name in your documents easily.
Change of Name in Gazette: Process
Step 1: Prepare the Name Change Affidavit
The applicant must initially prepare the affidavit declaring the name change. It must be printed on stamp paper and duly notarized by a Notary Public.
You must add these details to your affidavit:
- Old name
- New name
- father/husband name
- Residential address
- The reason for the name change
- Applicant or deponent’s signature
Although marriage, astrology, numerology, personal preference, etc, can be mentioned as the name change’s reason, it is not important to mention the reason unless you are modifying your surname.
Step 2: Publish the Name Change Advertisement
The applicant must then publish the name change advertisement in the leading newspaper. It should highlight all major details regarding the name change. You must also send the newspaper in which the advertisement is published to the Department of Publication in original.
The details to add in a newspaper advertisement’s are:
- Old name
- New name
- Father’s or husband’s name
- Residential address
- Reason for the change of name
The application must importantly preserve the original newspaper, as it is among the essential documents for a Change of Name in Gazette.
Step 3: Pay the Gazette Publication Fee
The applicant has to next pay the applicable fee for Change of Name in Gazette. The payment must be made through BharatKosh (previously known as the Non-Tax Receipt Portal (NTRP)).
The application fee for adults is ₹1100 and for minors is ₹1700. The cost also differs for people living in another country.
Step 4: Prepare the Gazette Application
You must now prepare the required documents for the name change after preparing the affidavit, newspaper advertisement, and doing payment.
The common required documents are:
- Applicant’s signed Undertaking/affidavit
- Original newspaper
- Duplication of the prescribed proforma
- Applicant’s and two witnesses’ signatures
- CD containing the required printing matter in MS Word
- 2 self-attested passport-size photos
- Certificate to confirm that the soft and hard copies have the same information
- Request letter
- Payment receipt
A computer-typed prescribed proforma is needed. The soft copy should, however, contain printing data without the witnesses’ part.
Step 5: Send the Documents to the Department of Publication
The completed application should now be sent to the Department of Publication by post or courier to this address:
Controller of Publications
Department of Publication
Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054
A request letter and photo ID proof should be sent with these documents. Advocates or agents cannot submit the application in this manner. You should post or courier it if you want to continue the name change’s process smoothly.
The department later forwards the request to the respective Government of India Press after receiving your completed application.
How to Download Change of Name in Gazette?
The Gazette can be easily downloaded through the online process with these easy steps:
- You must first visit the e-Gazette website.
- Select the Weekly Gazette category.
- Tap on Part IV under Part and Section.
- You must next opt for the relevant Saturday-to-Saturday date range and download the required PDF.
- Search for your old and new name by pressing CTRL + F on your PC.
- You can finally download your e-Gazette after finding it.
The government has, however, ceased the distribution and printing of the physical Gazette from October 1, 2015, to move the system to e-publishing. You can therefore only access the name change Gazette through the online process.
Documents Required for Gazette Name Change
The common documents needed for a change of Name in Gazette are:
| Documents | What to add |
| Affidavit or undertaking | Signed and duly notarized |
| Newspaper | Original newspaper with ads |
| ID proof | Self-attested copy with old name |
| Photographs | 2 self-attested passport-sized photos |
| Application proforma | Two typed copies |
| Witnesses details | 2 witnesses’ signatures |
| Soft copy | CD with printing matter |
| Certificate | Confirm soft copy and hard copy have the same information |
| Request letter | Letter with application |
| Fees submission proof | Payment receipt |
You should ensure that the soft and hard copies have the same information because it may lead to rejection.
How Long Does Gazette Name Change Take?
Although the exact time for a Gazette name change differs, it usually takes around 30 to 60 days based on certain factors.
Incomplete documents, mistakes, postal delays, etc, are some of the top factors affecting the time. Applicants should avoid thinking that every Gazette will be published within 30 days. They must wait for a few weeks to get the Gazette.
What Are the Common Reasons for Changing a Name?
1. Marriage
Women applicants usually change their name after getting married. They often decide to adopt her husband surname.
2. Divorce
An applicant decides to adopt their maiden name after divorce.
3. Astrology or Numerology
Astrology or numerology beliefs are some common reasons for adopting a new name.
4. Religious Conversion
Some people also change their name after a religious conversion. It, however, needs an extra declaration based on some factors.
5. Gender Change
A few people also perform name change after changing their gender.
6. Personal preferences
Some people also opt for a different name because they don’t like their old name.
Who Can Apply for Change of Name in Gazette?
The applicant should be at least 18 years old. They should have a valid ID proof with the old name. If you have one or more names, you should provide ID proofs with those names.
The process is, however, different for minors. A parent or guardian must perform it on behalf of a child. Minors cannot independently be applicant and sign their application. The guardian and child’s documents are also necessary for a minor’s application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A small mistake can also create problems in document processing. You should therefore avoid these errors:
-
Check Every Spelling
You should keep your old and new name’s spelling consistent across the affidavit, newspaper advertisement, application form, etc.
-
Check the Digital Copy
The prescribed format should be followed in the soft copy. You must therefore ensure that the required printing matter is correctly prepared before inserting to the CD.
-
Send the Original Newspaper
Don’t send the newspaper cutting because the original newspaper is sometimes required.
-
Keep Copies Before Submission
The department will not return the submitted documents. You should therefore keep copies of the original documents as a reference before sending them.
FAQs to Change of Name in Gazette
What is a Gazette notification for name change?
It is an official document to record anyone’s name change in the Gazette of India. It is also documentary proof for updating the names in the government’s documents.
Is a newspaper advertisement required for a Gazette name change?
Yes, the applicant must advertise the name change in one of the leading newspapers before sending the application to the Department of Publication.
What documents are required for a Gazette name change?
The affidavit, original newspaper, prescribed proforma in duplicate, photographs, self-attested ID proof, CD with the required printing matter, certificate, request letter, and fee receipt are the common documents needed for a name change in the Gazette.
Can I apply for a Gazette name change from home?
Yes, you can apply for it from your home by sending applications through the courrier. You aren’t therefore needed to visit the department personally.
How long does a Gazette name change take?
The processing period may take around 30 to 45 days. The exact time may differ based on processing and publication.
Conclusion
Several documents and steps are involved in Change of Name in Gazette. The right steps in the correct order make the process smoother. You should therefore perform the complete procedure correctly to avoid any delay or rejection in the process.
The Gazette adds your new name to the officially in India. It also helps you update your name conveniently in the official documents. The notification can be easily accessed through e-publishing.
Although the process can sometimes be completed within 30 days, it may take up to 45 days to be completed. You should therefore wait for a few minutes to let the department complete the process.
Deciding your new name isn’t enough to change your name. You must complete the prescribed formalities to add your new name to identity documents, banking records, passports, employment records, etc.
The Change of Name in Gazette is one of the most important parts of this process. It can now be completed without visiting the government offices repeatedly. The application documents can easily be prepared and sent through the post.
The publication can also be handled by e-publishing. Keep reading to learn the complete process for a Change of Name in Gazette.