E Gazette for Name Change: Changing your name might sound like a personal decision. It, however, requires some important steps to follow to apply for the name change officially.
An affidavit, a newspaper advertisement, and publication in the Gazette of India are generally needed to change your name in the government sector in India.
We’ll explain today the complete process for the e-Gazette for Name Change, its fees, documents needed, etc. You’ll also learn about the process to find the official notification after applying for a name change.
e Gazette for Name Change
It is the official publication of the Government of India. Officials usually publish Name-change notifications in Part IV of the Weekly Gazette of India.
The notification is useful for building a connection between the old and new name for the official records. You may be asked to submit it when updating your documents based on the organization and the goal of the change.
The applicants can download the published e Gazette for Name Change from the e-Gazette website. The government has stopped physical printing and sharing of the Gazette from October 1, 2015.
Need for e Gazette for Name Change
An affidavit or a newspaper advertisement may not be sufficient for everything in today’s world. Government departments, employers, banks, passport-related authorities, educational institutions, etc can also have their own requirements for accepting the name change.
This is therefore e Gazette for Name Change is important, as it provides an official record of the change. It can be an important part of the document for those looking for a permanent publication connecting their new name with their old name.
Common reasons behind people opting for a name change could be:
- Personal preference
- Marriage or divorce
- Addition or removal of a surname
- Astrology or personal beliefs
- Correction or modification of a name
- Change of name for a minor
- Updating official or employment records
e Gazette for Name Change: 5 Steps Process
Although applying for a e Gazette is relatively easy, it doesn’t follow the complete online process. You should therefore stay alert for such scammers. And follow this simple process:
Step 1: Prepare the Name Change Affidavit
You must initially prepare an affidavit with details for the name change.
The adult applicant should sign it. It also highlights the old and new names with all relevant details like the father’s or husband’s name and residential address. Guardians or parents should sign it for a minor.
You should ensure consistency between all records here because a small spelling mistake in your affidavit, newspaper advertisement, application, and digital copy may lead to bigger problems.
It should be prepared on non-judicial stamp paper and attested by a Notary Public based on the applicable requirements.
Step 2: Publish the Name Change Advertisement
The name change must then be advertised in any local newspaper before moving forward with the process.
The applicant’s relevant details should be highlighted in the advertisement. It would be best to include the father’s or husband’s name and residential address. The newspaper must now be forwarded to the Department of Publication.
You should keep the original newspaper with this advertisement. No one should rely on the newspaper clipping when the requirement is a full page.
A parent or guardian should make the newspaper notice for minor applicants. It should have the child’s identification details.
Step 3: Complete the Gazette File and Pay the Fee
The applicant should next prepare the prescribed proforma after publishing the name change advertisement. It can be downloaded from the official website after which the applicant and two witnesses must sign it.
A digital copy of the printout is also essential. You should therefore prepare a digital CD containing a soft copy of your application in the MS Word format without the witness portion.
You must then log in to the BharatKosh and pay the name change fee of around ₹1100 for adults and ₹1700 for minors.
Step 4: Submit the Complete Application
Documents should next be submitted to the Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi.
It can be submitted personally or via courier/post. If submitted personally, it will take around 4 weeks for e Gazette publication; if sent via Courier then it will take around 6-8 weeks.
The applicants should send these common documents:
| Documents | Details to Add |
| Affidavits | Old and new names with important details |
| Newspaper | Original newspaper advertisement |
| Application proforma | Completed and signed |
| Photograph | 2 passport-size photographs |
| ID proof | Self-attested photocopy of photo ID |
| Digital copy | Printing matter in MS Word format |
| Certificate | Confirmation that hard and soft copies are identical |
| Request letter | Application with fees |
Submitted copies will never be returned. Applicants should thus store copies of all documents without sending the originals.
Step 5: Find and Download Your Gazette Notification
The application will take around 4 to 6 weeks to process. You can then download your e Gazette for Name Change from the official website (https://egazette.gov.in/).
You must:
- Open the official e-Gazette portal and tap or click the search button
- Then click the weekly gazette
- Choose Part IV under the relevant part and section
- Select the relevant Saturday date range
- Download the relevant gazette
- Search for your new and old name with CTRL + F
- Download the Gazette on your device
The downloaded gazette can be used as a copy. It doesn’t need an official certificate from the department.
e Gazette for Name Change: Documents required
Applicants should check every detail carefully before sending the application. Your checklist should therefore have:
- Signed Affidavit or undertaking
- Original newspaper with the newspaper
- Application proforma
- Two witnesses’ signatures
- Two self-attested passport-size pictures
- Self-attested photo ID proof
- Digital copies of the printing matters
- Confirming certificates
- Request letter
- Application fee
The guardian should send different documents for minor’s applicants. They must sign the affidavit, send photographs, and other ID proof of their child and themselves.
You should also read,
CBSE Marksheet Correction Online | CBSE name correction online
Gender Change Process: How to Change Gender Legally?
How to add Surname in Passport? Without Proof
How Much Does a Gazette Name for name Change Cost?
Several components’ costs can be involved when applying for a E Gazette for Name Change. Some of the top are:
- Affidavit
- Stamp paper
- Notary charge
- Newspaper ads
- Gazette publication charge
- Printing
- Document’s preparation
- Courier charges
As discussed before, the application fee for adults is ₹1100 and ₹1700 for minors. There’s a separate amount for applicants living abroad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Delays or rejections can happen if a simple mistake happens during the application process. You should therefore avoid these common mistakes:
1. Check Every Spelling
You should write your old and new name consistently across the undertaking, newspaper advertisement, proforma, and digital copy.
2. Keep the Original Newspaper
You shouldn’t discard the newspaper after the advertisement is published in it. The original newspaper is among the top documents needed for the e-Gazette for Name Change.
3. Check the Digital Copy
The hard and soft copies should also contain the same information. A declaration confirming both versions are similar is also needed.
4. Do Not Send Incomplete Documents
You should compare the content of your folder before dispatching your application.
5. Keep Copies Before Submission
The document submitted for name change will not be returned. You should therefore keep the photocopies or scans of your completed application for reference before sending it.
How Long Does e Gazette for Name Change Take?
There isn’t a fixed processing period. It usually takes a few weeks for processing to be completed.
The request is sent to the respective Government of India Press after receiving your application. The department isn’t responsible for any potential delay in the processing.
You should avoid guarantees of claiming the same-day or next-day Central Gazette publication.
Is the e Gazette for Name Change Available Online?
Yes, you can access your Gazette publication after publication. It is easily accessible on the e-Gazette website.
Although the E Gazette for Name Change is easily available online, you should understand that the process of applying for a name change is not currently digital. The applicant must submit the application with the required documents or by post.
It is therefore important to avoid calling the entire process online.
FAQs to e Gazette for Name Change
Can I apply for a name change Gazette completely online?
No, you must submit the application to the Department of Publication personally or via post. The applicant can, however, access the Gazette notification on the official Gazette website.
How much does a Gazette name change cost?
₹1100 is needed for adults and ₹1700 for a minor name change application. There are additional costs for affidavit preparation, stamp paper, newspaper advertisement, printing, etc.
How long does it take to get a name change published in the Gazette?
Although the exact time differs, the complete process could take a few weeks to complete.
Conclusion
Filling a form isn’t enough to apply for an E Gazette for Name Change. You must perform a detailed process to change your name officially in the government’s records.
The E Gazette can easily be downloaded from the official Gazette’s website once it is published. It would take a few weeks to proceed. Careful checks are also important before submitting the application to avoid unwanted delays or rejection.