Name Change in Ration Card: Officially issued by the state governments in India, Ration Card is a special document that makes households eligible to buy necessary goods like wheat, rice, sugar, and cooking oil. In fact, it is intended to help families with lower income to get food at fair price.
The purpose of doing is to provide food security to the eligible families. Moreover, a ration card is a specialized identity card that allows many families to access government welfare programs and financial aid. Besides this, it acts as a proof of residence too.
Name change in Ration card
So, if you want a name change in the ration card, it is important to note that the alteration is only possible through the Gazette Notification.
There is a possibility that you may come across scams promising name change with some photo IDs. But, don’t fall in trap and take assistance from experienced lawyer.
Ration card name change application, documents

If you want to proceed for Ration card name change online application, then you need to have the following documents;
- ID Proof with Correct name
- Ration Card with Old name
- Gazette notification for name change
- Passport-size photo
Applicants do have the first and second requirements discussed above, but the problem lies with the Gazette notification for name change. Applicants visit their local court and Tehsils but still don’t find any relevant guidance most of the time.
So in this post, now, I will tell you the exact step by step process of getting it done from your home.
Ration Card Name Change Gazette Notification

Announced publicly, the Gazette Notification is officially published by the Government of India. Indeed, it is a powerful document that provides extensive legal authority for name alterations and new laws.
The gazette notification acts as a permanent, undeniable legal proof required by authorities to update identification documents and prevent any kind of scams. So, a change in name on the Ration Card is done through this procedure. It tends to place your details in official public record.
Besides this, the methodical verification essentialized before publication signifies that name changes in the documents without any problem. The process is substantiated and it helps in averting frauds that may happen in your name.
It is mandatory to note that the no government or private institute will accept identity updates without Gazette Notification. The main reason for doing so is to avoid any type of legal issues in the future.
List of Documents Needed for Name Change Gazette
In the matter of applying for name change in Ration Card, you have to go through Gazette Notification of India. So, you are required to present specific documents in a consolidated gazette file. Following are the documents needed:
- Affidavit signed by First-class Magistrate
- Newspaper Advertisement
- Application Letter to Authorities
- Two Witness Photo IDs
- Compact Disc (CD)
- CD Certificate
Gazette Notification for Name Change Process:
The Gazette Notification process allows you to change your name and validate it throughout the country. This is a highly structured process, necessitating you to follow legal steps.
This structured guide will assist you in understanding the complete procedure and the authority’s documentational needs.
1. Affidavit for Changing Name:
It is imperative to get an affidavit drafted, which should contain your old name, valid reason for name change, complete address, and your new name. After preparing the affidavit, you have to get it attested by a First-class magistrate.
2. Newspaper Advertisement:

Then, you have to give an advertisement in a local newspaper and inform general public about your name change. It should include your old name, new name, and complete address.
The purpose of notifying people through an advertisement in the newspaper is to ensure that your old name is not used for any unauthorized tasks.
3. Preparing Gazette Notification File
If you wish to get your gazette notification file done properly, it is necessary to take guidance from an experienced lawyer. The gazette notification carries documents such as:
- Application Letter: In this letter, you have to request the authorities for changing and validating your new name. It has details about your old name, reason behind changing name, full address, and the new name.
- Two Witnesses Photo IDs: These are the valid Photo IDs of the witnesses who are willing to support and authenticate your name change. It could be an Aadhaar card, Voter ID Card, Passport, or PAN Card.
- Copy of Witness’s Performa: These are the self-attested photocopies of the IDs provided by your two witnesses.
- CD (Compact Disc): It is a digital version of the matter in the affidavit, which needs to be published in the gazette. By using the information on this CD, the authorities will update your details on their system.
- CD Certification: It verifies that the content present in the CD and the signed affidavit are the same. If there is any mismatch, the applicant will be held liable.
The Gazette Notification of India is the most important option for altering your name in the Ration Card. Without this, your application for name change will not be accepted.
4. Fee Payment and Submission:

When the gazette file gets ready, you have to pay a fee of Rs. 1100 for the adults and Rs. 1700 for the minors through BharatKosh. After making the payment, just take the receipt and include it in the Gazette Notification file.
After organizing the file and paying the fee, you can submit it at the Publication Department of India in New Delhi by visiting the office in person. If you are living far from the New Delhi office, the file can be sent through registered post.
After your gazette is published on the official e Gazette website, you can take the printout of the page showing your corrected name and apply for changing name in Ration Card online.
How to change name in Ration card online?

Step 1: Firstly, you have to log in to the specified state department’s official website (Google it with your state name) with your registered mobile number.
Step 2: Locate the Name Change form under the amendment of the ration card link.
Step 3: Enter your new name and other important details carefully. Thoroughly check the details twice after filling the form.
Step 4: Upload the scanned copies of documentary proofs, including the Gazette Notification of India’s printout and address proof.
Step 5: Also, you have to upload your passport-size photograph. It should be taken with a white background.
Step 6: Thoroughly check the details and the uploaded documents.
Step 7: Now, submit the form and save the acknowledgement or reference slip sent to your email. Just ensure that the correct email address is registered while filling the form.
Now that the form with documents is submitted online, you will receive your updated ration card at the registered address within 15 to 30 days.

