Is the e-Gazette valid for Passport updates?

Yes. Since 2015, digital PDFs downloaded from the official site are legally valid everywhere, including for passports and VISA.

Can I change my name after marriage without a Gazette?

For just a surname change, a Marriage Certificate is often enough. However, for a full name change or if the certificate is unavailable, a Gazette is mandatory.

How do I update my Aadhaar after getting the Gazette?

Visit a permanent Aadhaar Center with your Gazette PDF and the original affidavit. They will scan the documents and update your name within 7–15 days.

Is it necessary to go to Delhi for Gazette notifications?

No, absolutely not! You can send your application via Speed Post to "Department of Publication (Civil Lines, Delhi)" from anywhere in the country. In 2026, most people are doing this online through professional service providers.

Is a digital copy of the e-Gazette valid everywhere?

Absolutely! The Government of India has now stopped printing physical copies. The digital PDF downloaded from the e-Gazette portal is the only legal proof and is 100% valid at the passport office, banks, and schools.

If my application is rejected, will my fees be refunded?

No, government fees paid through Bharat Kosh are non-refundable. Therefore, it is very important to double-check spelling, CD format, and documents before submitting the application.

Do I need to change old degrees/certificates after changing my name?

There is no need to change old degrees. Wherever you display your old degree, attach a copy of the Gazette Notification; both will certify your new identity.

How to Legally Change Your Name in India:
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide

In India, your name is your primary identity. Whether it is due to marriage, correcting a spelling error in educational records, or a personal choice, ensuring your name is consistent across all documents is vital. A mismatch between your Aadhaar, PAN, and Passport can lead to legal hurdles and rejected applications.

The only permanent solution to this is obtaining a gazette notification for name change. This guide explains the entire process, costs, and requirements to ensure your application is successful on the first attempt.

Why a Central Gazette for Name Change is Mandatory

While many believe a simple affidavit or a newspaper ad is enough, most government departments (like Passport offices and Banks) now strictly require a gazette name change certificate.

Key Benefits:

Global Recognition: Unlike state gazettes, the Central Gazette is accepted by embassies and international universities.

Document Correction: Essential for updating Aadhaar, PAN, and school certificates.

Lifetime Validity: Once published, gazette for name change is a permanent legal record.

The 3 Pillars of the Name Change Gazette Process

To ensure your name change gazette application isn’t rejected, you must follow these three mandatory steps:

1 Preparing the Legal Affidavit

Visit a local notary or a First Class Magistrate to draft a Name Change Affidavit. It must state your old name, new name, full address, and the reason for the change.

2 Newspaper Advertisement

Previously, the ad would appear in two newspapers, but now you’ll need to publish a public notice in your state newspaper. The ad must be written in English.

Tip: Keep at least 3-4 original copies of the full page of the newspaper.

3 Central Gazette Submission

The final and most crucial step is submitting your file to the Department of Publication (Civil Lines, Delhi). This results in the official gazette notification for name change.

Differences Between State Gazette and Central Gazette

Feature	Central Gazette	State Gazette
Publisher	Issued by the Government of India	Issued by the State Government
Acceptance	Valid throughout India	Valid only in the State
Passport/Visa	To update name in passport	Not accepted in passport
Government Jobs	For Central and State Government jobs	Only for State Government jobs
Aadhaar Centre	Update name in Aadhaar card	Not accepted in Aadhaar card
Process Time	30-45 Days	60-70 Days
Our Advice	Best for everyone	Avoid if possible

📋 Documents Required Checklist

Before submitting your file, ensure you have the following:

Original Affidavit Duly notarized and updated

Newspaper Clippings Full pages of both English and local ads

Prescribed Proforma Hard copy signed by the applicant and 2 witnesses

Digital CD/DVD Soft copy of the application in .docx (MS Word) format

Photographs Two self-attested passport-sized photos

ID Proof Self-attested copies of Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport

Payment Receipt Government fee paid via the Bharat Kosh portal

Cost and Timeframe for Gazette Name Change

Category	Estimated Timeline	Govt. Fee (Approx)
Adults (General)	30 - 45 Days	₹1,100 - ₹1,500
Minors	30 - 45 Days	₹1,700

⚠️ Common Reasons for Rejection

Many people try the gazette name change process on their own but face rejections due to minor errors. Avoid these:

Signature Mismatch: Signatures on affidavit, proforma, and ID proofs must be identical.
CD Errors: The MS Word file on the CD must exactly match the printed proforma.
Outdated Ads: Newspaper clippings must not be more than 2 months old.
Incorrect Format: Avoid using old or unapproved legal formats.

💍 Special Cases

Marriage: Women should provide their Marriage Certificate for a faster process.
Minors: For children under 18, parents must sign the affidavit on their behalf.

💳 How to Pay Your Fees?

Visit the official Bharatkosh website.

Select "Non-Registered Users" for quick payment.

Choose Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Purpose: Sale of Gadget (PAO Printing, New Delhi).

Enter amount and type "Name Change" in Remarks.

Pay via UPI, Card, or Net Banking and save the receipt.

💡 Pro-Tips from the Trenches:

Don't lose that PDF! Save the digital receipt immediately and print 2-3 extra copies for your physical file submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the online gazette valid for name changes?

Yes. The government now issues a digital gazette notification for name changes. You can download it from egazette.gov.in, and it is legally valid for all purposes, including passport, bank, and Aadhaar updates.

Can I change my name in the gazette without a lawyer?

While not legally required, a professional consultant ensures that technical details like CD formatting (MS Word file) and Bharat Kosh payment are error-free, preventing your application from being rejected.

How do I track my gazette status?

After submitting, you can track the status on the Publications Department's official website using your receipt number. The digital copy is usually published within 30 to 45 days of submission.

What documents are required for the gazette?

You need a notarized affidavit, advertisements published in two newspapers (one English and one Hindi/regional), the application form (proforma), two photographs, a copy of ID proof, and a digital CD.

Will the name change in passport and bank records be reflected after the gazette notification?

Yes, the gazette notification is the "gold standard" proof. By presenting a PDF of this, you can get your passport reissued and update your new name in bank records.

How is the fee paid on Bharat Kosh?

The fee is paid online on the bharatkosh.gov.in portal. It costs approximately ₹1,100 for adults and ₹1,700 for minors. It is important to save the receipt immediately after payment.

What details should the newspaper advertisement contain?

It should contain your old name, new name, father's/husband's name, and complete home address. Make sure you keep a copy of the entire newspaper; only clippings may be rejected.

Is the gazette required to change a minor's name?

Yes, if a child's name needs to be changed, the parents or legal guardian must apply on their behalf. The child's birth certificate must be attached to the application form.

What should be included in the digital CD?

The CD must contain the contents of your name change in .docx (MS Word) format. Witness signatures are not required; it should contain the same contents as your physical form.

What if there's a spelling error in the gazette?

If the department made the mistake, you can apply for a corrigendum. However, if the error was in your application, you will have to pay the fee afresh and repeat the process.

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How to Legally Change Your Name in India:The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide