Change of name in gazette

Changing the name is an ordinary practice in India, that can be done for various reasons such as spelling mistakes in old name, name change after marriage, divorce, child adoption, name differs in school or colleges certificates, change for numerology/astrology reason, change of name of a minor child, etc. The procedure for a name change may seem lengthy, but it is quite straightforward.

With the help of this article, we will get an outline in regards to the Gazette name change

What are the steps involved in the gazette name change?

Step 1: Submission of Affidavit:

The affidavit having the following details must be signed by the applicant and attested by a Notary/Judicial Magistrate/ Oaths Commissioner:

• Applicant’s Full name 
• In the case of married women, mention father’s/ husband’s name 
• Complete residential address
• A declaration of the facts provided in the affidavit is true and correct

Step 2: Publication of Advertisement: 

After Notarizing the affidavit, the applicant needs to publish the name change in two (02) local newspapers.

• One to be published in the local official language of the State.
• Another to be published in local English Newspaper.

Generally, the newspaper office can assist the applicant with the format and other details as they have an exclusive section for name change advertisements.

Step 3: Gazette Notification: 

Notification in Gazette is necessary for government employees, and for others, it is optional. But in certain cases, a copy of the Gazette is required, such as updating the name in various certificates and id cards.

For Gazette publication, the applicant needs to approach the office of Controller of Publication, Govt. press in his State and need to furnish the following documents:

• A copy of ID proof (to be self-attested by the applicant)
• Two (02) passport size photographs (self-attested by the applicant)
• Newspaper in which advertisement for the name change is given
• An affidavit attested by Judicial Magistrate/Notary (signed by the applicant)
• A typed prescribed proforma (signed by the applicant) and two witnesses.
• CD has the print matter in MS Word (without witness portion). There must be a name typed in place of signatures.
• A certificate stating that the contents of both soft and hard copy are similar (duly signed by the applicant)
• A request letter and the amount to be paid as fees to the concerned authority

How to check the gazette name change status?

Following is the procedure to check the gazette name change status:

• Applicant must visit the Gazette of India website for checking the status, i.e. (https://egazzete.mahaonline.gov.in/FORMS/CitizenApplicationStatus.aspx)
• The page for checking the application status will open.
• Select "Change in the name" as the type of services from the drop-down menu list.
• Enter the Applicant ID and Registration Number
• Click search.

What is Gazette Name change online fees?

The charges provided for publication of Public Notice is rupees 1400/-. The amount is required to be submitted through NTRP (Non-Tax Receipt Portal, i.e., www.bharatkosh.gov.in) from 01/10/2018 onwards vide Department Order No.Cash/NTRP/2018- 9 Dated 04/10/18.