Gazette Notification for Name Change Guide

Why Do You Need a Gazette Notification?

Changing your name in India is a legal process that requires official documentation. A Central Gazette Notification is the highest legal proof of name change accepted universally across India and globally. Whether you are updating your Passport, PAN Card, Aadhaar, bank accounts, or educational certificates, a Gazette notification ensures a smooth transition.

At Malik Advertising, we assist thousands of individuals annually in securing their Gazette notifications efficiently and legally.

The 3-Step Process for Name Change

The entire legal process involves three crucial steps:

Step 1: Create a Name Change Affidavit

You must draft an affidavit for your name change. This document declares your old name, new name, father's/husband's name, and address. It must state that both the old and new names refer to the same person.

• The affidavit must be printed on a non-judicial stamp paper (usually ?10 or ?20 value, depending on your state).
• It must be notarized by a notary public.
• If you are abroad, the affidavit must be attested by the Indian Embassy/High Commission.

Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisements

The government requires you to make a public announcement of your name change. You must publish an advertisement in two local daily newspapers where you reside:

• One advertisement in a leading English daily newspaper.
• One advertisement in a regional language newspaper of your state.

Note: Malik Advertising can handle this step for you entirely, ensuring the format complies perfectly with Gazette regulations, preventing rejection of your application.

Step 3: Apply to the Department of Publication

Once you have the affidavit and original newspaper tear sheets, you need to compile a docket for the Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi. The docket must include:

• Original Affidavit.
• Original newspaper cuttings of the ads.
• A prescribed proforma signed by you and two witnesses (with their ID proofs).
• Two passport-size photographs.
• A CD (Compact Disc) containing a soft copy of the matter in MS Word format.
• A certificate declaring that the contents of the CD and hard copy match.
• Self-attested photocopies of your ID and Address Proof (Aadhaar/Passport).
• Payment receipt of the requisite publication fee, typically paid online via the Bharatkosh portal.

How Long Does It Take?

After successfully submitting your complete application docket to the Department of Publication, the Gazette Notification is typically published within 3 to 4 weeks. You can download the e-Gazette online from the official Egazette website once published.

How Malik Advertising Can Help

Dealing with legal documentation and government offices can be tedious. A single spelling error or formatting mistake can lead to the rejection of your application, forcing you to start over.

Malik Advertising provides an end-to-end Gazette Notification service. We draft your affidavit, publish the newspaper ads, compile the complete legal docket, and assist with submission, ensuring a 100% success rate without the hassle.