Detailed instructions
Government Gazette Name Change Notification India: e-Gazette Steps, Fee and Documents
A Gazette notification is the standard legal method for officially recording a name change in India. Once published in the Official Gazette, the notification is accepted by EPFO, passport offices, the income tax department, banks, insurance companies, and most courts as conclusive proof of your new name.
Who needs a Gazette notification
A Gazette notification is required when you change your surname, full name, or want to correct a spelling mistake for reasons other than marriage. After marriage, many institutions accept the marriage certificate directly, but a Gazette notification is still the cleanest way to ensure acceptance everywhere. If you are changing your name after a religion change or for any personal reason, a Gazette notification is the primary route.
Documents required for a Gazette name-change notification
- Notarised affidavit: Typed on non-judicial stamp paper (minimum ₹10 in most states) and attested by a notary public or executive magistrate. Use our affidavit generator to draft it.
- Proof of old name: Any government-issued document in your previous name — Aadhaar, PAN card, school leaving certificate, mark sheet or voter ID.
- Proof of current address: Aadhaar, voter ID, utility bill or bank statement (not older than three months).
- Passport-size photograph: Recent colour photograph for the portal.
- Marriage certificate (if the reason is marriage): Issued by the Sub-Registrar of Marriages.
- Newspaper clippings (optional): Some state gazette offices ask for them; many do not.
Step-by-step e-Gazette application process
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Prepare your affidavit first. Draft it using the affidavit generator, print it on stamp paper of the correct value for your state, and get it attested by a notary or executive magistrate.
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Register at egazette.gov.in. Create an account with your email address and log in. The portal is maintained by the Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs.
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Choose “Submit Advertisement” → Part IV. Part IV of the Official Gazette is used for personal notifications by private individuals, including name changes. (Parts I–III are for government orders and notifications.)
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Fill the application form. Enter your previous name, new name, father’s or spouse’s name, address, and the reason for the change. Make sure the spelling matches your affidavit exactly.
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Upload documents. Upload scanned copies of the affidavit, proof of old name and proof of address in the formats specified on the portal (usually PDF or JPEG, under 2 MB each).
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Pay ₹1,100 online. Payment is through the portal’s payment gateway via card, net banking or UPI. Download and keep the payment receipt.
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Wait for verification. The gazette office reviews your application and documents. This typically takes 15–30 working days. You will receive an email update.
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Download the gazette copy. Once published, log back in and download the official gazette PDF. This is your key document for all subsequent ID updates. Print at least five copies and keep self-attested duplicates.
Gazette fee and timeline
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| e-Gazette publication fee (personal name change) | ₹1,100 |
| Stamp paper for affidavit (most states) | ₹10 minimum |
| Notary fee | ₹50–₹500 |
| Newspaper ad (if required by your institution) | ₹800–₹3,000 |
The gazette notification itself usually appears within 15–30 working days of document verification. Some applicants report faster processing. The timeline can extend if the gazette office asks for corrections.
Common problems and fixes
Application returned for corrections. The most common reason is a mismatch between the name on the affidavit and the name on your supporting documents. Check spelling carefully before uploading.
Portal payment failure. Use a different browser or payment method. The portal has been known to time out on some bank gateways. Try UPI if card payment fails.
Gazette not published after 45 days. Contact the Department of Official Language at the email address shown on egazette.gov.in and quote your application reference number.
Institution still refusing the gazette copy. Some private banks and NBFCs have not updated their internal processes. Escalate to the branch manager or the company’s grievance officer with a copy of the gazette.
After you get the gazette notification
Use the gazette copy to update your name on Aadhaar first, since an updated Aadhaar then acts as supporting proof for PAN, passport, driving licence, voter ID, bank accounts and insurance policies. See the full list of Name Change guides.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gazette notification mandatory after marriage?
No, it is not legally mandatory after marriage. Most institutions accept a marriage certificate. However, some banks and government departments insist on a gazette notification. If you face such insistence, you can optionally get one.
Can I publish the gazette notification before getting the affidavit notarised?
No. The affidavit must be notarised before you can upload it to the portal. The notarisation date on the affidavit must be on or before the application date.
Is there a difference between the Official Gazette and a newspaper ad?
Yes. The Official Gazette is published by the Government of India and carries legal weight. A newspaper advertisement is published commercially and is required by some private institutions as an additional proof. They are two separate documents.
Can I submit the application myself or do I need a lawyer?
You can apply yourself directly on egazette.gov.in. A lawyer or notary is needed only for the affidavit, not for the gazette application itself.