Affidavit or Gazette? The Truth About Name Change in India

A very common misconception in India is that getting a name change affidavit notarized is enough to legally change your name.

This belief is incorrect and can cause serious problems later.

An affidavit is only your personal sworn declaration; it is not sufficient on its own to fully and legally change your name for most official purposes.

The document that actually completes a legal name change and gives it full legal recognition across India (and often internationally) is the Gazette notification published by the Government of India (or state government).

Jurisdiction

This applies across India. The Central Gazette (via Department of Publication) is the most widely accepted and legally strongest proof. Some states publish their own Gazettes, but Central is preferred for passports, visas, NRIs and nationwide validity.

Affidavit vs Gazette – Which One is Legally Correct?

Feature	Name Change Affidavit	Gazette Notification	Which is Legally Superior?
Legal Nature	Personal sworn statement	Official government-published public record	Gazette
Authority	Notary / Magistrate	Government of India (Dept of Publication)	Gazette
Legal Standing	Private document – limited value	Official public record – high evidentiary value	Gazette
Accepted for Passport	Usually not sufficient for full name change	Required for full name change	Gazette
Accepted for PAN / Aadhaar	Minor corrections only	Required for major name changes	Gazette
Accepted for Govt Jobs	Not sufficient for service record	Mandatory for central & most state employees	Gazette
Accepted Internationally	Rarely accepted alone	Widely accepted by embassies, universities, immigration	Gazette
Permanent Public Record	No public record created	Permanent, searchable public record	Gazette
Reality Check	Many believe “affidavit = done”	Reality: Affidavit is only the first step	Gazette completes the change

Bottom line:

Gazette notification is the legally correct and complete document for a proper name change in India.

An affidavit by itself is not enough for most serious legal, administrative or international purposes.

When an Affidavit Alone is NOT Enough

You will almost certainly face issues if you rely only on an affidavit in these situations:

• Applying for / re-issuing a passport (full name change)
• Correcting name on PAN card (significant change)
• Updating Aadhaar for major name change
• Joining / updating records in government service
• Applying to foreign universities or for student/work visas
• Changing name on educational degrees / mark sheets
• High-value bank transactions, property registration, home loans
• Immigration / citizenship applications abroad

Step-by-Step Legal Process

1. Execute a Name Change Affidavit Draft declaration with old name, new name, father/husband’s name, address, reason. Use non-judicial stamp paper and notarize / attest.
2. Publish Public Notice in Two Newspapers One English national daily + one local/regional language newspaper. Purpose: This creates public transparency and is a mandatory precondition for Gazette publication.
3. Apply for Publication in the Gazette Submit to Department of Publication (Central) or state authority: affidavit original newspaper clippings, proforma, photos, ID proofs, fee receipt. After approval → publication in Gazette of India = official legal proof.

Documents Required (Full Process)

• Notarized name change affidavit
• Original newspaper advertisement clippings (both)
• Completed Gazette application proforma
• 2–4 passport-size photographs
• Proof of old name & address
• Fee payment receipt (via Bharatkosh)
• Supporting documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree etc., if applicable)

Cost & Timeline (Approximate – 2026)

Costs (typical ranges – varies by city, newspaper, state):

• Affidavit + notarization: ₹100 – ₹700
• Newspaper publications: ₹1,200 – ₹4,500
• Central Gazette fee: ₹700 – ₹1,900 Total estimated: ₹2,500 – ₹7,000

Timelines (typical):

• Affidavit: same day – 3 days
• Newspapers: 3 – 12 days
• Gazette publication: 30–90 days (most common: 45–75 days)

After Gazette Publication – Updating Your Documents

Once published (download from egazette.nic.in), use the Gazette copy to update:

• Aadhaar (myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in or centre)
• PAN (NSDL / UTIITSL portal)
• Passport (Passport Seva portal)
• Voter ID (nvsp.in or BLO)
• Driving License (parivahan.gov.in)
• Bank accounts, mutual funds, insurance policies
• School/college certificates, mark sheets
• Property records, share certificates, etc.

Common Mistakes & Delays We See

• Believing affidavit alone is sufficient
• Incorrect / missing details in affidavit
• Wrong newspapers or missing format in ads
• Incomplete Gazette application
• Losing original newspaper clippings

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures, fees, timelines and requirements vary by authority, state and case. Always consult a qualified legal professional for your specific situation.

Published: February 2026

Reviewed by: Legal Team, ezyLegal

Last updated: February 2026

Frequently Asked Questions on Affidavit or Gazette for Name Change? 

Q1. Is a name change affidavit alone enough to legally change my name?

Ans1. No. It is only a personal declaration. Most government departments, major IDs, employment records and international authorities require the Gazette notification for full legal recognition.

Q2. Which document actually legally changes your name in India?

Ans2. The Gazette notification published by the Government of India (or state) is the legally authoritative and complete proof of name change.

Q3. Why do many people think affidavit is enough?

Ans3. Some local offices, schools or banks accept affidavits for minor updates, creating the false impression that the change is fully complete, but it isn’t for passports, PAN, major Aadhaar changes, government jobs, etc.

Q4. Is Gazette mandatory for passport name change?

Ans4. Yes, for a full name change, the Passport Seva portal requires the published Gazette notification.

Q5. Can I update Aadhaar or PAN with just an affidavit?

Ans5. Only for very minor corrections. For significant name changes, UIDAI and Income Tax authorities generally require Gazette proof.

Q6. Why is newspaper publication required?

Ans6. It serves as public notice of your intention to change your name and is a mandatory precondition before applying for Gazette publication.

Q7. How long does the Gazette publication take?

Ans7. Typically 30–90 days after submission (most common range: 45–75 days).

Q8. How much does the full legal name change process cost?

Ans8. Usually between ₹2,500 and ₹7,000 total, depending on newspaper charges and Gazette fee.

Q9. Can I check my Gazette publication online?

Ans9. Yes, search and download it on the official eGazette portal.

Q10. Do government employees need Gazette for name change?

Ans10. Yes, almost always required to update official service records.

Q11. Is Gazette accepted internationally?

Ans11. Yes, widely accepted by embassies, visa offices, foreign universities and immigration authorities.

Q12. Is Gazette required after marriage to add surname?

Ans12. Not always, marriage certificate + affidavit is often accepted. But for a complete name change, Gazette provides stronger legal protection.

Q13. What if I only need a minor spelling correction?

Ans13. Very minor corrections on Aadhaar/PAN may be possible without Gazette, but check current UIDAI / NSDL guidelines.

Q14. What happens if I skip the Gazette step?

Ans14. You will likely face rejections when updating passport, PAN, Aadhaar (major change), government jobs, educational certificates or international documents.

Q15. Where can I get help to complete the full legal process correctly?

Ans15. Professional assistance for affidavit, newspapers, Gazette filing and ID updates is available at ezyLegal.