Central Gazette vs State Gazette for Name Change: A Legal Comparison

Quick Legal Answer

In India, name changes can be published in either the Central Gazette (Gazette of India) or State Gazettes. The Central Gazette offers nationwide recognition and is strongly recommended (and often practically required) for passport, Aadhaar, PAN and central government documents. State Gazettes have limited jurisdiction within the issuing state. While both are legally valid within their scope, the Central Gazette is the safer choice for most individuals to ensure seamless acceptance and avoid future complications.

Jurisdiction & Applicability

This guide applies to:

• Indian citizens (residents and NRIs) seeking legal name change
• Parents seeking name change for minor children
• Individuals needing Gazette notification for passport, Aadhaar, PAN or official document updates
• Name changes due to marriage, personal preference, spelling corrections or other lawful reasons
• All states and Union Territories of India

Governed by:

• Administrative guidelines and departmental procedures (no single Act mandates Gazette for personal name changes; it is a practical requirement for official recognition)
• Central Gazette: Published by Department of Publication, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India
• State Gazettes: Published by respective state governments’ printing/stationery departments

The same Central vs State comparison generally applies to gender change and religion change notifications (both typically published in Central Gazette Part IV or equivalent state sections).

When This Guide Applies

Use this guide if you need:

• Legal name change for official records
• To change your full name or surname
• Spelling correction that is substantive (not 1-2 letter typo)
• Name change post-marriage
• Name change for adopted children
• Name change for personal/religious/cultural reasons
• To update passport, Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID or other government documents

This guide focuses specifically on name changes (similar principles apply to gender/religion changes).

When This Guide Does NOT Apply

This guide does NOT cover:

• Very minor spelling corrections (1-2 letters) that may not require Gazette notification
• Court-ordered name changes (which follow a judicial process; Gazette is often still required for practical updates to documents)
• Documents that already legally show different names (e.g., marriage certificate showing maiden name, direct use may be accepted in some cases)
• Business name changes or entity name registrations

Introduction: Why Understanding Gazette Options Matters

In India, a Gazette notification serves as the official public record for legal changes such as name changes. It provides verifiable proof that is widely accepted by government departments, banks, courts and other institutions. Two primary options exist: the Central Gazette (Gazette of India) and individual State Gazettes.

The Central Gazette offers nationwide recognition and is the most reliable choice for updates to documents with pan-India or international implications. State Gazettes, while legally valid, are generally limited to matters within the issuing state’s jurisdiction. Understanding these differences helps individuals choose the right path, avoid rejections during document updates and ensure long-term acceptance.

What is the State Gazette?

Each state government in India publishes its own Gazette, an official journal that records state-specific laws, notifications, appointments, land records, public notices and personal changes like name updates.

Key Characteristics

• Issued by: Respective state government’s Department of Printing & Stationery or equivalent authority
• Jurisdiction: Content applies primarily within that state
• Examples: Maharashtra Gazette, Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, Karnataka Gazette and others
• Common use: Local matters such as state government jobs, domicile certificates, voter ID updates within the state or property-related notifications

Common Types of Notifications in State Gazettes

• State-level appointments and promotions
• Local laws and regulations
• Land acquisition or property mutations
• Name changes for state-specific records
• Public notices limited to the state

What is the Central Gazette?

The Central Gazette, officially titled The Gazette of India, is published by the Government of India through the Directorate of Printing, Department of Publication, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

Key Characteristics

• Issued from: Delhi, applicable across the entire country
• Official record for: National laws, central government orders, appointments and personal notifications like name changes
• Managed via: Online portal https://egazette.gov.in/

Personal notices (name/gender change) are typically published in Part IV (Weekly Gazette), which covers individual advertisements and non-statutory matters.

Common Types of Notifications in the Central Gazette

• National legislation and statutory rules
• Central government appointments
• Name and gender change notifications with nationwide effect (typically Part IV)
• Major policy announcements
• Notifications related to all-India services and schemes

Key Differences: Central Gazette vs State Gazette

Criteria	State Gazette	Central Gazette (Gazette of India)
Issued By	Respective State Government	Government of India (Delhi)
Jurisdiction	Limited to the issuing state	Nationwide (and often accepted internationally)
Recognition	Accepted for state-level records and processes	Accepted pan-India by central authorities, banks, courts and for passports/visas
Best Suited For	Local updates (e.g., state jobs, domicile, voter ID in the state)	Passport, Aadhaar, PAN, central government jobs, visas, international use
Processing Time (Typical)	10–45 days (varies significantly by state)	25–60 days (commonly 30–45 days after submission)
Government Fee (Name Change)	Varies by state (₹150–₹2,500; e.g., Maharashtra ~₹500–1,200, Tamil Nadu ~₹150–750, Gujarat ~₹300–2,500)	Fixed: ₹1,100 (adult/major), ₹1,700 (minor), ₹3,500+ (NRI/abroad)
Online Availability	Available in many states (e.g., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka); some states lack full online options	Fully online via https://egazette.gov.in/ and Bharat Kosh payment
Long-term Validity	Lifetime, but may face scrutiny outside the state	Lifetime, pan-India acceptance

Note: Fees are government printing charges only. Additional costs include affidavit notarization (₹100–500, varies by state), newspaper publication (₹500–3,000+; higher in metro cities) and optional professional help.

Which Gazette Should You Choose?

For most individuals seeking a secure, future-proof name change, the Central Gazette is the recommended option. It ensures smooth updates to critical documents:

Choose Central Gazette for:

• Passport and visa applications: reliably accepted (Passport Rules allow Central or State Gazette, but Central avoids queries/rejections in practice)
• Aadhaar and PAN: UIDAI requires Gazette for complete name changes (exception handling process); Income Tax accepts Gazette as proof
• Central government jobs, banks, courts: nationwide validity avoids complications
• Interstate or international needs: essential for NRIs, relocation or OCI/property matters

Consider State Gazette only if:

• The change is purely local
• Your state offers significantly faster/simpler process
• No plans for passport, central jobs or interstate/international needs

Many states align processes with central guidelines, but Central remains the default for reliability.

Step-by-Step Process for Gazette Notification (Name Change)

The core steps are similar, but Central is more standardized and fully online.

Central Gazette Process

Prepare a Notarized Affidavit

1. Draft on stamp paper (₹10–100, state-dependent) stating old name, new name, reasons, personal details and declaration. Notarize by notary public/magistrate (Gazetted Officers can attest in some cases).

Publish Newspaper Advertisement

2. Publish in two newspapers (one English, one regional). Include old/new name, address, reason. Retain original clippings (practical validity ~3 months). This is an administrative requirement for public notice.

Submit Application

3. Use proforma from https://egazette.gov.in/. Pay via Bharat Kosh. Submit online upload, post or in-person to Department of Publication:
   • Notarized affidavit
   • Newspaper clippings (original)
   • 2 self-attested passport-size photos (standard specifications: white background, 3.5×4.5 cm)
   • Self-attested ID/address proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
   • Supporting documents (marriage certificate, etc., if applicable)
   • Fee receipt
4. Tip: Speed Post recommended. Common rejections: incomplete docs, mismatches, resubmit after correction (no formal appeal; address objection directly).

Publication and Download

5. After verification, published in Part IV. Download PDF from portal (status tracking available via search). Keep 5–10 certified copies.

State Gazette Process

Varies by state (check official printing department website). General pattern:

• Affidavit/ID proofs (simplified in some states)
• Newspaper publication (optional or post-publication in certain cases; e.g., Maharashtra often skips pre-publication affidavit)
• Online portals in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
• Submission to state department; faster locally but less uniform

Examples of differences: Maharashtra: simplified (ID proofs often sufficient); Tamil Nadu: ₹150–750 fee, Tamil+English publication.

DIY Feasibility: Manageable without agents if guidelines followed. Rejections usually from incomplete docs.

Union Territories (UTs) Process

UTs typically follow the Central Gazette process (no separate UT Gazettes for personal name changes). Use https://egazette.gov.in/ with standard documents.

Documents Required (Complete Checklist)

Common for Both:

• Notarized affidavit on stamp paper
• Two newspaper clippings (original)
• Passport-size photographs (2–4, self-attested)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID copy, self-attested)
• Address proof
• Fee receipt
• Application form

Additional/Supporting (as applicable):

• Marriage certificate (post-marriage)
• Birth certificate (minors)
• Divorce decree
• Adoption papers
• Self-attestation acceptable for most copies (notarization for affidavit only)

Gazette Notification Validity and Acceptance

A published Gazette is a permanent legal record, accepted by:

• Passport offices (per Passport Manual)
• UIDAI (Aadhaar): required for complete changes
• Income Tax (PAN): accepted as proof
• Banks, courts, employers, educational institutions

Central Gazette: Nationwide/international acceptance.

State Gazette: Valid within state; may face scrutiny elsewhere (but accepted pan-India in many cases per practical recognition).

Real-World Impacts: Without Gazette, Aadhaar/PAN mismatches cause financial/tax issues; passport delays affect travel/OCI.

Cost Breakdown (Comprehensive)

Central Gazette Government Fees

• Adult/Major: ₹1,100
• Minor: ₹1,700
• NRI/Abroad: ₹3,500+
• Gender/religion change: Similar to name change

State Gazette Government Fees (examples)

• Maharashtra: ~₹500–1,200
• Tamil Nadu: ₹150–750
• Gujarat: ₹300–2,500 (ordinary/extraordinary)
• Karnataka/Uttar Pradesh: ₹500–1,500 (varies)
• Range overall: ₹150–2,500

Additional Costs

• Stamp paper: ₹10–100
• Notarization: ₹100–500
• Newspaper: ₹500–3,000+ (metro higher)
• Misc: ₹200–500
• Total DIY: ₹2,500–6,000

Processing Timeline (Detailed)

Central Gazette

• Typical: 25–60 days (most 30–45 days)
• Factors: Document accuracy, workload

State Gazette

• Typical: 10–45 days
• Faster states: Maharashtra, Gujarat (online)
• Slower: Varies by backlog

End-to-End: 4–10 weeks (affidavit → publication)

Real-World Examples and Practical Insights

• Marriage-related change: woman published in Central Gazette; updated passport/Aadhaar seamlessly, avoiding visa delays.
• Spelling correction: State Gazette rejected by passport; switched to Central, resolved in weeks.
• Minor child: Central Gazette ensured consistency across school/relocation.
• NRI: used Central (₹3,500+); smooth OCI/property updates.
• Delay due to errors: mismatched docs extended Central processing to 60+ days.

Lesson: Central minimizes risks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete affidavit
• Poor newspaper clippings
• Mismatched info
• Incorrect fees
• No status tracking

Special Cases & Considerations

NRIs: higher fees; online process; Central essential for OCI. Power of attorney possible.

Minors: ₹1,700 fee; both parents’ consent; birth certificate mandatory.

Adopted Children: adoption deed required.

Senior Citizens/PwD: same process; representative allowed.

Understanding Key Legal Terms

• Gazette Notification: official public record.
• Part IV: section for personal notices (name/gender/religion).
• Jurisdiction: territorial scope.
• Notarization: authentication.
• OCI: Overseas Citizen of India (permanent residency-like status).
• Affidavit: sworn statement.

Legal Provisions & Statutory Basis

No single Act mandates Gazette for personal name changes, it is an administrative/practical requirement for recognition. Key references:

• Department of Publication guidelines (egazette.gov.in)
• Passport Rules (MEA notifications), Gazette accepted
• UIDAI SOP (Name & Gender Update), Gazette for complete changes
• Income Tax PAN form, Gazette as proof

Acceptance by Government Departments

• Passport Office: Gazette required (Central/State per rules)
• UIDAI (Aadhaar): Gazette for full changes
• Income Tax (PAN): Gazette accepted

Practical Tips for a Smooth Process

• Decide Central vs State early
• Verify fees/portals officially
• Use prescribed formats
• Self-attest copies
• Track status
• Update documents within 6–12 months

For expert help: ezyLegal

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures, fees and policies may change. Verify from official sources. For tailored assistance, consult professionals.

Get expert help: https://www.ezylegal.in

Last Updated: February 2026

Sources: Department of Publication (https://deptpub.gov.in/, https://egazette.gov.in/), UIDAI SOPs, Passport Manual, Income Tax guidelines, state printing portals. Reviewed by ezyLegal legal team.

Frequently Asked Questions on Central Gazette vs State Gazette for Name Change

Q1. What is the main difference between Central Gazette and State Gazette for name change?

Ans1. Central Gazette has nationwide jurisdiction and reliable acceptance for passports, Aadhaar, PAN and central jobs. State Gazettes are limited to their state and may face scrutiny elsewhere.

Q2. Is Gazette notification mandatory for a legal name change in India?

Ans2. Not mandated by a single statute, but practically essential for official recognition. Central authorities require or prefer Gazette proof; without it, updates face rejections.

Q3. Can a State Gazette be used for passport, Aadhaar or PAN name updates?

Ans3. Yes, technically possible (Passport Rules allow it), but often questioned or rejected in practice. Central Gazette is reliably accepted.

Q4. Which is better for long-term and nationwide use?

Ans4. Central Gazette, superior for pan-India/international acceptance and avoids jurisdictional issues.

Q5. How long does Central Gazette publication take?

Ans5. 25–60 days (commonly 30–45 days) after submission, depending on accuracy and workload.

Q6. What is the processing time for State Gazette name change?

Ans6. 10–45 days, varying by state (faster in online states like Maharashtra/Gujarat).

Q7. What documents are required for Gazette name change?

Ans7. Notarized affidavit, two newspaper clippings, photos, ID/address proofs, supporting docs (e.g., marriage certificate), fee receipt, application form.

Q8. How much does a name change Gazette notification cost?

Ans8. Central: ₹1,100 (adult), ₹1,700 (minor), ₹3,500+ (NRI). State: ₹150–2,500. Total DIY: ₹2,500–6,000.

Q9. Is a Gazette notification valid for life?

Ans9. Yes, permanent record, no expiry.

Q10. Do I need newspaper publication for every name change?

Ans10. Yes, in most cases (administrative requirement for public notice). Some states relax it.

Q11. Can I do the entire process online?

Ans11. Central: Yes (https://egazette.gov.in/, Bharat Kosh). Many states: Yes (e.g., Maharashtra, Gujarat).

Q12. What if my name change is rejected during document update?

Ans12. Address specific reason; republish in Central if needed. Central reduces risks.

Q13. Is Gazette needed for minor spelling corrections?

Ans13. No for tiny typos; yes for substantive changes.

Q14. How do I download my published Gazette notification?

Ans14. Search https://egazette.gov.in/ by name/date/ID; download PDF (appears shortly after publication).

Q15. What should NRIs know about the Gazette process?

Ans15. Higher fees; online possible; Central essential for OCI. Power of attorney can authorize submission.

Q16. Can I change my child’s name? What’s the process?

Ans16. Yes, ₹1,700 fee (Central); both parents’ consent, birth certificate required. Central recommended.

Q17. How do Union Territories handle name change Gazette?

Ans17. Follow Central process (no separate UT Gazettes for personal changes).

Q18. What happens if I make a mistake in my Gazette application?

Ans18. Rejection with reasons; correct and resubmit (no formal appeal; resubmission common).