Gazette Office in India

Quick Legal Answer

In India, the Gazette Office is the official government authority responsible for publishing the Gazette of India, which is a legally recognised public document containing government notifications, legal changes, and personal declarations such as name changes. Publication in the Gazette is essential for giving legal validity and public recognition to certain actions.

The Gazette is published by the Department of Publication, Government of India, and serves as an official record where legal information becomes enforceable once published.

The process for Gazette-related applications (such as name change) usually involves:

• Preparing a name change affidavit stating old and new names with reasons
• Publishing a newspaper advertisement (one English and one regional language)
• Filling out the Gazette application form with supporting documents
• Submitting documents to the Department of Publication / Gazette Office
• Paying prescribed government fees (varies based on applicant category)
• Verification and processing by the Gazette authority
• Publication of the notification in the Official Gazette
• Receiving the Gazette Certificate, which acts as legal proof

Once published, the Gazette notification allows individuals to update their name or details across all government and private records such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and bank accounts.

Jurisdiction & Applicability

This guide applies to:

• Indian citizens seeking legal name change or correction
• Individuals requiring official publication of personal or legal declarations
• Applicants updating identity details across government documents
• Persons dealing with legal compliance requiring Gazette notification

When This Guide Applies

Use this guide if you are dealing with:

• Legal name change (spelling correction, marriage, divorce, personal reasons)
• Change of religion, gender, or identity details
• Updating official records like passport, bank accounts, or educational certificates
• Publishing public legal notices or declarations
• Ensuring legal recognition of changes across institutions

When This Guide Does NOT Apply

This guide does not apply to:

• Informal name changes without legal documentation
• Minor corrections that can be updated directly without Gazette publication
• Criminal or civil disputes requiring court proceedings
• Administrative processes that do not require official public notification

The Government of India Printing Presses, which has its headquarters in New Delhi, publishes the Gazette of India, a legal publication. The Gazette of India is published by the Department of Publications and the Controller of Publications is the official publisher, seller and custodian. 

The Gazette is a public periodical that publishes government announcements. It is legally required to publish material in the Gazette in order for official papers to become enforceable and public.

While exceptional gazettes are released daily based on the urgency of the matters to be announced ordinary gazettes are typically published weekly on a specific day of the week.

What is Name Change?

Generally speaking, a name change is the legal act of someone taking a new name that differs from their given name at birth, marriage or adoption. Additionally, initials or even just one letter may be added.

Fee Structure For Name Change

Govt. Fees (as per latest Gazette Order):

• Change of Name (Adult / Major): ₹ 1,100
• Change of Name (Minor): ₹ 1,700
• Change of Religion: ₹ 1,700
• Person Living Abroad (Adult): ₹ 3,500
• Person Living Abroad (Minor): ₹ 5,100

Professional Fee Structure for Name Change

• Name Change Fee (General Public): ₹ 1,500 + ₹ 450 for each Alias
• Name Change Fee (Minor Child): ₹ 2,100 + ₹ 450 for each Alias
• Name Change Fee (Govt. Employee): ₹ 1,750 + ₹ 450 for each Alias
• Name Change + Religion Change: ₹ 3,200 + ₹ 450 for each Alias
• Person Living Abroad: ₹ 11,500/-

Other Notices (as per latest Gazette Order)

• Public Notice / Adoption Notice: ₹ 1,400 – ₹ 1,700
• Lost / Destroyed / Stolen Notice: ₹ 5,700 (for 3 consecutive issues)
• Company Notice: ₹ 5,500 per page
• Delhi Gazette (per full page): ₹ 5,500

Note: All government fees/rates mentioned above are as per the latest Gazette Order of the Government of India, Department of Publication, Office Order No. 761/O&M/2014-16 dated 19 September 2023.

People Also Read: Procedure for Name Change in India

Gazette Office Address in India

Central Gazette office is located at North Delhi and Official Address is –
Department of Publication,
Civil Lines,
Delhi-110054.
Ph: 8588887480

Understanding The Importance Of Gazette Notification For Name Change

A gazette notification is a formal document published by the government. It signifies that a name change has been formally acknowledged. There are several official and legal reasons why this notification is necessary, including: 

• Passport Updates: To change your passport’s name
• Banking: Banking to amend your name on all financial records and bank accounts
• Property Transactions: To guarantee that all property ownership records appropriately reflect your updated name
• Educational & Legal Records: To guarantee that your name is accurately listed on all licenses, academic credentials and contracts

The India Gazette name change notice serves as your new name’s official record. This document acts as formal proof of your name change on all government websites.

Applying for a name change in the Indian Gazette has become a simple and straightforward process in this digital age. This is done through an online name change process for the Gazette. Completing it is now simple and convenient.  

What Is A Name Change Gazette And Why Is It Important?

An official government publication that formally announces a name change is called a name change gazette. Since it acts as documentation of the new name and allows the bearer to update records in numerous governmental and non-governmental organizations, including banks, passport offices and educational boards, it is crucial.

Your new name will be in the public domain as a result of the Gazette announcement. As a result, anyone wishing to legally alter their name in India must have it published in the Gazette. The name change is legally obligatory as soon as it is made public.   

How To Apply For A Name Change In The Gazette Online

Applying for a name change in the India Gazette is now easier than ever. Just follow the guidelines below to start the online gazette application procedure for a name change in India. 

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

Please ensure that the following documents are available before beginning the online application:

• Affidavit for Name Change: A formal declaration of your intention to change your name that includes your new and old names as well as the rationale for the change (e.g., numerology, marriage, clerical error, etc.). 
• Proof of Identity: A government-issued identity card, such as a voter ID, passport or Aadhaar, is used to verify your identify.
• Passport-Sized Photographs: You must have two recent passport-sized photos.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

After obtaining your documentation, complete the Chennal name change online gazette application by following these steps: 

• Go to the portal of a reliable service provider or the official India Gazette website.
• Please fill out the online application form with your contact information, old and new names and any required supporting documentation. 

Step 3: Newspaper Advertisement

According to established procedures, a notification of a name change must appear in at least one national and regional publication. This is necessary to notify the public of your name change. Using the internet portal, you may choose the newspapers and set up your advertisement in no time.

Step 4: Submit the Application

After completing the form and scheduling newspaper adverts, send in your application and the necessary documents. Depending on the services and publication options selected, processing fees can range from INR 700 to INR 1,000.

Step 5: Gazette Publication

Your new name will be formally printed in the India Gazette following the processing of your name change application. After your name change is published, you will obtain a certificate from the Gazette attesting to it. The official website offers the notification as a PDF for download as well. 

Step 6: Final Confirmation

The approval process and publication process usually take ten to fifteen days. The Gazette notification will serve as a legal document and authenticate your name change after it is published. 

How To Apply For A Name Change In The Gazette Offline

1. Prepare Required Documents:
   • Affidavit for Name Change: You must prepare an affidavit that states your current name, the desired name and the reason for the name change.
   • Newspaper Advertisement: Publish a name change advertisement in two newspapers (one in the regional language and one in English).
   • Identity Proof: Attach copies of proof of identity, such as Aadhar card, passport or voter ID.
   • Address Proof: Provide a copy of a recent utility bill, bank statement or any government-issued document showing your address.
   • Passport-sized Photograph: Attach a recent photograph of yourself.
2. Prepare an Application:
   • Draft an application addressed to the Controller of Publications, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, requesting a name change in the Gazette.
3. Submit Application to the Gazette Office:
   • The application, along with the affidavit and other documents, should be submitted to the Gazette Notification Department at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Delhi.
   • Ensure all documents are self-attested and compiled correctly.
4. Pay the Fees:
   • The fee for name change publication varies. It is generally paid by Demand Draft or through online payment (if available). Verify the exact fee at the time of submission.
5. Receive the Gazette Notification:
   • Once the application is processed and approved, your name change will be published in the Official Gazette. This may take several weeks depending on the workload of the publication office.
   • You will receive a copy of the Gazette containing the name change notification.

This process can be done offline, but it requires careful attention to the documentation and correct application procedure.

Why Name Change Is Required?

1. Error in birth certificate

2. Errors in school certificates

3. Post marriage by women

4. After divorce for women

5. Spelling errors.

6. For adoptions

7. If religion is changed

8. For other official purposes

In our nation, a change of name application must be sent to the relevant department of the Government Printing Press-Gazette of India. This department will formally confirm that the name change procedure is complete and the notification will bind all government and private departments. 

What Is The Format Of The Affidavit For Name Change In India?

For the advantage of applicants, the name change affidavit format has been made simpler. An example format for people who want to alter their name in India is shown below:

The Indian Affidavit Format for Name Change 

1, [Your Old Name], s/o/d/o [Father’s Name], residing at [Address], do solemnly affirm and declare as under:

I am a citizen of India.

My old name is [Your Old Name].

I wish to change my name to [Your New Name] due to [mention reason such as spelling mistake, marriage, numerology, etc.].

My gender is [Male/Female].

This affidavit is being submitted to change my name in official records and gazette publication.

How Long Does It Take To Get The Gazette Notification?

A name change is often published in the Tamil Nadu Gazette within ten to fifteen days. If you choose expedited processing, the time frame can be decreased, but there may be additional costs involved.

What Is A Gazette Certificate?

A Gazette Certificate is an official document issued in the government gazette that attests to your name change.

Can I Download My Gazette Notification For A Name Change Online?

Yes, after your Gazette Notification is published, you can access it via the e-Gazette state portal.

How To Publish The Name Change Advertisement In A Newspaper?

Publishing a name change advertisement in the newspaper involves the following steps:

• Select the Newspaper: You have the option of using a local or national newspaper, such as the Times of India (English).
• Fill out the Form: Give the relevant information, including the new and old names. Additionally, explain why the name was changed.
• Payment: Once the form has been filled out, use a credit/debit card, internet banking or UPI to make the necessary payment.
• Publication: The ad will be released on the chosen date after confirmation. 

Eligibility For Name Change In India

1. You must fulfill all of the prerequisites outlined below in order to change your name in India.

2. One needs to be a citizen of India.

3. They need to have a valid official ID from India Delhi.

4. He or she should provide a compelling explanation for the name change.

5. A parent must bring their child to the government office if they are a minor. 

Gazette Office in other Cities of India

Gazette Office in Bangalore, Gazette Office in Mumbai, Gazette Office in Chennai, Gazette Office in Delhi, Gazette Office in Hyderabad

Citations

1. Uidai
2. National Government Service
3. Department of Publication
4. egazette.gov.in.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws, procedures, fees, and timelines may vary depending on the state and individual circumstances. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified legal professional.