नाम बदलने की प्रक्रिया: शपथ पत्र, अखबार और गजट
At a glance
- Law
- Affidavit / deed + Gazette of India (Part IV)
- Who
- Any adult; a parent or guardian for a minor
- Where
- Department of Publication, Government of India
- Time
- 3–8 weeks for the Gazette
What it is
A person may lawfully adopt a new name, or correct a spelling, by a declared and published change. The common reasons are marriage, divorce, a spelling mismatch between certificates, religious conversion, or personal choice. The accepted proof is a Gazette notification, supported by an affidavit and newspaper advertisements. Offices such as passport, bank, Aadhaar and PAN accept it.
Who can apply
- Any adult
- For a minor, the parent or guardian on the minor's behalf
Step-by-step process
- 1
Affidavit / deed of change of name
Swear an affidavit (or execute a deed) stating the old name, the new name, the reason, and that the change is not for any unlawful purpose. Attest it before a Notary or Executive Magistrate.
- 2
Newspaper publication
Publish the change in two newspapers circulating in the area: one in Hindi (or the local language) and one in English. Keep the full original pages.
- 3
Gazette application
Apply online to the Department of Publication, Government of India, for publication in the Gazette of India (Part IV), in the prescribed proforma. Attach the deed or affidavit, newspaper cuttings, identity proof, photographs and the fee. The State Gazette route is also available for some purposes.
- 4
Publication
The notice is published in the Gazette, and a copy can be downloaded from the e-Gazette portal.
- 5
Update records
Use the Gazette copy, affidavit and newspaper cuttings to update Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank accounts, service records and other documents.
Documents required
Checklist · 7 items- Affidavit or deed of change of name
- Original newspaper pages (both papers) carrying the advertisement
- Identity and address proof in the old name
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Proforma / application in the format prescribed by the Department of Publication, signed by the applicant and two witnesses
- For a married woman adopting her husband's surname: marriage certificate
- For a minor: birth certificate, and the affidavit of the parent / guardian
Time usually taken
3 to 8 weeks for Gazette publication
The affidavit and newspaper publication take two to five days. Gazette publication ordinarily follows within three to eight weeks of a complete application.
Points to remember
- 01A school-leaving or board certificate is not changed merely by a Gazette notification; each board or university has its own procedure and time limits.
- 02Keep the old and new name linked in all records (“A, formerly known as B”) until all documents are updated.
- 03Changing one's name to evade a debt, a criminal case or an obligation is unlawful and may itself be an offence.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Gazette name change take?
The affidavit and newspaper publication take two to five days. Gazette publication ordinarily follows within three to eight weeks of a complete application.
In how many newspapers must a change of name be published?
Two newspapers circulating in the area: one in Hindi (or the local language) and one in English. Keep the full original pages.
Does a Gazette notification change the name on a board certificate?
No. A school-leaving or board certificate is not changed merely by a Gazette notification; each board or university has its own procedure and time limits.
What does a married woman need to adopt her husband's surname?
The same affidavit, newspaper and Gazette steps, with her marriage certificate attached.
About the author
Advocate Vivekanand
Founder & Principal Advocate, Vivekanand Law Firm · MA (English), MBA, LL.B., Author. Full profile
Disclaimer. This publication is for general legal information and education only. It is not legal advice on any particular matter and does not create an advocate-client relationship. Procedures, fees and time limits change from time to time and may differ from office to office; verify the current position before acting.
यह प्रकाशन केवल सामान्य कानूनी जानकारी और शिक्षण के लिए है; यह किसी विशेष मामले में कानूनी सलाह नहीं है, और इससे अधिवक्ता-मुवक्किल संबंध नहीं बनता।
— Adv. Vivekanand, Motihari
Related practice
Other Litigation and Legal Advisory