Gazette Notification for Name Change in Delhi: Online Application Procedure 2026

Changing your name legally has never been easier. Today, obtaining a gazette notification for name change has become a streamlined online process, even for residents of Delhi who previously faced complex paperwork and multiple office visits.

We understand that navigating the gazette name change online procedure can seem daunting at first. The Gazette of India, an official government publication issued weekly by the Department of Publication, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, serves as the authoritative record for such changes. What makes a gazette for name change particularly valuable is that it ensures your name change is legally recognized across India, valid for both domestic and international purposes. The complete process usually takes 4–6 weeks and costs approximately ₹1,100–₹1,500 as the official Gazette fee (paid through Bharat Kosh).

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through each step of obtaining your gazette notification for name change online, help you avoid common pitfalls, and show you how to use your gazette notification for name change PDF to update essential documents like your Aadhar card.

Why Gazette Notification is Essential for Legal Name Change

A gazette notification stands as the cornerstone of the legal name change process in India. Unlike temporary solutions, this official government document provides permanent validation that transforms your personal decision into a legally recognized identity. Let me explain why this document carries such significance in your name change journey.

Legal recognition across India

The gazette notification serves as the primary legal evidence that verifies your name change. Once published, it provides official government recognition of your new name. What makes this document especially powerful is that it's considered valid throughout all states of India.

In contrast to affidavits or public notices that remain valid for only 6-12 months, a gazette notification offers lifetime validity . This permanence makes it significantly more valuable than other temporary documents.

Furthermore, the gazette notification acts as an official record maintained by the government, adding a layer of legitimacy and authenticity to your name change. It creates a central document that various institutions and authorities can access to verify your new identity.

Required for Aadhar, PAN, Passport updates

The gazette notification plays a crucial role when updating your name across multiple identity documents. It serves as the mandatory legal proof needed to modify your name in essential documents such as Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, and bank accounts.

For instance, if you need to change your name in your Aadhar card more than twice, the gazette notification becomes absolutely necessary. The UIDAI's 2024 regulations have made this requirement even more stringent.

Similarly, passport offices require the gazette notification as an official document to process name changes. Without this proof, your application for passport re-issue with a new name could face rejection. Foreign embassies and visa offices also verify gazette notifications during their processes.

In essence, this single document streamlines the update process across all your identification credentials, ensuring consistency in your legal identity.

Avoiding document mismatches

Document mismatches can create significant complications in both personal and professional spheres. Consider these potential issues:

• Legal complications due to inconsistencies across official records 
• Challenges in administrative processes requiring accurate identification 
• Difficulties during visa applications or immigration processes 
• Problems with financial institutions that rely on consistent documentation

Your name represents your legal identity. Government agencies, financial institutions, educational boards, embassies, and employers all depend on the consistency of your name across documents. If variations exist, systems may treat you as a different person altogether.

The gazette notification creates uniformity across all your identification documents. This consistency eliminates confusion and streamlines interactions in both personal and professional contexts. After obtaining your gazette notification, you can systematically update all documents with your new name, creating a seamless identification experience.

To sum up, the gazette notification does more than just formalize your name change—it provides nationwide legal recognition, facilitates document updates, and prevents the complications that arise from name discrepancies. This single document transforms what could be a bureaucratic nightmare into a straightforward process of identity transition.

How to Start the Gazette Name Change Process Online

Starting the gazette name change process requires careful planning and understanding of available options. The journey to getting your name legally changed through a gazette notification involves several critical decisions and steps that you need to be aware of right from the beginning.

Choosing between self-submission and professional help

The decision between handling the gazette notification yourself or hiring professional assistance depends on your comfort with legal documentation. Self-submission through the Central Government portal is possible, but requires adherence to exact formats for affidavits and specific document arrangements. Many applicants find the technical requirements challenging to navigate without prior experience.

Professional services like eDrafter offer comprehensive assistance by drafting name change documents professionally and handling the submission process. These services ensure all documents meet Central Gazette guidelines for name change applications. Professional help typically costs more but provides several advantages:

• Reduced rejection risk due to format errors
• Professionally drafted documents
• Expert guidance throughout the process
• Shorter processing time (typically 30-45 days) 

Nevertheless, if you're detail-oriented and willing to learn the process, self-submission can save you service fees while giving you full control over your application.

Accessing the Central Gazette portal

Currently, the application process for Central Gazette publication remains primarily offline. To begin the process:

1. Visit the Department of Publication website to understand requirementshttps://egazette.gov.in
2. Prepare all necessary documents according to guidelines
3. Submit physical documents via post or in person to the Department of Publication in New Delhi

The Department of Publication accepts applications Monday through Saturday between 10 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 4 pm for those submitting in person. Alternatively, you can send your complete application package through courier service.

For residents of specific states, dedicated online portals have been developed:

• Odisha residents can use  for name/surname changes https://egazette.odisha.gov.in
• Gujarat offers an online application system at  https://egazette.gujarat.gov.in

These state-specific portals allow residents to apply, pay fees, and download published gazettes entirely online, offering a more streamlined experience than the central process.

Understanding the 2025 digital process updates

By 2025, the gazette notification process has become considerably more efficient and transparent compared to previous years. Key improvements include:

The integration of online affidavit services allows applicants to prepare legally valid affidavits without visiting a notary in person. Digital document verification systems have reduced processing times by enabling instant validation of supporting documents.

E-publication capabilities mean that once approved, your gazette notification is published faster and becomes available as a downloadable PDF almost immediately. This eliminates the lengthy waiting periods that were common in previous years.

After publication, you can download your gazette notification PDF directly from the website by following these steps:egazette.gov.in

1. Navigate to the "Search Gazette" or "e-Gazette" tab
2. Select the appropriate part and section (usually Part IV for name changes)
3. Enter your old and new name in the search box
4. Download your official PDF copy

Despite these improvements, the application submission process for the Central Gazette still requires physical document submission for most applicants, with full online application anticipated in future updates.

Detailed Steps to Apply for Gazette Notification Online

The actual execution of your name change through gazette notification involves several concrete steps. Once you've decided to proceed, follow this systematic approach to ensure your application goes through smoothly.

Step 1: Create and notarize affidavit

The foundation of your name change process is a properly executed affidavit. Draft this document on a stamp paper worth ₹10-₹20 depending on your state's requirements. Your affidavit must include:

• Your current (old) name and new desired name
• Father's/husband's name (for married women with valid ID proof)
• Your complete residential address matching your Aadhaar card
• Reason for name change (though not mandatory unless changing surname)
• Declaration that both names belong to the same person
• Your signature as the deponent 

Take this document to a notary public for official attestation. Additionally, keep at least 3-4 photocopies of the notarized affidavit for your records.

Step 2: Publish in two newspapers

The next crucial step involves publishing your name change announcement in newspapers. You must publish this notice in:

• One English language newspaper
• One regional language newspaper 

The advertisement should clearly state your old name, new name, father's/husband's name, full address, and a declaration about the name change. Preserve 4-5 original copies of each newspaper, as you'll need them for your gazette application.

Step 3: Prepare CD and application file

Consequently, you need to prepare a complete application package containing:

• Original notarized affidavit
• Original newspaper publications
• Two self-attested passport-sized photographs
• Self-attested copy of photo ID proof showing your old name
• Two hard copies of the specimen form for name change
• A CD containing the declaration in Microsoft Word format (.doc or .docx) 
• A signed certificate stating that hard copy and soft copy content are identical 

For the CD preparation, remove signature and witness columns from the specimen format. Moreover, ensure the CD content exactly matches your hard copy submission.

Step 4: Pay fee via Bharat Kosh

The application fee for gazette publication must be paid online through the Bharat Kosh portal. As of recent updates, the standard fee for individual name change is ₹1,100 www.bharatkosh.gov.in. To complete this payment:

1. Visit the Bharat Kosh website and select "Non-registered user"
2. Choose "Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs" under depositor category
3. Select "Sale of Gazette (PAO printing, New Delhi)" as purpose
4. Choose "042709 - Pay and Accounts Office (Ptg.)" as PAO
5. Select "242722 - Controller of Publications" as DDO 

After payment, attach the receipt to your application package.

Step 5: Submit to Gazette office

You can submit your application through two methods:

1. In-person submission: Visit the Gazette office during working hours (10 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 4 PM, Monday through Saturday) 
2. Postal submission: Send your complete package via courier to the Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi-110054 

In-person submission typically results in faster processing compared to postal submission. Whichever method you choose, ensure all documents are properly arranged and include a request letter listing all enclosed items.

Step 6: Download Gazette notification PDF

Following approval and publication, your name change will appear in Part IV of the Official Gazette, typically published on working Saturdays. To access your gazette notification:

1. Visitegazette.gov.in
2. Navigate to the "Search Gazette" section
3. Filter for Part IV publications
4. Search using your old and new names
5. Download the PDF for your records 

Print multiple copies of this PDF as you'll need them to update your name across various official documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Process

Even minor mistakes can derail your gazette notification for name change process, causing delays or outright rejection. Let's examine the common pitfalls that applicants frequently encounter.

Incorrect affidavit format

The affidavit serves as the foundation of your name change application. Many applications face rejection because affidavits are drafted on outdated or incorrect stamp paper (should be ₹10-₹20 depending on your state). Furthermore, missing your father's or husband's name in the affidavit can lead to immediate rejection. Notably, affidavits older than one year are considered invalid for gazette notifications. Always ensure your affidavit is properly notarized with the registration number clearly visible.

Wrong newspaper ad wording

Newspaper advertisements require precise formatting. Often, applicants fail to include critical details like father's/husband's name or use casual language instead of the required legal format. Both English and regional language newspapers must be used, with clear mention of old name, new name, and complete address. Original full newspaper pages must be submitted—never cut out just the advertisement portion.

Missing or misordered documents

A complete application package must include:

• Original notarized affidavit
• Original newspaper publications (full pages)
• Two self-attested passport-size photographs
• Self-attested photo ID proof
• Properly filled application forms with witness signatures 

Missing even one document results in application delays or rejection.

CD formatting errors

The CD containing your declaration must be virus-free and in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx). Additionally, the content must precisely match your hard copy submission without any variations. Applications with non-functional or incorrectly formatted CDs face outright rejection. Always test your CD before submission and keep a backup copy.

Payment issues on Bharat Kosh

Payment problems on Bharat Kosh frequently derail applications. Common issues include incorrect UTR numbers, server timeouts, and protocol exceptions due to heavy traffic. Occasionally, the portal experiences extended downtime. When this happens, follow alternative payment methods like demand drafts as directed by official notifications. Always keep payment receipts for reference and tracking purposes.

Using Gazette Notification to Update Other Documents

Your gazette notification unlocks a world of possibilities for document updates. Once obtained, it serves as your primary legal proof of name change for all identity documents.

Gazette notification for name change in Aadhar card

Firstly, to update your name in Aadhar, visit the UIDAI portal or nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra with your Gazette copy, affidavit, and original Aadhaar card. For complete name changes, the Gazette is mandatory as per UIDAI requirements. This document acts as a legal certificate accepted by all government and non-government institutions.

Updating PAN, Passport, and bank records

In addition, your PAN card name change requires submitting the Gazette notification as legal proof. For passport updates, apply for re-issue at the Passport Seva Kendra, including the Gazette notification and affidavit as supporting documents. Regarding bank accounts, submit a written request along with the Gazette publication and valid ID proof.

Resolving visa and immigration mismatches

Indeed, the Gazette notification specifically helps with visa processing and immigration documentation. It resolves name mismatches that could cause complications during international travel or visa applications. Under the Immigration and Foreigners Order 2025, consistent documentation is crucial.

Keep multiple photocopies and a digital scan of your Gazette publication for future reference. This ensures you maintain a uniform identity across all systems, avoiding discrepancies during verification procedures.

Conclusion

Changing your name legally might seem overwhelming at first, but the online gazette notification process has simplified this journey significantly. Throughout this guide, we've walked you through the complete procedure—from creating your affidavit to downloading your final gazette notification PDF. The streamlined process now allows you to obtain this crucial document within 4-6 weeks, making legal identity changes more accessible than ever before.

Undoubtedly, a gazette notification serves as the cornerstone for your legal name change, providing lifetime validity unlike temporary alternatives. This single document essentially transforms what could be a bureaucratic nightmare into a manageable process.

Simplifying the Process with Professional Assistance

While the digital improvements implemented by 2025 have made this process more user-friendly, it still requires meticulous attention to detail. Simple mistakes in documentation or procedure can lead to delays or rejections. This is where professional services can make a significant difference.

For those seeking a hassle-free and guided experience, NeroDocs provides comprehensive support for the entire name change gazette process. Whether you are in Delhi, any other state in India, or even located overseas, NeroDocs offers reliable and expert services across India and internationally. They specialize in handling every step with precision, from affidavit drafting and newspaper advertisements to the final submission and follow-up with the concerned department.

You can explore their dedicated service for this specific procedure here: Name Change in Gazette Notification - NeroDocs.

After obtaining your gazette notification, you can confidently update your Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, and bank accounts with your new identity.

Remember, the choice between self-submission and professional assistance depends on your comfort with legal paperwork. Regardless of your choice, the gazette notification you obtain will stand as permanent legal proof of your name change, recognized across India and internationally.

Your legal identity represents who you are on paper. This guide empowers you to take control of that identity with confidence and clarity. The gazette notification journey might require patience and attention to detail, but the resulting document provides lasting legal recognition that will serve you for years to come.