Introduction

Changing one’s name in Punjab is a legal identity correction, not merely a clerical update. For official recognition across government departments such as Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, banks, educational boards, and employers, Gazette publication in Punjab serves as the strongest and most authoritative proof.

While an affidavit and newspaper advertisement initiate the process, Gazette notification creates a permanent public record, ensuring statewide and nationwide acceptance. This guide explains the entire Punjab Gazette name change process from A to Z, including eligibility, conditions, fees, timeline, minor vs adult rules, and frequently asked questions.

What Is Punjab State Gazette?

The Punjab State Gazette is an official government publication used to notify legal and public matters. Once a name change is published in the Punjab Gazette, it becomes a government-verified public record, relied upon by authorities for identity updates and legal verification.

Who Can Apply for Name Change in Punjab Gazette?

The following persons are eligible to apply:

• Any adult Indian citizen residing in Punjab

• Persons seeking surname change after marriage or divorce

• Individuals requiring spelling correction or name expansion

• Parents or legal guardians applying on behalf of a minor

• Persons seeking Gazette support for DOB correction (with strong documents)

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Conditions for Applying Name Change in Punjab Gazette

General Conditions

• The applicant must apply voluntarily and without fraudulent intent

• All documents must show consistent spelling and details

• The name change must not be for illegal or deceptive purposes

Special Conditions

• Surname change after marriage requires marriage proof

• Minor name change requires guardian consent and documents

• DOB correction requires strong primary evidence

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Step-by-Step Punjab Gazette Name Change Process 

Step 1: Name Change Affidavit

The process starts with drafting a legally notarized affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper. The affidavit is a sworn declaration stating that the applicant has adopted a new name.

The affidavit must include:

• Old name and new name

• Father’s or husband’s name

• Full residential address

• Reason for name change

• Declaration that both names belong to the same person

Any mismatch in spelling or initials may lead to rejection.

Step 2: Newspaper Advertisement

After the affidavit, a name change advertisement must be published in a recognized Punjabi / Hindi / English newspaper circulated in Punjab.

The advertisement must:

• Exactly match the affidavit content

• Clearly mention old and new names

• Include address and relation details

This step serves as mandatory public notice.

Step 3: Submission of Punjab Gazette Application

Once the newspaper advertisement is published, an application file is submitted to the Punjab Gazette Office. The file generally includes:

• Gazette application form

• Original notarized affidavit

• Newspaper advertisement copy

• Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)

• Passport-size photographs

• Prescribed government fee

Additional documents apply in special cases (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).

Step 4: Scrutiny by Gazette Department

The Gazette Department conducts document scrutiny to verify:

• Consistency between affidavit and newspaper

• Applicant’s identity and address

• Legal acceptability of the name change

Minor errors may invite objections; major discrepancies may result in rejection.

Step 5: Publication in Punjab Gazette

After successful scrutiny, the name change is published in the Punjab State Gazette. This publication provides final legal authority for the name change and enables updates across all official records.

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Minor vs Adult Name Change in Punjab Gazette

Adult Name Change (18+ years)

Adults can apply independently by submitting:

• Self-executed affidavit

• Newspaper advertisement

• ID and address proof

No guardian consent is required.

Minor Name Change 

For minors, the application must be filed through parents or legal guardians.

Additional requirements include:

• Affidavit executed by guardian

• Minor’s birth certificate

• School records (if applicable)

• Guardian’s ID proof

The Gazette publication legally validates the minor’s new name for future records.

Surname Change After Marriage in Punjab

Surname change after marriage is legally permitted through Punjab Gazette. Required documents include:

• Marriage certificate

• Affidavit reflecting married surname

• Newspaper advertisement

After Gazette publication, the new surname can be updated in Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank, and employment records.

Date of Birth (DOB) Correction Through Punjab Gazette

DOB correction is a sensitive legal matter. Gazette publication supports DOB correction only when backed by strong primary documents, such as:

• Birth certificate

• School or board records

• Hospital birth records

For major discrepancies, some authorities may also require a court order. Gazette publication strengthens the correction request but may not suffice alone in every case.

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Fees for Punjab Gazette Name Change

Government fees vary based on:

• Type of change (simple name / surname / minor case)

• Gazette publication category

In addition to government fees, expenses may include:

• Notary charges

• Newspaper advertisement cost

• Professional assistance (if opted)

Time Required for Punjab Gazette Name Change

The average timeline is 4 to 8 weeks, depending on:

• Document accuracy

• Gazette publication schedule

• Nature of the change (minor / adult / DOB)

How LSO Legal Can Help in Name Change Matters

LSO Legal (Life Saving Organisation) provides comprehensive legal assistance throughout the name change process in Punjab and across India. Whether you are an adult looking to change your name, a minor applying for name change through guardians, or someone seeking surname change after marriage, LSO Legal can guide you through every step of the process.

For applying online, click here and fill your details.

WhatsApp: + 918109631969

Email: support@lsolegal.com | Website: https://lsolegal.com

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1️⃣ Affidavit Drafting and Legal Support

LSO Legal ensures that your name change affidavit is legally compliant and professionally drafted. We make sure the document includes all necessary legal elements and information to ensure it stands up to scrutiny by authorities.

2️⃣ Newspaper Advertisement Assistance

We guide you through the newspaper advertisement process, ensuring the publication matches the details in your affidavit exactly. Our team ensures that the newspaper used is recognised and the ad is published in the right format.

3️⃣ Complete Application Preparation

From filling out the Punjab Gazette application form to organising required documents, LSO Legal assists in preparing the entire application to ensure your name change process is smooth. We handle all the paperwork, including:

• Affidavit

• Newspaper advertisement

• Government fee submission

• Identity proof

• Other necessary documents (e.g., marriage certificate for surname change, birth certificate for DOB correction)

4️⃣ Liaison with Government Authorities

LSO Legal ensures that your application is submitted properly to the Punjab Gazette Office, and we liaise with the department to ensure timely processing. Our experts make sure there are no discrepancies in the submitted documentation.

5️⃣ Legal Advice on Complex Cases

In cases of DOB correction or more complex name changes, LSO Legal provides tailored legal advice. If required, we also help in obtaining court orders for specific corrections and guide you through any extra steps needed.

6️⃣ Time-Saving Process

We streamline the entire process, saving you time and effort. With our expertise, we can guide you through fast-track applications and ensure there are no delays in name change approval, keeping everything legally secure.

7️⃣ RTI Filing Support (If Required)

If you wish to trace old records for name change (e.g., lost passport or Aadhaar details), LSO Legal can assist you in filing an RTI (Right to Information) application with the relevant authorities to obtain those details. We ensure the RTI is drafted correctly to avoid any delays.

8️⃣ Post-Approval Assistance

Once the name change is approved and published in the Punjab Gazette, LSO Legal ensures that your new name is updated in all government and personal records, such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank accounts, and educational records.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Punjab Gazette mandatory for name change?

While not expressly mandatory by statute, Punjab Gazette publication is the most authoritative and legally accepted proof of name change. Most government departments rely on Gazette notification for final acceptance, making it practically essential.

Can Punjab Gazette be used for Aadhaar, PAN, and passport updates?

Yes. Punjab Gazette notification is widely accepted for updating Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank KYC, and other government records, usually along with the affidavit and newspaper advertisement.

Is personal presence required at the Gazette Office?

Generally, personal presence is not required if documents are complete. Authorities may call the applicant only in exceptional or sensitive cases.

Can minors apply for name change in Punjab Gazette?

Yes. Minors can apply through parents or legal guardians with additional supporting documents. Gazette publication legally validates the minor’s new name.

Why do Punjab Gazette applications get rejected?

Common reasons include spelling mismatches, incorrect initials, missing marriage proof, weak DOB evidence, or incomplete application files. Document consistency is critical.

Conclusion

Punjab Gazette publication remains the most secure, permanent, and legally recognized method for name change, surname change, and minor name correction. With accurate documentation and proper procedural compliance, the process becomes smooth, legally sound, and future-proof.