Gazette Name Change Online – Complete Guide for State & Central Gazette
A Gazette Name Change is the most legally accepted method to change or correct a person’s name in India. Whether you need to update your name in Aadhaar, PAN card, Passport, bank records, or educational documents, Gazette Notification acts as final legal proof.
This blog explains the online name change process, required documents, time taken, fees, and the difference between State Gazette and Central Gazette, helping you choose the correct option for your situation.
What Is Gazette Name Change?
Gazette Name Change is an official process where the government publishes your new name in its official Gazette (Rajpatra). Once published, the name change becomes legally valid and is accepted by all government departments and courts.
Types of Gazette Name Change in India
1. State Gazette Name Change
A State Gazette is issued by the respective State Government and is generally used for state-level records.
Common Uses:
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Aadhaar name correction (in many cases)
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PAN card name change
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Bank records
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Educational documents
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Local government records
Key Points:
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Faster processing in most cases
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Lower government fees
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Valid mainly within the issuing state
2. Central Gazette Name Change
A Central Gazette is issued by the Government of India and has nationwide validity.
Common Uses:
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Passport name change or correction
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Visa and immigration matters
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Embassy and international documentation
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Central government records
Key Points:
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Highest legal authority
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Accepted across all states
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Slightly longer processing time
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Newspaper publication is usually mandatory
Gazette Name Change Online Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit
A notarized affidavit mentioning:
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Old name
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New name
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Reason for name change
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Date and place
Step 2: Newspaper Publication
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Required in most Central Gazette cases
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Some State Gazette cases also require it
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Usually published in one or two newspapers
Step 3: Online Gazette Application
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Apply through the official State Gazette portal or Central Gazette e-Gazette system
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Fill the application form carefully
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Upload documents in the prescribed format
Step 4: Fee Payment
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Government fees are paid online or as per the Gazette authority’s instructions
Step 5: Verification & Publication
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Authorities verify documents
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After approval, the name change is published in the Gazette
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Gazette PDF becomes available for download
Time Required for Gazette Name Change
| Gazette Type | Approximate Time |
|---|---|
| State Gazette | 15–30 working days |
| Central Gazette | 30–45 days or more |
Timelines may vary depending on document accuracy and government workload.
Gazette Name Change Fees
Gazette fees depend on:
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Whether it is State Gazette or Central Gazette
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Government publication charges
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Newspaper publication costs
General Understanding:
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State Gazette → Lower cost
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Central Gazette → Higher cost due to wider validity
(Exact fees vary by state and case type.)
Required Documents for Gazette Name Change
The following documents are generally required for both State and Central Gazette:
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Name Change Affidavit
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Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
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Address Proof
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Recent Photograph
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Newspaper Publication Copy (mandatory for Central Gazette)
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Application Form (online)
Additional documents may be required depending on the case.
People Also Read Difference between State Gazette and Central Gazette
Which Gazette Should You Choose?
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For local or state-level records → State Gazette
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For Passport, PAN, visa, or all-India validity → Central Gazette
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If unsure, professional guidance is strongly recommended to avoid rejection.
Online vs Offline Gazette Process
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Central Gazette: Mostly online
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State Gazette: Online, offline, or hybrid depending on the state
Applicants often face rejection due to incorrect format, missing documents, or choosing the wrong Gazette type.
Professional Assistance – Save Time and Avoid Errors
If you want to avoid technical issues, portal confusion, or incorrect searches, professional handling ensures:
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Correct Gazette category and section selection
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Proper tracking after publication
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Valid use of Gazette for Aadhaar, PAN, and Passport
End-to-end support helps save time and prevent rejection.
For applying online, click here and fill your details.
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Conclusion
Gazette Name Change is a critical legal step for ensuring that your new name is officially recognized across government records. Understanding the difference between State Gazette and Central Gazette, following the correct online process, and submitting proper documents are essential to avoid delays or rejection. With accurate guidance and lawful compliance, the Gazette name change process becomes smooth, reliable, and legally valid for all future use.
(FAQ)
What is Gazette Name Change?
Gazette Name Change is a legal process where a person’s new or corrected name is officially published in the Government Gazette. Once published, it becomes valid legal proof for updating records such as Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, banks, and other institutions.
Can Gazette Name Change be done online?
Yes. Central Gazette name change is mostly processed online through the official e-Gazette system. State Gazette name change may be online, offline, or a hybrid process, depending on the state’s rules.
What is the difference between State Gazette and Central Gazette for name change?
State Gazette is issued by the State Government and is generally valid within that state for local and state-level records. Central Gazette is issued by the Government of India and has nationwide validity, commonly required for passport, PAN, visa, and embassy-related matters.
How much time does Gazette Name Change take?
State Gazette name change usually takes around 15–30 working days. Central Gazette name change may take 30–45 days or more, depending on document verification and government processing.
What are the fees for Gazette Name Change?
Gazette fees depend on whether the application is for State Gazette or Central Gazette. State Gazette generally involves lower government fees, while Central Gazette costs are higher due to wider legal validity and mandatory newspaper publication. Exact fees vary by state and case type.
What documents are required for Gazette Name Change?
Commonly required documents include:
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Name change affidavit
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Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
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Address proof
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Recent photograph
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Newspaper publication copy (mandatory for Central Gazette)
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Duly filled application form
Additional documents may be required in specific cases.
Is newspaper publication mandatory for Gazette Name Change?
Newspaper publication is mandatory in most Central Gazette cases. For State Gazette, it may or may not be required depending on state rules and the nature of the name change.
Is Gazette Name Change mandatory for Aadhaar, PAN, and Passport?
In many cases, yes. Passport authorities and other departments often require Gazette Notification as final legal proof for permanent name change or major corrections.
Can I choose State Gazette instead of Central Gazette?
Yes, if your name change is required only for state-level or local records. For passport, visa, immigration, or all-India acceptance, Central Gazette is usually required or recommended.
What happens after the Gazette is published?
After publication, the official Gazette PDF becomes available online. This document is used as legal proof to update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, bank records, and other official documents.
Can someone apply for Gazette Name Change on my behalf?
Yes. Authorized legal service providers can handle the complete Gazette Name Change process on behalf of the applicant, including documentation, online filing, and follow-up.
Why do Gazette Name Change applications get rejected?
Applications may be rejected due to incorrect affidavit format, missing documents, wrong Gazette type selection, or procedural errors. Proper guidance helps avoid such issues.
Is Gazette Name Change a permanent legal record?
Yes. Once published, Gazette Name Change serves as permanent legal evidence unless altered by another official Gazette notification.
