Gazette Name Change in Uttar Pradesh: The Ultimate 2026 Step-by-Step Guide Changing your name in a state as vast as Uttar Pradesh (UP) can feel like a daunting task. Whether you are in Lucknow, Kanpur, Noida, or Ghaziabad, having a legally recognized name is crucial for your identity. While many believe a simple affidavit is enough, the only foolproof way to ensure your new name is accepted by the Passport Office, Banks, and for Government Jobs is through a Gazette Name Change.
Why is a Gazette Notification Mandatory in UP? In Uttar Pradesh, local authorities might accept a newspaper ad for minor things, but for "Class A" identification updates, you need a Gazette notification for name change. ● Passport & Visa: The Passport Sewa Kendra (PSK) strictly requires the Central Gazette for major name changes. ● Aadhaar & PAN: To avoid rejection, a Gazette copy is the most trusted supporting document. ● Government Service Records: Essential for UP State and Central Govt employees.
💡 Expert Tip: If you are planning to move abroad or apply for a digital nomad visa from Noida or Gurgaon, always opt for the Central Gazette rather than the State Gazette.
Central Gazette vs. State Gazette: Which one should you choose?
Feature
Central Gazette (Recommended)
UP State Gazette
Issuing Authority
Govt. of India (Delhi)
Govt. of Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow)
Validity
Worldwide & Pan-India
Mostly within Uttar Pradesh
Acceptance
All Banks, Passport, & Embassies
Limited (Often rejected by PSK)
Online Access
Easy to download via Gazette Website
Can be difficult to track online
Detailed Step-by-Step Process for UP Residents Step 1: Draft a Notarized Affidavit Create a 100-rupee stamp paper affidavit. Mention your old name, new name, full address in UP, and the reason for the change. ● For Marriage: Mention the date of marriage and husband's details. ● For Minors: The parents must execute the affidavit on the minor's behalf. Step 2: Newspaper Advertisement Previously, two newspapers were required for the initial gazette notification, but now advertising in just one state newspaper is sufficient. Step 3: Digital CD Preparation Prepare a digital version of your application in MS Word format. This must be burned onto a CD/DVD as per the Department of Publication guidelines. Step 4: Online Fee Payment via Bharat Kosh Visit the Bharat kosh portal to pay the mandatory government fees. Ensure you select the correct "Non-Tax Receipt" category. Step 5: Submission While the Gazette office in Lucknow (Government Press, Aishbagh) handles state matters, for a Name Change Gazette with national validity, you must courier your file to the Department of Publication (Civil Lines, Delhi).
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Specific Scenarios in Uttar Pradesh ● Name Change After Marriage: Many women in UP face issues updating their voter IDs and Passports. A Gazette certificate acts as a bridge between your maiden name and married name. ● Minor Name Change: For school records (CBSE/UP Board), a Gazette Name change in Uttar Pradesh is often required to correct spelling errors in the father's or child's name.
Fee Breakup (Estimated 2026) Category
Gov. Fee (Approx.)
Expected Duration
Adult (General)
₹1,100
30–40 Days
Minor Name Change
₹1,700
45 Days
Public Notice/Correction
₹1,400
30–40 Days
Why Files Get Rejected? (Common Mistakes) 1. 2. 3. 4.
Spelling Mismatch: Name on the affidavit doesn't match the newspaper ad. Wrong Fee Category: Paying the wrong amount on Bharat Kosh. Outdated Photos: Using photos older than 6 months. Incomplete CD: Forgetting to sign the physical certificate that matches the CD content.
● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Notarized Affidavit (Original) Original Newspaper Clippings (Full Page) Digital CD (MS Word File) 2 Passport Size Photos (Self-Attested) ID Proof (Aadhaar/Voter ID with UP Address) Bharat kosh Fee Receipt Witness Signatures (2 required)
📋 Document Checklist (Keep these ready!)
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FAQs: Q1: What is the estimated timeline for the Gazette Name Change in Uttar Pradesh? The entire process, from submitting your application to the official publication on the Gazette Website, typically takes 30 to 45 business days. However, this depends on the accuracy of your documents and the current processing volume at the Department of Publication. Q2: Can I complete the entire name change process online from UP? Absolutely. While the final file is physically verified in Delhi, you can handle everything—affidavit drafting, newspaper ad bookings, and Bharat kosh fee payments—100% online. Our experts can manage the logistics so you don’t have to travel to any government office. Q3: Why is a Central Gazette preferred over the UP State Gazette for Passports? The Central Gazette is a national document recognized by the Ministry of External Affairs (Passport Office) and foreign embassies. While the State Gazette (Lucknow) works for local UP state matters, it is often rejected for Passports and Central Govt jobs. For global validity, a Central Gazette notification for name change is the gold standard. Q4: Is a Marriage Certificate enough, or do I need a Gazette for a surname change after marriage? While a marriage certificate is valid, many women face technical rejections in Bank records and Passports due to "signature mismatch" or "surname confusion." Obtaining a Name Change Gazette provides a permanent legal link between your maiden name and married name, ensuring smooth future transactions. Q5: What is the procedure for a Minor’s Name Change in Uttar Pradesh? For minors (below 18), the process is slightly different: ● The Affidavit must be signed by the parent or legal guardian. ● The Newspaper Ad must clearly state the parent's name and their intent to change the child's name. ● The Gazette Name change in Uttar Pradesh fee for minors is usually higher (approx. ₹1,700) compared to adults. Q6: Can I update my Aadhaar and PAN Card based only on a Newspaper Ad or Affidavit? No. UIDAI (Aadhaar) and IT Department (PAN) have become very strict. An affidavit is just a self-declaration. To change your name officially in their database without rejection, you must present the Official Gazette Notification as the primary legal proof.
Q7: What happens if there is a spelling mistake in my Gazette application? Any mismatch between your ID proof, newspaper ad, and affidavit will lead to file rejection. This is why professional verification is crucial. If rejected, you may have to repay the Bharat kosh fees and restart the publication process. Q8: How do I verify if my name change has been published? You don’t need to wait for a physical copy. You can visit the Gazette Website and search for your name or the date of the Saturday on which the Gazette was released. You can then download the digital PDF for all future legal uses.
