How to Change Your Name Legally in Delhi: The Ultimate Guide to Gazette Notification Changing your name is a major life milestone. Whether it’s correcting a spelling error in your school records, updating your surname after marriage, or adopting a new identity for personal reasons, the process must be legally foolproof. Take the example of Sagar, a Delhi resident. A small spelling mistake in his surname on his Aadhaar card led to his visa rejection. He was worried about visiting government offices repeatedly. However, through the Gazette Name Change in Delhi process, he fixed his documents from the comfort of his home and successfully got his visa. At VAKIL INDIA , we simplify this journey for you. This guide breaks down the legal process, fees, and documents required for a name change in Delhi.
Quick Overview: Gazette Name Change at a Glance Feature
Details
Authority
Department of Publication, Govt. of India (Central Gazette)
Processing Time
30 to 45 Days
Total Cost
Government Fee (₹1,100 - ₹1,700) + Service Charges
Validity
Lifetime & Globally Recognized (Passport, Visa, Banks)
Major Documents
Affidavit, Newspaper Ad, ID Proofs, Digital CD/Format
What is a Gazette for Name Change? A Gazette for Name Change is an official government publication issued by the Government of India. Published every Saturday by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, it serves as the ultimate legal proof of your new identity. The Central Gazette Notification (published in Part IV) is recognized by every government and private institution in India and abroad. While affidavits and newspaper ads are initial steps, the Gazette publication is what makes the change permanent and legally binding for documents like Passports and OCI cards.
Why is the Central Gazette better than the State Gazette? For residents of Delhi, the Central Gazette is the only recommended option. ● Central Gazette: Valid throughout India and globally (Required for Passports/Visas). ● State Gazette: Limited validity and often rejected by Central Government departments like the Ministry of External Affairs.
Why Do You Need a Legal Name Change? In India, while a notarized affidavit is the first step, it is often not enough for high-security documents. Most departments strictly demand a Gazette Notification for Name Change related problems: 1. Spelling Corrections: Fixing errors in Aadhaar, PAN, or Birth Certificates. 2. Marriage/Divorce: Adding a surname after marriage or restoring a maiden name post-divorce. 3. Surname Change: Changing or adding a family name for social or religious reasons. 4. Professional Needs: Matching names across educational and service records for job background checks. 5. Numerology/Astrology: Adopting a name for personal beliefs.
Eligibility & Documents Required To apply for a name change in Delhi, you must be an Indian Citizen with a genuine reason.
Mandatory Documents Checklist: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
ID Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, or Voter ID (Self-attested). Address Proof: Electricity bill, Rent agreement, or Aadhaar. Photographs: 2-3 recent passport-size photos (Self-attested). Affidavit: Notarized on a ₹20 or ₹10 non-judicial stamp paper. Newspaper Ads: Original copies of English and Hindi newspapers. Payment Receipt: Fee payment receipt via the Bharat Kosh portal. Digital CD: A CD containing the name change notification in MS Word format (as per Govt. guidelines).
Step-by-Step Name Change Process in Delhi Step 1: Drafting the Affidavit The foundation is a legal affidavit. It must mention your old name, new name, full address, and the reason for the change. It must be notarized by a Notary Public or Magistrate.
Step 2: Newspaper Publication You must publish a public notice in local newspapers: 1. A Local newspaper. Advertise in your state's local newspaper. Note: Keep the entire original newspaper pages; clippings are often rejected.
Step 3: Central Gazette Submission (The Technical Part) This is the final step. You must prepare a physical file for the Department of Publication (Civil Lines, Delhi). ● Arrange documents in the specific sequence required by the office. ● Ensure the Digital CD matches the hard copy exactly. ● Pay the government fee (approx. ₹1,100 for adults) via Bharat Kosh.
Special Cases for Name Change 1. Marriage & Divorce ● Marriage: Women adopting a husband's surname need a Marriage Certificate and a Joint Affidavit. ● Divorce: A certified copy of the Divorce Decree is mandatory to restore a maiden name.
2. Minor's Name Change Parents or legal guardians must apply on behalf of children below 18. A Birth Certificate is mandatory, and the affidavit must be signed by the parents.
3. NRI Name Change NRIs must get their documents (Affidavit/Application) attested by the Indian Embassy or High Commission in their country of residence before sending them to the Delhi Gazette office.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection Many people try to process their own Gazette file and face rejection due to: ● Format Errors: Using incorrect wording in the affidavit or the digital CD file. ● Payment Mistakes: Paying the wrong amount or using the wrong head on Bharat Kosh. ● Newspaper Errors: If the name in the newspaper doesn't match the Aadhaar exactly, the file is rejected. ● Sequence: Not arranging the file as per the Gazette office's strict protocol.
Online vs. Offline Process: Which is Better? Factor
Online (Expert Assisted)
Offline (Self-Managed)
Convenience
Complete from home
Must visit offices & banks
Error Rate
0% (Expert Review)
High (due to technicalities)
Time
Faster (30-45 Days)
Delayed due to rejections
Total Cost
Affordable & Transparent
High (Travel + Multiple attempts)
Why Choose Vakil India? We offer a 100% hassle-free, online service for Complete Process. We handle: ● ● ● ●
Expert Drafting: Error-free affidavits and newspaper ad text. Newspaper Booking: We handle the publication in leading papers. Gazette Filing: Preparation of the digital CD and final file submission. Tracking: Real-time updates until your name appears in the Gazette.
Ready to start your journey? Don't let technical errors delay your legal identity. Contact us today for a free consultation! ● Phone/WhatsApp: +91 8882690085 | +91 8595590085 ● Website: vakilindia.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. What is the legal procedure for a Name Change in Delhi? The legal process consists of three mandatory steps: ● Affidavit Submission: Draft a notarized affidavit on a ₹10 or ₹20 stamp paper. ● Newspaper Advertisement: Publish a notification in one local newspaper. ● Gazette Notification: Submit the application to the Department of Publication (Government of India) to get your name published in the Official Gazette.
2. Is a Gazette Notification mandatory for updating official IDs? Yes. While minor spelling corrections might sometimes be managed with an affidavit, a Gazette Notification is mandatory for major name changes in documents like Passports, PAN cards, Aadhaar, and Bank Records.
3. What documents are required for a Gazette Name Change? To apply for a Gazette notification in Delhi, you need: ● ● ● ● ●
A notarized Affidavit. Original copies of the Newspaper advertisements. Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, or Voter ID). Address Proof (Electricity bill or Rent agreement). Two passport-sized photographs and a digital CD (as per government format).
4. How can I apply for a Name Change online in Delhi? While the Central Gazette office (Civil Lines) handles physical submissions, you can use professional platforms like Vakil India/ Advocate Advice or the official e-Gazette portal to manage documentation digitally. You must upload scanned copies of your affidavit, newspaper ads, and ID proofs.
5. What is the official fee for Gazette Publication? The government fee for Gazette publication generally ranges between ₹1,100 and ₹1,500 for adults. For minors, the fee is approximately ₹1,700. Professional consultancy services may charge an additional nominal fee for end-to-end assistance (Affidavits + Ads).
6. How can I pay the Gazette Name Change fees? The fee must be paid online through the NTRP (Non-Tax Receipt Portal) at bharatkosh.gov.in. After payment, you must attach the receipt with your application form.
7. Where is the Gazette Office located in Delhi? The physical office for the Department of Publication is located at: Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi - 110054 (Near Vidhan Sabha Metro Station).
8. How long does it take for the name to appear in the Gazette? Once the application is submitted and verified, it typically takes 30 to 45 days for the notification to be published on the official website (egazette.gov.in).
9. Can a married woman change her surname in Delhi? Yes. Married women can change their surname or add their husband's name by submitting a Marriage Certificate, a joint affidavit, and following the standard newspaper and Gazette process.
10. Who is authorized to notarize my Name Change Affidavit? The affidavit must be signed by a Notary Public or a First Class Magistrate. In some cases, a Gazetted Officer’s attestation is required for specific government employee profiles.
