How to Change Name Through Gazette in Maharashtra?
Changing your name can be an essential decision for various personal, legal, or professional reasons. Whether it’s due to marriage, divorce, religious conversion, or just a preference for a different identity, the process of legally changing your name in Maharashtra involves an official procedure through the government’s Gazette. This blog will guide you on how to change your name through the Gazette in Maharashtra, detailing the steps you need to follow and what documents are required.
Why Change Name Through Gazette in Maharashtra? In Maharashtra, the Gazette is an official government publication where changes to personal information such as names, addresses, or other significant details are published. This is done to inform the public about your name change and to make it legally binding. A Gazette notification
serves as a public record and proof of the name change, which can be used in various official processes like passport applications, bank accounts, and educational certificates.
Steps to Change Name Through Gazette in Maharashtra Changing your name through the Gazette in Maharashtra follows a systematic process. Here's how to go about it: 1. Affidavit for Name Change The first step in changing your name is to create an affidavit. The affidavit should state the reason for your name change, your old name, and the new name you wish to adopt. This affidavit should be notarized by a public notary. Documents Required for the Affidavit: ● Proof of identity (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.) ● Proof of address (electricity bill, phone bill, etc.) ● Birth certificate or school leaving certificate (to prove your old name) 2. Draft a Newspaper Advertisement Once the affidavit is ready, you need to publish an advertisement in at least two local newspapers (one in Marathi and the other in English). The advertisement must mention your old name, new name, and the reason for the change. The notice must be given to inform the public about your name change. Documents to be included in the advertisement: ● A copy of the affidavit ● Your recent photograph Keep the newspaper clippings as proof of publication. The newspapers will provide a copy of the published advertisement, which will be necessary for further steps.
3. Submission to Maharashtra Government Gazette After the affidavit and newspaper publication, the next step is to submit the documents to the Maharashtra Government Gazette office for publication. You must prepare a set of documents including: ● ● ● ● ●
The original notarized affidavit A copy of the newspaper advertisement A passport-sized photograph A covering letter requesting the publication of the name change Proof of identity and address
These documents need to be submitted to the Gazette office along with the prescribed fee for the publication. Note: The fee for Gazette publication varies, so you should inquire about the exact amount before submitting the application. 4. Approval and Publication Once your documents are submitted, the Gazette office will review them. If everything is in order, they will publish your name change in the official Gazette of Maharashtra. The publication will include your old and new name, and the change will be legally recognized. After publication, you can obtain a copy of the Gazette with your name change, which will serve as proof of your legal name change. 5. Updating Official Documents After your name change is officially published in the Gazette, the final step is updating your official records. This includes: ● Updating your Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, passport, and any other government documents. ● Informing your bank, employer, and educational institutions about your name change to ensure all your records are updated.
Key Points to Remember ● The Gazette Publication is the official proof of your name change and is crucial for legal recognition. ● Correct Documentation is important at every step. Ensure that all the documents, affidavits, and advertisements are accurate to avoid delays. ● Fee and Timeline: Be prepared to pay the required fee and note that the publication may take some time, ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months.
Conclusion Changing your name through the Gazette in Maharashtra is a formal and legal process that requires several steps, from drafting an affidavit to getting the publication in the official Gazette. The publication ensures your name change is legally recognized and serves as proof for all future personal and professional use. So, if you're looking to change name through Gazette in Maharashtra, following the correct procedure will make your name change official and hassle-free. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth name change process and ensure your new name is legally recognized across various platforms and institutions.
