Changing one’s name is a big decision, and it requires careful consideration and preparation. Whether it’s a personal or professional reason, changing one’s name can be a complex process that involves various legal formalities. In India, one of the crucial steps to legally change one’s name is to get it published in the Gazette of India. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change name legally in India and in the Gazette of India online.
What is the process to change the Name in Gazette in India Online?
To change name legally in India in the Gazette of India, you need to follow some easy steps that we have outlined below for your help. These steps are:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
Before starting the process of changing your name in the Gazette of India, it is essential to have all the necessary documents in place. The following are the documents that you will need:
- Application form: You can download the application form for name change from the official website of the Department of Publication, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The form is available in both English and Hindi.
- Affidavit: You will need to prepare an affidavit stating the reason for changing your name and declaring that the new name is not being changed for any fraudulent purposes.
- Newspaper advertisement: You will need to publish an advertisement in a local newspaper declaring your intention to change your name. Make sure to keep a copy of the newspaper advertisement.
- ID proof: You will need to provide a self-attested copy of your ID proof, such as a PAN card, Aadhaar card, or passport.
- Address proof: You will need to provide a self-attested copy of your address proof, such as a driving licence, electricity bill, or voter ID card.
Step 2: Fill the Application Form
Once you have gathered all the required documents, the next step is to fill out the application form. The application form for name change in the Gazette of India is straightforward and requires basic information such as your old name, new name, address, and contact details. Make sure to fill the form carefully and accurately.
Step 3: Get the Affidavit Notarized
After filling the application form, you will need to get the affidavit notarized by a notary public. The affidavit should state the reason for changing your name and the new name that you wish to adopt. It should also declare that the new name is not being changed for any fraudulent purposes.
Step 4: Publish the Newspaper Advertisement
Once you have the affidavit notarized, the next step is to publish an advertisement in a local newspaper declaring your intention to change your name. The advertisement should include your old name, new name, and the reason for the change. Make sure to keep a copy of the newspaper advertisement as it will be required later in the process.
Step 5: Submit the Documents to the Department of Publication
After you have completed all the above steps, the next step is to submit the application form, affidavit, newspaper advertisement, ID proof, and address proof to the Department of Publication, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. You can submit the documents online through the e-Gazette portal or offline by visiting the Department of Publication office.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Once you have submitted the documents, you will need to pay the fee for publishing your name change in the Gazette of India. The fee can be paid online through the e-Gazette portal or offline by visiting the Department of Publication office.
Step 7: Wait for the Gazette Notification
After submitting the documents and paying the fee, you will need to wait for the Gazette notification. The notification will be published in the e-Gazette, and it will also be available in print form. The Gazette notification will include your old name, new name, and the reason for the change.
Step 8: Update Your ID Proof and Other
After the Gazette notification is published, you can start updating your ID proof and other relevant documents with your new name. Make sure to update your name in all your important documents, such as your PAN card, Aadhaar card, passport, bank accounts, and other legal documents.
Is there any online platform available for name change in India?
Yes, there are several online platforms available for name change in India. One such platform is edrafter.in, which offers assistance to individuals seeking a name change. The website provides a step-by-step guide on the entire process, starting from drafting an affidavit to publishing a gazette notification for the name change. Users can easily access the platform and avail themselves of the services without having to visit government offices or hire a lawyer. The website also provides a dedicated customer support team to assist users in case of any queries or concerns. Overall, edrafter.in is a convenient and reliable platform for individuals seeking a name change in India.
Conclusion
Changing one's name can be a significant step in one's life, and it requires careful consideration and preparation. Getting your name published in the Gazette of India is an essential legal formality that needs to be completed to make the name change official. The process of changing your name in the Gazette of India has been made easier with the introduction of the e-Gazette portal, which allows you to submit the documents online. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily change your name in the Gazette of India online and start using your new name in all your important documents.
