Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in India: 2026 Checklist

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in India: The Complete 2026 Checklist

Meta Title: Documents Required for Gazette Name Change India 2026 — Complete Checklist
Meta Description: Complete documents checklist for gazette name change in India 2026 — for adults, minors & married women. Affidavit, newspaper ad, ID proof & more. Book your gazette newspaper ad at changeofname.in.
Page URL: changeofname.in/blog/documents-required-gazette-name-change-india
Last Updated: March 2026

What documents do you need for a gazette name change in India — and does the list change depending on whether you are an adult, a child, or a married woman changing her surname?

Yes, it does change. And one of the most frequent causes that gazette name change applications are refused or sent back by gazette offices in India will be getting it wrong at the document preparation phase with the result that the applicant revisits the paperwork collection phase whilst his or her deadline approaches.

This handout provides you the full, certified 2026 documents checklist of all types of gazette name change applicants in India. Adults. Minors. Women who use their husband's name after getting married. According to the US, the name is reversed after a divorce. Spelling corrections. Each of the scenarios is taken care of with the individual document requirement outlined in a clear manner to ensure that you prepare all before you start the process and not find out that you had a point of oversight somewhere along the way.

By Rohan Singh, Senior Legal Media Consultant, changeofname.in 12+ years in gazette and legal newspaper advertising · 5,000+ gazette name change processes coordinated across India · Last Updated: March 2026

Why Getting Your Documents Right Before You Start Matters

The process of changing name of gazette in India i.e. Central Gazette of India or any State Gazette is a sequential process. The success of one step is dependent on the success of the one before it. You have to prepare the affidavit in order to book the newspaper publication. The newspaper cuttings should be collected and then only the gazette application will be submitted. All the necessary documents should be present in the gazette application to verify.

A document that is absent in the application stage at gazette does not just hold up your application. The gazette office in any case is sending back the whole file - you ought to send the whole lot. This will restart your processing date, and possibly postpone your gazette notification by weeks.

The most sensible step which you can take before you undertake any gazette name change business is first to have all the necessary documents prepared, before you have booked the newspaper, before you have drawn your affidavit, before you have made a payment. This guide provides you with the full list of all the applicant types in case you can do precisely that.

The Core Document Checklist — Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in India

Whether you are changing name due to any reason, what is your age, what gazette of which state are you applying, these documents are the compulsory foundation of all the gazette name change applications in India.

Notarized Name Change Affidavit
This is the legal basis of your application. This affidavit should be printed on non-judicial stamp paper (in most states 100 R), distinctly stating the old full legal name, new full legal name, full residential address, name of your father or husband, purpose of the change of name, and a statement of the fact that both names represent the same individual. It should be signed by a registered notary public using his official stamp, signature and registration number. Affidavits that are not notarized are rejected at the intake level.

Original Newspaper Cuttings.
The newspaper advertisement - your name change notice that was published in reputed newspapers is a required requirement in all the gazette name change applications. The gazette office must receive layout newspaper cuttings and not copies or e-paper screen shots. In the case of most states, two cuttings will be required, one of the English daily, and the other of the provincial language daily. The text on the newspaper advertisement should be copied in detail to your affidavit.

Filled gazette Application Form or Prescribed Proforma.
Each gazette office, Central or State, possesses a particular application form or proforma which is to be filled in the appropriate form, by means of a computer typewriter (no handwritten forms are accepted by most gazette offices), and signed by the applicant or his authorized guardian.

Authentic Government Photo ID.
Only accepted photo ID proofs issued by the government are accepted in gazette offices all over India. The accepted standard ones are Aadhaar card, Passport, PAN card, Voter ID or Driving Licence. Informal documents such as LIC policies, bank passbooks among others are not taken. Send self-attested copies of one or two as is now required by the gazette office.

Recent Passport-size Photographs.
Several new passport-size photographs of the applicant are also needed (two or four). See what the particular gazette office needs in regard to photo specifications, background color, size, and recency requirements are a little different.

Fee Payment Proof
Government processing charge - these are paid via Bharatkosh on Central Gazette, or at state-specific payment portal in the State Gazettes, before time of submission and the payment receipt must be attached to your application file. Applications with no receipt of fee are disapproved at the intake.

CD or DVD containing Soft Copies (State Gazette Requirement)
The application documents are to be scanned and provided in a CD or DVD with soft copies of all application documents required by several Indian state gazette offices such as UP, Karnataka and others. This is an aspect that is easily ignored that leads to unnecessary last minute scramble. Before submissions, review the existing instructions of your state gazette office.

Covering Letter or request letter.
Most gazette offices want a brief covering letter to be sent to the Gazette Officer in charge, asking him or her to publish a notification concerning your change of name. The present letter presents your application, and is the first we have seen at the gazette office.

Important: Gazette offices revise their requirements on a regular basis. To be sure of any new format requirements or new requirements of any extra document before the actual signing of your document package, always visit your individual state or central gazette office site at least once before finalizing your document packet.

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in India for Adults

In adults, the process becomes the simplest. You bring your own affidavit, fill your own application form and paste your own ID documents.

Mandatory Documents for Adult Applicants
Aadhaar card under your present legal name (the name with which you are changing name) -self attested copy. PAN card on behalf of your present legal name where necessary, and signed by yourself — self-attested copy. An affidavit of change of name signed by you and attested by a notary. Advertisement with your old and new name in the original newspaper under the needed newspapers within your state. Application form or proforma must be duly filled and typed on the computer and signed by you. Two or four new passport size photos. Bharatkosh payment receipt or state based payment portal: Government fee payment receipt.

Additional Documents Depending on Your Reason for Change

For spelling correction or minor name correction:
ID proof with the wrong spelling and a notarized affidavit stating the wrong spelling, the correct spelling and saying that both are the same person. In case of the error being on your Aadhaar, attach a copy of your Aadhaar SSUP (Self Service Update Portal) acknowledgment when you have already begun the process of updating your Aadhaar.

For a personal, religious, or numerological name change:
The standard document list of adults is adequate. In the field of reason of change of name, you should explain why you needed to change the name in your affidavit. Personal preference, and religious reasons are both acceptable reasons by gazette offices that do not need documentation of the reason itself. In the case of gender transition or name change, as in the case of identity, gender, etc

For gender transition or identity-related name change:
Some gazette offices may ask for supporting medical documentation or a court order, depending on the state. Before writing up your application, check with your particular state gazette office on the current instructions. The demands under this category have been changing with the development of the Indian legal structures.

For adoption or court-ordered name change:
Add the deed of adoption or court order where necessary. The affidavit must mention the particular court order/number of adoption documents.

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change for Minors

In the case of minors, parents or other legal guardians do all the steps on behalf of the child. The child is not able to sign the form of affidavit or the application form individually. Single parents are also accommodated with the right documents and both the parents are usually needed to be involved.

Standard Document Checklist for Minor Name Change Applications
Birth certificate of a child- this is the most significant document in the case of minor applications since this is the primary document of the age of the child, the legal name, and the parents. Most offices of gazettes will not accept an application to change the name of a minor without it. Aadhaar card of the child, in case issued- self signed by the parents. Self-attested copy of Aadhaar of both parents. PAN card of both parents where necessary. Affidavit of name change of child signed by the two parents or legal guardians (not child). Advertisements in the original newspapers with both the old and new name of the child — in certain states, the date of birth of a minor should also be mentioned in the ad. Gazette application form, which was filled in and signed by the parents. Recent passport-size photographs of the child — two or four copies. Receipt of payment of government fees.

Additional Documents for Special Situations Involving Minors

Name change following parents' divorce:
A copy of the divorce decree and the pertinent court order or custody order that is defining who is to make all the legal decisions including the one related to changing the name of the child. In case the custodial parent is a sole legal parent, then this should be stated in the affidavit.

Adoption:
The deed of registered adoption or court order of adoption. The pre-adoption birth certificate of the child, in case it is available. The ID documents of the adoptive parents as per the list above.

Single parent situations:
In cases where both parents are unavailable - one has died, divorced, or abandoned - append a corresponding supporting document indicating the lack of the signature of the other parent: a certificate of death, a divorce certificate, or affidavit describing the conditions.

Important for minor applications: There are states that particularly insist on further statements on the part of both the parents when the usual affidavit is submitted, certifying that there is the common agreement of both to the change of name of the child. The guidelines in the local gazette office are always updated and as such, the minor application package would always be finalized after reviewing the latest local gazette office guidelines of your state.

Documents for Name Change in Gazette after marriage

In India, married women are the sole most prevalent group of applicants when it comes to changing their gazette name. Once one gets married, a change in the surname or inclusion of the surname of the husband generates mismatches in Aadhaar, PAN, banks, and even in the education certificate, which the gazette notification fixes beyond doubt.

Standard Document List for Married Women Changing Surname
Aadhaar card in your maiden name or in your name at present before marriage - self attested copy. PAN card in maiden name - self attested copy. The notarized affidavit to specifically mention your old name (maiden name), your new name (married name), your husband full legal name and reason (marriage). Marriage certificate — also some gazette offices may take your applications without marriage certificate as long as the affidavit states that you are married with marriage certificate being a big plus and stops any questions. ID proof (aadhaar or PAN) of husband- sometimes this is demanded as supporting KYC- documentation. Advertisement on the original newspaper with your former name and new name. Application form of Gazette signed by you. Two or four modern portraits, on passport size. Receipt of payment of government fees.

Post-Divorce Name Change — Reverting to Maiden Name
In case women change their name to their maiden name after divorce, include the following documents with the regular adult checklist: the divorce decree issued by the competent court, with the clear indication of the end of marriage. In the event that the divorce decree fails to make any reference to the name reversion, add an independent Court order or a powerful notarized affidavit expressly stating that you are returning to your maiden name after the divorce and the legal reason behind the same.

Hyphenated or Combined Names After Marriage
There are those women who prefer to hyphenate their names, that is, retaining their names and the addition of the husband surname. This is considered a change of name just as any other. You should have a plain statement of your new hyphenated name exactly as you wish it to be written in all further papers in your affidavit since the gazette will be printed as written in your affidavit.

Quick One-Look Reference Checklist — All Three Categories

This is the condensed at a glance list of the top 3 types of applicants to change the name of a gazette.

Adults (18+) — Document Quick Reference
Aadhaar card (formerly) · PAN card (formerly) · Notarized name change affidavit · Original newspaper cutting(s) · Gazette application form · 2 to 4 passport photographs · Government fee payment receipt · CD or DVD containing digital versions (state-specific) · Covering letter to gazette office.

Minors — Document Quick Reference
Birth certificate of child · Aadhaar card of child (where issued) if available · Aadhaar card of both parents · Notarized affidavit of parents signed by parents of child · Original newspaper cutting(s) with old and new name of child · Gazette form signed by parents of child · Passport photographs of child · Fee receipt divide decree also signed by parents adopting child (where applicable)

Married Women — Document Quick Reference
Aadhaar card (maiden/old name) PAN card (maiden/old name) Marriage certificate Notarized affidavit on changing surname Husband ID proof Original newspaper cutting(s) Gazette form Photographs Fee receipt Divorce decree (when returning to maiden name).

The Newspaper Publication Step — Why It Is Non-Negotiable

All the applicants of gazette name change, whether adult or minor or married woman, should attach original newspaper cuttings to their gazette change application. This must not be waived in any Indian gazette procedure.

The fact that the newspaper is published is no figment. It is the legal process through which the people are legally informed and allowed to present themselves before the government through the legal means to permanently register the change in your name. The verification of the gazette office particularly is concerned that your newspaper publication has been completed in recognized papers and the content is identical with your affidavit and the cuttings are the physical copies that were cut during the period of publication.

State-specific dual-language newspaper requirements:
Karnataka Gazette - one English newspaper (Deccan Herald suggested) and one Kannada newspaper (prajavani or Vijayavani). Maharashtra State Gazette - one English paper, one Marathi paper (Maharashtra Times, Loksatta or Sakal). UP Gazette - one paper in English (daily) and one Hindi (daily) (Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, or Hindustan). Tamil Nadu Gazette - one English daily and one Tamil daily (Dinamalar or Dina Thanthi). AP and Telangana Gazette — daily one English language and a Telugu language (Eenadu or Sakshi). Central Gazette of India One national English daily, and one regional language daily, depending on the state of residence of the applicant.

changeofname.in handles the entire step of newspaper publication on gazette name change applicants in all Indian states - English newspaper booking, local language newspaper booking, simultaneous same-day publication, content checking in line with your affidavit, and original cutting collection and sorting - all at one convenient at a time.

Newspaper ad Rates for Gazette Name Change Ads

State	English Paper	Regional Paper	Combo Rate (Both Papers)
Karnataka	Deccan Herald — ₹245/line	Prajavani — ₹130/line	₹4,200 onwards
Karnataka	Deccan Herald — ₹245/line	Vijayavani — ₹115/line	₹3,800 onwards
Maharashtra	Times of India Mumbai	Maharashtra Times	₹8,500+ onwards
Delhi and UP	Hindustan Times	Dainik Jagran	₹7,500+ onwards
Tamil Nadu	The Hindu Chennai	Dinamalar	₹6,500+ onwards
AP and Telangana	TOI Hyderabad	Eenadu	₹7,000+ onwards

Common Document Mistakes That Cause Gazette Name Change Rejections

Submitting photocopies of the affidavit instead of the original.
The original signed by the notar of affidavit with wet stamp and ink signature are needed by the gazette office. Even a clear photocopy with a certification is rejected.

Mismatch between affidavit content and newspaper ad content
What you say in your affidavit with respect to names, addresses and reason should exactly be the same as that in your newspaper advertisement. The gazette verification officer goes through the documents line by line.

Using a newspaper not recognized by the gazette office
Not all the newspapers that come into your state circulate on the list of gazette offices. Check newspaper recognition with the changeofname.in team or the guidelines of your state gazette office at all times when making a booking.

Missing the regional language newspaper requirement.
Some of the applications will only get a book from an English newspaper and when they come to fill the gazette application they find out it needs to be filled in the regional language. This causes an entire republication - at full price before the application is allowed.

Incorrect stamp paper denomination for affidavit.
In most states, the affidavit has to be on 100 non-judicial stamp papers. Checking in 10 or 50 stamp paper is another frequent mistake of new applicants that is rejected during the stage of stamp before the process is even started appropriately.

Forgetting the CD or DVD requirement.
The gazette offices of all states such as Karnataka and UP especially need a CD or DVD with the digital soft copies of all the application documents. This is a requirement that can be easily disregarded when creating a physical document package.

Passport photographs that do not meet specifications
The majority of gazette offices indicate that the size of photographs needs to be a certain, white background and must be recent. Old, blurred and photographs with a wrong background are not accepted during intake.