10 Feb Maharashtra Gazette Name Change
Maharashtra Gazette Name Change
Complete 2026 Guide to Notification, Process, Documents & Fees
Table of Contents
- Introduction: What is Maharashtra Gazette and Why It's Necessary
- Eligibility Criteria for Maharashtra Gazette Name Change
- Complete Document Checklist
- 3-Step Process Breakdown
- Online Application Guide
- Offline Application Process
- Affidavit Format & Samples
- Newspaper Advertisement Guide
- Detailed Fee Structure
- Timeline & Processing Expectations
- How to Use Your Gazette Certificate
- Special Cases
- Common Mistakes: 10 Errors to Avoid
- 20 FAQs
- Pro Tips for Smooth Processing
Introduction: What is Maharashtra Gazette and Why It's Necessary
In simple words the Maharashtra Gazette Name Change process is the official or legal way to legally update your name through a public notification that is published by the Maharashtra Government's Directorate of Printing, Stationery and Publications (DGPS). Unlike the other informal name changes, this gazette notification, published by the Maharashtra Government's Directorate of Printing, Stationery and Publications (DGPS). makes your new name legally valid and accepted nationwide. Please note that this process is very important for updating your other important official and legal documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank accounts among others.
You may ask me 'why is it necessary?' The answer is very simple: in Maharashtra including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, courts or private name change affidavits alone aren't enough for maintaining the government records. So the gazette publication proves as the ultimate public notice that legally authenticates your name change and helps to prevent frauds.
This is a mandatory process for the NRIs, government employees, and for significant life events such as marriage. This 2026 based guide seamlessly covers the entire Maharashtra Gazette Name Change process end-to-end, and saves your valuable time and effort.
Eligibility Criteria for Maharashtra Gazette Name Change
Anyone applying for a Maharashtra Gazette name change needs to follow a few basic steps:
Adults (18+)
Adult applicants must be Indian citizens, and must have lived in Maharashtra for at least 6 months with no prior or existing criminal record.
Minors (under 18)
If any applicant is a minor, their parents or legal guardians can apply on their behalf. In such scenarios, consent from both parents is required, unless there is a single parent or a court order.
NRIs
For Non Residential Indian, (NRI applicants) proof of the last address in Maharashtra is mandatory. Apostille is needed for use outside India.
Other
In other cases, such as gender transition, religion change, or spelling corrections, there are no restrictions on full name or surname changes in Maharashtra.
Applicants with recent convictions or ongoing legal disputes are not eligible for the process. For more detailed information and confirmation please contact the DGPS helpline at: 022-22025377 (Mumbai).
Complete Document Checklist
If you are opting for a legal name change process in Maharashtra, you will need to gather the following documents for Gazette name change in Maharashtra. Please ensure all documents are scanned in color and in A4 size:
| Document | Details | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | DGPS Form-1 (download from dgps.maharashtra.gov.in) | Yes |
| Affidavit | Notarized on ₹100 stamp paper | Yes |
| Newspaper Ads | Original cuttings from 2 papers (one local Marathi/English) | Yes |
| ID Proof | Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport (old name) | Yes (2) |
| Address Proof | Electricity bill, rental agreement (Maharashtra address) | Yes |
| Birth Certificate | Self-attested copy | Yes (minors/adults) |
| No Objection Certificate | From spouse/parents (if applicable) | Conditional |
| Photos | 4 passport-size (old & new name backdrop optional) | Yes |
| Court Order (if any) | For minors/divorce cases | Conditional |
3-Step Process Breakdown
The Gazette name change in Maharashtra process can be broken down into these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare Affidavit & Ads
Draft a name change affidavit, it must be notarized by a notary public, after preparing the affidavit you will have to publish name change ads in 2 newspapers within a 30-day gap.
Step 2: Submit Application
You can submit your application either online through the DGPS portal or offline by visiting the Mumbai or Pune office in person.
Step 3: Gazette Publication & Certificate
Then pay the applicable fees; post approval, you will receive the PDF/soft copy within 30 business days from the day of submission, and then you will receive the official hard copy.
Online Application Guide
For the fastest Gazette name change, it's best to apply online through dgps.maharashtra.gov.in. Just follow the steps one by one:
-
Visit the Portal: At first visit the dgps.maharashtra.gov.in site then go to the "Extraordinary Gazette" section and select "Name Change".
Screenshot desc: Homepage slider with "Apply Online" button; form fields for old/new name
-
Register & Fill Form: Then, register or log in using your mobile number or email ID, and fill out Form-1 with your old name, new name, reason for the name change, and residential address.
Screenshot: Form preview with dropdowns for district—Mumbai selected
-
Upload Documents & Pay: Then upload all the necessary documents in PDF or JPG format, size should be less than 2MB each. Then pay the applicable fees securely via net banking or UPI.
Screenshot: Upload queue showing affidavit/newspaper clippings
- Track & Download: You can then track the status of your application using the ARN number sent to your email. Once your application is approved, download the e-Gazette from "My Applications."
Offline Application Process
Physical submission process (this process is ideal for senior citizens and NRIs). Follow these steps carefully:
- First download Form-1 from DGPS site.
-
Then submit it at:
- Mumbai: DGPS Office, A/Block, Old Custom House, Fort, Mumbai-400001
- Pune/Nagpur: Regional offices (check dgps.maharashtra.gov.in)
- You can pay the applicable fees by cash or Demand Draft; You will get the payment receipt, please don't forget to preserve it.
- Courier option is also available at ₹50 extra.
- You can collect certificates in person or by registered post.
Affidavit Format & Samples
Notarize on ₹100 stamp paper.
Sample Affidavit for Adult Name Change (Maharashtra format):
Samples for Special Cases:
- Marriage: Add "Formerly known as [Maiden Name] post marriage to [Spouse]".
- Minor: "On behalf of child [Name], both parents consent".
- NRI: Include "Last resided in Maharashtra [address]".
Newspaper Advertisement Guide
Published in 2 papers: 1 Maharashtra-wide (e.g., Maharashtra Times), 1 local (e.g., Mumbai Sakal). 30-day gap minimum.
Sample Ad Format:
Booking:
- Online: BookMyAd.com or newspaper sites (₹500-2000/ad)
- Agencies: Riyo Advertising (Mumbai-based)
Detailed Fee Structure
Maharashtra Gazette name change fees (2026 updated):
| Item | DIY Cost (₹) | Professional Service (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Affidavit (₹100 stamp + notary) | 200-400 | Included |
| Newspaper Ads (2) | 1,500-4,000 | 2,500-6,000 |
| DGPS Application | 450 (Urgent: 900) | Included |
| e-Gazette Download | Free | Free |
| Hard Copy Post | 100 | Included |
| Total | 2,250-5,400 | 7,000-15,000 |
Comparison: Maharashtra vs Central Gazette
| Feature | Maharashtra Gazette | Central Gazette |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Maharashtra records | All-India |
| Fee | ₹450 | ₹900+ |
| Time | 15-30 days | 30-60 days |
| Best For | Local residents | NRIs/Passport |
Timeline & Processing Expectations
Week-by-week for Maharashtra Gazette name change:
- Week 1: Affidavit + 1st ad
- Week 4: 2nd ad (30-day notice)
- Week 5-6: Submit application
- Week 7-9: Publication; e-copy ready
- Week 10+: Hard copy
How to Use Your Gazette Certificate
Please note the Gazette PDF is valid for your lifetime. You can easily download this from dgps.maharashtra.gov.in (ARN login). Take at least 5 printouts and laminate them for extra protection.
Quick Updates:
| Document | Portal/Process | Timeline | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aadhaar | myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → Upload Gazette | 7-15 days | Free |
| PAN | nsdl.com → Correction form + Gazette | 15 days | ₹107 |
| Passport | passportindia.gov.in → Re-issue | 30 days | ₹1,500 |
| Banks/DL/Voter | Branch/RTO portal + Gazette | Instant-15 days | Varies |
| Education | University + Gazette | 1-3 months | Varies |
Special Cases
Marriage/Divorce
Marriage cert/decree + spouse NOC
Minors
Guardian affidavit + school NOC + birth cert
NRIs
Old MH address proof + MEA apostille
Govt Employees
Dept NOC
Gender Transition
Medical cert (optional)
Common Mistakes: 10 Errors to Avoid
| # | Mistake | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wrong Newspaper | Always use Marathi/English Maharashtra papers |
| 2 | No 30-Day Gap | Wait full period |
| 3 | Poor Scans | High-res color PDFs |
| 4 | Missing Self-Attestation | Do all except notary |
| 5 | Incorrect Form | Use latest Form-1 |
| 6 | Payment Errors | UPI/net banking only online |
| 7 | No Mumbai Address Proof | Rental ok |
| 8 | Typo in New Name | Double-check |
| 9 | Skipping 2nd Ad | Invalidates process |
| 10 | Not Tracking ARN | Check portal daily |
20 Voice Search FAQs: Maharashtra Gazette Name Change
Pro Tips for Smooth Processing
- Use Riyo Advertising for ads (SEO-optimized service)
- Track via app notifications
- DIY under ₹5k; pros for speed
- Backup docs digitally
- Update records immediately post-gazette