27 May Maharashtra Gazette Name Change Process- Step-by-Step Guide
Maharashtra Gazette Name Change Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Name Change Application For Maharashtra
What is a Gazette Name Change?
A Gazette Name Change in Maharashtra is the legal announcement of a name change by means of a notification published in the state’s official government magazine. It has immense legal importance as it is the evidence of the name changes made for several official uses.
The gazette notification offers a public and legally acknowledged record of the name change, helping to avoid future administrative problems and enabling seamless and legal use of the new identity. This publication carries significant legal weight. It is proof of the name alteration for various official purposes.
Reasons for a Name Change:
Personal and legally valid reasons allow people in Maharashtra to seek a name change via the Gazette notification process. They are often influenced by changes in their life circumstances, developing personal values, or the need to correct mistakes in their basic identity.
The following points elaborate on some of the common drivers behind a name change application:
- Marriage/Divorce: Women often change their names with marriage, usually taking their husband's surname. Many choose their former surname or first name after divorce to indicate their changed marital status and identity.
- Numerology and Religious Aspects: Some people think numerology can affect fate, which explains why some people change their names. Similarly, religious conversions could call for a new name reflecting one's religion and ethnic identification.
- Spelling Errors: Some names are misspelled on official documents, while others could be difficult to pronounce. They might opt for a formal name change to fix these inconsistencies, prevent bureaucratic issues, and guarantee proper representation.
- Gender Change: People going through a gender transition change their name to ensure all their legal papers correctly represent their changed identity. Likewise, people with a formal religious conversion could choose a new name that fits their new religion and cultural setting.
Legal Requirements for a Name Change:
Officially changing a name via the Maharashtra Gazette demands the submission of certain legal documents to demonstrate the applicant's identification and the validity of the request. Legally confirming the name change and its causes requires a notarized affidavit. Requirements vary in some aspects for adults and minors.
Documentation:
For Adults:
- Identity Proof: Government-issued photo identification - PAN cards, Aadhar cards, and Voter ID cards.
- Address Proof: Documents referring to the applicant's present residential address include a Ration Card, Aadhar card, electricity bill, and bank statement.
- Photograph: Two recent passport-size images are needed for official records.
- Signed Application: The Department of Printing and Stationery or the appropriate Maharashtra authority issues a signed application.
- Additional Documents: More papers could be needed based on the cause of the name change. Provide a divorce decree or marriage certificate for changes resulting from marriage or divorce.
For Minors:
When requesting a name change for a minor, the parents or legal guardians must provide documents showing the minor's identity and guardianship responsibility.
- School ID or Aadhar Card:The child's main identification is a school identification card or the minor's Aadhar card.
- Birth Certificate: The original birth certificate of the minor can confirm their present legal name and date of birth.
- Photograph: One recent passport-sized picture of the youngster is needed.
- Signed Application:The application form must bear the signatures of both parents or the legal guardian(s).
- Notarized Affidavits: Sworn statements must be presented in the presence of a Notary Public to assure the validity of the name change. The affidavit should list the applicant's former and current names. It also has to give the rationale for the name change.
Documents Required for Gazette Name Change:
The required paperwork must be sent to the Department of Printing and Stationery or the appropriate authority to start the legal name change process via the Maharashtra Gazette. These papers establish the justification for the name change and proof of identity and address.
For Adults:
Adult applicants seeking a name change must provide these documents to prove their identity and residence:
- ID Proof: Valid government-issued picture ID cards include PAN cards, Passports, Aadhar cards, and Voter ID cards.
- Address Proof: Document displaying the applicant's current residential address includes but is not limited to a Ration Card, Aadhar Card, electricity bill, phone bill (landline), or bank statement.
- Signed Application: The Department of Printing and Stationery required a signed application form.
- Photograph: For official records, two most recent passport-sized pictures of the applicant are mandatory.
- Additional Papers: Depending on the cause of the name change, additional papers may be required. A marriage certificate or divorce decree is an example.
For Minors:
Parents or legal guardians are responsible when seeking a minor's name change. The documents needed to establish the minor's identity and the applicant's legal standing are:
- ID proof: The Aadhar card or a school ID card.
- Birth Certificate: The minor's original birth certificate to confirm present legal name and date of birth.
- A Signed Statement:A consent statement signed by both parents or the legal guardian.
- Photographs: One recent passport-size photo of the child.
- Additional Documents: Particular situations could require an adult or a child to submit extra legal papers supporting a name change application.
- Adoption Deed: If legal adoption causes the name change, submit a certified copy of the Adoption Deed.
- Divorce Decree:Divorce gives rise to a name change, and therefore, a certified copy of the divorce decree is mandatory.
- Court Order: In some rare circumstances, such as a court ruling requiring a name change, a certified copy of the relevant court order is required
All documents must be authentic, legible, and attested by a Notary Public or Gazetted Officer. Incomplete or incorrect documentation can delay or reject your name change application. Review the specific requirements from the Department of Printing and Stationery in Maharashtra before submitting your application.
Name Change Procedure – Online Process:
The Maharashtra government has simplified the name change application process via its online portal, Aaple Sarkar, enabling applicants to complete initial steps from home.
The online process is broken out in great detail here:
- Step 1: Register on the official Aaple Sarkar portal http://aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in/en/. Create an account using personal information, including name, phone number, email ID, and address. You also need to establish a username and password for future log-ins. To activate your account, you will get a verification link or OTP (One–Time Password).
- Step 2:Log in and fill in all mandatory details (old and new name, reason for the change, personal information).
- Step 3:Attach relevant documents to establish your identity and address proof. You will also need passport-size photos and an Application Form. Make sure the copies follow the portal's specified dimensions and format and are clean and legible. Your application may be delayed or rejected based on incomplete or unclear paperwork.
- Step 4:Send the Application: Upon successful submission, your application will be generated with a unique reference number. This number is needed for future correspondence.
- Step 5: Verify Application Status. You can check the status of your application via the official portal. The Aaple Sarkar portal lets you track the progress of your name change application online.
Why is the Maharashtra Gazette Name Change Important?
Those using a new name must pay attention to the publication of a name change in the Maharashtra Gazette. It helps one to have a regular legal identity. Important factors include:
- Legal Acceptance: The official publication of the state government, the Maharashtra Gazette, offers legal recognition. All Indian banks, government entities, and companies will acknowledge this name change notice, ensuring the acceptance of your new name.
- Documentation: Following the official release of the name change notification, changes to identity documents, including your Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, driver's license, voter ID, and bank accounts, can be made.
- Avoiding Legal Hassles: Not officially recording a name change through the Gazette could lead to misunderstanding and potential legal issues. Variances between your officially recorded name and the one you use may complicate property matters, inheritance, legal agreements, and other situations.
- International Acceptance:Apart from India's borders, the official publication, the Maharashtra Gazette, is of great international importance. For those traveling abroad or working with foreign companies for visas or other paperwork, it is regarded as credible evidence of a legal name change.
Gazette Name Change: Fee Structure
- Adult Name Change: Depending on particular categories, the cost varies from ₹1,100 to ₹2,750.
- Minor Name Change: Name changes involving minors incur a charge of ₹1,100.
- Marriage Name Change: People changing their name because of marriage have to spend ₹1,100.
- Changing Name After Divorce: Changing your name after divorce to return to a former name will cost ₹2,750.
- Other Costs: Additional costs include the affidavit (about ₹20) and the newspaper ad (₹450).
Process Time and Notification:
Legally altering your name by the Maharashtra Gazette entails a multi-stage process. An official notification is given to the applicant upon successful completion.
- Time Taken: The process generally takes 20 to 60 days and may vary with the volume of applications and verification stages.
- Rajpatra Copy: Once the name change is official in the Maharashtra Gazette, you will receive a digital copy of the notification to your registered email as confirmation.
Gazette Advertisement Requirements:
A vital step in the Maharashtra Gazette name change procedure is notifying the public of your intended name change through newspaper ads.
- Publication: To ensure public awareness across different readerships, publish a name change ad in two newspapers (one in the local language, one in English).
- Purpose: Newspaper advertisements serve as initial public notification and are a prerequisite for the publication of the official Gazette.
Online Process for Minors:
The online system of Aaple Sarkar reflects the requests for a name change for minors. Some additions may be needed, such as the parent or guardian signing and confirming the child's identification.
Birth Certificate: Documents like Birth Certificates and signed consent from parents or guardians form the core part of the process. Other actions, such as registration, form completion, and document uploading, are the same.
How to Download the Gazette Notification:
The official Gazette notice can be found and downloaded online once your name change request is accepted and announced.
How to do it:Visit the Maharashtra Gazette website to locate and download your name change notification in PDF form. Access the website after getting the gazetted notification to find and download your particular notification in PDF form.
Central vs. State Gazette:
When considering a name change notification, it's important to understand the geographical scope of its legal validity, which differs between the State and Central Gazettes.
- State Gazette: A name change published in the Maharashtra State Gazette has primary legal validity within Maharashtra.
- Central Gazette: The Central Gazette, published by the Government of India, provides nationwide recognition for name changes, often required for updating passports, central government employee records, and other important documents.
Gazette Office Address in Mumbai:
Location: Ground Floor, Government Book Depot & Publication House, Charni Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004.
How to Check Rajpatra Status:
It's important to keep track of the progress of your name change application. Once released, the Maharashtra Gazette website offers a way to follow the application status.
- Step 1:Usually linked or directly accessible, visit the official website and navigate to the Maharashtra Gazette (Rajpatra). Look for application status or tracking tabs.
- Step 2: Track your application with the reference number. Log in and enter the unique reference number generated upon submitting your name change application.
- Step 3: Once approved, download the Gazette notification or request a physical copy. The portal usually offers a downloadable official Gazette notification in PDF format, which serves as your primary legal document.
There may also be an option for a physical copy, but the digital version is legally valid.
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