Name change in the Gazette is an official procedure through which a person’s name is changed for various reasons. After submitting the required documents to the concerned authority, the new name is published in the Government Gazette, thereby making it legally valid.

Changing your name in India requires following a legal process. It is not a very simple procedure and involves careful planning and proper documentation.

You must have a valid identity proof, and if the name change is due to marriage or divorce, you must provide supporting evidence. A certified copy of the separation deed or divorce decree may be required

The process of changing a name in the Gazette of India usually takes 10 to 15 days. After submitting the documents, it takes around 2 to 3 days for verification, and only after that the official process begins.

Generally, no. If an individual has a pending or under-trial criminal case, they are not eligible for a name change unless one of the following conditions is met:

• The person has been proven innocent by the court.
• The criminal case has been fully disposed of or concluded.
• The applicant has obtained prior permission or a specific order from the court allowing the name change.

In such a case, a new affidavit must be prepared, and a corrected Gazette notification must be published.

Old documents remain valid as long as the Gazette notification or proof of name change is attached to the new documents or the name change is duly mentioned

No. After the Gazette Notification, your name is not automatically updated in Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport. You must individually apply to each respective department (UIDAI, NSDL/UTI, and Passport Office) and submit the Gazette Notification along with other required documents.

Yes. This name change/correction service is strictly non-refundable. Once the process has been initiated, documents have been verified, or the application has been submitted to the concerned authority, the service fee is not refundable under any circumstances.