✅ How to Publish a Name Change in Gazette (Maharashtra) – Complete Guide 2025

Changing your name is a personal decision—and in India, it's a completely legal process. Whether it’s due to marriage, numerology, religious reasons, gender transition, or just personal preference, updating your name officially is important.

If you're in Maharashtra and wondering *how to change your name and get it published in the Gazette*, this blog has got you covered—step-by-step.

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✍️ Common Reasons for Name Change

People opt for name change due to various reasons such as:

- Marriage or divorce (especially women changing or reverting surnames)
- Spelling correction or numerological changes
- Adoption or personal preference
- Gender transition
- Religion change
- Identity correction on legal documents

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???? Step-by-Step Name Change Process in Maharashtra

1. *Create an Affidavit*

Start by preparing a name change *affidavit* on a non-judicial stamp paper (usually ₹100). The affidavit should include:

- Your old name
- Your new name
- Reason for name change
- Personal details (like father’s name, address, age, etc.)

✅ Sign it and get it notarized.

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2. *Publish in Local Newspapers*

Next, publish a *name change ad* in at least *two newspapers*:

- One in a *local Marathi daily*
- One in an *English daily*

???? Example format:

> I, [Old Name], son/daughter of [Parent’s Name], residing at [Full Address], have changed my name to [New Name] and will henceforth be known as [New Name].

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### 3. *Apply for Gazette Notification*

Now comes the main step: *Gazette publication*.

#### Where to Apply?

In Maharashtra, you apply through the *Department of Printing and Stationery, Government of Maharashtra. You can either apply **offline* or check if online services are available via the official state portal.

#### Documents Required:

- Duly filled name change form (you’ll get this from the Gazette office or website)
- Notarized affidavit
- Newspaper cuttings (both English & Marathi)
- Passport-sized photos (2-3)
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
- Application letter (mentioning the reason for name change)
- CD or soft copy of the application (sometimes required)
- Demand draft (DD) or payment receipt of gazette fees

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## ???? Gazette Fee

Fees can vary, but typically it’s between *₹200 – ₹500*, depending on the mode (ordinary or urgent) and how you're submitting it.

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## ⏱️ Processing Time

- *Normal mode*: 30–45 days
- *Urgent mode (if available)*: 10–15 working days

Once processed, your new name will appear in the *Maharashtra Gazette*, and you'll receive a copy (physical or digital).

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## ???? After Gazette Notification – What Next?

After the Gazette is published, your name is legally changed! Now, update your new name in:

- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Bank Accounts
- Driving License
- Academic Certificates

You’ll need the Gazette copy + affidavit + ID proofs to update these.

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## ???? Important Tips

- Always keep multiple copies of the Gazette notification.
- Keep your old and new name documents for reference.
- Make sure your affidavit and ad are *error-free*.
- Do not sign anything before verifying with official authorities.

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## ???? Final Thoughts

Changing your name may seem like a long process, but once you know the steps, it’s smooth sailing. Just stay organized with your paperwork, and you’re good to go.

Need help drafting your affidavit or application? Drop your queries in the comments or contact a legal expert to avoid delays.