Gazette Name Change for Minors in India: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Many parents in India wish to change their child’s name for different reasons — whether it’s due to spelling errors in certificates, numerological beliefs, religious reasons, or simply to give the child a better-suited name. In India, the most legally recognized way to change a name is through the Gazette of India.

Changing a minor’s name through the gazette may sound complicated, but with the right information, it becomes easier. In this blog, we will answer the most common questions Indian citizens ask about gazette name change for minors, explain the step-by-step process, required documents, costs, timelines, mistakes to avoid, and FAQs — all in simple English.

What is the Gazette Name Change for Minors

The Gazette of India is an official government publication where legal name changes are recorded. When a minor’s name is changed and published in the gazette, it becomes legally valid across India.

This means the new name can be updated in:

School certificates
Aadhaar card
Passport
PAN card (when eligible)
Bank accounts in the future

Without a gazette notification, just using an affidavit or a newspaper advertisement may not be enough for government departments.

Why Do Parents Change a Minor’s Name in the Gazette

Parents request a minor’s name change for many reasons:

Spelling mistakes in the birth certificate or school records
Change of religion, caste, or cultural beliefs
Following numerology or astrology advice
Adoption cases, where a child’s name is legally changed
To give a child a shorter, modern, or more acceptable name

Example: If a boy was named Chandraprakash Sharma, and parents prefer a simpler name like Chandra Sharma, they must go through the gazette notification process for full legal recognition.

Who Can Apply for a Gazette Name Change for a Minor❓

Since minors (under 18 years of age) cannot apply themselves, the parents or legal guardians must apply on their behalf.

Both mother and father’s signatures are generally required, or if one parent is unavailable, a legal affidavit explaining guardianship must be provided.

What Are the Documents Required for Gazette Name Change of a Minor❓

The documents are crucial. Missing even one document can lead to rejection.

Documents list:

Duly signed application form (given by Department of Publication or state Gazette office)
Affidavit for name change, signed by parents/guardians
Birth certificate of the minor (self-attested by parent)
Aadhaar card of the minor and parents
School identity card / school records indicating the old name
Passport-sized photographs of the minor
ID proof of parents (PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)
Newspaper advertisement copies (if required by state rules)
Demand draft or payment receipt for Gazette fee

(Note: Different states may have slightly different requirements. Central Gazette follows uniform rules.)

What Is the Step-by-Step Process for Changing a Minor’s Name Through Gazette in India❓

Here is the simplified step-by-step process:

Create an Affidavit for Name Change

Prepare an affidavit on stamp paper.
Mention old name, new name, and reason for change.
Signatures of both parents required.
Get it notarized.

Publish Newspaper Advertisement (if required)

Publish an ad in one local newspaper and one English newspaper.
Advertisement should mention old name and new name.
Keep at least 2 copies safely for submission.

Prepare Application for Gazette

Visit the Department of Publication (Government of India) or your state Gazette website.
Fill the prescribed application form.

Attach Documents

Affidavit, birth certificate, Aadhaar card, ID proofs, newspaper clippings, passport photographs, and fee receipt.

Submit the Application

Submit via post or in person (depending on state rules).
Address: Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi (for central Gazette).

Gazette Publication

After verification, the name change will be published in the Official Gazette.
You will receive a copy at your registered address.

How Much Time Does Gazette Name Change Take for a Minor❓

Gazette name change for minors usually takes 30 to 60 days.
Delays may happen if documents are missing or incorrect.
Faster turnaround is seen in some states, but the central Gazette usually takes around 2 months.

What Happens After Gazette Name Change Is Done❓

Once Gazette notification is received:

Parents must update the new name everywhere.
School records should be corrected first.
Then move to Aadhaar, PAN (when eligible), bank accounts, and passport.
Always carry the Gazette copy as proof of new name.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Gazette Name Change ❓

Using wrong spelling in affidavit or Gazette application
Forgetting to sign affidavit by both parents
Not attaching the birth certificate of the minor
Submitting only self-declared affidavit without notarization
Skipping newspaper advertisement when required by state laws

Is Gazette Notification Mandatory for Minors❓

Yes, if you want the new name to be legally accepted everywhere, Gazette notification is mandatory. Affidavit + newspaper ad alone may not be accepted by schools, Aadhaar, or passport offices.

FAQs

1. Can I change my child’s surname also through the Gazette?

👉 Yes. You can change either the first name, surname, or both. The affidavit must clearly mention old name and new name of the child.

2. What if both parents are not available for signing?

👉 In such cases, the available parent must provide a legal affidavit of guardianship. If there is a custody dispute, a court order may be needed.

3. Can we do Gazette name change online?

👉 The central Gazette (Delhi) still works through physical application. Some states like Maharashtra allow online application, but verification and document submission might still require offline steps.

✅ Summary of Key Points

Parents/guardians must apply on behalf of the child.
Essential documents: affidavit, birth certificate, Aadhaar, photographs, school records.
Process: Affidavit → Newspaper publication → Gazette application → Gazette release.
Takes 30–60 days
Mandatory for updating school, Aadhaar, and passport records.

Conclusion:

Changing your child’s name officially is a serious legal process. By following the affidavit, newspaper, and Gazette notification method, you can ensure that your child’s new name is legally recognized across all government records and documents. While the process may seem lengthy, it provides lifetime benefits, avoids future complications, and ensures smooth documentation for your child’s educational and career journey.

If you are planning to change your minor’s name, prepare documents carefully, avoid common mistakes, and keep multiple Gazette copies safe for future reference.