Gazette Name Change for Voter ID Update

Your Voter ID card (also known as EPIC – Electors Photo Identity Card) is one of the most important government identity documents in India. It allows you to vote in elections and also serves as valid ID proof for many government and private services.

But what if your name is spelled wrong, incomplete, or you have legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, adoption, or personal reasons? In that case, your Voter ID needs to be updated.

The most reliable and legally accepted way to change your name on your Voter ID card is by using a Gazette notification. The Gazette of India acts as the official proof of name change recognized across all government departments, including the Election Commission of India.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything about the Gazette name change process for Voter ID update — including the step-by-step process, required documents, costs, and FAQs.

Why Gazette Is Important for Voter ID Name Change

  • Government Recognition – The Gazette is an official publication by the Government of India that records your name change legally.
  • Accepted Nationwide – All Election Commission and NVSP (National Voter Service Portal) offices accept the Gazette as valid proof.
  • Avoids Mismatch Issues – Ensures your name matches across Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and Voter ID.
  • Prevents Rejection – Without Gazette, your Voter ID update may be rejected for major name changes.
  • Permanent Legal Record – Once your name is published in the Gazette, it becomes part of the permanent government record.

👉 Example: If Sneha Reddy changes her name to Sneha Sharma after marriage, she needs a gazette notification to officially update her name in the Voter ID database.

When Do You Need a Gazette for Voter ID Name Change?

You will need a Gazette notification in the following cases:

  • Change of surname after marriage or divorce
  • Correction of spelling errors in your name
  • Gender transition or identity update
  • Adoption-based name change
  • Numerology- or astrology-based name changes
  • Adding or removing a middle name or last name

Step-by-Step Process for Gazette Name Change for Voter ID Update

Step 1: Prepare a Name Change Affidavit

  • Draft an affidavit declaring your old and new name, reason for change, and personal details (address, father’s/spouse’s name, etc.).
  • Get it notarised or signed by a First-Class Magistrate.
  • Keep multiple copies for future use.

Step 2: Publish Name Change in Newspapers

  • Publish a name change advertisement in two newspapers:
    • One English national daily
    • One local language newspaper
  • Include your old name, new name, address, and date of change.
  • Keep copies of both publications.

Step 3: Apply for Gazette Notification

  • Collect the following documents:
    • Affidavit of name change
    • Newspaper advertisements
    • Aadhaar or passport copy
    • Passport-size photographs
    • Gazette application form
  • Submit your application to:
    • Department of Publication (Delhi) for Central Gazette, or
    • Your State Gazette Office for state-level publication.
  • Pay the required fee.

After verification, your name will be published in the Official Gazette of India.

Step 4: Apply for Voter ID Name Update

Once you receive your Gazette notification, you can update your name in the Voter ID either online or offline.

🔹 Option 1: Update Voter ID Name Online

  1. Visit the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP).
  2. Select Form 8 – Correction of Entries in Voter ID.
  3. Log in or create an account using your mobile number and email.
  4. Enter your EPIC number and select the “Name Correction/Change” option.
  5. Upload scanned copies of:
    • Gazette notification
    • Aadhaar or other ID proof
    • Passport-size photo
  6. Submit the form online.
  7. You’ll receive an acknowledgement number for tracking.

🔹 Option 2: Update Voter ID Name Offline

  1. Visit your local Electoral Registration Office (ERO).
  2. Fill out Form 8 (available at the office or online).
  3. Attach:
    • Gazette notification copy
    • Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, or Ration Card)
    • Passport-size photograph
  4. Submit it to the ERO officer and collect acknowledgement.
  5. The updated voter ID card will be delivered by post or made available online for download.

 

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change and Voter ID Update

  • Affidavit of name change
  • Newspaper publications
  • Gazette notification copy
  • Aadhaar / Passport / Voter ID (old)
  • Passport-size photos
  • Form 8 (for Voter ID correction)
  • Proof of residence

Timeline 

Process

Estimated Time

Gazette publication

30–60 days

Voter ID name update

15–30 days

Important Tips

  • Ensure the same name is updated across Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and Bank Accounts.
  • For minor spelling errors, you may update through Aadhaar or PAN as ID proof without a gazette.
  • Keep your Gazette copy safely—it’s a permanent legal document.
  • Always upload clear, scanned copies of documents while applying online.

Example Case

Ravi Kumar Das wanted to remove his middle name and become Ravi Das.
 He created an affidavit → published it in two newspapers → applied for the Gazette → received his official Gazette copy → updated his name on the NVSP portal → received the new voter ID with his new name.

FAQs – Gazette Name Change for Voter ID

Yes, if you are changing your full name or surname. Minor spelling corrections can be done without Gazette.

 Usually 30 to 60 days for Gazette publication and another 15–30 days for Voter ID update.

 Yes, you can use Form 8 on NVSP to update your name online.

Online correction is free. Offline update at the RTO may charge a small service fee.

Only Indian citizens residing in India can hold and update voter IDs.

Voice Search Optimised Queries

  • “How to change the name in the voter ID after marriage with the gazette?”
  • “Is Gazette required for Voter ID correction in India?”
  • “Documents needed for Voter ID name change Gazette”
  • “Steps to update name in Voter ID online”
  • “How to fix spelling mistakes in Voter ID using the Gazette?”

Summary – Gazette Name Change for Voter ID

The Gazette of India is the most authentic and permanent proof of name change.
 It ensures your name appears correctly in the Voter ID and matches with other ID proofs.

Quick Recap:

  1. Prepare affidavit.
  2. Publish newspaper ads.
  3. Apply for Gazette notification.
  4. Update the name on the voter ID via NVSP or the ERO office.

✅ Once your name is published in the Gazette and updated on your voter ID, all your documents will reflect your true and legal identity.

📌Contact us today:
🌐 www.gazetteconsultant.com
📱 WhatsApp: 836-842-6853

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