Gazette for Adding or Removing Middle Name – Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Citizens

Gazette for adding/removing middle name

In India, many people face problems due to the presence or absence of a middle name in their official documents. For example, some people use their father’s name as a middle name, while others drop it. If your Aadhaar card, passport, or bank account shows a different version of your name (with or without the middle name), it may cause issues in verification, jobs, travel, or property records.

The most reliable and legally valid way to add or remove a middle name is through the Official Gazette of India. Once published, the Gazette notification acts as final proof of your new name, and all government and private organizations accept it.

In this blog, we will explain the Gazette process for adding or removing a middle name, required documents, time frame, common mistakes, and practical tips.

Why Add or Remove a Middle Name?

People choose to add or remove a middle name for several reasons:

Document mismatch – Your school certificate has a middle name, but Aadhaar or PAN does not.
Passport or visa issues – Many embassies require full names, including middle names.
Marriage or divorce – Women may add/remove middle names for identity reasons.
Personal choice – Some prefer a shorter name without a middle name.
Official corrections, to match spelling or full names across records.

👉 No matter the reason, Gazette publication makes your new name legally recognised everywhere.

Step-by-Step Gazette Process for Adding/Removing Middle Name

Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit

Draft an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper.
Clearly mention:
- Your old name (with or without a middle name).
- Your new name (with or without a middle name).
- Reason for change (e.g., “I am removing my middle name as it is not used in my official documents”).
Get the affidavit signed by a notary public or first-class magistrate.

👉 Example: “I, Anil Kumar Sharma, residing at Pune, hereby declare that I have added ‘Ramesh’ as my middle name. Henceforth, my name will be Anil Ramesh Sharma.”

Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisement

Publish the name change (addition or removal of middle name) in two newspapers:
- One in your local state language.
- One in an English daily newspaper.
The ad should include:
- Old name
- New name
- Affidavit details
- Address

This ensures public announcement of your name change.

Step 3: Gazette Notification

This is the most important step to make your new name legally valid.

Documents required:

Application form for Gazette notification.
Original affidavit.
Copies of both newspaper ads.
Two passport-size photos.
Identity proof (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, etc.).
Soft copy of the application in MS Word (CD/pen drive).
Demand draft or online payment receipt of Gazette fees.
Cover letter stating the reason for change.

Procedure:

Submit all documents to the Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi, or send by post.
Pay the fee.
Wait for the e-Gazette publication (usually within 30–60 days).
Once published, download and keep multiple copies – this is your permanent proof.

Time Taken for Gazette Middle Name Change

Affidavit preparation: 1 day
Newspaper ads: 2–3 days
Gazette publication: 30–60 days

👉 Overall, the process takes 1 to 2 months.

Where to Update After Gazette Notification

Once your new name is officially published, you should update it in:

Aadhaar card
PAN card
Passport
Driving licence
Voter ID
Bank accounts
Employment records
Educational certificates
Property and legal papers

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using different spellings in affidavit, newspaper, and application.
Forgetting to attach the affidavit or newspaper cuttings.
Submitting without valid ID proof.
Not keeping a personal copy of the Gazette notification.

Voice Search Optimised FAQs

“How to add a middle name through the Gazette in India?”
“What is the process to remove a middle name legally in India?”
“Is Gazette notification mandatory for middle name correction?”
“How long does it take to change a middle name in the Gazette?”
“Which documents are required for middle name addition/removal?”

Benefits of Gazette Middle Name Correction

Legal validity – recognised by all government offices.
No disputes – Avoids mismatches in property or bank records.
Smooth updates – Helps in Aadhaar, PAN, and passport correction.
Lifetime proof – The Gazette is permanent evidence of your correct name.

Key Takeaways:

Adding or removing a middle name requires an affidavit, newspaper ads and a gazette notification.
The Gazette is the final legal proof of your new name.
Always keep copies of the Gazette for future document updates.
Update your Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and bank records immediately after Gazette publication.

Conclusion:

Whether you want to add a middle name for completeness or remove it for simplicity, the Gazette of India provides a legal and permanent solution. The process may take a few weeks, but once done, your name will be consistent across all documents.

👉 If you are facing identity mismatches or travel issues due to middle name differences, apply for Gazette notification and secure your legal identity today.