Gazette Name Change for Driving Licence Update
The Driving Licence (DL) is one of the most important identity documents in India. Apart from giving you the right to drive legally, it also acts as valid proof of identity and residence. But what happens if your name on the driving licence is wrong or incomplete, or you have legally changed your name due to marriage, divorce, adoption, spelling error, or personal choice?
In such cases, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) will ask for proper legal proof of your new name. The most accepted and reliable proof is the Gazette notification of India.
This article explains everything about the Gazette name change for driving licence updates – its importance, step-by-step process, documents required, costs, and FAQs.
Why Is a Gazette Required for a Driving Licence Name Change?
- Legal validity – Gazette notification is a government-approved proof of your new name.
- Accepted across RTOs in India – Every transport office accepts the Gazette as official proof.
- Removes mismatch issues – Your driving licence should match with Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and bank records.
- Prevents rejection – Without Gazette, RTO may reject your application for major name changes.
- Lifetime proof – Once published, the Gazette stays as a permanent government record.
👉 Example: Priya Sharma gets married and changes her surname to Priya Verma. To update her driving licence, she needs a Gazette notification along with proof of marriage.
Common Reasons for Driving Licence Name Change
- After marriage or divorce – adding/removing surname.
- Spelling errors – for example, “Mohammed” vs “Mohammad”.
- Gender transition – along with gender change.
- Numerology/astrology-based changes.
- Adoption-related name change.
- Dropping/adding middle or last name.
Step-by-Step Process – Gazette Name Change for Driving Licence
Step 1: Create an Affidavit
- Draft an affidavit stating your old and new names.
- Mention personal details – father’s/spouse’s name, address, and reason for name change.
- Sign it in front of a first-class magistrate or notary public.
Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisement
- Publish your name change in two newspapers (one English and one regional language).
- Keep at least 2–3 copies of the newspapers.
Step 3: Apply for Gazette Notification
- Submit documents:
- Affidavit of name change
- Newspaper copies
- Aadhaar/Passport copy
- Driving licence copy
- Passport-size photographs
- Gazette application form
- Apply at the Central Gazette (Delhi) or State Gazette office.
- Pay Gazette fees.
Step 4: Gazette Publication
- After verification, your new name will be published in the Official Gazette of India.
- Collect the Gazette copy as permanent legal proof.
Step 5: Update Driving Licence at RTO
- Visit your local RTO with the Gazette notification.
- Submit:
- Gazette copy
- Original driving licence
- Identity proof (Aadhaar/PAN)
- Passport-size photos
- Fill out the Form LLD or Correction/Update Form (varies by state).
- Pay the DL update fee.
- An updated driving licence will be issued in your new name.
Documents Required for DL Name Change through Gazette
- Name change affidavit
- Newspaper publications
- Gazette copy (mandatory for major changes)
- Aadhaar card / Passport / Voter ID copy
- Driving licence (original)
- Passport-size photographs
- RTO correction form
Timeline
- Gazette publication: 30–60 days
- RTO DL update: 7–15 days after Gazette approval
- Cost: Around ₹1,500–₹2,000 (Gazette + RTO fees)
Key Things to Remember
- Minor spelling mistakes may be corrected at RTO with Aadhaar proof, but major name changes require a gazette.
- The name on the DL should match with the Aadhaar, PAN, and passport for KYC compliance.
- Always keep multiple Gazette copies for future use.
- You can apply either online (in some states) or offline at the RTO.
Example Case
- Rajesh Kumar Singh wants to shorten his name to Rajesh Singh.
- He prepares an affidavit → publishes newspaper ads → applies for the Gazette → gets an official Gazette copy → updates his driving licence at the RTO.
- Later, he updates Aadhaar and bank records for consistency.
FAQs – Gazette Name Change for Driving Licence
Yes, for major changes like surname change after marriage, complete name change, or gender transition.
Only for minor spelling mistakes, if supported by Aadhaar or other government IDs.
Around 1–2 months (including Gazette + RTO process).
It may cause problems in KYC, bank verification, and even while using DL as ID proof.
Yes, if they hold a valid Indian DL, they can apply through the Gazette and update at their RTO.
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Summary – Gazette Name Change for Driving Licence
For updating your driving licence name in India, gazette notification is the safest and most accepted proof.
Quick Recap:
- Make an affidavit.
- Publish newspaper ad.
- Apply for the Gazette.
- Get a Gazette copy.
- Update DL at RTO.
👉 Once done, your driving licence will carry your correct legal name, making it valid for banks, government offices, and all identity verifications.
Contact us today:
www.gazetteconsultant.com
WhatsApp: 836-842-6853