Name Change in Visakhapatnam is an important legal decision that can affect every part of your life — from Aadhaar and PAN to school records, bank accounts, passport, property documents and employment records. In Visakhapatnam, thousands of applicants apply every year for a Gazette notification to get their new name legally recognized across India.
1. Understanding Gazette Name Change in Visakhapatnam
A Gazette notification is an official government record published by the Department of Publication, Government of India. Once your name is printed in the Gazette, it becomes a nationally valid legal proof of your name change.
Any individual from Visakhapatnam — whether a student, working professional, married woman, divorced person, or child — can apply for a Gazette name change.
Gazette is especially required for:
- Updating passport
- Changing PAN & Aadhaar
- Correcting school/college certificates
- Official government job records
Even if your name is already changed in Aadhaar or school certificates, Gazette publication strengthens your case and gives legal backing.
2. Step-by-Step Gazette Name Change in Visakhapatnam procedure
The Gazette process follows a standardized structure. Below is the detailed, practical workflow from start to finish.
Step 1: Prepare a Notarized Affidavit
This is the first and most important document. The affidavit must be drafted on non-judicial stamp paper.
Your affidavit must include:
- Old name and new name
- Father’s/Husband’s name
- Date and place of birth
- Full residential address (Visakhapatnam)
- Declaration that you will be known by the new name
- Signature + photograph
- Notary seal and signature
Tips:
- Don’t use short or incomplete reasons like “personal reasons.” Give a clear but simple explanation.
- Check spellings carefully — mistakes here will reflect in the Gazette.
Step 2: Publish Name Change Ads in Newspapers
You must publish your name change ad in newspapers:
- One English daily paper
The newspaper ads must include:
- Old name → New name
- Father’s/Husband’s name
- Full address
- Affidavit date & place
- Statement: “I have changed my name and shall be known as ______ henceforth.”
Common Newspaper Choices:
- The Hindu (English)
- Times of India (English)
Keep both:
- Printed copy
- Publisher’s receipt
These will be submitted with your Gazette form.
Step 3: Collect Required Documents for Gazette
Prepare high-quality scanned PDFs of:
- Notarized affidavit
- One newspaper ads (full page)
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport (if available)
- Birth Certificate
- Education certificates (if required for correction cases)
- Marriage certificate (for women changing surname)
- Divorce decree (if applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
Tip:
Avoid blurry scans — poor-quality documents lead to rejection.
Step 4: Fill the Gazette Application (Offline/Online)
You must now submit your documents to the Department of Publication.
There are two ways:
- Offline submission — by sending application by post
- Online filing through authorized consultants/legal documentation service
Your file normally includes:
- Signed declaration
- Affidavit
- Newspaper clippings
- ID proofs
- Fee payment receipt
- Soft copy of content to be printed in Gazette
- Passport-size photo (digital)
The Gazette office verifies every detail. If any document is incorrect or mismatched, the application is returned for correction.
3. Procedure Differences: Adults vs Minors
For Adults (18+)
Adults can apply on their own. They need:
- Personal affidavit
- Documents in their own name
- Newspaper ads
- Application form
This applies for:
- Name change after marriage
- Numerology-based changes
- Spelling corrections
- Changing surname
- Religious name changes
For Minors (Below 18 Years)
Parents/guardians must complete the process on behalf of the child.
You must include:
- Minor’s birth certificate
- Parents’ Aadhaar/PAN
- Guardian consent declaration
- Newspaper ads issued on the child’s behalf
For minors, the reason must be clearly mentioned — spelling correction, modernizing the name, adoption.
4. Newspaper Ad Requirements in Visakhapatnam
To avoid Gazette rejection, newspaper ads must follow specific rules.
Essential Format
- Old name
- New name
- Parent’s or husband’s name
- Full address
- Date of affidavit
- Clear declaration of name adoption
Common Mistakes in Newspaper Ads
- Missing address
- Incorrect spellings
- Name written only in initials
- Using informal layout
Always double-check spelling — even a small mistake results in Gazette rejection.
5. Cost of Gazette Name Change in Visakhapatnam
The overall cost depends on your choices:
1. Notary + Affidavit Cost
₹100 – ₹300 depending on stamp paper value.
2. Newspaper Ads
- English: ₹500 – ₹1,500
(Times of India & Hindu are costlier but more credible).
6. Timeline for Gazette Name Change in Visakhapatnam
A realistic timeline is:
- Affidavit preparation: 1 day
- Newspaper ads: 1–2 days
- Document preparation: 1 day
- Gazette filing: Same day
- Government processing: 45–60 working days
- Gazette publication: Next available weekly/fortnightly edition
Total expected duration: 45–60 days.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid in Gazette Applications
Many applicants face delays and rejection due to small errors. Avoid these mistakes:
1. Wrong or incomplete affidavit
Missing details such as date of birth, address or notary seal leads to rejection.
2. Spelling mismatches
Your old and new name must match across:
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Affidavit
- Newspaper ad
- Gazette form
Always triple-check spellings.
3. Low-quality scanned documents
Blurry or cropped images cause immediate rejection.
4. Incorrect newspaper ad format
If the ad does not contain the mandatory details, the Gazette office does not accept it.
5. Missing parent consent for minors
one signature is enough either minor or major
6. Using initials
Always use the full expanded name — never initials like “S. Rama,” which is not acceptable.
7. Not attaching all pages of newspaper
Always include the full newspaper page, not just the clipping.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Gazette name change in Visakhapatnam mandatory for everyone?
No. But for updating passport, PAN, property documents, school records, the Gazette is the strongest and often mandatory proof.
2. Can I apply for Gazette name change from Visakhapatnam even if my birth state is different?
Yes. Gazette is a central government process, valid across India regardless of birthplace.
3. How long does it take to get the Gazette certificate?
Typically 45–60 days, depending on document accuracy and processing speed.
4. Is a court order required for name change?
Only in special cases like adoption disputes, fraud suspicion, or complex corrections. Normal name change does not require a court order.
5. Can minors change their name in the Gazette?
Yes. Parents must file the application with all supporting documents.
6. Which newspapers should I choose for Visakhapatnam?
- English: The Hindu, Times of India
7. Can I use initials in my new name?
No. Gazette accepts full expanded names only.
8. Can I update Aadhaar and PAN immediately after Gazette?
Yes. After Gazette publication, you can update all your identity and government documents.
9. Do I need to visit the Gazette office physically?
No. Most people file online or through service providers.
10. Is the Gazette valid for a lifetime?
Yes. Once published, it remains valid permanently.
