Changing your name officially is a big decision — whether due to marriage, personal preference, astrology, spelling correction, or legal reasons. In India, the Gazette Notification is the most trusted legal proof for a name change. If you live in Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), the procedure remains straightforward, but you must follow each step carefully to avoid delays.
This detailed guide explains the Gazette Name Change in Vijayawada, including the step-by-step procedure, newspaper ad rules, costs, timeline, and common mistakes — inspired by the guidelines and process followed by professional services such as GazetteConsultant.com.
1.Why Gazette Name Change Is Required
A Gazette Notification legally validates your new name, allowing you to update:
- Aadhaar
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Bank accounts
- Educational certificates
- Driving licence
Anyone in Vijayawada — adults, minors, married individuals, divorced individuals, adopted children, or those correcting spelling errors — can apply.
2.Step-by-Step Gazette Name Change Procedure in Vijayawada
Step 1: Create a Notarized Affidavit
This is the first and most important step.
Your affidavit must include:
- Old name
- New name
- Father’s/guardian’s name
- Age & address
- Signature + Notary stamp
For minors, the affidavit is signed by parents or guardians.
The affidavit is prepared on stamp paper and notarized by an advocate or public notary in Vijayawada.
Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisements
You must publish your name change in:
- One English newspaper
The advertisement must include:
- Old name → New name
- Affidavit details
- Parent/guardian details (if minor)
- Address
Buy newspaper copies — you will need them for Gazette submission.
Step 3: Prepare Documents for Gazette Submission
Once your affidavit and newspaper ads are ready, prepare the file for Gazette submission.
You must attach:
- Notarized affidavit
- Newspaper ad copy
- ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving Licence,Birth Certificate, SSC Certificate)
- Address proof
- Passport-size photos
- CD (Compact Disc)
- Duly filled Gazette application form
Professionals like GazetteConsultant.com prepare and verify these documents to avoid rejection.
Step 4: Submit Application for Gazette Publication
Applications for residents of Vijayawada are processed through Central Gazette (Department of Publication, Govt. of India).
Once submitted:
- Your documents are verified
- Your name change is approved
- Your new name appears in Official Gazette Notification
You can later download the e-Gazette PDF online for lifetime use.
3.Gazette Name Change for Minors in Vijayawada
Parents/legal guardians must handle the process.
Requirements:
- Minor’s birth certificate
- Aadhaar of minor
- Aadhaar of parents
- Newspaper advt
- Application to Gazette
The process is similar, except that minors cannot sign documents themselves.
4.Newspaper Ad Requirements in Vijayawada
Mandatory details in the advertisement:
- Old & new names
- Parent/guardian name (for minors)
- Full residential address
- Affidavit details
- Declaration: “I have changed my name and he/she shall hereafter be known as…”
Why English ad?
Government offices require wider public notification to prevent fraud and identity misuse.
5.Cost of Gazette Name Change in Vijayawada
Cost Varies from case to case.
6.Timeline for Gazette Name Change in Vijayawada
| Step | Duration |
| Affidavit | 1–2 days |
| Newspaper ads | 7–10 days |
| Gazette processing | 10–20 days |
| Total timeline | 6–8 weeks |
In some cases, processing may take 40–60 days, depending on workload.
7.Common Mistakes to Avoid in Vijayawada Gazette Name Change
Most applications get delayed or rejected due to simple errors.
Avoid these:
❌ Mistake 1: Spelling mismatch
Affidavit name, ad name, application name — all MUST match exactly.
❌ Mistake 2: Only one newspaper ad
Rather than publishing English and hindi newspapers is grounds for rejection(other languages).
❌ Mistake 3: Incomplete affidavit
Many people forget to sign on notary.
❌ Mistake 4: Missing documents
Always attach ID proofs, Address proof, photos, ad copy, CD, Application form and affidavit.
❌ Mistake 5: Wrong Gazette form or incomplete application
Each type (adult/minor/marriage/adoption) has specific requirements.
❌ Mistake 6: Not keeping Gazette copies
You need them for updating Aadhaar, PAN, passport, etc.
8.After Gazette Notification – What Next?
Once the Gazette is issued:
You can update your name in:
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Passport
- Bank Accounts
- Voter ID
- Ration Card
- Educational Certificates (with supporting documents)
Keep at least 5–10 copies of the Gazette for lifetime use.
FAQs – Gazette Name Change in Vijayawada
1.Is Gazette Name Change mandatory in Vijayawada?
Yes. For updating Aadhar Card, Driving Licence, PAN, Passport or educational records, Gazette notification is the strongest legal proof.
2.Can I apply online for Gazette name change?
You can submit online through the e-Gazette system, but documents must be prepared offline. Many people prefer consultants to avoid mistakes.
3.How long does the process take in Vijayawada?
On average 6–8 weeks, including affidavit, ads, and Gazette publishing.
4.Is a newspaper ad compulsory?
Yes. English is required for validity.
5.Can minors apply for Gazette name change?
Yes. Parents or guardians must apply on behalf of the child.
6.What if my name is spelled differently on Aadhaar and PAN?
You must apply for Gazette Name Change using correct spelling, then update all documents after Gazette publication.
7.Is address proof needed?
Yes. You must provide valid proof such as Aadhaar/Passport/Election Card/Driving Licence.
8.Do I need to visit Delhi for Gazette work?
No. Residents of Vijayawada can complete the entire process from their city with help of Gazette Consultant.
9.What if my Gazette application gets rejected?
You must correct the errors (affidavit, ads, spelling, documents) and reapply.
