Gazette Name Change Procedure in Madhya Pradesh | Your Door Step

1. Gazette Name Change Procedure in Madhya Pradesh: A Complete Guide Changing your name is a significant legal step that requires careful adherence to official procedures. In Madhya Pradesh, the process involves creating an affidavit, publishing a newspaper advertisement, and obtaining a Gazette notification. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant name change. Why Change Your Name? Individuals choose to change their names for various personal, professional, or legal reasons:

2. ● Marriage or Divorce: Adopting a spouse's surname or reverting to a maiden name. ● Numerological Beliefs: Altering names based on numerology. ● Religious Conversion: Adopting a new name after converting to a different religion. ● Gender Transition: Changing names to align with gender identity. ● Correction of Errors: Rectifying spelling mistakes or discrepancies in official documents. Regardless of the reason, the legal process remains consistent across Madhya Pradesh. Step-by-Step Name Change Process in Madhya Pradesh Step 1: Prepare a Name Change Affidavit The first step is to prepare a sworn affidavit declaring your intent to change your name. The affidavit must include: ● Your old and new names ● Father’s or husband’s name ● Full residential address ● Reason for the name change

3. ● A statement confirming that the details are true to the best of your knowledge This affidavit must be signed and attested by a Notary Public or a Judicial Magistrate. It acts as the legal foundation for the name change. Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisements Once the affidavit is notarized, you are required to publish the name change in two newspapers: 1. A local daily (in Hindi or the regional language) 2. An English-language daily The format of the advertisement should include: ● Old name ● New name ● Address ● Date of the affidavit ● Name of the notary who attested the affidavit Ensure that there are no typos or incorrect details in your advertisements as any discrepancies can lead to rejection at the Gazette stage. Step 3: Gazette Notification

4. Publishing the name change in the Official Gazette of India or the Madhya Pradesh State Gazette is the final step. Though Gazette publication is mandatory for government employees, it is highly recommended for all citizens as it gives full legal validity to the name change and is often required by banks, passport offices, and other authorities. Documents Required for Gazette Notification You’ll need the following: ● Duly notarized affidavit ● Original newspaper advertisements ● Application in the prescribed format (typed, not handwritten) ● CD with a soft copy of the application in MS Word format ● Certificate stating that the hard and soft copies are identical ● Two passport-size photos (self-attested) ● Self-attested ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN) ● Demand Draft of the applicable fee ● Request letter addressed to the Controller of Publications Submission Address Send the documents to: The Controller of Publications Department of Publication Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054

5. You may also check if the Madhya Pradesh State Gazette accepts local submissions in Bhopal or other state government offices. Fee Structure Fees for Gazette name change depend on the applicant category: ● Adults: ₹1,100 to ₹2,700 + ₹250 for additional changes ● Minors: ₹1,700 + ₹250 ● Government Employees: ₹1,100 to ₹2,700 + ₹250 ● NRIs/Foreign Residents: ₹7,500 Make the Demand Draft payable to the "Controller of Publications, Delhi." Time Required for Gazette Publication On average, Gazette publication takes between 15 to 60 days after the application is submitted. Keep the acknowledgment and tracking details safe for future reference. Once published, you will receive a Gazette copy with your name change officially recorded. After Gazette Publication – Updating Official Documents Once the Gazette notification is issued, you can proceed to update your name across all legal documents:

6. ● Aadhaar Card: Visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra with the Gazette copy. ● PAN Card: Use Form 49A for a name correction request with NSDL or UTIITSL. ● Passport: Apply for reissue citing name change; attach Gazette copy. ● Bank Accounts: Submit a copy of the Gazette, new ID proof, and application. ● Voter ID, Driving License, and Educational Certificates: Contact the issuing authorities with the Gazette notification and supporting documents. This step ensures your new name is accepted across all platforms, making life easier for you in the long term. Common Mistakes to Avoid Here are a few things to be careful of during the name change process: ● Mistakes in Affidavit or Newspaper Ad: These small errors can delay or even invalidate your application. Proofread carefully. ● Incomplete Application: Ensure you submit all documents as per the Gazette’s checklist. ● Mismatch in Spelling or Details: Names must match across all documents exactly.

7. ● Delaying Gazette Step: Without Gazette publication, your name change may not be legally valid in many official scenarios. Conclusion The name change process in Madhya Pradesh is thorough but manageable if you follow the proper steps and ensure all documentation is accurate and complete. Starting with an affidavit, followed by newspaper publication, and concluding with Gazette notification, this procedure provides a legal and publicly recognized identity change. Whether you're changing your name due to marriage, divorce, numerology, or any personal reason, following the correct Name Change Procedure in Madhya Pradesh is essential for smooth transitions in your legal and social life. It's always a good idea to consult a legal expert or name change service provider if you're unsure about any step.