Change Surname or Correct Name Spelling in India

Changing your surname, full name, or correcting a persistent spelling error across all your documents requires an affidavit and a Gazette notification. This guide explains the full legal process in India.

When do you need this process?

You need the affidavit-and-gazette process when:

• You want to change your surname or adopt a completely different name
• You want to correct a spelling mistake that appears differently on different documents (e.g. “Kiran” on your birth certificate but “Kiron” on your Aadhaar)
• You are changing your name after a religion change
• You are reverting to your maiden name after divorce

For name changes specifically after marriage, a marriage certificate usually suffices without a gazette. See our name change after marriage guide.

Step-by-step process

Step 1 — Draft and execute a notarised affidavit

Use the affidavit generator to draft your affidavit. Print it on non-judicial stamp paper (minimum ₹10 in most states; Maharashtra and some others are higher — confirm with your local stamp vendor). Sign it in front of a notary public or executive magistrate.

Step 2 — Apply for a Gazette notification

Go to egazette.gov.in, register, and apply under Part IV. Upload your affidavit, proof of old name, proof of address and photograph. Pay ₹1,100. The gazette notification is published within 15–30 working days. See the full gazette notification guide.

Step 3 — Optionally place newspaper ads

Contact your bank or employer first to check if they need newspaper clippings. If yes, publish in one English and one regional daily. See the newspaper advertisement guide.

Step 4 — Update Aadhaar first

With the gazette copy and affidavit, visit an Aadhaar enrolment centre. Pay ₹50. Updated Aadhaar serves as identity proof for all subsequent updates. See our Aadhaar guide.

Step 5 — Update PAN, passport, driving licence and other IDs

Use the updated Aadhaar and gazette copy at each authority. Start with PAN, then passport, then driving licence, voter ID and bank accounts.

Total cost estimate

Common problems

Spelling mismatch between documents. If your name is spelled differently on different current documents (e.g. Aadhaar says “Rahul” but PAN says “Rahool”), update one to match the other before applying to the gazette. Decide on one correct spelling and stick with it.

Gazette office asking for older documents you no longer have. Submit whatever proof of old name you have, even old school certificates or club membership cards. Explain any gaps in a covering letter.