Quick answer
If you live in Uttarakhand and want to change your name through the Gazette of India, start by checking the official name-change guidelines issued by the Government of India’s Department of Publication. The adult procedure covers publication in Part IV of the Gazette of India and requires the prescribed application documents, a newspaper notice, and submission to the publication authority.
The process is not the same as correcting an error in every underlying record, and Gazette publication does not automatically update all identity documents. Your exact requirements depend on whether the application concerns an adult, a minor, a surname change, or another specific category.
Official starting points:
What Is a Gazette Name Change?
A Gazette name change is the publication of an official notice recording a person’s change of name. The notice identifies the previous name and the name the person intends to use.
People may seek a name change for reasons such as adopting a different surname, making a personal name change, or changing a name following a life event. The appropriate procedure depends on the applicant’s circumstances.
A Gazette notification can be used as supporting evidence when requesting changes to other records. However, each relevant authority may have its own procedure for updating identity documents, bank records, educational certificates, and other documents.
If your problem is a spelling error in an existing birth record or another underlying record, first check whether the authority responsible for that record has a correction procedure. A record correction should not automatically be treated as a Gazette name-change application. See our guide to changing a name in a birth certificate.
Which Gazette Is Used for a Name Change in Uttarakhand?
The Department of Publication’s adult name-change guidelines describe publication in Part IV of the Gazette of India. This is the official Central Government procedure covered by the guidelines, including for applicants residing in Uttarakhand. Source: Department of Publication adult guidelines.
Uttarakhand also has a state Gazette, known as the Uttarakhand Rajpatra. The existence of a state publication does not establish that every personal name-change application should be submitted through it.
Before preparing documents, identify the specific publication procedure that applies to your case. Use the official guidelines rather than relying solely on a private service provider’s description of the process. For the difference between the two systems, see Central Gazette vs State Gazette.
Documents Required for a Gazette Name Change in Uttarakhand
The documents required for a Gazette name change depend on the applicant category and the current official instructions.
The Department of Publication’s linked adult guidelines list the following items for an adult name-change application:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Signed undertaking | Declares the previous name, proposed name, and required personal details |
| Original newspaper | Provides the published name-change notice |
| Prescribed proforma in duplicate | Contains the required publication matter and signatures |
| Digital copy of the publication matter | Supplies the electronic version specified by the guidelines |
| Two self-attested passport-size photographs | Supports the application |
| Self-attested photo ID | Provides identity evidence |
| Signed hard-copy/soft-copy certificate | Confirms that both versions contain matching information |
| Request letter and applicable fee | Accompanies the application |
The currently linked adult PDF refers to a CD containing the publication matter in Microsoft Word format. Because submission formats and administrative requirements can change, confirm the current instructions before preparing the final application.
The official guidance also states that submitted documents must not be older than one year and that submitted documents will not be returned. Keep copies of the application and supporting records before submission. Source: official adult guidelines. See also our documents required for Gazette name change checklist.
Documents for minors and special cases
The Department of Publication provides separate guidance for minors, as well as specific categories such as surname changes and name-and-gender changes.
Do not use the adult checklist as a substitute for the relevant category’s instructions. Start at the official guidelines page and open the document that matches your application. For a child, see Gazette name change for a minor child.
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Step-by-Step Gazette Name Change Process in Uttarakhand
Step 1: Identify the correct procedure
Confirm whether you are applying for an adult name change, a minor’s name change, a surname change, or another category with separate instructions.
Choosing the correct procedure first helps you prepare the right documents and avoid relying on a checklist for a different type of application.
Step 2: Prepare the undertaking or prescribed declaration
Prepare the undertaking or declaration required by the applicable guidelines. The adult procedure calls for details including the previous and proposed names, relevant parent or spouse details, and residential address.
Check that the information matches your supporting documents before signing the declaration.
Step 3: Publish the newspaper notice
The official adult guidelines specify advertising the name change in one daily local leading newspaper and forwarding the original newspaper to the Department of Publication.
Follow the applicable official wording and newspaper requirements. Do not assume that a requirement advertised by a private service provider is an official requirement for every application.
Step 4: Prepare the application file
Assemble the prescribed proforma, undertaking, original newspaper, photographs, self-attested identification, digital publication matter, matching-copy certificate, and request letter.
Check the current official checklist for any additional requirements that apply to your circumstances.
Step 5: Verify and pay the current fee
Check the current government publication fee and payment instructions before paying.
The Department of Publication’s rate order dated 19 September 2023 lists ₹1,100 for each adult change-of-name notice and ₹1,700 for a minor’s. The older adult-guidelines PDF shows the same ₹1,100 figure for the period from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017. See the Department’s Gazette rates page.
Keep the payment receipt with your application records. Calculate newspaper, document preparation, and delivery expenses separately from the government publication charge.
Step 6: Submit the application through the permitted channel
The Department of Publication’s linked adult guidelines state that the application may be submitted personally or sent by post/courier. They also expressly exclude agents and advocates as application-submission channels.
Confirm the current address and submission requirements before sending documents. The linked adult guidelines identify the Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi 110054.
Do not send original documents without first reviewing the official instructions, particularly because the guidelines state that submitted documents will not be returned.
Step 7: Find the published notification
After publication, use the official eGazette of India portal to locate the relevant issue.
The Department of Publication’s linked adult guidance describes searching the weekly Gazette, selecting Part IV, downloading the relevant PDF, and using the document’s search function to find the previous or new name.
Retain a copy of the published notification for future reference.
Gazette Name Change Fees in Uttarakhand
The total cost depends on the current government publication fee and any additional expenses involved in preparing and submitting the application.
| Cost category | What to check |
|---|---|
| Government publication fee | ₹1,100 for an adult under the rate order dated 19 September 2023; confirm the amount and payment method before paying |
| Newspaper advertisement | Applicable publication charge |
| Declaration or affidavit | Preparation and notarization costs, where applicable |
| Document preparation | Printing, photographs, and digital-file preparation |
| Delivery | Applicable postal or courier costs |
| Optional professional advice | Any separately agreed service charge |
Verify the current government fee through the Department of Publication’s official guidelines. Do not use a commercial service’s advertised starting price or a competitor’s estimate as proof of the current government charge. For a full breakdown, see Gazette name change fees and timeline.
How Long Does a Gazette Name Change Take?
The time required for a Gazette name change depends on document preparation, submission, and processing by the relevant authorities.
The Department of Publication’s linked adult guidelines explain that a completed application is sent for notification to the relevant Government of India Press. The same document states that the Department is not responsible for printing delays at the concerned Press.
The official guidance does not establish a current guaranteed completion period. Treat timelines published by commercial providers as estimates unless an applicable official source confirms them.
What Should You Do After Gazette Publication?
Gazette publication does not automatically update every identity document or institutional record. You must check the requirements of each authority whose records need to change.
Update identity documents
Check the applicable name-update procedure for Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter identification, and other relevant records. The required supporting evidence can differ between authorities.
Update educational and employment records
Contact the issuing educational institution or employer to confirm its documentation requirements. Do not assume that a Gazette notification automatically changes an existing certificate or employment record.
Update bank and other institutional records
Ask each relevant bank or institution which documents it requires to update the account or record.
Retain the Gazette notification
Keep an accessible copy of the published notification and backups of the supporting documents. You may need them when applying for updates to other records.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using outdated instructions: Verify the latest applicable government guidelines before submitting an application.
- Providing inconsistent information: Check names, addresses, and other required details across the application documents.
- Submitting an incomplete file: Use the official checklist for the correct applicant category.
- Assuming an old fee is current: Verify the current charge and payment instructions.
- Using an unpermitted submission channel: Follow the submission methods specified by the Department of Publication.
- Confusing name change with record correction: Check whether the authority responsible for the underlying record has a separate correction procedure.
- Assuming every record updates automatically: Contact each relevant authority after publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Checklist Before Applying
Before submitting your application, confirm that you have:
- Identified the correct applicant category and publication procedure.
- Read the latest applicable official guidelines.
- Prepared the prescribed declaration and application form.
- Completed the required newspaper publication.
- Assembled all supporting documents.
- Checked that the information is consistent.
- Verified the current government fee and payment method.
- Confirmed the permitted submission method and current address.
- Kept copies of your documents and payment records.
- Understood that submitted documents may not be returned.
- Planned to check the published notification and update other records separately.
For official instructions, begin with the Department of Publication’s Change of Name guidelines and use the eGazette of India portal to search published notices.
Disclaimer: This article provides general procedural information, not individualized legal advice. Requirements and fees may change or vary by applicant category. Verify the latest official instructions before preparing documents or making payments.
Official sources
- Department of Publication — Change of Name and Public Notices
- Department of Publication — Gazette rates
- eGazette of India
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This article is general information, not legal advice. NameChangeDesk is a private service and is not affiliated with the Government of India or any state authority.