Quick answer
If you want to change your name through the Gazette while living in Khanna, Punjab, start by identifying the correct government procedure and checking the latest official document requirements. The Department of Publication, Government of India, publishes guidelines for individual name-change notices in Part IV of the Gazette of India.
For many individual applicants, the relevant procedure involves preparing an undertaking, publishing the required newspaper notice, completing the prescribed application documents, paying the applicable government fee and submitting the application to the Department of Publication. The exact requirements can vary according to the applicant’s circumstances, so verify the current official guidelines before preparing your file.
This guide explains the Central Gazette process, the documents to prepare, the government publication fee, how to find a published notification and what to consider when updating other identity records. For the state-wide picture, see Gazette name change in Punjab.
What Is a Gazette Name Change?
A Gazette name change is the publication of a name-change notice in an official government gazette. The Gazette of India provides a public record of the published notice, which an applicant may use as supporting evidence when requesting updates to other records.
Gazette publication does not automatically change every identity document, bank record, educational certificate or government database. Each relevant authority may have its own application process and document requirements.
The Department of Publication provides separate guidelines for adult name changes, minors, surname changes and other categories. Choose the guidance that matches your circumstances rather than assuming that one checklist applies to every applicant.
Official resource: Department of Publication — Change of Name and Public Notice Guidelines.
Which Gazette Name Change Procedure Applies in Khanna?
The appropriate procedure depends on the type of applicant and the government authority responsible for the publication.
Central Gazette procedure for individual applicants
The Department of Publication provides a procedure for publishing an adult’s name-change notice in Part IV of the Gazette of India. Its published guidelines explain the required undertaking, newspaper notice, application proforma, photographs, identity proof, electronic text and submission process.
Khanna residents should consult these Central Gazette guidelines when preparing an individual application. Confirm the current instructions directly with the Department before submitting documents or making payment.
Punjab Government Gazette procedure
The Punjab Government also publishes its own gazette. However, the existence of a state gazette does not mean that every resident can submit a personal name-change notice through a public online application.
The Government of Punjab lists a separate Gazette notification service for government employees who change or modify their names. That route requires approval from the employee’s parent department and submission through the designated government press procedure.
Do not assume that the government-employee route applies to private citizens. Check the applicable procedure before paying a service provider or visiting an office.
Official reference: Government of Punjab — Gazette notification for change of name of a government servant.
How to Apply for a Gazette Name Change from Khanna
The following steps summarise the adult Central Gazette procedure described in the Department of Publication’s published guidelines. Check the latest instructions before beginning, because an incomplete application may be rejected.
Step 1: Confirm your new name and the applicable guidelines
Decide the exact spelling and format of your proposed name before preparing the documents. Check whether your situation falls under the adult, minor, surname-change or another specific category.
Use the official Department of Publication guidelines to identify the appropriate requirements.
Step 2: Prepare the undertaking and newspaper notice
The adult name-change guidelines require an undertaking signed by the applicant. The undertaking identifies the old and new names and includes the relevant personal and address details.
The same guidelines specify that the change of name should be advertised in one daily local leading newspaper, with the original newspaper submitted to the Department of Publication.
Do not assume that every applicant must publish advertisements in both English and Punjabi newspapers for the Central Gazette procedure. Follow the current instructions applicable to your application and verify any additional requirement before purchasing newspaper advertisements.
Step 3: Complete the prescribed application documents
The Department’s published adult guidelines list the following items:
- A signed undertaking.
- The original newspaper containing the notice.
- Two copies of the prescribed, computer-typed proforma, signed by the applicant and two witnesses.
- A CD containing the prescribed notice text in MS Word format, prepared according to the guidelines.
- Two self-attested passport-size photographs.
- A self-attested photocopy of identity proof.
- A signed declaration confirming that the hard-copy and soft-copy contents match.
- A request letter and the applicable publication fee.
The Department also lists additional requirements for particular situations, including certain name and religion changes and applications submitted by Indians living abroad.
Use the current official checklist to confirm the exact documents and formats required for your case. Do not rely solely on an old checklist published by a private website.
Step 4: Pay the applicable government publication fee
The Department of Publication’s rate order dated 19 September 2023 lists the following rates for individual name-change notices in Part IV of the Gazette of India:
| Application category | Rate listed in the official order |
|---|---|
| Adult or major name-change notice | ₹1,100 |
| Minor name-change notice | ₹1,700 |
Check the Department’s current rate information and payment instructions before paying.
The Department identifies BharatKosh, the Government of India’s Non-Tax Receipt Portal, as the payment channel in its published guidelines.
Official references: Department of Publication — Gazette rates and payment information and BharatKosh.
A service provider’s professional fee is separate from the government publication fee. Ask for an itemised quotation that explains whether drafting, newspaper publication, document preparation, postage and other expenses are included.
Step 5: Submit the application as instructed
The Department’s published adult guidelines state that the completed documents, fee and forwarding letter should be addressed to:
The Controller of Publications
Department of Publication
Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054
The published guidelines allow submission personally or by post or courier. They also state that submitted documents are not returned. Review the current instructions carefully before sending any original document.
The adult guidelines also state that applications should be submitted by the applicant rather than through agents or advocates. If you use a documentation service for preparation assistance, confirm the permitted submission method with the Department and ensure that you remain responsible for the application.
Step 6: Check the published Gazette
After the notification is published, use the official eGazette portal to locate the relevant issue.
- Open the official eGazette directory.
- Select the relevant Gazette category.
- Select the weekly Gazette and Part IV, as applicable to the notice.
- Choose the relevant publication date or issue.
- Download the PDF and search for the old or new name.
The Department’s published instructions explain how to search the Gazette and download the relevant publication. Keep a copy of the complete issue and the specific entry for your records.
Publication timing is not guaranteed. The Department’s guidelines state that delays at the concerned Government Press may occur, so avoid relying on an unverified fixed completion date.
Documents Required for a Gazette Name Change
The documents depend on the type of application. For an adult Central Gazette name-change notice, the Department of Publication’s published guidelines identify the following core requirements.
| Document | Why it is required |
|---|---|
| Signed undertaking | Declares the old name, new name and relevant personal details |
| Original newspaper | Provides evidence of the required published notice |
| Prescribed proforma in duplicate | Supplies the formatted notice for publication |
| Electronic text on CD | Provides the publication text in the format specified in the guidelines |
| Two self-attested photographs | Supports the application |
| Self-attested identity proof | Helps establish the applicant’s identity |
| Hard-copy and soft-copy declaration | Confirms that both versions contain matching information |
| Request letter | Accompanies the application |
| Government fee payment | Covers the applicable publication charge |
The Department maintains a separate list of acceptable documents for proof of the old name and address. Check that list before selecting your supporting documents.
Official document source: Department of Publication — adult name-change guidelines and acceptable proof list
Do not send original documents without checking the current instructions. The published adult guidelines state that submitted documents will not be returned.
Not sure your documents are right?
Tell us your case and we will reply with the documents and next steps that fit it. One mismatch in a name or address can send an application back.
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How Much Does a Gazette Name Change Cost in Khanna?
The total cost depends on the official publication fee and any additional expenses required for the applicant’s case.
| Cost component | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Government publication fee | Check the current official rate before payment |
| Affidavit or declaration preparation | Confirm whether a separate document or notarisation cost applies |
| Newspaper notice | Confirm the newspaper’s quotation and publication requirements |
| Postage or courier | Confirm the delivery cost and permitted submission method |
| Documentation assistance | Request an itemised professional service fee |
The official Department of Publication rate order dated 19 September 2023 lists ₹1,100 for an adult name-change notice and ₹1,700 for a minor’s notice. The amount payable should be confirmed using the current official rate and payment instructions.
Do not compare service packages only by their headline prices. Check whether the government fee, newspaper charges and document-preparation work are included, and ask who will submit the application.
How Long Does Gazette Name Change Take?
The publication time depends on the completeness of the application and the processing and publication schedule. The Department of Publication does not guarantee a fixed completion date in its adult guidelines.
Before making travel, education, employment or immigration plans, check the current processing position and allow time for document preparation, submission and publication. Be cautious of any service that promises guaranteed publication by a specific date without official confirmation.
What Should You Do After Gazette Publication?
Gazette publication provides evidence of the published name-change notice. You may still need to apply separately to update identity documents and other records.
Updating Aadhaar
UIDAI’s guidance states that a Gazette notification can be required for certain first-name or full-name changes. The supporting documents and applicable process depend on the type of request and the applicant’s circumstances.
Read the current instructions on the UIDAI website before visiting an Aadhaar enrolment or update centre.
Updating PAN and passport records
Check the applicable instructions from the authority responsible for each record. Gazette publication does not itself replace the separate application process for a PAN or passport update.
Official resources:
Updating educational, banking and employment records
Contact the institution that maintains each record. Educational boards, banks, employers and other organisations may request the Gazette notification along with additional identity, relationship or supporting documents.
Keep the Gazette publication and supporting records together so that you can provide the evidence required for each separate application.
Gazette Name Change Assistance for Khanna Residents
Khanna residents who need help preparing a name-change application should first identify the applicable government procedure and review the official document checklist.
Before engaging a documentation service, ask:
- What work is included in the quoted service fee?
- Is the government publication fee separate?
- Which documents must be supplied in original form?
- Who is permitted to submit the application?
- How will you receive updates about the application?
- What happens if the application is incomplete or needs correction?
A documentation service can help explain requirements and prepare paperwork where permitted, but it cannot guarantee that the government will accept an application or publish a notice by a particular date.
Need help understanding the process? Contact NameChangeDesk to discuss your documentation requirements and clarify which official procedure you should verify before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Resources for Gazette Name Change
Use these government sources to verify the requirements before submitting your application:
- Department of Publication — Change of Name and Public Notice Guidelines
- Department of Publication — Gazette rates and payment information
- eGazette — Official Gazette directory
- BharatKosh — Government payment portal
- Government of Punjab — Gazette notification for government employees
- UIDAI — Aadhaar update guidance
- Passport Seva
Government procedures, fees and document requirements can change. Verify the current official instructions before applying or paying a fee.
Not sure which process applies to you?
Tell us about your case and we’ll reply with the documents and steps that apply to you.
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.