Gazette Name Change in Madhya Pradesh: Process, Documents, Fees & Timeline

For an adult/major name change, the published Department of Publication guideline includes a newspaper notice, undertaking, prescribed typed matter, photographs, identity proof and other supporting documents. The official rate order currently available from the Department lists ₹1,100 for a Change of Name Notice (Adult/Major).

For residents of Madhya Pradesh, the main challenge is often understanding the difference between a state-level Gazette reference and the Gazette of India name-change publication route. The Department of Publication states that it publishes Gazette notices for change of name in the Gazette of India.

Quick Answer: How Does Gazette Name Change Work in Madhya Pradesh?

The Gazette name-change process for a person living in Madhya Pradesh generally involves preparing the required name-change documentation, completing the applicable newspaper/public-notice requirement, preparing the Department of Publication paperwork, paying the applicable publication charge and submitting the documents through the prescribed route.

For an adult/major applicant, the Department of Publication’s published guideline specifies a daily local leading newspaper notice, an undertaking, prescribed typed material, photographs and identity documentation. The exact requirements can differ for minors, gender changes, maiden-surname changes and other special cases.

The Department’s current rate order lists ₹1,100 for an adult/major Change of Name Notice. The ₹1,100 amount is therefore not merely a private agency quotation; it appears in the Department of Publication’s official rate revision order.

What Is a Gazette Name Change?

A Gazette name change is the publication of a person’s name-change notice through an official Gazette publication process. For name-change notices, the Government of India’s Department of Publication provides specific guidelines and publishes applicable notices in the Gazette of India.

The Gazette publication creates an official published record connecting the previous name and the new name.

Example

Suppose:

• Old name: Rahul Kumar Sharma
• New name: Rahul Kumar
• Reason: Removal of surname

The applicant prepares the required declaration and supporting documents and follows the applicable Gazette publication procedure. Once the name-change notice is published, the Gazette publication can be used as supporting evidence when approaching other authorities for record updates.

The Gazette publication itself does not automatically update every government or private record.

Is There a Gazette Name Change Office in Madhya Pradesh?

It helps to distinguish the Madhya Pradesh State Gazette from the Gazette of India name-change publication handled by the Department of Publication.

The Government of India’s Department of Publication states that it publishes Gazette notices for change of name in the Gazette of India and maintains dedicated name-change guidelines.

The Department’s official website is based at Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054, and its website provides the relevant name-change guidelines, rate information and payment information.

Therefore, applicants in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur or other Madhya Pradesh locations should not assume that a local private website or a page describing an “MP Gazette office” is itself a government filing office.

Why this distinction matters

Some private pages describe the process differently, for example claiming that two newspapers are required or describing an “online MP Gazette” route. Those claims do not override the official Department of Publication guideline.

For an adult/major application, the official guideline should be treated as the primary source.

Gazette Name Change in Madhya Pradesh: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Decide the Exact New Name

Start by finalising the exact spelling, spacing and order of the new name.

The same spelling should be used consistently across:

• Gazette application
• Affidavit/undertaking
• Newspaper notice
• Identity documents
• Future Aadhaar/PAN/passport applications
• Bank and financial records
• Educational records

For example, if the new name is Neha Sharma, do not use Neha Sharmma, Neha S. or Neha Sharma Singh in different documents unless there is a specific reason and supporting documentation.

Name consistency is important because discrepancies can create problems during later document updates.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Name-Change Declaration

For an adult/major applicant, the Department of Publication’s guideline requires an undertaking containing information such as:

• Old name
• New name
• Father’s or husband’s name, where applicable
• Full residential address
• Declaration regarding the truth of the information

The exact document format should be checked against the latest Department of Publication instructions before submission. The Department separately provides formats and guidelines for different name-change situations.

Special case — Central Government employees: The Department’s adult guideline also identifies a separate deed route for Central Government employees. Therefore, a Central Government employee should not automatically follow the same documentation route as a private individual.

Step 3: Publish the Required Newspaper Notice

The adult/major guideline published by the Department of Publication specifies publication of the name change in one daily local leading newspaper and requires the original newspaper to be forwarded as part of the application documentation.

Two newspapers? Many private websites recommend one Hindi newspaper and one English newspaper. However, two newspapers are not a universal Department of Publication requirement for every adult/major application. The official adult/major guideline specifically refers to one daily local leading newspaper. If a particular case, authority or updated instruction requires additional publication, follow that applicable requirement.

Keep the complete newspaper page/issue and make sure:

• Name spelling is correct
• Old name is correct
• New name is correct
• Address is correct
• Publication date is visible
• The advertisement is readable

A spelling mistake in the newspaper notice can create avoidable problems later.

Step 4: Prepare the Gazette Application Documents

For an adult/major name-change application, the Department of Publication guideline lists documentation including:

Document / Requirement	Purpose
Newspaper publication	Public notice of the proposed name change
Undertaking	Declaration connecting old and new names
Prescribed typed matter	Gazette publication text
Witness signatures	Required on the prescribed matter where specified
Soft copy	Digital copy of the prescribed material
Passport-size photographs	Applicant identification
Photo ID	Identity verification
Address/old-name proof	Supporting documentation
Request letter	Submission/application communication
Publication fee	Government Gazette publication charge

The Department of Publication separately maintains a list of acceptable documents for proof of old name and address and provides a request-letter format for change-of-name services.

Do not use an old checklist from a private website without comparing it with the current Department of Publication instructions. Government procedures can change.

Step 5: Prepare the Prescribed Gazette Text Correctly

The adult guideline specifies that the prescribed printing matter should be typed on plain paper and signed in the old name with the required witnesses. It also specifies submission of a soft copy in the prescribed format.

This makes formatting important. Before submission, compare: Old Name → New Name → Father’s/Husband’s Name → Address → Supporting Documents. Every important detail should match.

What Documents Are Required for Gazette Name Change in Madhya Pradesh?

For an adult/major application, the Department of Publication’s published guideline includes the following broad categories:

1. Newspaper notice
2. Undertaking/declaration
3. Prescribed typed Gazette material
4. Required witness signatures
5. Soft copy of the prescribed material
6. Two self-attested passport-size photographs
7. Self-attested photo identity proof
8. Proof relating to old name/address as applicable
9. Request letter
10. Applicable Gazette publication fee

The Department maintains separate guidelines for adults/majors, minors and other situations, so the checklist should be matched to the applicant’s specific case. For a fuller checklist, read Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in India.

Gazette Name Change Fees in Madhya Pradesh

For an adult/major name-change notice, the Department of Publication’s official rate revision order lists a ₹1,100 publication charge per case. The order is dated September 2023 and states that the revised rates took effect from 14 June 2021.

Applicant / Notice Type	Department-listed rate
Change of Name – Adult/Major	₹1,100 per case
Change of Name – Minor	₹1,700 per case
Public Notice	₹1,400 per case
Adoption Notice	₹1,700 per case
Change of Religion	₹1,700 per case

These are publication rates listed in the Department’s rate-revision order. See the Department’s Gazette rates page.

Your total cost can be higher

The Gazette publication fee is not necessarily the complete cost of the name-change process. Additional expenses may include:

• Affidavit/notary charges
• Newspaper publication charges
• Photographs
• Printing/typing
• Courier/postage
• Professional service charges, if you use an agency

Is Gazette Name Change Online in Madhya Pradesh?

The word “online” needs to be used carefully.

The Department of Publication’s website provides online access to:

• Name-change guidelines
• Gazette information
• Gazette rates
• BharatKosh/NTRP payment information
• e-Gazette resources

However, these online resources do not by themselves prove that every stage of an individual name-change application is completely online.

In short: you can research the procedure and access official information online, but you should not assume that the entire individual name-change process is a fully online MP government application. Follow the submission method specified in the applicable Department of Publication guideline.

Where Is the Gazette of India Name-Change Process Handled?

The Department of Publication’s official website identifies its office at:

Department of Publication
Civil Lines
Delhi – 110054

The Department states that it publishes Gazette notices for change of name in the Gazette of India.

For applicants in Madhya Pradesh, this is why it is important to distinguish the applicant’s residential location from the government department handling the Gazette of India publication.

How Long Does Gazette Name Change Take?

There is no single universally guaranteed processing time for every Madhya Pradesh applicant.

Processing can depend on:

• Document completeness
• Correct formatting
• Newspaper publication
• Payment
• Postal/courier movement
• Department processing
• Corrections or clarifications
• Publication scheduling

Some private websites advertise timelines such as 3–7 weeks or 6–12 weeks, but these are service-provider estimates rather than a guaranteed Government of India processing time. Do not rely on a fixed number of days unless the current government authority provides that service-level timeline.

Can I Change My Name in Aadhaar After Gazette Publication?

Yes, Gazette publication can be used as supporting evidence for a subsequent name update where the relevant authority accepts it.

However, Gazette publication does not automatically change Aadhaar records. Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank accounts, driving licence, education records and employment records are maintained by different organisations.

Typical post-Gazette workflow: Gazette publication → Obtain Gazette proof → Approach each authority → Submit accepted documents → Update individual record

Always check the latest document requirements of the authority responsible for the specific record.

Can Gazette Publication Automatically Change PAN, Passport and Bank Records?

No. A Gazette notification is an important supporting document, but it does not automatically synchronise your new name across every database.

You may separately need to update:

• Aadhaar
• PAN
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Voter ID
• Bank accounts
• Insurance records
• Educational certificates/records
• Employment records
• Property records
• Utility accounts
• Other government or private records

For example, if your Gazette notification changes Ravi Kumar → Ravi Kumar Sharma, your bank account will not necessarily change automatically. You must follow the bank’s own KYC/name-update procedure and provide the documents it accepts.

Gazette Name Change for Marriage

Marriage-related surname changes can involve a different documentation route from a general personal name change.

The Department of Publication maintains separate guidance for adopting a maiden surname and other name-change circumstances.

Therefore, a married applicant should first determine whether the intended change is:

• Adoption of spouse’s surname
• Return to maiden surname
• Addition/removal of surname
• Complete name change
• Spelling correction

The correct documentation can depend on the situation.

Gazette Name Change After Divorce

A name change after divorce can involve returning to a previous name or adopting another name.

The applicant should identify the applicable Department of Publication guideline and also check the requirements of the authorities where the name will subsequently be updated.

Gazette Name Change for a Minor

A minor’s name change should not simply follow the adult/major checklist.

The Department of Publication maintains a separate Guidelines for Change of Name – Minor document. Parents or guardians should therefore check the minor-specific requirements before preparing the application. See Gazette name change for a minor child.

Gazette Name Change for Government Employees

Government employees may have additional documentation requirements. The Department’s adult/major guideline identifies a separate deed route for Central Government employees.

Therefore, a government employee should check:

1. The Department of Publication requirement.
2. The employee’s departmental service rules.
3. Whether a deed or departmental declaration is required.
4. The process for updating service records after publication.

Do not assume that the private-citizen procedure automatically applies to government service records.

Is Gazette Publication Mandatory for Every Name Change?

Gazette publication is not mandatory for every person and every type of name correction.

The requirement can depend on:

• The reason for the name change
• The type of record being changed
• The organisation maintaining the record
• Whether the applicant is a government employee
• Whether the authority specifically asks for Gazette publication
• The applicable government procedure

The Department of Publication provides dedicated name-change publication guidelines, but that does not mean every name correction across every Indian record system automatically requires a Gazette notification.

Practical rule: If the authority updating your particular record specifically requires Gazette publication, complete the Gazette process and retain the published notification.

Common Reasons for Gazette Name Change

People may seek formal name-change publication for reasons such as:

• Spelling correction
• Addition of surname
• Removal of surname
• Change after marriage
• Return to maiden surname
• Personal preference
• Religious or personal reasons
• Alignment of multiple identity records
• Professional name change
• Certain government-service requirements
• Other legally or administratively recognised circumstances

The correct process depends on the specific reason and applicant category. See common reasons for name change.

Common Mistakes in Gazette Name Change Applications

1. Using different spellings

If the affidavit says Amit Kumar but the Gazette application says Amit Kumer, the mismatch can create problems.

2. Assuming two newspapers are always required

The official adult/major guideline specifies one daily local leading newspaper. Two newspapers are not a universal rule.

3. Using an outdated fee

The official Department rate order lists ₹1,100 for an adult/major change-of-name notice. Always verify the current government payment instructions before paying.

4. Treating a private service website as the government authority

A private agency can provide assistance, but its website is not automatically an official government source. Use the Department of Publication for the authoritative government requirements.

5. Assuming Gazette publication updates every document

Gazette publication and post-Gazette document updates are separate steps.

6. Assuming “online Gazette” means fully online filing

Digital Gazette access and online payment do not necessarily mean every application stage is completed online.

7. Making a typo in the final name

The spelling used in the Gazette becomes an important reference for subsequent updates. Verify the final wording before submission.

Gazette Name Change in Major Madhya Pradesh Cities

The same process is relevant to applicants from:

• Bhopal
• Indore
• Gwalior
• Jabalpur
• Ujjain
• Sagar
• Rewa
• Satna
• Ratlam
• Dewas
• Chhindwara
• Morena
• Vidisha
• Shivpuri
• Other Madhya Pradesh districts

The applicant’s city does not by itself establish a different Gazette of India name-change procedure. The important distinction is between where the applicant lives and which government department handles the applicable Gazette publication.

Adult vs Minor Gazette Name Change

Factor	Adult/Major	Minor
Applicable guideline	Adult/Major guideline	Minor guideline
Applicant category	Adult	Minor
Documentation	Adult-specific requirements	Minor-specific requirements
Newspaper requirement	Follow applicable adult guideline	Follow minor guideline
Gazette fee	₹1,100 listed in official rate order	₹1,700 listed in official rate order
Supporting documents	Adult identity/address/name proof as applicable	Parent/guardian and minor-specific documents as applicable

The Department of Publication maintains separate guidelines for these categories, and the official rate order lists different publication charges.

How to Check a Gazette Name Change

After publication, retain the official Gazette publication information and supporting documents. The Department of Publication website links to the Gazette of India and provides Gazette-related resources.

When checking a published name change, verify:

• Old name
• New name
• Publication details
• Publication date/issue
• Applicant details
• Spelling
• Any other identifying information included in the notice

Keep a digital and physical copy where possible.

What If There Is an Error in the Gazette Name Change?

If the published name contains an error, do not assume that the original Gazette notice can simply be edited like a normal webpage.

First identify:

1. What information is incorrect.
2. Whether the error originated in the applicant’s submitted material.
3. Whether the error originated during publication.
4. Which correction procedure the Department currently provides.

Contact the relevant Department of Publication channel and follow the applicable correction instructions. Do not submit a completely new name-change application without first checking whether a correction mechanism applies.

Gazette Name Change Checklist

Before submitting an adult/major name-change application, verify:

Personal details

• Old name is correct.
• New name is correct.
• Father’s/husband’s name is correct where applicable.
• Full residential address is correct.
• Reason/details are consistent.

Newspaper

• Applicable newspaper requirement has been checked.
• Name spelling is correct.
• Publication date is visible.
• Original publication evidence is preserved.

Gazette documents

• Undertaking prepared.
• Prescribed matter typed correctly.
• Required witness signatures completed.
• Soft copy prepared in the required format.
• Photographs prepared.
• Photo ID prepared.
• Old-name/address proof prepared as applicable.
• Request letter prepared.
• Applicable fee/payment completed.

Before submission

• Every document uses the same spelling.
• The current Department of Publication guideline has been checked.
• Payment instructions have been verified.
• Submission method has been confirmed.
• Copies of all submitted documents have been retained.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources to Verify Before Applying

For the latest requirements, applicants should prioritise the Government of India’s Department of Publication rather than relying only on private service-provider pages.

• Department of Publication — Change of Name/Public Notices guidelines
• Department of Publication — Gazette rates and rate revision information
• Official Gazette of India portal

Final Takeaway

For a Gazette name change in Madhya Pradesh, the most important step is to follow the correct official publication route rather than relying on conflicting private descriptions of an “MP Gazette” process.

For an adult/major applicant, the Government of India’s Department of Publication provides a dedicated name-change guideline. The published adult guideline includes the newspaper notice, undertaking, prescribed typed material, photographs, identity documentation and other supporting requirements.

The Department’s official rate revision order lists ₹1,100 for an Adult/Major Change of Name Notice. This is the Gazette publication charge; it should not be confused with the applicant’s complete out-of-pocket cost.

Because government procedures can change, applicants should verify the latest instructions and payment/submission requirements on the official Department of Publication website before sending an application. If you need help with the paperwork, contact NameChangeDesk.