Quick answer
If you want to change your name officially in Raipur, you generally need to follow a government-recognised name-change process and then update your individual records separately. For a Chhattisgarh State Gazette name change, the Government of Chhattisgarh provides an Ordinary Gazette Notification for Name Change through its government service system. For a Central Gazette name change, the Department of Publication, Government of India, publishes adult name-change notices in Gazette of India Part IV.
The most important decision is choosing the correct Gazette route:
- Chhattisgarh State Gazette (Rajpatra): relevant when you want to use the state government’s name-change publication service.
- Central Gazette of India: relevant when you specifically need publication through the Government of India’s Gazette of India Part IV.
- Newspaper publication: requirements differ between the two routes, so do not assume that the same newspaper rules apply to both.
- Fees: government fees and service charges can change, so current official portals should be checked before payment.
Quick Answer: How to Change Your Name Through Gazette in Raipur
For a Raipur resident, there are two government Gazette routes to consider: the Chhattisgarh State Gazette and the Central Gazette of India.
The Chhattisgarh State Gazette service currently provides an Ordinary Gazette Notification for Name Change through the Government Printing and Stationery Department. Its official service information lists an affidavit on ₹50 non-judicial stamp paper and other supporting documents; the government service is available through its digital service system.
The Central Gazette adult/major process is handled by the Department of Publication, Government of India. Its published guidelines require an undertaking, original newspaper, prescribed proforma, witnesses, photographs, photo ID, soft-copy material and the applicable fee. The application is addressed to the Controller of Publications in Delhi and can be submitted personally or by post/courier.
Do not treat a Gazette publication as an automatic update to every document. After publication, you normally need to approach the relevant authority separately to update records such as identity, banking, employment or educational documents.
What Is Gazette Name Change?
A Gazette name change is the publication of a person’s name-change notice in an official government Gazette.
The Gazette publication creates an official government publication record connecting the applicant’s old name with the new name. The exact process depends on whether the applicant uses a State Gazette or the Central Gazette of India.
For Central Gazette adult name changes, the Department of Publication provides a specific specimen in which the applicant states the old name, relationship details, residential address and new name. The applicant also signs in the existing old name and provides details of two witnesses.
Simple example
Suppose your existing name is Rahul Kumar Sharma and you want to use Rahul Kumar Verma.
The Gazette documentation connects the old name with the new name and provides the official publication record. You can then use the Gazette publication as supporting evidence when requesting changes in other records.
Central Gazette vs Chhattisgarh State Gazette for Raipur
The two routes should not be treated as identical.
| Point | Chhattisgarh State Gazette | Central Gazette of India |
|---|---|---|
| Government authority | Government Printing and Stationery Department, Chhattisgarh | Department of Publication, Government of India |
| Gazette | Chhattisgarh State Gazette / Rajpatra | Gazette of India, Part IV |
| Raipur relevance | State government service available for Chhattisgarh applicants | Application handled by the Central Department in Delhi |
| Application route | Government digital service system is available | Central guideline specifies personal or post/courier submission |
| Affidavit | State service lists affidavit requirements | Central adult guideline specifies an undertaking |
| Newspaper requirement | State service information includes local newspaper documentation | Central adult guideline specifies one daily local leading newspaper |
| Witnesses | State service lists deed/witness requirements | Central adult proforma requires two witnesses |
| Download | Follow the state service process | Gazette can be downloaded through e-Gazette |
| Fee | Check current Chhattisgarh government service information | ₹1,100 adult under the rate order dated 19 September 2023 |
The Central Gazette adult guideline states that applications are addressed to the Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi 110054, and may be submitted personally or by post/courier.
The Chhattisgarh government service identifies Ordinary Gazette Notification for Name Change under the Government Printing and Stationery Department.
Which Gazette should you choose?
Choose the Chhattisgarh State Gazette route when the government service you need is specifically handled through the Chhattisgarh State Gazette process.
Choose the Central Gazette route when the organisation or authority asking for your name-change publication specifically requires a Gazette of India publication.
Do not choose a route simply because a private website says that one Gazette is “accepted everywhere.” Always check the requirements of the authority where you will submit the name-change proof.
Chhattisgarh State Gazette Name Change in Raipur: Process
The Government of Chhattisgarh provides an official service titled Ordinary Gazette Notification for Name Change. The service is associated with the Government Printing and Stationery Department.
Step 1: Prepare the affidavit
The official Chhattisgarh service information lists an affidavit on ₹50 non-judicial stamp paper as part of the required documentation. Another government service version specifies a notarised Form III affidavit and states that it should not be more than three months old at the time of application.
Before submitting the affidavit, check that the old name, new name, relationship details, address and other particulars match the application.
Step 2: Prepare the newspaper notice
The Chhattisgarh Gazette service lists publication of the name-change notice in a local newspaper as part of the documentation requirements in its detailed service version.
Do not automatically assume that the Central Gazette rule of one local leading newspaper or the common private-service practice of two newspapers applies to the State Gazette.
Step 3: Prepare the deed and witness details
The Chhattisgarh service lists a Name Change Deed Form containing the names, signatures and addresses of two witnesses. It also lists supporting verification documents.
Step 4: Keep identity and supporting documents ready
The state service lists documents such as:
- Government ID of the applicant
- Old-name and new-name verification document
- Documents or IDs mentioned in the affidavit
- Witness identification
- Name-change deed form
- Newspaper publication, where required by the applicable service version
- Affidavit
- Challan/payment documentation
The exact document fields should be checked on the live government application before submission because the Chhattisgarh service pages show some differences in mandatory-document labels.
Step 5: Submit the application
The Chhattisgarh service is available through the state’s digital service system. The current service information lists both online and service-centre access and a separate service charge.
Step 6: Wait for Gazette processing
The Chhattisgarh government service listing shows a service time limit, but different government service pages display different SLA figures. Therefore, no fixed completion time can be guaranteed for every application.
Check the live government application for the applicable SLA at the time you submit.
Central Gazette Name Change in Raipur: Step-by-Step Process
The Central Gazette process for an adult/major name change is governed by the Department of Publication, Government of India.
The Department’s official adult guideline applies to people aged 18 years and above who want their change of name published in Gazette of India Part IV.
Step 1: Publish the Name Change Notice in a Newspaper
The Central Gazette adult guideline requires the change of name to be advertised in one daily local leading newspaper.
The advertisement should state the applicant’s father’s or husband’s name and residential address. The original newspaper must then be forwarded to the Department of Publication.
About newspaper requirements: Many private name-change websites recommend one Hindi/regional newspaper and one English newspaper. That may be a service-provider recommendation or may apply to another process, but it is not the universal Central Gazette adult requirement. The official Central Gazette adult guideline specifically says one daily local leading newspaper.
Step 2: Prepare the Undertaking
The Central Gazette adult process requires an undertaking signed by the applicant.
The undertaking contains:
- Old name
- New name
- Father’s or husband’s name
- Residential address
- Declaration that the information is true and correct
For Central Government employees, the guideline also refers to a deed for change of name under the applicable Ministry of Home Affairs instructions.
Affidavit vs undertaking: The Chhattisgarh State Gazette service lists an affidavit as part of the process. The Central Gazette adult guideline lists an undertaking rather than making a notarised affidavit the core document in its checklist. So not every Central Gazette applicant needs a notarised affidavit unless the applicable authority specifically requires it.
Step 3: Complete the Gazette Proforma
The Central Gazette adult guideline requires the prescribed proforma to be:
- computer typed,
- prepared in duplicate,
- signed by the applicant,
- accompanied by two witnesses.
The specimen identifies the applicant by the old name and states that the applicant will thereafter be known by the new name.
The witness details include:
- Full name
- Signature
- Address
- Mobile number
Step 4: Prepare the Soft Copy
The Central Gazette guideline requires a CD containing the print matter in MS Word, without the witness portion.
The applicant also has to provide a signed declaration that the hard-copy and soft-copy contents are the same. This is a useful quality-control step because a mismatch between the submitted versions can create problems during processing.
Step 5: Attach Photographs and ID Proof
The Central Gazette adult guideline requires:
- Two self-attested passport-size photographs
- Self-attested photocopy of photo ID
- Required application documents
- Request letter
- Applicable fee
Step 6: Pay the Applicable Central Gazette Fee
The Department of Publication’s rate order dated 19 September 2023 lists ₹1,100 for an adult’s change-of-name notice in Gazette of India Part IV and ₹1,700 for a minor’s. Payment is made through the government receipt/payment system (BharatKosh), as explained in the adult guideline.
Verify the amount with the Department of Publication/BharatKosh before payment.
Step 7: Submit the Central Gazette Application
The Central Gazette adult guideline says the documents, fee, forwarding letter and photo ID should be addressed to:
Controller of Publications
Department of Publication
Civil Lines
Delhi – 110054
The guideline states that the application can be submitted personally or sent by post/courier. It also says that agents and advocates are not permitted as an alternative submission channel for this Central Gazette application.
This is particularly important for Raipur applicants: there is no need to assume that a Central Gazette application is submitted at a Central Gazette counter in Raipur. The official adult guideline identifies the Central Department in Delhi.
Can You Apply for Gazette Name Change Online in Raipur?
Yes, but the answer depends on which Gazette route you mean.
For the Chhattisgarh State Gazette, the Government of Chhattisgarh provides an online service for Ordinary Gazette Notification for Name Change. The official service page lists online access as well as service-centre access.
For the Central Gazette, the process is not a completely online application simply because the final Gazette can be downloaded online. The adult guideline says the application documents are submitted personally or by post/courier.
| Activity | Central Gazette |
|---|---|
| Prepare documents | Yes |
| Newspaper publication | Required |
| Submit application entirely through a web form | Do not assume this |
| Personal submission | Permitted |
| Post/courier submission | Permitted |
| Gazette available electronically | Yes |
| Download through e-Gazette | Yes |
The Department explains that physical printing and sale of Gazette copies ceased and that Gazette material is available through e-publishing. Its guideline provides steps for finding the relevant weekly Gazette and Part IV publication.
What Documents Are Required for Gazette Name Change in Raipur?
The exact checklist depends on the Gazette route.
Chhattisgarh State Gazette checklist
The Chhattisgarh government service information identifies documents including:
- Affidavit
- Challan/payment documentation
- Local newspaper publication
- Name-change deed
- Two witnesses
- Old-name and new-name verification
- Applicant’s government ID
- Witness ID
- Supporting documents mentioned in the affidavit
The government service pages show some differences in whether individual documents are marked mandatory, so the live application should be treated as the final checklist.
Central Gazette adult checklist
The Department of Publication’s official adult guideline lists:
- Signed undertaking
- Original newspaper
- Prescribed proforma in duplicate
- Two witnesses
- MS Word soft copy
- Hard-copy/soft-copy matching certificate
- Two self-attested passport-size photographs
- Self-attested photo ID
- Request letter
- Applicable fee
For a fuller checklist, read Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in India.
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 Gazette Name Change Cost in Raipur?
There is no single Gazette name-change fee that applies to both routes.
Chhattisgarh State Gazette
The official Chhattisgarh service information lists a ₹50 non-judicial stamp paper affidavit and provides information about a ₹430 challan in its Gazette name-change service. It also lists a separate ₹30 service charge for online/service-centre access on the current service page.
Because the official service pages show differences in some fields, applicants should verify the payment screen and current instructions before paying.
Central Gazette
The Department of Publication’s rate order dated 19 September 2023 lists ₹1,100 for an adult’s change-of-name notice and ₹1,700 for a minor’s (effective from 14 June 2021). See the Department’s Gazette rates page.
Practical rule
Before making any payment, verify:
- Government department
- Gazette route
- Current fee
- Payment method
- Service charge
- Required documents
- Current application instructions
This avoids relying on outdated private-service pricing.
How Long Does Gazette Name Change Take in Raipur?
The answer depends on the Gazette route and current government processing.
The Chhattisgarh government service listing for Ordinary Gazette Notification for Name Change provides a service time limit, but different government service versions display different SLA information. The safest approach is to check the live government service page when submitting the application.
For the Central Gazette, the official adult guideline does not promise a fixed publication period. It specifically states that the Department is not responsible for delays in printing by the concerned Government Press.
Gazette processing time depends on the route, document completeness and government processing. Verify the current SLA or processing information before applying, and be wary of any promise such as “your Gazette will definitely be published in 30 days.”
How to Download Your Central Gazette Name Change Publication
Once the Central Gazette publication is available, the Department of Publication provides instructions for finding the relevant issue:
- Open the Gazette search facility.
- Select the weekly Gazette category.
- Select Part IV.
- Choose the relevant Saturday/date range.
- Download the relevant PDF.
- Use Ctrl + F to search the old or new name.
- Download the complete Gazette issue for your records.
The Department states that the downloaded e-Gazette copy does not require further certification from the Department. See the Department of Publication — Change of Name/Public Notices page and the e-Gazette portal.
What Should You Do After Gazette Name Change?
Gazette publication is an important part of the name-change documentation process, but it does not mean that every organisation automatically changes your name.
After obtaining the Gazette publication, prepare a document-update checklist for the records that actually contain your old name. Possible records include:
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Passport
- Bank accounts
- Employer records
- Insurance records
- Educational records
- Driving licence
- Property records
- Government service records
- Other identity or financial records
The exact update procedure differs by authority. Check the individual organisation’s current requirements rather than assuming that the Gazette publication alone updates every database.
Is Gazette Required for Every Name Change?
No single Gazette rule applies to every type of name correction or name change.
The correct route depends on the reason for the change and the authority maintaining the record. For example:
- A complete personal name change may require a formal Gazette process.
- A simple spelling correction in a particular record may have a separate correction procedure.
- A marriage-related surname change may have different supporting documents.
- A minor’s name change follows a different Central Gazette guideline.
- A change involving religion or gender has separate government guidance.
The Department of Publication maintains separate guidelines for adult name changes, minors, religion, gender and other public notices.
Chhattisgarh’s government service system also separately lists services such as Birth Certificate Correction, which means a record-correction issue should not automatically be treated as a Gazette name-change case.
Gazette Name Change for Spelling Mistakes
If your problem is only that one government record contains a spelling mistake, first check whether the issuing authority provides a direct correction process. For example, Chhattisgarh’s government service system separately provides a Birth Certificate Correction service.
A Gazette name change may be appropriate when you are actually changing the name rather than merely correcting an administrative error.
For example, if your birth certificate says Amit Kumar but the correct spelling should have been Amit Kumar Singh, first determine whether the birth-record authority treats the issue as a correction or as a formal name change. Do not pay for a Gazette publication before checking the correction route. See how to change name in a birth certificate.
Common Mistakes in Gazette Name Change Applications
1. Copying outdated fees
Government fees can change. Older pages may still quote historical figures; the Central Gazette rate order dated 19 September 2023 lists ₹1,100 for an adult, and the Chhattisgarh amount should be checked on the live payment screen.
2. Assuming two newspapers are always required
The official Central Gazette adult guideline specifies one daily local leading newspaper. Private service providers may recommend additional newspaper publication, but the two requirements are not identical.
3. Confusing affidavit and undertaking requirements
A Chhattisgarh State Gazette process lists an affidavit. The Central Gazette adult guideline lists an undertaking. These are different document requirements.
4. Assuming the Central Gazette application is submitted in Raipur
The official Central Gazette adult guideline identifies the Controller of Publications in Civil Lines, Delhi.
5. Treating a private agency as the government
A private name-change service may help with drafting or documentation, but its website should not be confused with the government Gazette authority.
For the Central Gazette adult route, the official guideline specifically says applications are submitted personally or by post/courier and does not permit agents or advocates as the application channel.
6. Expecting a guaranteed publication date
Government processing can vary. The Central guideline specifically states that the Department is not responsible for press delays.
7. Assuming Gazette publication changes every document automatically
The Gazette publication provides supporting proof. Individual records still need to be updated with their respective authorities.
Gazette Name Change in Raipur: Complete Checklist
Before submitting an application, check the following.
If using the Chhattisgarh State Gazette
- Confirm the current government service
- Prepare the required affidavit
- Verify old and new name spelling
- Prepare the name-change deed
- Arrange witness details and IDs
- Prepare the required identity documents
- Prepare newspaper publication if required
- Verify challan/payment requirements
- Check the current online/service-centre instructions
- Save the application/payment acknowledgement
If using the Central Gazette
- Confirm that Central Gazette publication is the required route
- Publish the notice in one daily local leading newspaper
- Keep the original newspaper
- Prepare the signed undertaking
- Complete the prescribed proforma
- Arrange two witnesses
- Prepare the MS Word soft copy
- Prepare the hard-copy/soft-copy matching declaration
- Keep two self-attested photographs
- Keep self-attested photo ID
- Prepare the request letter
- Verify the current applicable fee
- Submit according to the Department’s current instructions
- Track/download the Gazette publication when available
Frequently Asked Questions About Gazette Name Change in Raipur
Final Takeaway
For Gazette name change in Raipur, the first step is to identify whether you need the Chhattisgarh State Gazette or the Central Gazette of India.
The Chhattisgarh State Gazette has a government service for Ordinary Gazette Notification for Name Change and provides an online/service-centre route. The Central Gazette adult process is handled by the Department of Publication and has its own document, newspaper, witness and submission requirements.
The safest approach is to use the current government instructions as the source of truth, particularly for fees, document requirements and processing timelines. Be wary of claims such as “two newspapers are mandatory” or “publication is guaranteed within 30–45 days” unless the current government source supports them.
For a Raipur applicant, the correct Gazette route depends on the authority that will ultimately use your name-change proof. If you need help with the paperwork, contact NameChangeDesk.
Official Sources
- Department of Publication — Change of Name/Public Notices
- Central Gazette Adult/Major Name-Change Guidelines
- Department of Publication — Gazette rates
- Chhattisgarh government services — Ordinary Gazette Notification for Name Change (Government Printing and Stationery Department)
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.