Quick answer
Yes. An Indian citizen living abroad can use the Gazette of India name-change process, and the Department of Publication has a specific instruction for Indians living abroad: the applicant must submit the required deed duly attested by the respective Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission, in original. The completed application is then submitted to the Department of Publication according to its prescribed procedure.
Deed attested by the Indian Mission → Newspaper notice → Application by post/courier → Gazette of India → Passport and other updates
For NRIs, the Gazette process is only one part of the name-change journey. After publication, you may still need to update your Indian passport, Aadhaar, PAN, bank records and overseas records separately. Each authority applies its own documentary requirements.
The Department of Publication currently maintains separate guidance for adult/major name changes, adopting a different surname, adopting a maiden surname and other public notices.
Important: The exact requirements can depend on the type of name change. Always verify the latest government instructions before submitting original documents or paying a fee.
Can an NRI Change Their Name Through the Gazette of India?
Yes. The Department of Publication’s adult/major name-change guideline expressly addresses Indians living abroad. It states that an Indian living abroad should submit the required deed duly attested by the respective Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission, in original, to the Department of Publication.
The same guideline also sets out the broader adult/major publication requirements, including:
- Name-change advertisement in a daily local leading newspaper
- Original newspaper
- Signed undertaking/deed as applicable
- Prescribed proforma
- Two witnesses
- Passport-size photographs
- Self-attested photo ID
- Hard-copy/soft-copy matching certificate
- Request letter
- Applicable publication fee
The NRI route therefore should not be treated as a generic domestic affidavit process. For the standard domestic steps, see our Gazette name change process guide.
Does an NRI Have to Return to India?
The published adult/major guideline provides a route for Indians living abroad without requiring the applicant to personally return to India for the Gazette submission.
The guideline specifically states that:
- An Indian living abroad submits the required deed attested by the respective Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission, in original.
- The application documents can be submitted personally or sent by post/courier to the Department of Publication.
- The Department’s guideline does not permit other submission channels such as agents or advocates for this procedure.
This means an NRI can prepare and authenticate the required documentation abroad and send the Gazette application to the Department of Publication in India.
However, this does not mean every later document update can be completed remotely. Passport, Aadhaar, foreign immigration records, banking records and other documents have separate procedures.
Gazette Name Change for NRI: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Decide the Exact New Name
Choose the final spelling and format of your new name before preparing the application.
Check:
- First name
- Middle name
- Surname
- Name order
- Spelling
- Addition or deletion of surname
- Use of initials
- Whether the new name matches your intended passport and overseas records
For example, decide whether your final name will be Rahul Kumar Sharma or Rahul Sharma.
Do not switch between multiple versions during the process.
A consistent name is particularly important for an NRI because the same identity may appear in Indian and foreign government records.
Step 2: Determine What Type of Name Change You Need
First determine whether you need a complete name change, surname change, maiden-surname change, marriage-related change, divorce-related change or a minor correction.
The Department of Publication maintains separate guidance for adult/major name changes, adopting a different surname and adopting a maiden surname.
Passport authorities also distinguish between major name changes and minor corrections.
Examples include:
- Complete first-name change
- Complete name change
- Addition of surname
- Deletion of surname
- Change of surname
- Adoption of maiden surname
- Name change after marriage
- Name change after divorce
- Change after remarriage
- Minor spelling correction
- Rearrangement of existing name components
A minor spelling correction should not automatically be treated as a full Gazette name-change case. The applicable authority determines which procedure is required.
Step 3: Check Your Existing Documents
Before submitting anything, create a list of documents that currently contain your old name.
| Document | Current name | New name required? | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Passport | Old name | Yes/No | Passport authority / Indian Mission |
| Aadhaar | Old name | Yes/No | UIDAI |
| PAN | Old name | Yes/No | PAN authority |
| Bank account | Old name | Yes/No | Bank |
| Demat/KYC | Old name | Yes/No | Financial institution |
| Marriage certificate | Existing name | Depends | Issuing authority |
| Foreign residence document | Existing name | Yes/No | Foreign authority |
| Foreign driving licence | Existing name | Yes/No | Foreign authority |
| Employer records | Existing name | Yes/No | Employer |
This audit helps you identify the evidence you will need after the Gazette publication.
What Documents Are Required for an NRI Gazette Name Change?
The exact document set depends on the applicable Gazette category, but the Department of Publication’s adult/major guideline identifies a specific set of documents for publication of a name-change notice.
The published adult/major guideline lists:
- Signed undertaking
- Original newspaper
- Prescribed proforma in duplicate
- Signatures of two witnesses
- Required soft copy of the printing matter
- Two self-attested passport-size photographs
- Self-attested photo ID copy
- Certificate confirming that the hard copy and soft copy contain the same information
- Request letter
- Applicable publication fee
For Indians living abroad, the guideline separately states that the required deed should be attested by the respective Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission and submitted in original.
The Department also maintains a separate list of acceptable documents for proof of old name and address.
Do not rely on a generic third-party “NRI affidavit checklist” when the Department has a category-specific requirement. The domestic checklist is in our documents required for Gazette name change guide.
Does an NRI Need an Affidavit or a Deed?
Do not assume that a generic notarised affidavit is the prescribed NRI document.
The Department of Publication’s adult/major guideline refers to an undertaking for the standard applicant and specifically states that, for Indians living abroad, the applicant should submit a deed duly attested by the respective Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission, in original.
That distinction matters.
Standard adult/major documentation
The guideline refers to an undertaking containing the old and new name and other prescribed details.
Indians living abroad
The guideline specifically refers to a deed attested by the relevant Indian Embassy or High Commission.
Therefore, an NRI should verify the current document format with the relevant Indian Mission before preparing the final document.
How Should the NRI Deed Be Attested?
The Department’s published adult/major guideline specifically identifies the respective Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission as the attesting authority for the deed submitted by an Indian living abroad.
Your country of residence determines which Indian Mission has jurisdiction over your consular matter.
Before preparing the final document, verify:
- Which Indian Mission serves your location
- Whether an appointment is required
- What identification the Mission requires
- Whether the Mission requires a specific format
- Whether additional supporting documents are required
- How the attested original should be returned to you
Do not assume that a local foreign notary, apostille or private certification automatically replaces the Indian Mission attestation specified by the Department’s Gazette guideline.
Preparing and Submitting the Application (Steps 4 to 9)
Step 4: Publish the Required Newspaper Advertisement
The Department of Publication’s adult/major guideline requires the name change to be advertised in one daily local leading newspaper and says the original newspaper should be forwarded to the Department.
The advertisement should contain the information prescribed by the Gazette procedure, including relevant father/husband details and residential address.
Keep the original newspaper because the Department’s document checklist identifies it as part of the application.
For an NRI, confirm how the newspaper requirement applies to your particular application before arranging publication. For notice wording, see our newspaper advertisement formats.
Step 5: Prepare the Gazette Proforma
The Gazette guideline requires the prescribed printing matter to be prepared in the specified format.
The published specimen includes:
- Existing/old name
- New name
- Father/husband name where applicable
- Residential address
- Applicant’s signature in the old name
- Two witnesses
- Witness names
- Witness addresses
- Witness signatures
The proforma must be prepared according to the Department’s prescribed requirements.
Do not rewrite the government format into a generic affidavit template merely because another website uses one.
Step 6: Prepare the Photographs and ID Proof
The adult/major guideline requires:
- Two self-attested passport-size photographs
- Self-attested copy of photo ID
The applicant should check the current Department instructions before submission because document formats and requirements can change.
Make sure the name and identity details across the application are consistent.
Step 7: Check the Hard Copy and Soft Copy
The Department’s adult/major guideline requires a certificate from the applicant confirming that the hard-copy and soft-copy contents are identical.
This is an important quality-control step.
Before sending the application:
- Compare the old name.
- Compare the new name.
- Compare father/husband details.
- Compare the residential address.
- Compare witness information.
- Compare the printing matter with the electronic copy.
A spelling difference between the hard copy and soft copy can create an avoidable problem.
Step 8: Pay the Applicable Government Fee
The Department of Publication’s rate order dated 19 September 2023 lists ₹3,500 for each adult/major change-of-name notice from an Indian living abroad, and ₹5,100 for a minor applying from abroad. See the Department’s Gazette rates page.
The Department’s older adult guideline shows the same ₹3,500 figure for Indians living abroad, dated to 1 April 2016–31 March 2017.
Verify the applicable Gazette publication fee with the Department of Publication’s latest rate schedule before making payment.
The Department also publishes information about payment through the Non-Tax Receipt Portal/Bharatkosh.
Do not confuse:
- Government Gazette fee
- Newspaper cost
- Embassy/consular charges
- Courier charges
- Professional service charges
These are different cost components.
Step 9: Submit the Application to the Department of Publication
The adult/major guideline states that the required documents, publication charges, forwarding letter and photo ID should be submitted personally or sent by post/courier to the Department of Publication in Delhi.
The guideline also states that other channels such as agents or advocates are not permissible for this procedure.
The Department’s published address is:
Controller of Publications
Department of Publication
Civil Lines
Delhi – 110054
Before sending original documents, verify the current address and submission instructions on the Department’s official website.
How Old Can the Documents Be?
The adult/major Gazette guideline states that the documents submitted for the procedure must not be older than one year.
This statement should not be interpreted to mean that every individual supporting document has a universal one-year validity period.
It refers to the document set submitted under that Gazette procedure.
Check the current guideline before relying on this requirement because government procedures can be revised.
What Happens After the Gazette Is Published?
After publication, the Gazette notification becomes documentary evidence that the name-change notice was published. It does not automatically change every other record containing your old name.
You may then need to update:
- Indian passport
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Bank accounts
- Demat/KYC records
- Insurance
- Property-related records
- Educational records
- Employer records
- Overseas immigration documents
- Foreign identity documents
- Foreign banking records
Each authority can require different evidence.
The Gazette therefore forms part of a document chain, rather than acting as a universal database update.
Can an NRI Change the Name on an Indian Passport After Gazette Publication?
Yes, a Gazette of India (Central Government) notification is now expressly recognised as an acceptable document for passport name change under a Ministry of External Affairs memorandum issued in April 2026.
The 2026 memorandum states that the passport name-change provision is revised to include:
- Two local newspaper clippings, or
- Gazette notification of the concerned State Government, or
- Gazette of India (Central Government),
as applicable, along with the other prescribed documents.
The memorandum applies to passport issuing authorities in India and abroad.
What Additional Documents Can an NRI Need for Passport Name Change?
For a major name change, passport authorities can require evidence showing that the applicant has actually adopted the desired name.
Current passport guidance states that applicants in other name-change circumstances should provide:
- Newspaper clippings or applicable Gazette notification
- At least two public/school documents issued in the desired name
For NRI applicants and dependent family members who have been staying abroad on a long-term permanent or work visa/permit, the guidance also allows specified public documents issued by the local government/local school/educational institution to be considered.
The exact requirements can vary by passport service and Indian Mission.
For example, the Consulate General of India in Dubai currently publishes country-specific passport guidance that includes NRI documentation for name changes. The Consulate General of India in Toronto also publishes specific guidance for complete name changes by long-term NRI residents.
Always check the Indian Mission serving your country before submitting a passport application.
Gazette Name Change vs Indian Passport Name Change
These are two different processes.
| Gazette Name Change | Passport Name Change |
|---|---|
| Publication of the name-change notice through the Gazette process | Re-issue/update of the Indian passport |
| Handled through the Department of Publication | Handled through Passport Seva/passport authorities or Indian Missions |
| Creates Gazette publication evidence | Changes the name recorded in the passport |
| Does not automatically update other records | Does not automatically update every foreign/private record |
| Can support subsequent document updates | Has its own documentary requirements |
A Gazette notification is not the same thing as a re-issued passport.
Does Gazette Publication Automatically Change Aadhaar?
No. Gazette publication does not automatically update Aadhaar.
UIDAI has its own name-update process and supporting-document requirements.
UIDAI’s current guidance states that a person seeking a first/full name change can use a Gazette notification together with supporting proof of the old name in the applicable circumstances.
UIDAI also maintains a specific 2026 Standard Operating Procedure for name updates.
Therefore, after Gazette publication, check the current UIDAI procedure rather than assuming that the Gazette itself changes the Aadhaar database.
Does Gazette Publication Automatically Change PAN?
No. Gazette publication does not automatically change your PAN record.
PAN name correction/update is handled through the applicable PAN service process.
If you are updating several records, maintain the same final name spelling throughout the document chain.
Can an NRI Use the Gazette to Change a Foreign Passport?
Not automatically.
An Indian Gazette notification is an Indian government publication. A foreign passport is governed by the country that issued that passport.
The foreign authority decides what evidence it accepts.
Depending on the country, the authority may ask for documents such as:
- Indian passport
- Gazette notification
- Marriage certificate
- Divorce documentation
- Foreign legal name-change document
- Certified translation
- Apostille/legalisation
- Other supporting evidence
Do not assume that an Indian Gazette notification alone will change a foreign passport.
Gazette Name Change for NRI After Marriage
A surname change after marriage should be treated according to the specific passport and Gazette requirements applicable to the case.
For example:
Before marriage: Priya Mehta
After marriage: Priya Sharma
The marriage certificate may establish the relationship and support certain document changes.
However, a marriage-related surname change is not necessarily identical to a completely new name.
The Department of Publication separately maintains guidance for adopting a different surname and adopting a maiden surname.
Passport authorities also publish specific procedures for marriage, divorce and remarriage-related name changes.
Gazette Name Change for NRI After Divorce
If you want to return to a previous or maiden surname after divorce, the relevant divorce and identity documents may form part of the evidence for the change.
Possible situations include:
- Removing a former spouse’s surname
- Returning to a maiden surname
- Returning to a previous surname
- Changing to a different surname after divorce
- Changing the name after remarriage
The Department of Publication has separate guidance for adopting a maiden surname.
Passport authorities also distinguish divorce and remarriage-related name changes from other name-change cases.
The exact documentary route should therefore be checked before submitting the Gazette application.
Do NRIs Need to Change Their Name in India If They Already Changed It Abroad?
Not necessarily in every situation. The answer depends on which Indian records need to reflect the new name and what evidence those authorities accept.
If you legally changed your name in another country, you may still need to establish the change for Indian records.
For example, your Indian passport, Aadhaar and PAN may still contain your previous name even if your foreign residence document uses your new name.
Before starting a second name-change process, identify:
- Where the name was originally changed.
- Which authority issued the foreign name-change evidence.
- Which Indian records need updating.
- Whether the relevant Indian authority accepts the foreign document.
- Whether a Gazette notification is required for your specific purpose.
This prevents an NRI from completing a Gazette process that was unnecessary for the actual document they wanted to change. See also Is a Gazette notification mandatory for name change?
How Long Does Gazette Name Change Take for an NRI?
There is no universal, guaranteed government turnaround time for an NRI Gazette name change.
Processing can depend on:
- Completeness of the application
- Correctness of the prescribed documents
- Newspaper requirement
- Embassy/High Commission attestation
- Submission and delivery
- Department processing
- Deficiencies in the application
- Publication scheduling
The Department’s adult guideline also states that the Department is not responsible for delays in printing by the concerned Government of India Press.
For this reason, be cautious of promises such as:
- “Guaranteed Gazette in 30 days”
- “Fixed 45-day government processing”
- “Guaranteed NRI approval”
unless the claim is supported by a current official service standard.
How Much Does Gazette Name Change Cost for an NRI?
The total cost depends on the government publication charge plus any applicable document, consular, newspaper and delivery costs.
Possible cost components include:
| Cost component | Who charges it? |
|---|---|
| Gazette publication | Department of Publication |
| Newspaper advertisement | Newspaper |
| Embassy/High Commission service | Relevant Indian Mission, if applicable |
| Notary/authentication | Relevant authority, if applicable |
| Courier | Courier provider |
| Translation | Translator, if required |
| Professional assistance | Private service provider, if used |
The Department’s rate order dated 19 September 2023 lists ₹3,500 for an adult living abroad and ₹5,100 for a minor living abroad. For the full breakdown, see Gazette name change fees and timeline.
Always verify the current government fee before payment.
Common NRI Gazette Name-Change Mistakes
1. Using a Generic Affidavit Instead of Checking the NRI Requirement
The Department’s adult guideline specifically refers to an attested deed for Indians living abroad.
2. Assuming a Local Foreign Notary Is Automatically Accepted
The published Gazette guideline specifically identifies the Indian Embassy or Indian High Commission for attestation of the NRI deed.
3. Assuming Gazette Publication Changes the Passport Automatically
The Gazette and passport re-issue are separate processes.
4. Using Different Versions of the New Name
Avoid switching between:
- Rahul Sharma
- Rahul K. Sharma
- Rahul Kumar Sharma
unless the differences are intentionally supported by the applicable records.
5. Ignoring the Newspaper Requirement
The adult/major guideline specifically requires publication in a daily local leading newspaper and submission of the original newspaper.
6. Sending the Wrong Document Format
The Department publishes a prescribed proforma and specimen.
Do not replace it with an unrelated template simply because another website uses one.
7. Assuming Every NRI Has the Same Passport Requirements
Passport requirements can vary depending on the type of name change and the Indian Mission handling the application.
8. Relying on an Outdated Government Fee
Government fee schedules can change. Check the Department’s current rate order before paying rather than relying on a figure from another website.
9. Assuming Every Name Difference Requires a Gazette
A minor spelling or name-order correction may be treated differently from a substantial name change.
NRI Gazette Name Change Checklist
Before sending your application, verify:
- Final new name confirmed
- Old name matches your identity documents
- Name-change category identified
- Department of Publication’s current adult/major guideline checked
- NRI deed format confirmed
- Indian Embassy/High Commission identified
- Required attestation completed
- Newspaper requirement completed
- Original newspaper retained
- Prescribed proforma prepared
- Two witnesses’ details completed
- Passport-size photographs prepared
- Photo ID copy self-attested
- Hard-copy/soft-copy contents checked
- Required certificate prepared
- Request letter prepared
- Current government fee verified
- Submission method confirmed
- Original documents retained where possible
- Gazette publication saved after publication
- Passport update requirements checked
- Aadhaar update requirements checked
- PAN update requirements checked
- Overseas records reviewed
The NRI Name-Change Document Chain
The easiest way to understand the process is to treat it as a dependency chain:
Existing identity
↓
Determine type of name change
↓
Prepare prescribed Gazette documentation
↓
NRI deed attested by Indian Embassy/High Commission where required
↓
Complete newspaper/publication requirements
↓
Submit Gazette application
↓
Gazette publication
↓
Indian passport update
↓
Aadhaar/PAN/bank/KYC updates
↓
Overseas immigration and identity updates
The exact order after Gazette publication can vary depending on your circumstances.
The important point is that one name change can affect multiple independent records, and each authority can require its own evidence.
Final Takeaway
An NRI can pursue the Gazette of India name-change process while living abroad, and the Government’s adult/major guideline specifically provides for Indians abroad by requiring the relevant deed to be attested by the Indian Embassy or High Commission and submitted in original.
The process should not be reduced to “affidavit + newspaper + Gazette.”
For an NRI, the important sequence is:
Identify the correct type of name change → prepare the prescribed documents → complete the required Indian Mission attestation → satisfy the newspaper/publication requirements → submit the Gazette application → obtain the publication → update the passport and other records separately.
The Gazette publication is evidence of the published name change. It does not automatically update every Indian or foreign database.
Because government forms, fees and procedures can change, verify the latest requirements with the Department of Publication, the relevant Indian Embassy/High Commission/Consulate, and the applicable passport authority before submitting original documents or making payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official sources
- Department of Publication — Change of Name guidelines
- Department of Publication — Gazette rates
- Ministry of External Affairs — Office Memorandum on passport name change (April 2026)
- eGazette portal
- UIDAI
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.