Q: Can I change my child's surname through the Gazette?

Yes. The Department's minor guideline specifically covers addition or deletion of a surname as well as change of name.

Q: How many newspapers are required for a minor Gazette name change?

The Central minor guideline specifies one daily leading newspaper . Do not automatically apply a two-newspaper requirement from another Gazette procedure or State.

Q: Is an affidavit required for a minor Gazette name change?

The Department's minor guideline specifically requires an undertaking signed by the guardian and the prescribed minor proforma. Do not automatically copy an adult affidavit requirement into a minor application. Check the current applicable procedure and any special circumstances.

Question 1

Can parents change their minor child's name through the Gazette?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Department of Publication has a dedicated Central Gazette procedure for a minor's name change, including addition or deletion of a surname. The application is handled by the child's parent/guardian under the prescribed procedure.

Question 2

Can a minor change their own name through the Gazette?

Accepted Answer

The Central minor procedure is structured around the child's guardian. The prescribed specimen contains a Signature of Guardian section rather than treating the minor as an adult applicant.

Question 3

Can I change my child's surname through the Gazette?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Department's minor guideline specifically covers addition or deletion of a surname as well as change of name.

Question 4

How many newspapers are required for a minor Gazette name change?

Accepted Answer

The Central minor guideline specifies one daily leading newspaper.

Do not automatically apply a two-newspaper requirement from another Gazette procedure or State.

Question 5

Is an affidavit required for a minor Gazette name change?

Accepted Answer

The Department's minor guideline specifically requires an undertaking signed by the guardian and the prescribed minor proforma.

Do not automatically copy an adult affidavit requirement into a minor application. Check the current applicable procedure and any special circumstances.

Question 6

What documents are required for a minor Gazette name change?

Accepted Answer

The Central minor guideline lists the guardian's undertaking, original newspaper, prescribed proforma in duplicate, two witnesses, MS Word soft copy on CD, photographs, hard/soft-copy matching certificate, request letter and requisite fee. It also requires photo ID and states that documents must not be older than one year.

Question 7

How much does minor Gazette name change cost?

Accepted Answer

The Department of Publication's rate order dated 19 September 2023 lists ₹1,700 for each minor change-of-name notice in Gazette of India Part IV, and ₹5,100 for a minor applying from abroad.

Newspaper, document and any private service costs are separate. Verify the current government fee before payment.

Question 8

How long does minor Gazette name change take?

Accepted Answer

The Department does not provide a universal guaranteed turnaround in the minor guideline. It states that a completed application is sent to the respective Government of India Press and that the Department is not responsible for delays in printing.

Question 9

Can I submit the minor Gazette application online?

Accepted Answer

The published minor guideline describes personal submission or submission by post/courier and states that other channels are not permissible under that procedure.

The current Department instructions should be checked before submission because government procedures can change.

Question 10

Can an agent or advocate submit the application?

Accepted Answer

The published minor guideline states that applications submitted personally or sent by post/courier are entertained and that other channels, including agents and advocates, are not permissible under that procedure.

Question 11

Where is the minor Gazette application submitted?

Accepted Answer

The published guideline directs the application to:

Controller of Publications
Department of Publication
Civil Lines
Delhi – 110054

Verify the current address and submission instructions before dispatch.

Question 12

Where can I download the published Gazette?

Accepted Answer

The current official eGazette portal is egazette.gov.in.

For Gazette of India Part IV name-change notices, use the Gazette search facility and locate the relevant Weekly Gazette issue.

Question 13

Does Gazette publication automatically change Aadhaar?

Accepted Answer

No. Aadhaar has its own update procedure, and other records can have separate requirements.

Question 14

Does Gazette publication automatically change the birth certificate?

Accepted Answer

No. The birth certificate is maintained by the relevant birth-registration authority, which may have its own correction or amendment procedure.

Question 15

Can a minor's name be changed after divorce?

Accepted Answer

The Department of Publication maintains separate guidance specifically for change of name of a minor after divorce.

If divorce, custody or parental rights are involved, check that procedure rather than automatically using the ordinary minor checklist.

Question 16

Can an adopted child's name be changed through the Gazette?

Accepted Answer

Adoption-related cases can involve separate documentation and procedures. The Department of Publication separately maintains guidance for adoption of a child.

Check the adoption documents and applicable Gazette procedure before submitting the application.

Question 17

What happens if the Gazette application is incomplete?

Accepted Answer

The Controller of Publications reserves the right to reject printing material that is incomplete, vague, unlawful or misleading.

Check the entire application before submission rather than relying on the Department to correct missing information.

Question 18

Are submitted documents returned?

Accepted Answer

The Department's minor guideline states that documents submitted to the Department are not returned, including originals and Xerox copies.

Keep a complete copy of the application before dispatch.

Name change guides

Gazette Name Change for a Minor Child in India

How to Change Your Name Legally in India: Complete 2026 Guide

Newspaper Advertisement for Name Change in India — Complete Guide, Formats, Requirements & Examples

Central Gazette vs State Gazette: Which One Do You Need?

Is a Gazette Notification Mandatory for Name Change?

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in India: Complete Checklist

Gazette Name Change Fees and Timeline in India

Gazette Name Change Rejected? Reasons and How to Fix Them

Gazette Name Change Process: Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a Gazette Notification? Meaning and Use for Name Change