Introduction

A death certificate is an official document issued by the government to confirm a person’s death. It contains important information like the name of the deceased, date and place of death, and registration number.

This document is essential for:

  • Claiming insurance or pension
  • Transferring property ownership
  • Updating family records
  • Settling bank or legal matters

However, mistakes in the name of the deceased or the spelling on the death certificate are quite common.

Such errors can cause legal complications, especially when the name on the certificate does not match with the Aadhaar, PAN card, or property papers of the deceased person.

In India, one of the most trusted and legal ways to correct or update a name in a death certificate is through a Gazette Notification issued by the Government of India.

Why Gazette Notification Is Required for Death Certificate Name Correction

A Gazette Notification is a public record published by the Department of Publication under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
 It serves as official proof that a particular change — such as name, religion, or gender — has been legally approved.

When it comes to death certificate corrections, a Gazette notice:

  • Legally verifies that the corrected name belongs to the same deceased person
  • Ensures smooth transfer of assets, pensions, or bank claims
  • Prevents disputes among heirs or authorities due to mismatched names
  • Acts as permanent proof for future documentation

Without Gazette publication, your application for correction may be rejected by the local municipal body or registrar.

Common Reasons for Name Errors in Death Certificates

  1. Spelling mistakes in first or last name
  2. Missing surname or initials
  3. Incorrect translation of name (in English or regional language)
  4. Typographical or clerical errors by authorities
  5. Name changes after marriage (especially for women)
  6. Difference between Aadhaar and death certificate records
  7. Adoption or legal name change before death

Even a small variation (like “Ramaiah” vs. “Ramayya”) can create problems in bank settlements or property transfer, hence the correction is important.

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in Death Certificate

To apply for Gazette publication for name correction of a deceased person, the applicant (usually a family member or legal heir) must submit the following:

  1. Application Form for Gazette publication
  2. Affidavit for name correction (notarized stamp paper)
  3. Copy of the Death Certificate (issued by Municipality / Panchayat)
  4. Old documents showing the correct name of the deceased (PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
  5. ID and address proof of applicant (Aadhaar, voter ID, etc.)
  6. Relationship proof (family certificate, legal heir certificate)
  7. Two passport-size photographs (if applicable)
  8. Newspaper publications in English and regional language
  9. Payment receipt for Gazette publication fee

Step-by-Step Process: How to Correct Name in Death Certificate Through Gazette

Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit

Create a name correction affidavit stating:

  • The incorrect and correct name of the deceased
  • Relationship between applicant and deceased
  • Reason for correction
  • Declaration that both names refer to the same person

Example:

       “I, Ramesh Kumar, son of late Ramiah (incorrectly mentioned as Ramayya in the death certificate), hereby declare that both names refer to the same person.”

The affidavit must be notarized or attested by a First-Class Magistrate.

Step 2: Publish Name Correction in Newspapers

Publish the name correction notice in:

  • One English daily, and
  • One regional language newspaper

The content should include:

  • Deceased’s old name and corrected name
  • Date of death and death certificate number
  • Applicant’s name and relation to deceased
  • Address and declaration

Keep original newspaper copies for submission.

Step 3: Apply for Gazette Notification

Submit all documents to:

  • The Department of Publication (Central Gazette, Delhi), or
  • Your State Gazette Office

Attach:

  • Application form
  • Affidavit
  • Death certificate
  • Newspaper clippings
  • ID and address proofs
  • Legal heir proof
  • Fee payment receipt

After review and verification, the government will publish your notice in the Official Gazette.

Once published, you’ll receive a Gazette copy that legally confirms the name correction.

Step 4: Apply for Correction in Death Certificate

After Gazette publication:

  1. Visit the Registrar of Births and Deaths at your Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat.
  2. Submit a request for correction with:
    • Gazette copy
    • Old death certificate
    • ID proof of applicant
    • Affidavit and relationship proof
  3. Pay the correction fee (if applicable).

The municipal authority will verify and issue a corrected death certificate with the updated name.

Where to Apply for Gazette Notification

1. Central Gazette (Delhi)

Applicable for all Indian citizens.
Website: https://egazette.gov.in

2. State Gazette

For citizens who prefer their State Government’s publication, like:

  • Maharashtra Gazette
  • Tamil Nadu Gazette
  • Telangana Gazette
  • Karnataka Gazette, etc.

You can apply offline or online, depending on the state.

Legal Importance of Gazette Notification

The Gazette is a permanent and government-approved document that serves as:

  • Official record of the name correction
  • Proof for legal and banking procedures
  • Evidence in case of inheritance or property disputes

Courts, banks, and government offices across India accept Gazette notifications as valid proof.

Helpful Tips

  • Double-check all spellings before submission.
  • Keep digital and printed copies of Gazette for records.
  • Inform all relevant institutions (banks, insurance, etc.) about the correction.
  • Maintain copies of affidavit and newspapers — they may be required for future legal matters.
  • For multiple corrections (name + date), separate applications may be needed.

FAQs – Gazette Name Change for Death Certificate Correction

A family member, legal heir, or nominee of the deceased can apply for name correction through the Gazette.

Usually 30–45 working days, depending on document verification and publication schedule.

Yes, the Central Gazette (Delhi) allows online submission via egazette.gov.in.

Minor spelling mistakes may be corrected by local authorities, but major name discrepancies require Gazette proof.

Yes. Once Gazette publication is complete, you must apply for a corrected death certificate from the Registrar’s office.

Yes. Gazette publication acts as legal proof and is accepted by banks, courts, and insurance companies.

Summary – Key Points

  • Gazette publication is legally required for correcting names in death certificates.
  • The process includes: Affidavit → Newspaper Publication → Gazette Notification → Death Certificate Correction.
  • Only family members or legal heirs can apply.
  • The Gazette copy serves as permanent proof for all future legal and financial matters.

Conclusion

Mistakes in a death certificate can lead to legal and emotional stress for the family.
By completing the Gazette name change process, you ensure that all official records of the deceased remain accurate, consistent, and legally valid.

At Gazette Consultant, we help families handle the entire process — from affidavit preparation to Gazette publication — with complete confidentiality and care.

📌Contact us today:
🌐 www.gazetteconsultant.com
📱 WhatsApp: 836-842-6853

 
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