Gazette Name Change for Aadhaar Purposes

Aadhaar is one of the most widely used proofs of identity in India. It is required for government schemes, banking, SIM cards, travel, and more. If your Aadhaar card has a wrong name or spelling mistake, or if you legally change your name, it must be updated.

While minor spelling corrections may be done online or at Aadhaar enrolment centres, major name changes require Gazette notification. Gazette publication is the strongest and legally valid proof to support your request for an Aadhaar name update.

This blog will guide you through the process of Gazette name change for Aadhaar purposes, its importance, step-by-step procedure, required documents, FAQs, and more.

Why Is Gazette Name Change Important for Aadhaar?

Legal proof: The gazette is a permanent government record of your new name.
Required for Aadhaar update: For major changes like full name, surname, or first name change.
Avoids rejection: Aadhaar authorities may reject requests without Gazette notification.
Uniformity across documents: Helps match the name on Aadhaar with PAN, passport, voter ID, and bank records.
Essential for official uses: needed for exams, jobs, loans, and property documents.

👉 Example: If Neha Sharma changes her name to Neha Verma after marriage, a gazette notification is required to update Aadhaar records.

Situations Where Gazette Notification is Required for Aadhaar

Name change after marriage or divorce.
Adoption-related name changes.
Spelling errors or corrections in name.
Change due to numerology or astrology.
Gender transition-related name change.
Dropping or adding a surname.

Who Can Apply for a Gazette Name Change for Aadhaar?

Any Indian citizen with an Aadhaar card.
Parents/guardians can apply for minors (below 18 years).

Step-by-Step Process – Gazette Name Change for Aadhaar

Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit

Draft an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper.
Include old name, new name, reason for change, date of birth, and parent’s/spouse’s name.
Get it notarised by a First-Class Magistrate or Notary Public.

Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisement

Publish a name change notice in two newspapers (one English, one local language).
Clearly mention old and new names.
Keep original cuttings for submission.

Step 3: Apply for Gazette Notification

Collect the following documents:
- Affidavit
- Newspaper copies
- Aadhaar card copy
- PAN card / Passport copy
- Passport-size photos
- Application form for Gazette
Submit to the Department of Publication, New Delhi (for the central Gazette), or the State Gazette office.

Step 4: Gazette Publication

After approval, your new name will be published in the Official Gazette of India.
Collect/download the Gazette copy.

Step 5: Update Aadhaar with Gazette Proof

Visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or enrolment centre.
Submit:
- Gazette notification copy
- Aadhaar card
- Other ID proof (PAN/passport/voter ID)
Fill out the Aadhaar update form with the new name.
Biometric verification will be done.
A new Aadhaar card will be issued with the updated name.

Documents Required for Gazette Name Change in Aadhaar

Affidavit of name change
Newspaper advertisements (2 copies)
Aadhaar card copy
PAN/Passport/Voter ID copy
Passport-size photos
Gazette application form

Timeframe

Gazette publication: 30–60 days
Aadhaar update: 7–15 days after submission

Key Points to Remember

Minor spelling corrections may not need the Gazette; they can be done with supporting documents like PAN/passport.
Major name changes always require Gazette notification.
Ensure the same name is updated across all IDs to avoid mismatch.

An Aadhaar update cannot be done online for a name change; you must visit Aadhaar Seva Kendra.

Example Scenario

Rakesh Kumar Yadav wants to shorten his name to Rakesh Y. for professional reasons. He applies for Gazette notification, gets approval, and then updates his Aadhaar card. Later, the same proof helps him update PAN and passport records without issues.