A name change in a passport can be initiated due to various reasons, such as a marriage or a change of personal preference. In India, a Gazette notification is one of the accepted methods for officially documenting a name change. This article will explore whether a Gazette notification is sufficient for changing one’s name in a passport.

Gazette Notification: Definition and Purpose

The Gazette of India is an official publication of the government that contains announcements and notifications from various departments. It serves as a public notice of official actions and is widely recognized as a source of reliable information.

The Gazette notification is used for various purposes, including name changes, company incorporation, and issuance of licenses.

Gazette Notification for Name Change

In the case of a name change, a person can publish a notification in the Gazette to legally document the change. The notification should contain the individual’s old name, new name, and the reason for the change. Once the notification is published, it serves as official proof of the name change.

Sufficient for Passport Name Change?

A Gazette notification for name change is generally accepted as sufficient evidence for a passport. The passport issuing authority, the Ministry of External Affairs, accepts the Gazette notification as proof of a name change. However, it is important to note that the Gazette notification should be recent and should have been published within the last three months.

Other Requirements for Passport Name Change

Apart from the Gazette notification, a passport name change also requires the submission of additional documents such as an application form and supporting documents. These may include a birth certificate, marriage certificate (in case of a married woman), divorce decree (in case of divorce), and an affidavit sworn by the applicant. The passport issuing authority may also require the individual to provide additional documents, depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a Gazette notification is a widely accepted method for officially documenting a name change in India, and is sufficient for changing one’s name in a passport. However, it is important to follow all the requirements set by the passport issuing authority and to submit the necessary documents along with the Gazette notification. A name change in a passport can be a time-consuming process, but by following the proper procedures and submitting all the required documents, the process can be completed smoothly and efficiently.

Written by Priya