There are two gazettes people commonly use for a change of name: the Gazette of India, published by the central government, and the Maharashtra Government Gazette, published by the State. Both are official public records of a name change. Which one you need depends on where you live and who will rely on it.
The two at a glance
| Maharashtra Government Gazette | Gazette of India | |
|---|---|---|
| Published by | Directorate of Government Printing, Stationery and Publication (DGPS), Maharashtra | Department of Publication, Government of India, Delhi |
| Application | Online on the DGPS portal | Forms from the e-Gazette portal, fee paid online, documents sent by post or courier |
| Newspaper advertisement | Generally not required for the online application | Generally required: one English and one regional-language newspaper |
| Government fee | About Rs 523 plus GST (open category), less for reserved categories | Reported at Rs 1,100 for adults, higher for minors and NRIs |
| Typical time | About 15 days for a complete application | Usually several weeks |
Fees and processes change; check the official portals before applying. For the Maharashtra process, see gazette fees, time and rejection reasons.
Who should use the Maharashtra Gazette
- People who live in Maharashtra or have a Maharashtra address.
- Most purposes: Aadhaar, PAN, bank accounts, State government records, schools and colleges, property records, and in many cases the passport.
- Anyone who wants a quick, online process without newspaper advertisements.
Who may prefer the Gazette of India
- Central government employees, whose departments may require it.
- Indians living abroad without a current Maharashtra address, or those whose foreign authorities or employers ask for a central government document. See the NRI legal guide.
- People who expect to use the gazette mainly with central authorities that ask for it.
Does the Passport Office accept the Maharashtra Gazette?
Many passport applications are processed on the basis of a State gazette notification together with other supporting documents. If your Passport Seva Kendra or the Passport Office specifically asks for something else, follow its requirements. When in doubt, ask before applying.
Can I have both?
You can, but it is rarely necessary. If you already have the Maharashtra Gazette and an authority asks for the Gazette of India, take advice first; the authority may accept the State gazette with an affidavit.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Maharashtra Gazette office in Mumbai?
The DGPS is at the Government Central Press, Charni Road. See the gazette office in Mumbai. Applications are online, so most people never need to visit.
How do I download my published gazette?
See checking DGPS status and downloading the gazette PDF.
See also: gazette name change.
Consultations are by appointment. To fix a time, telephone +91 99301 50560 or send a message on WhatsApp.
This guide describes the position as understood in October 2026. Fees and requirements for both gazettes change; confirm them on the official portals before applying. It is not legal advice.