Quick answer
A name change in Mumbai follows the Central Gazette process: notarize an affidavit, publish ads in two newspapers (one English like Times of India Mumbai edition, one Marathi like Lokmat or Maharashtra Times), and courier the dossier to Delhi. The government fee is Rs. 1,100 for general citizens. The entire process takes 4 to 8 weeks. Stamp paper value in Maharashtra is typically Rs. 100 or Rs. 500.
If you are a Mumbai resident seeking a legal name change, the Central Gazette of India is the most universally accepted and legally authoritative method. Whether you are changing your name after marriage, correcting a spelling error, or adopting a new identity, the process requires a notarized affidavit, publication in two Mumbai newspapers, and physical submission of a dossier to the Department of Publication in New Delhi. At Inamdar Legal, we provide fully remote support - clients in Mumbai work with us via WhatsApp and email from start to finish.
Quick Answer
- 01Draft and notarize a name change affidavit on Maharashtra stamp paper (Rs. 100 or Rs. 500).
- 02Publish in one English daily (Times of India Mumbai) and one Marathi daily (Lokmat / Maharashtra Times).
- 03Submit the physical dossier to the Department of Publication, New Delhi.
- 04Use the Gazette copy to update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and bank records.
Why Mumbai Residents Need the Central Gazette
The Central Gazette notification is required for passport updates, government service records, educational certificates, and banking documentation. For Mumbai residents, it is also the fastest way to legally align all identity documents after a name change. The Passport Seva Kendra at Bandra Kurla Complex (Mumbai) and the Regional Passport Office at Worli both accept Central Gazette copies as the primary proof of name change for major modifications.
Documents Required
The document checklist for a name change in Mumbai is identical to the national standard:
- Original notarized name change affidavit on Maharashtra stamp paper (Rs. 100 or Rs. 500 denomination)
- Original newspaper sheets: one from an English daily (e.g. Times of India Mumbai) and one from a Marathi daily (e.g. Lokmat, Maharashtra Times, or Sakal)
- Completed Proforma (deed change form) signed by applicant and two non-family witnesses
- MS Word (.doc/.docx) file of the Proforma on a CD/DVD
- Signed undertaking declaring CD contents match hard copy
- Two passport-sized photographs (signed on reverse)
- Self-attested Aadhaar / PAN / Passport copy
Mumbai-Specific Newspaper Requirements
For the name change advertisement in Mumbai, you need publication in: 1. One English daily: Times of India (Mumbai edition), Hindustan Times (Mumbai), or The Indian Express are all accepted. 2. One Marathi daily: Lokmat, Maharashtra Times, Sakal, or Divya Marathi are widely accepted vernacular options. The advertisement must include your old name, new name, father's or husband's name, complete residential address, and the date and registration details of the affidavit. Avoid weekly supplements or magazines - only daily newspapers are accepted.
Government Fees
The Central Gazette fees are uniform across India, including for Mumbai residents:
| Category | Govt Fee |
|---|---|
| General citizen | Rs. 1,100 |
| Government employee | Rs. 1,400 |
| Minor (child) | Rs. 1,700 |
| NRI | Rs. 1,400 |
Timeline for Mumbai Name Change
A realistic timeline for a Mumbai-based name change via Central Gazette:
- Affidavit drafting and notarization in Mumbai: 1 to 2 days
- Newspaper advertisement publication: 2 to 3 days
- Dossier preparation and courier to Delhi: 2 to 3 days
- Gazette review and online publication in New Delhi: 4 to 8 weeks
How Inamdar Legal Helps Mumbai Clients
Inamdar Legal operates fully remotely. Mumbai clients share their ID copies and proposed new name via WhatsApp or email. We draft the affidavit and proforma, coordinate the Mumbai newspaper ads, and compile the complete ready-to-sign physical dossier. After you sign and return the package, we handle submission and tracking from Surat to New Delhi. Contact us at +91 9106469665 or support@inamdarlegal.com.