Quick answer
A name change in Mumbai follows the Central Gazette process: notarize an affidavit, publish the notice in one daily local leading newspaper, and send the dossier to the Department of Publication in Delhi, personally or by post/courier. The official printing charge is Rs. 1,100 for an adult. A complete application is usually published in 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 of the change of name notice in one daily local leading newspaper, 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 the notice in one daily local leading newspaper (for example Lokmat, Maharashtra Times, Sakal or Times of India Mumbai) and preserve the full original page.
- 03Send the physical dossier to the Department of Publication, New Delhi, personally or by post/courier.
- 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 (the full page) carrying the change of name notice, published in one daily local leading newspaper
- 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
The Department of Publication requires the change of name to be advertised in one daily local leading newspaper - not two. For Mumbai: Times of India (Mumbai edition), Hindustan Times (Mumbai), or The Indian Express are all accepted. Lokmat, Maharashtra Times, Sakal, or Divya Marathi are widely accepted vernacular options. A second advertisement in a second language is not required. Preserve the full original page carrying the notice; weekly papers, supplements and magazines are not accepted.
Government Fees
The Central Gazette fees are uniform across India, including for Mumbai residents:
| Category | Govt Fee |
|---|---|
| General citizen (adult) | Rs. 1,100 |
| Central Government employee | Rs. 1,100 |
| Minor (child) | Rs. 1,700 |
| Public notice / correction | Rs. 1,400 |
| Indian citizen living abroad (adult) | Rs. 3,500 |
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 newspaper notice, 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.