Quick answer
Name change in Surat: notarize affidavit on Gujarat stamp paper (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100), Publish the notice in one daily local leading newspaper and preserve the full original page., dispatch the signed dossier to the Department of Publication, New Delhi, personally or by post/courier. Government fee: Rs. 1,100. Timeline: 5 to 10 weeks. Inamdar Legal is based in Surat.
Surat is the commercial capital of Gujarat and the home city of Inamdar Legal. Surat residents seeking a legal name change have the benefit of working directly with a local law firm that handles Central Gazette name changes daily. The process requires a notarized affidavit on Gujarat stamp paper, publication in one daily local leading newspaper widely circulated in Surat, and dispatch of the complete dossier to the Department of Publication in New Delhi. As Surat-based lawyers, we have deep familiarity with the local notaries, the Passport Seva Kendra in Surat, and the specific newspaper requirements.
Quick Answer
- 01Notarize affidavit on Gujarat stamp paper (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100) at a Surat notary.
- 02Publish the notice in one daily local leading newspaper and preserve the full original page.
- 03Dispatch the signed dossier to the Department of Publication, New Delhi, personally or by post/courier.
- 04Use the Gazette copy to update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport at the Surat PSK.
Why Surat Clients Choose Inamdar Legal
Inamdar Legal is based in Surat. This means Surat clients can visit our office in person or work remotely - whichever is more convenient. We are familiar with the Passport Seva Kendra at Khatodara (Surat), the District Collectorate, and all major Surat notaries. We draft the affidavit, coordinate the newspaper notice, compile the physical dossier, and prepare the dispatch checklist for New Delhi.
Surat Newspaper Requirements
The Department of Publication requires the change of name to be advertised in one daily local leading newspaper - not two. For Surat: Times of India (Surat edition) or Indian Express Surat or Hindustan Times. Gujarat Samachar (Surat edition) or Sandesh (Surat) or Divya Bhaskar (Gujarati, strong in Surat). 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.
Gujarat Stamp Paper Requirements
The affidavit for a name change in Surat must be printed on Gujarat non-judicial stamp paper of Rs. 50 or Rs. 100 denomination, in compliance with the Gujarat Stamp Act, 1958. Stamp paper can be purchased from authorised vendors near the Surat City Civil Court (Athwa) or via licensed distributors.
Documents Required
Checklist for Surat name change:
- Notarized affidavit on Gujarat stamp paper (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100)
- Original newspaper sheets: one English + one Gujarati daily (both Surat editions)
- Completed Proforma signed by applicant and two witnesses
- MS Word Proforma on CD/DVD
- Signed CD undertaking
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Self-attested Aadhaar / PAN / Passport copy
Government Fees
Central Gazette fees apply uniformly:
| 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 |