Is it legal to change your name without a gazette notification?

Changing your name without a gazette notification is legally possible but not advisable for official purposes. Informally, individuals can start using a new name without government approval; however, this lacks legal recognition.

For official records, documents, bank accounts, passports, and identity proof, a gazette notification is essential to authenticate the name change.

The gazette publication serves as a formal declaration, providing legal validity and preventing identity issues.

Without it, updating government records and availing services can become complicated or rejected. Therefore, to ensure a smooth and legally recognised name change, publishing the change in the official gazette remains the best and most accepted legal practice.