Changing your name legally in Bangalore involves a specific process that must be followed correctly for the change to be recognized by all government agencies, banks, and institutions. Whether you are changing your name after marriage, correcting a spelling error, or making a personal choice, this guide walks you through every step.
Why People Change Their Names in Bangalore
- After marriage: Adopting spouse’s surname (most common reason)
- After divorce: Reverting to maiden name
- Personal preference: Changing first name or surname
- Spelling correction: Fixing errors in official documents
- Religious conversion: Adopting a new name after conversion
- Numerology/astrology: Name change based on personal beliefs
- Transgender identity: Legal name change to match gender identity
The Complete Name Change Process
Step 1: Affidavit Drafting & Notarization
The first and most critical step is executing a Name Change Affidavit on appropriate stamp paper, notarized by a licensed notary public.
What the affidavit must contain:
- Your current legal name (as per existing documents)
- Your new desired name
- Reason for the name change
- Declaration that the change is voluntary and for lawful purposes
- Your address and identification details
Requirements:
- ₹100 non-judicial / e-stamp paper (the minimum value Sevantay uses)
- Valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Passport, or PAN)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Personal appearance before the notary
Cost: ₹380–₹880 (stamp paper + drafting + notary fees) Time: Same day (if documents are ready)
Step 2: Newspaper Publication
After the affidavit, you must publish a name change advertisement in two newspapers:
- One English newspaper with circulation in Bangalore
- One Kannada newspaper (regional language of Karnataka)
The advertisement typically includes:
- Your old name and new name
- Father’s/spouse’s name
- Address
- Statement that the name has been changed by affidavit
- Date of affidavit and notary details
Popular newspapers for name change ads in Bangalore:
- English: Deccan Herald, The Hindu (Bangalore edition), Times of India (Bangalore)
- Kannada: Prajavani, Vijaya Karnataka, Kannada Prabha
Cost: ₹1,000–₹3,000 (varies by newspaper and ad size) Time: Publication within 3-5 days of booking
Step 3: Gazette of India (Central Gazette) Notification
The final step is getting the name change notified in the Gazette of India, the central gazette published by the Department of Publication, Government of India. For a name change in Karnataka, this is the gazette notification that passport offices, central government records, universities and most employers ask for.
Process:
- Fill in the Department of Publication’s prescribed application for a change of name
- Attach the notarised affidavit, both newspaper clippings, ID proof and photographs, with your signature in both the old and the new name
- Pay the publication fee and submit the application
- The change is notified in a following issue of the Gazette of India; you then obtain the gazette copy
Authority: Department of Publication, Government of India (no Bangalore office visit needed) Cost: Government publication fee, at actuals Time: About 4–8 weeks after submission
Step 4: Update All Documents
After gazette notification, systematically update your name in all documents:
Priority 1 (Do first — other updates depend on these):
- Aadhaar card (visit Aadhaar centre with gazette copy + affidavit)
- PAN card (apply online at NSDL/UTIITSL portal)
Priority 2 (After Aadhaar + PAN are updated):
- Passport (apply at Passport Seva Kendra, Bangalore)
- Bank accounts (visit your bank with gazette copy + new Aadhaar)
- Voter ID (apply online at NVSP portal or visit BLO)
Priority 3:
- Driving licence (apply at Karnataka RTO)
- Vehicle RC (if vehicle is registered in your name)
- Property documents (execute a supplementary deed at sub-registrar)
- Insurance policies (submit name change request to insurer)
- Educational certificates (contact issuing university/board)
- Employment records (submit to HR department)
- Utility connections (BESCOM, BWSSB — visit local office)
Total Cost Breakdown
| Step | Cost |
|---|---|
| Name change affidavit (stamp paper + notary) | ₹380–₹880 |
| Newspaper publication (2 newspapers) | ₹1,000–₹3,000 |
| Gazette of India notification | Government fee, at actuals |
| Aadhaar update | Free |
| PAN card correction | ₹110 (online) |
| Passport re-issue | ₹1,500 (normal) |
| Sevantay end-to-end service (affidavit + both newspapers + central gazette) | ₹8,000–₹10,000 all-inclusive |
Timeline
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Affidavit | Same day |
| Newspaper publication | 3-5 days |
| Gazette of India notification | 4-8 weeks |
| Aadhaar update | 5-10 days |
| PAN card update | 15-20 days |
| Passport re-issue | 1-4 weeks |
| Total (affidavit to gazette) | 5-9 weeks |
| Total (including all updates) | 2-4 months |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Skipping the gazette notification: Some people stop after the affidavit and newspaper publication. While some organizations accept this, many government agencies (especially for passport updates) require the gazette notification.
-
Inconsistent name format: Decide on the exact spelling and format of your new name before starting. Any variation between the affidavit, newspaper, and gazette will create problems during document updates.
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Not updating Aadhaar first: Since Aadhaar is linked to most services, updating it first makes all subsequent updates smoother.
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Losing newspaper clippings: Keep at least 5 original newspaper clippings. Multiple organizations will ask for them, and photocopies may not always be accepted.
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Not updating property documents: If you own property, failing to update the name in property records can create legal complications during future transactions or inheritance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gazette notification mandatory for name change in India?
While not legally mandatory in all cases, gazette notification provides the strongest proof of name change. Many government agencies, especially the passport office, require gazette notification. It is strongly recommended for a complete and universally accepted name change.
Can I change my name in Bangalore if my documents are from another state?
Yes, you can execute the name change process in Bangalore regardless of where your original documents were issued. The affidavit is executed locally and the newspapers are published locally; the gazette notification is in the Gazette of India, which is national, so it is recognised wherever your documents were issued. Document updates can be done from any location.
How do I change my name in educational certificates?
Contact the issuing university or board with your gazette notification, affidavit, and newspaper clippings. Most universities have a specific procedure for name correction in certificates. Some may issue a fresh certificate; others provide an endorsement or addendum.
Can a minor’s name be changed?
Yes, a minor’s name can be changed by the parent or legal guardian. The parent/guardian executes the affidavit on behalf of the minor. The process is the same, but the affidavit language differs slightly to reflect that it is being made by the guardian.
What if I want to change both first name and surname?
Both can be changed simultaneously through a single affidavit and gazette notification. There is no restriction on changing just the first name, just the surname, or both. The complete new name is declared in the affidavit.
Need Help? We Handle It End to End
Sevantay handles the entire name change process in Bangalore — affidavit drafting and notarisation, both newspaper notices, and the Gazette of India application and follow-up — for ₹8,000–₹10,000 all-inclusive. No hidden charges.
See the complete name change service | WhatsApp Us
Need stamp paper? Order same-day e-Stamp paper online — pay securely and we deliver it to your door.
Related Guides
- How to Get an Affidavit Drafted in Bangalore — Complete Guide
- Affidavit Cost in Bangalore — Stamp Paper, Notary Charges Explained
- Where to Get Documents Notarized in Bangalore (Near Me Guide)
Why Choose Sevantay for Name Change?
Sevantay handles the entire name change process in Bangalore — from the first affidavit to the gazette notification:
- Expert affidavit drafting with legally precise language
- Newspaper publication coordination in both English and Kannada dailies
- Gazette application handling with follow-up
- Document update guidance — step-by-step plan for updating all your documents
- Single point of contact throughout the process
Ready to change your name? Request the service or WhatsApp us.