Complete Guide to Karnataka Gazette Name Change Affidavit and Newspaper Ads (2026)

Complete Guide to Karnataka Gazette Name Change Affidavit and Newspaper Ads (2026)

Legal change of name in Karnataka consists of three steps, which are interconnected, and they include preparing a name change affidavit, placing newspaper advertisements, and receiving a Gazette notification. All the steps are connected, and the mistake in any of them will slow the whole process. This guide will take you through each of the three step by step, along with the current costs, document requirements, timelines and the most frequent errors to be avoided.

What Is a Name Change Affidavit in Karnataka?

A name change affidavit in Karnataka is an official document which is signed on a legal stamp paper stating that you wish to change your name. It includes your old name, new name, the reason why you want to change it, and date of birth, and full residential address. To be legally valid it has to be signed by a registered Notary Public or a First Class Magistrate.

This affidavit is what the whole legal name change process in Karnataka is based on. This is what the next step, which involves placing the newspaper ad, filling the Gazette notification and updating your Aadhaar, PAN and passport will all hinge on the accuracy and completeness of such a document.

What the Affidavit Must Include

• Your full old name (exactly as it appears on current IDs)
• Your full new name
• Reason for the name change
• Your date of birth and full residential address
• Reference to any supporting documents (marriage certificate, etc.)
• Your signature and the notary's stamp and certification

Retain copies of the notarized affidavit which are original. Individual copies will be required by the Gazette office, on every update of bank account, passport application, and any other amendments to records.

Why the Gazette Notification for Name Change in Karnataka Matters

The Karnataka Gazette name change notification is a government paper through which your new name is registered forever in the government archives. When published, it is considered as conclusive legal evidence of your change of name - the one that banks, government departments, passport offices and educational institutions accept without doubt.

In the absence of the Gazette notification, you are likely to be opposed in updating the records in central government departments or in applying to be issued with a new passport. The affidavit and newspaper advertisements testify to what you intend to do - the Gazette notification taxes your new name at a government level.

What the Gazette Notification Covers

• Gives the legal evidence of the change of name permanently to be used in the future
• Necessary to update Aadhaar, PAN, passport and bank records in most instances
• Makes sure that your change of name is accepted by the state and the national agencies
• Serves as the final document in case of disagreements or in case of questions concerning your identity

Documents Required for Karnataka Gazette Name Change

These are all the things that you should have collected before you begin your application. The most common processing delay cause is to submit an incomplete set.

Mandatory Documents

• Name change affidavit — original plus multiple notarized copies on ₹20 or ₹50 stamp paper
• Government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID, or passport
• Two recent passport-size photographs — white background recommended
• Karnataka Gazette application form — available at the Gazette office or downloadable from the official portal
• Newspaper clippings — published ads from both an English daily and a Kannada daily (both mandatory)
• Self-addressed envelope with stamps — required if you want the Gazette return copy by post

Supporting Documents (If Applicable)

• Birth certificate or school certificates with your old name written on it
• Marriage certificate or divorce order (on changing of name after marriage or divorce)
• Affidavit of parent (when changing the name of a minor child)

Always check each document in terms of spelling before handing in. The affidavit, newspaper ads, and application form must contain the same name as well as all uploaded ID proofs.

Step-by-Step Karnataka Gazette Name Change Process

Step 1 — Prepare Your Name Change Affidavit

Write the affidavit either in English or in Kannada (or both) with all the necessary details about the person. Stamp it on ₹20 or ₹50 stamp paper -non judicial stamp which are sold in licensed positions around district courts and major post offices in Karnataka. Sign the affidavit before a registered Notary Public or First Class Magistrate who will stamp and certify the affidavit.

Cost of affidavit preparation

• Stamp paper ₹50–₹100
• Notary or magistrate fees included in overall cost
• Optional lawyer drafting fee ₹300–₹800

Self-drafting is legal and is quite acceptable. In case you are not sure of the correct format, use a tested template or seek advice of a legal professional.

Step 2 — Publish Your Name Change Newspaper Advertisement in Karnataka

You should place advertisements of your name change in two newspapers, one of which is English daily and the other is in Kannada daily before applying to the Gazette. This is obligatory according to Karnataka Gazette requirements and it applied since 2025 in all new applications.

Approved newspapers in Bangalore (2026)

• English Deccan Herald, Times of India (Bangalore edition)
• Kannada Prajavani, Vijayavani

Post the two advertisements on the same date as much as possible. Inkjet a copy of both clippings and scan them in high-resolution digital photos both hard copies and electronic copies are necessary with the Gazette application.

Ads must be published within 15 days of affidavit execution. Don't delay this step.

Step 3 — Submit Your Gazette Application

Go to visit the Karnataka Gazette office directly or make your application via the official ePragati Karnataka portal online. Attach the following

• Original notarized affidavit
• Both newspaper clippings (English and Kannada)
• Government-issued ID and address proof copies
• Two recent passport-size photographs
• Completed Gazette Notification Form
• Fee payment receipt

Pay the relevant Karnataka Gazette name change fee (₹500–₹750 based on the type of application and channel through which the name change is done). Costs of online applications ₹650; cost of offline applications ₹700.

Step 4 — Track and Receive Your Gazette Notification

Upon submitting your application, monitor your application status on the ePragati Karnataka portal with the help of your Application Reference Number. The portal has real time updates as per each stage; Submitted, Under Review and Published.

The processing usually requires 25 to 40 working days after full application has been submitted. You should also follow up with the Karnataka Gazette helpline via email or phone call in case your application has not gone past the 40 working days.

After publication, get downloaded immediately the official Karnataka Gazette name change PDF portal. Physical copies are available upon small postal fee.

How to Publish a Name Change Ad in Karnataka Newspapers

Selecting the Right Newspapers

Under Karnataka Gazette compliance, your advertisements should be placed in one English and one Kannada daily in the list of approved list. Combinations which are the most commonly accepted are

• Deccan Herald + Prajavani — strong English and Kannada coverage across Karnataka
• Times of India + Vijayavani — national English reach plus strong regional Kannada presence

The Karnataka Gazette office, the UIDAI, the Income Tax Department and the Passport Seva Kendra are completely accepting the two combinations.

Drafting Your Name Change Advertisement

Follow this standard format used in submitting Karnataka Gazette

"I, [Old Full Name], S/o / D/o [Father's / Mother's Name], residing at [Full Address], have changed my name to [New Name]. Henceforth, I will be known as [New Name] for all purposes. Affidavit dated [Date]."

Make the content the same as your notarized affidavit - names, addresses, date format. Add an allusion to the affidavit to provide an added legal force.

Online vs. Offline Newspaper Ad Booking

Online booking

• Go to the official newspaper portal or reliable classified advertisement booking system
• Click on Name Change category, Bangalore edition and upload your affidavit and id
• Make payment through UPI, net banking or card
• Confirmation and date of publication at once
• Get e-paper PDF proof on the day it is published

Offline booking

• Go to the closest newspaper office carrying your affidavit copy and identity evidence
• Complete the booking form and tabulate documentation
• Purchase with cash or check or money order and take your receipt
• Obtain original newspaper reports on date of publication

Internet reservation is quicker and offers electronic documentation much easier - a preferable option to most residents.

2026 Name Change Newspaper Ad Rates in Karnataka

Last verified March 8, 2026 — Sources bhavesads.com and releasemyad.com

Newspaper	Language	Rate (per 20 words)	Estimated Reach
Times of India Bangalore	English	₹2,000	4 lakh+
Deccan Herald Bangalore	English	₹1,740	2 lakh+
Prajavani Bangalore	Kannada	₹1,330	3 lakh+
Vijayavani Bangalore	Kannada	₹1,290	2.8 lakh+

Combo deals (English + Kannada together) are available starting at ₹2,800–₹3,000 all-in and can save up to 25% compared to booking each paper separately. Always ask about combo packages before booking individually.

Complete Cost Breakdown for Karnataka Gazette Name Change (2026)

Item	Estimated Cost
Stamp paper and notary charges	₹50 – ₹100
Optional lawyer drafting fee	₹300 – ₹800
Newspaper ad — English daily	₹1,740 – ₹2,000
Newspaper ad — Kannada daily	₹1,290 – ₹1,330
Combo deal (English + Kannada)	₹2,800 – ₹3,000
Karnataka Gazette fee (online)	₹650
Karnataka Gazette fee (offline)	₹700
Online portal or agent service charge	₹300 – ₹600
Estimated total (online, combo ad)	₹3,800 – ₹5,100

The best way to go through the entire Karnataka Gazette name change process, using the most cost effective route is by selecting a bundled newspaper package and using online.

Timeline: From Affidavit to Gazette Notification

The following day-to-day schedule is a realistic plan a name change process in Karnataka:

• Day 1–2: Affidavit drafting and notarization
• Day 3–7: Newspaper advertisements published (English + Kannada)
• Day 8–15: Prepare Gazette application, compile all documents, submit online or in person
• Day 16–40: Gazette notification processed and published by the Karnataka government
• Day 41 onwards: Use Gazette notification and newspaper clippings to update Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank accounts, and all other records

Total from start to finish: 3 to 6 weeks, provided that the documentations are provided correctly at the initial attempt, and no revisions are needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Karnataka Name Change Process

Typos and Inconsistencies in the Affidavit

A slight discrepancy between your affidavit, newspaper advertisement and application form will set the alarm off. Your name should be typed; the same format, the same spelling, on all single documents.

Wrong Stamp Paper Denomination

Karnataka needs ₹20 or ₹50 non-judicial stamp paper affidavits. The affidavit can be nullified by the utilisation of an incorrect denomination or a judicial stamp paper.

Not Notarizing Before Application

Other applicants fill the affidavit in the comfort of their homes and submit it without being duly notarized. The signature in the affidavit should be signed physically in the presence of a registered Notary Public or First Class Magistrate- no self-signing is accepted.

Publishing in Only One Newspaper

Since 2025, both Kannada newspaper clippings and English newspaper clippings will be mandatory in the Karnataka Gazette. The automatic rejection of applications happens with the submission of a single language paper.

Missing the 15-Day Newspaper Ad Deadline

The newspaper ads should be put out within 15 days of the affidavit being signed (signature and notarized). Failure to have this window implies that you will be required to prepare a new affidavit with a new date before you can continue.

Blurry or Illegible Document Scans

The Gazette portal also demands clear and high-resolution scan of any documents uploaded. Screwed up scans of affidavits or illegible newspaper clips put your application in the status of being reviewed forever.