The process of name change in Karnataka, requires you to adhere to the specific legal procedure, that applies to all the state in India. It is important to note that the star of Karnataka, does not have it's own state Gazette for name change. This means, you have to publish your name change in the Central Gazette of India, to make it legally valid and recognized across various government authorities, financial institutions, and private entities.

The same legal procedure applies to all the name changes taking place due to marriage, divorce, correcting spelling mistakes, errors on documents like your PAN card, Aadhaar card, birth certificate, religion change, or other government records. Moreover, it is also important to note that you do not have to wait in the long queues at Delhi's Civil Lines office to initiate the process of name change.

• Faster delivery: You will be updated on your Gazette application by mail, on the day of your filing.
• Home delivery option: You can also have the newspaper at your doorstep, in your home town, so you can easily submit it in office itself.
• Streamlined Gazette booking: It is advisable to apply for Central Government Gazette booking in Delhi as it proves to be efficient.

Yes, in most cases, a name change must be officially published in the Central Gazette of India for it to be legally recognized by government bodies, financial institutions, schools, and other organizations. The publication in serves as the official record of your name change and provides the legal validity needed across India. A Central Gazette Notification is necessary for providing your name a legal validity and give recognition across all the government bodies, financial institutions, schools, and other organizations, as the Gazette plays a vital role in making your official.

• Marriage:

  One of the most common reasons for a name change, especially for women, is marriage. They may adopt their spouse's surname or have to change their own name.

  • Examples of name changes due to marriage include:
  • Adopting the husband’s surname: For example, “Ananya Sharma” becomes “Ananya Kumar.”
  • Merging surnames: In some cases, both partners may choose to combine their last names. For example, “Priya Rao” and “Rahul Nayak” may decide to merge their surnames to become “Priya Nayak-Rao.”

  Why Gazette Notification is Essential for Name Changes:

  • Through a Gazette Notification, your name will become official and will be updated across all of your official documents. This ensures transparency and prevents confusion in the future.
• Divorce or Separation:

  Following a divorce, people might decide to revert to their maiden name or take another name to identify with their former partner.

  • Example: From “Nisha Kumar” to “Nisha Sharma,” removing the ex-spouse’s name entirely.

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • A Gazette Notification ensures your name becomes official and updated across all official documents, providing clarity and preventing confusion.
• Religious Conversion:

  Religious conversion often influences the decision to change one's name and adopt a new one.

  • Example: A Hindu converting to Christianity might change “Ramesh Rao” to “David Rao,” or an individual becoming a monk may take on a new spiritual name.

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • A Gazette Notification gives your name legal recognition, making it valid across all official records.
• Adoption:

  After adoption, a child's name is changed to give them a new family identity.

  • Example: A child's surname might change to match the adoptive parents, such as from “Aarav Kumar” to “Aarav Nayak,” or their first name may be altered according to the family’s cultural or religious preferences.

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • A Gazette Notification gives legal recognition to the child’s new name, preventing future disputes.
• Spelling Corrections:

  Typographical errors or consistency across records can influence people to apply for a name change.

  • Example: From “Rohit” to “Roheet” for numerological reasons, or correcting misspelled names, such as changing “Amitabh” to “Amithab.”

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • A Gazette Notification ensures your name is official and consistent across all official documents.
• Numerology and Astrology:

  Certain numerological or astrological reasons can also influence one to change their name to bring positive influences.

  • Example: Adding letters, such as changing “Kavitha” to “Kavithaa,” or modifying the spelling, like “Ajay” to “Ajai.”

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • A Gazette Notification provides a strong legal foundation to your name, making it valid for official use.

• Gender Transition:

  A gender transition may also influence a person to change their name and obtain a new identity.

  • Example: From male to female, such as “Rajesh” to “Rajeshwari,” or adopting a gender-neutral name like “Arun” to “Ari.”

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • It allows you to update your name on your legal documents and gives your name recognition across all fields and institutions.
• Professional or Artistic Reasons:

  Actors, writers, and other public figures opt for name change due to branding or stage purposes.

  • Example: A writer might adopt a pseudonym for anonymity, while an actor may choose a name that resonates with their audience.

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • A Gazette Notification provides legal recognition, making the name valid both professionally as well as legally.
• Child Name Changes:

  Name change of a child can be done by the parents, due to cultural, religious, or personal reasons.

  • Example: Simplifying a complex name for easier pronunciation, or choosing a name that reflects family traditions.

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • A Gazette Notification allows you to update the child’s birth certificate and school records with the new name.
• Change of Surname:

  Some people choose to change their surname for reasons such as dropping a caste-based surname or adopting a spouse’s or parent’s surname.

  • Example: A person may choose to drop their caste-based surname or adopt their spouse’s surname.

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • It gives legal recognition to the name, ensuring transparency and avoiding discrepancy in official records.
• Consistency Across Documents:

  To maintain consistency across all official documents.

  • Example: A person’s Aadhaar card might list their name as “Rajesh Kumar,” while their passport reads “R. Kumar.”

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • It makes the name valid across all records, preventing complications relating to inconsistency in identity.
• Personal Preference:

  It might be a personal decision of some people to go for a different name.

  • Example: Changing from “Anjali” to “Anya” for a modern appeal, or shortening a long name, like from “Siddharthan” to “Sid.”

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • It serves as legal evidence to your name change.
• For Overseas Travel and Immigration:

  Individuals may choose to change their names in accordance with international naming conventions or to match their travel documents.

  • Example: A name might be simplified for easier recognition abroad.

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • It makes your name legally valid, preventing future complications relating to visas or travel documents.
• Cultural or Regional Identity:

  To align with cultural or regional identity some people choose to change their name.

  • Example: A name reflecting Kannada heritage, such as changing from “Rahul” to “Raghunandan.”

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • To be legally recognized in terms of the change of name, it is necessary to be consistent in all official documents.
• Business or Brand Name Adoption:

  To reflect their business or brand identity, business owners often change their name.

  • Example: Changing from “Ravi Kumar” to “Ravi Corporate” for professional branding purposes.

  Why Gazette Notification?

  • It renders the new name legal, making it recognized in business and financial environments.

• Step 1: Understand Your Reason for Name Change

  Identify and state the reason for the change. Most common reasons for a name change are:

  • Marriage or divorce
  • Religious conversion
  • Spelling corrections
  • Numerological changes
  • Gender transition
  • Personal preference or other legal reasons

  State the reason for the name change clearly, to undergo a smooth processing of your application.

• Step 2: Name Change Affidavit

  Make an affidavit on a stamp paper of ₹20 or more, stating your old name and new names, the reason for the change, and your personal information such as age, address, and occupation. The affidavit should indicate that the change of name is not fraudulent and is not done under duress. When written, have it notarized by a notary public.

• Step 3: Newspaper Advertisements

  Place a name change advertisement in two newspapers: one in English and one in the local language (Kannada).

  How to Write the Ad:
  • Your old name and new name
  • Your father’s or husband’s name (if applicable)
  • Residential address
  • A declaration confirming your intent to change your name.
  Newspapers for Advertisement:
  • One local Kannada newspaper (e.g., Vijaya Karnataka or Prajavani)
  • One national English newspaper (e.g., The Times of India, Bangalore Mirror, or The Hindu)
  Example of Newspaper Ad:

  "I, [Old Name], son/daughter/wife of [Father’s/Husband’s Name], resident of [Address], have changed my name to [New Name]."

  Save the Newspaper Clippings: After publication, keep the original newspaper clipping as evidence for the name change for future purposes and while applying for the Gazette notification.

• Step 4: Collect Documents

  For publication of your name change in the Karnataka Gazette, submit the necessary documents:

  • Name Change Affidavit (notarized)
  • Newspaper Ad Copies (original)
  • Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport (showing the old name)
  • Address Proof: Voter ID, ration card, or utility bill
  • Passport-sized Photographs: 2-3 recent
  • Divorce Decree: Only if the name change is due to divorce (a certified copy of the divorce decree is mandatory).
• Step 5: Submit Gazette Name Change Application

  Submit your application for publication in the Karnataka Gazette to the Government Press.

  Where to Submit:
  • Visit the Department of Printing, Stationery, and Publications in Bangalore or your district office.
  • Submit the application form along with the required documents.
  • Pay the prescribed fee (Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000), depending on the urgency and type of publication.
  Verification:
  • The documents you submitted will be verified by the authorities. If everything is fine, they will approve your application and provide a receipt.
• Step 6: Gazette Publication

  The Gazette publication is usually 25-45 days, which is subject to the workload of the department.

  Gazette Notification:

  Once the Gazette is published, you will be sent a copy of the Karnataka Gazette containing the notification of change of name, which is the official record of the change of name.

• Step 7: Update All Documents

  Once published in the Gazette, change the name on your official documents and records. Important documents to be updated are:

  • Identity Documents: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, driving license
  • Financial Documents: Bank accounts, credit cards, insurance policies
  • Educational Certificates: School and college certificates (if applicable)
  • Property Records: Land deeds, lease agreements, and other ownership documents
  • Employment Records: Notify your employer to update payroll, EPF, and other employment-related records.

  Abiding by these steps will give your name legal recognition across all your official records.

• After publication in the Gazette, you must update the same on your official records through these steps:
• Step 1: Submit the Gazette Notification
  • Send a copy of the Gazette notification to the interested authority to change your name in their records.
  • Additional documents may be necessary, as set by the institution or organization (e.g., passport office, bank, educational institution).
• Points to Remember:
  • Check Twice: Check for errors in the affidavit, newspaper advertisement, or Gazette application to prevent delays or refusal of your request.
  • Keep Originals: Retain the original of your affidavit, newspaper advertisement, and Gazette notice to be used at a later date.
  • Seek Help when Necessary: When possible, seek the services of a lawyer or an agent well-versed in the name change process.

• Gazette Notification Fee:

  The fee for publishing your name change in the Gazette ranges from ₹1,100 to ₹3,650. Additional charges may apply if you request multiple copies or expedited services.

• Timeline for Gazette Notification:

  The process of Gazette publication includes several stages:

  • Document Preparation
    • Duration: 1-3 days
    • Tasks: Drafting the affidavit, notarizing it, and preparing other required documents.
  • Newspaper Advertisement
    • Duration: 1-5 days
    • Tasks: Drafting the ad, publishing it in newspapers, and collecting original copies.
  • Submission to Gazette Office
    • Duration: 1-2 days
    • Tasks: Submission of all documents and payment of fees at the Karnataka Gazette Office.
  • Gazette Processing
    • Central Gazette: 25-45 days
    • Tasks: Verification of documents and final publication of the name change notification.
• Total Time:

  Usually, it takes 25 to 45 days for the process to complete, depending on the department's workload and the completeness of the submission.

• The Gazette notification serves as the official and permanent record of your name change:
  • Legal Recognition: The Gazette notification serves as a conclusive proof of your name change and makes it valid across all government and legal institutions.
  • Lifetime Validity: The Gazette notification has no expiration date and serves as a permanent legal proof of the name change, which can be used anytime.
  • Across Fields:
    • Identity Documents: Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID
    • Financial Records: Bank accounts, insurance policies
    • Property Records: Land deeds, housing society records
    • Education: Academic certificates and employment records
  • Duplicate Copies: It is highly advisable to obtain extra copies of the Gazette notification for future reference.

• Personal Identification Documents:

  Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License (showing the old name).

• Proof of Address:

  Alternative ID Proof in case of Aadhaar identification (e.g., Electricity/Water Bill within 3 months, Rental Agreement, or Property Ownership Documents).

• Name Change Affidavit:

  Stamp-paper affidavit of ₹20 or more, signed and notarized, with the old name, new name, purpose of the name change, and personal information.

• Newspaper Advertisements:

  Ad published in a local Kannada newspaper and a national English newspaper.

  • Proof: Original newspaper clippings of both ads.
• Passport Size Photographs:

  2-3 recent photographs (35mm x 45mm).

• Marriage or Divorce Documents (if applicable):
  • Marriage Name Change: Marriage certificate and a joint affidavit (where necessary).
  • Divorce Name Change: Decree and affidavit of divorce (when required).
• Religious Conversion Certificate (if applicable):

  Conversion certificate issued by an authorized religious institution (e.g., masjid, temple, or church).

• Gender Transition Certificate (if applicable):

  Medical certificate from a licensed practitioner or government authority.

• Parental or Guardian Consent (for minors):

  Parental or legal guardian consent affidavit, and the birth certificate of the minor.

• Education Certificates:

  Proxies of school leaving certificates, mark sheets, and degree certificates (where applicable).

• Employment Proof (if applicable):

  NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the employer, especially for government employees.

• Property Ownership Documents:

  Sale deed or property tax receipt for updating property records.

• Digital Copies:

  Scanned copies of all documents may be required for online submission or records.

• Payment Proof:

  Receipt for the Gazette publication fee (can be paid via cash, demand draft, or online payment).

Compliance with the step-by-step process and subsequent registration will enable your name to be officially listed, allowing you to update records.

• Government Documents (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID):

  Update your name in Aadhaar by visiting the My Aadhaar portal and uploading the Gazette notification. Fees are typically ₹50.

• Banking and Financial Records:

  Approach your bank with the Gazette notification, identity proof, and request the name change.

• Property Documents:

  Submit the Gazette notification to local authorities and you may update your name in property records, sale deeds, and tax receipts.

• Educational Records:

  Inform your institution and provide the Gazette notification so your name gets updated in certificates and academic records.

• Employment Records:

  Notify your employer, submit the Gazette notification, and update your name in payroll, insurance, and HR records.

• Legal Records:

  Consult a lawyer to update your name in legal records such as wills, contracts, after submitting the Gazette notification.

• Digital Profiles (Social Media, Online Accounts):

  Update your new name across social media and online accounts. Also, provide the Gazette notification.

After your name is updated in these records, you’ll have consistency across all the documents.

• Name Change in PAN Card

  Documents Required:

  • Original Gazette Notification.
  • Current PAN Card (photocopy)
  • Document of Identity (Aadhaar, Passport, etc.)
  • Recent Passport-size photo (where necessary)

  Online Process:

  • Visit NSDL PAN Portal: https://visitnsdl portal
  • Select Form: Click on Change/Correction in PAN Data then choose apply to individuals.
  • Complete online form: Provide your information and your new name.
  • Submission of Documents: Upload Gazette notification and identity proof.
  • Pay Fees: INR 110 on Indian addresses (INR 1,020 on international).
  • Send Form: Receive recognition and store the receipt.

  Offline Process:

  • Get Form 49A at a PAN center.
  • Complete Form: Add new information about the name.
  • Documents Attached: Gazette notification, ID proof, and current PAN are to be included.
  • Submit Form: Submit at the PAN center and pay ₹110.
• Name Change in Voter ID

  Documents Required:

  • Gazette Notification
  • Current Voter ID
  • Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.)
  • Recent Passport-sized Photograph (if required)

  Online Process:

  • Visit ECI Portal: Go to Voter Services Portal.
  • Register/Login: Use your mobile number and email.
  • Select Form 8: Choose Correction of Entries in the Electoral Roll.
  • Complete the Form: Provide your new name and your current EPIC number.
  • Submit Files: Upload Gazette notification.
  • Application: Check and complete the form. Keep the acknowledgment number.

  Offline Process:

  • Get Form 8: Found in the Electoral Registration Office.
  • Fill Form: Enter new name and current Voter ID.
  • Include Documents: Gazette notification and identity proof.
  • Submit Form: Submit at the local Electoral Registration office and obtain acknowledgment.
• Name Change in Passport

  Documents Required:

  • Gazette Notification
  • Current Passport
  • Proof of Identity (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.)
  • Address Proof (Electric Bill, Ration Card, etc.)
  • Passport-sized Photograph (if required)

  Online Process:

  • Visit Passport Seva Portal: Log in to Passport Seva Portal.
  • Log In/Register: Register with your credentials.
  • Select Reissue of Passport: Choose Name Change under Change in Existing Personal Particulars.
  • Complete the Form: Use latest name information.
  • Fee: Upload Gazette notification and affidavit (where applicable).
  • Schedule Appointment: Pay ₹1500 to reissue and book your appointment.
  • Visit PSK: Hand in documents and undergo biometrics.
• Banking and Financial Institutions

  For Bank Accounts, Credit Cards, Insurance Policies, etc.:

  • Visit Your Bank: Present Gazette notification and ID proof.
  • Update Records: Update name in all accounts and policies.
• Property and Land Records

  Steps:

  • Visit Sub-Registrar Office: Seek a change of name in property records.
  • File Gazette Notification: Present the original notification, along with the property documents.
• Education Certificates

  Steps:

  • Contact Educational Institutions: Provide Gazette notification to correct the name entry in academic records.
  • Hand in Documents: Enclose Gazette notification and identity proof.
• Employment Records

  Steps:

  • Inform Your Employer: Provide Gazette notification to update HR and payroll.
  • Update Employee Records: Update all work-related records with your new name.
• Legal Documents and Wills

  Steps:

  • See an Attorney: Review legal documents like wills or power of attorney.
  • Note Gazette: Have all legal documents changed to reflect your new name.
• Social Media and Digital Profiles

  Steps:

  • Update Social Media Accounts: Go to profile settings and update your name.
  • Email Addresses: Change your display name or create a new email ID.
• Travel Documents and Visas

  Steps:

  • Send Gazette Notification: Submit it to the embassy or visa center.
  • Update Visa: Renew your visa using your new name and documents.