Legal Name Change Process
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps involved in the Legal name change procedure:
Name Change Affidavit
Create an affidavit on stamp paper with your old and new name, and the reason for the change.
It must be signed by two witnesses and notarized by a notary public.
Newspaper Advertisement
Publish an advertisement in two newspapers: one in English and one in a regional language.
This serves as a public notice of your name change.
Gazette Notification
Submit the affidavit and newspaper clippings to the Department of Publication for Gazette notification.
Once published, your name change is officially recognized.
Receive Approved Gazette Copy
Once your application is approved, we will email the approved Gazette copy directly to your provided email address.
Karnataka Gazette Name Change Service
You can easily make legal change of name through Karnataka Gazette Name Change Service.
Benefits of Our Name Change Service:
Complete Guidance & Assistance:
You will get complete guidance on the name change process, regardless of the purpose behind the same. Example-marriage, correction of a misspelled name, or personal reasons
Quick & Hassle-Free Process:
We will help you change your name through the Karnataka Gazette Name Change system from anywhere at your convenience.
Digitized & Simplified:
You have the option to file and publish your new name in the Karnataka Gazette in an online mode.
Official Name Change Documentation:
After your new name is approved by the legal and governmental systems, it will appear in the Karnataka Gazette.
Our Workflow:
Consultation:
Before proceeding, it is highly advisable to consult, stating the reason, for example personal, marital, or clerical.
Documentation Preparation:
Arrange all the necessary documents and fill up the form on time
Online Filing:
You have the option to file your new name online in the Karnataka Gazette.
Approval & Gazette Publication:
After submission of your application, your new name will appear in the Karnataka Gazette, and you will get a copy of the same.
Support for Further Updates:
Once published you can modify your new name in your official documents, such as ID, passport.
Change of Name Due to Dislike of Current Name
In case you don’t like you current name due to negative associations, personal identity concerns, or for a fresh start, you can always apply for a name change by following the legal process of name change.
Why Do People Change Their Name Due to Dislike?
The reasons why a person may go for a name change are:
- Negative Associations: In case the present name has been linked with unpleasant memories or a connection with the past.
- Cultural or Religious Identity: When the name in use is not appropriate with their cultural, religious, or spiritual identity.
- Gender Identity: Because of gender identity, the current name may not correspond to their true identity.
- Personal Preferences: It may be a personal choice to adopt a new identity.
- Professional Causes: To sound professional, particularly when the existing name is hard to pronounce.
In India, you need to undergo a clear legal process in changing your name if you do not like your current one. The breakdown is as follows:
How to Change Your Name In Law Because You Hate it.
The legal procedure for changing your name is listed as follows:
- Prepare a Notarized Affidavit:
Draft an affidavit mentioning the following:
- Your current name.
- The new name you would like.
- The name change reason (in this case, dislike of your current name).
- Your personal information, including address, age, and occupation.
- Publish Name Change in Newspapers:
After getting the affidavit notarized, publish the name change notice in two newspapers:
- One local newspaper (in the regional language or a language you are comfortable with).
- One national newspaper (in English).
- Apply for a Gazette Notification: Apply for the Gazette Notification, which upon receiving will serve as a legal proof of the name change.
- Submit Documents to Relevant Authorities:
After receiving the Gazette notification, submit the following documents to update your records:
- The notarized affidavit.
- Proof of newspaper advertisements.
- A copy of the Gazette notification.
- Identification proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, etc.).
- Any other supporting documents as required by specific authorities (e.g., bank, school, or government departments).
- Update Your Official Records:
After your name becomes legally valid, update the same in the following:
- Government documents: Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN card, passport, and driving license.
- Educational records: School certificates, degrees, and transcripts.
- Financial records: Bank accounts, insurance policies, etc.
- Employment records: Notify your employer to update your HR and payroll records.
Documents Required for Name Change Due to Dislike of Current Name
Documents required to change your name legally are:
- Notarized Affidavit: An official sworn statement of your previous and new name and the purpose of changing the name.
- Newspaper Advertisements: Proof of the name change notice published in one local and one national newspaper.
- Gazette Notification: A copy of the Gazette notification confirming that your name has been changed.
- ID Proof: Copies of your government-issued identification such as Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, or voter ID.
- Other Supporting Documents: Depending on the circumstance, extra documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or other supporting documents may be required.
Cost and Timeframe for Name Change Due to Dislike
The costs and timeframe for name change due to dislike are listed as:
- Affidavit Preparation: ₹100–₹500 (for notary services).
- Newspaper Publication: ₹1,000–₹3,000 (for local and national newspapers).
- Gazette Notification: ₹1,500–₹2,500 (government fee).
- Document Updates: ₹500–₹1,500 (depending on the institution).
- Legal Assistance: ₹3,000–₹10,000 (optional for professional help).
The process usually takes 2–3 months to complete, as it depends on the time required for newspaper publication, the Gazette notification process, and updating your records.
FAQs on Name Change Due to Dislike of Current Name
Yes, you can alter your name when you do not like your existing name. You simply have to write a notarized affidavit, place an announcement about your change of name in newspapers, and get a Gazette notification.
Documents required to initiate the process of name change are a notarized affidavit, proof of newspaper advertisements, a Gazette notification, and identification documents such as Aadhaar, PAN card, or passport.
The process will take 2–3 months, as it depends on the time taken for newspaper publications, Gazette notification, and document updates.
The age of changing your name is not restricted. It should, however, be noted that the consent of parents or a court order is a mandatory requirement in the case of change of name of a minor.
After receiving the Gazette notification confirming your name change, you may submit the notification with supporting documents to relevant authorities, such as the passport office or UIDAI, for updating your records.