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
Our Karnataka Gazette Name Change Service is a smooth, convenient and problem-free process that a person can undergo in order to change his or her name legally. This service simplifies the documenting exercise since it ensures that the clients go through the process of changing their name with minimum tasks. So, that is how it helps you and us as our workflow:
Benefits of Our Name Change Service:
Complete Guidance & Assistance:
We make it easy and straightforward by guiding you step by step through the name change process, whether you are getting married, fixing a misspelled name, or becoming somebody new, we are here to help.
Quick & Hassle-Free Process:
Through the Karnataka Gazette Name Change system, you shall be able to do the whole process at the comfort of your home, save yourself time and the long queues and papers.
Digitized & Simplified:
The system allows you to filing and publishing your name change in the Karnataka Gazette online, reducing the traditional obstacles and giving you the speed.
Official Name Change Documentation:
Your name change will be legally recorded after it is endorsed and published in the Karnataka Gazette and accepted by all legal and governmental systems.
Our Workflow:
Consultation:
We start with a consultation to ascertain the reason behind your change of name (personal, marital or clerical) and proceed to format the paper as such.
Documentation Preparation:
We bring all the required papers and make sure that forms are duly completed to avoid delays or rejections.
Online Filing:
Our team does online filing of your name change application with the Karnataka Gazette, and ensures every step is followed properly.
Approval & Gazette Publication:
Once you have submitted it, your name change shall be printed in the Karnataka Gazette whereby you shall be issued with an official copy as a record of your new name.
Support for Further Updates:
After we publish your name change, we help you update your official documentation (ID, passport, etc.) to reflect the change.
Table of Contents
Change of Name Due to Transgender Transition
In the case of a transgender transition, if you wish to apply for name change so that it aligns with your personal identity, you have to adhere to specific legal procedures, inmoredr to ensure a smooth process and get effective results.
Why Change Your Name After a Transgender Transition?
The most common reasons why transgender individuals go for changing name and adopting a new name, through which they can be their true self:
- Affirmation of Gender Identity: Adopting a gender identity in the eye of the world.
- Psychological Well-being: To achieve an emotional milestone that marks a new beginning, ensuring comfort and a sense of empowerment.
- Legal and Social Recognition: You update your new name on your official records, like Aadhaar card, passport, and bank accounts, and related documents.
Legal Process for Changing Your Name Due to Transgender Transition
Here’s how you can change your name due to a transgender transition in India:
- Preparation of Affidavit: Prepare an affidavit, stating your old and new names and the reason for the name change. Get it notarized and attested in front of a notary, and two witnesses.
- Publish the Name Change in Newspapers: Place an advertisement of your name change notice in two newspapers:
- One local newspaper (in your regional language).
- One national newspaper (in English).
- Apply for a Gazette Notification: Apply for a Gazette notification to make your name legally valid and binding.
- Submit Documents to Relevant Authorities: After receiving the Gazette notification, submit the following necessary documents:
- Notarized affidavit and proof of newspaper advertisements.
- Gazette notification.
- Identification proof (Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, etc.).
- Any other documents required by specific authorities (for example, banks, educational institutions, or government departments).
- Update Your Official Records: After your name is published in the Gazette, update your official documents:
- Government Records: 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: Inform your employer to ensure your name is updated in HR and payroll systems.
Documents Required for Name Change Due to Transgender Transition
The following documents are required to change your name due to a transgender transition:
- Affidavit: A notarized affidavit clearly stating your old name, new name, and the reason for the change i.e., gender transition.
- Newspaper Advertisements: Publish the name change notice in a local and a national newspaper.
- Gazette Notification: A copy of the Gazette notification acknowledging your name change.
- Identification Proof: Copies of government-issued ID such as Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, etc.
- Medical Certificate (Optional): If required, a certificate from a medical or psychological professional verifying your gender transition.
Cost and Timeframe for Name Change Due to Transgender Transition
The cost and time varies depending on the completeness of your documents and the workload of the service providers you choose. However, the estimated breakdown is listed below:
- Affidavit Preparation: ₹100–₹500 (notary fee).
- Newspaper Publication: ₹1,000–₹3,000 (for both local and national newspapers).
- Gazette Notification: ₹1,500–₹2,500 (government fee).
- Document Updates: ₹500–₹1,500 (for updating official records).
- Legal Assistance: ₹3,000–₹10,000 (if you opt for professional legal assistance).
The entire process usually takes 2–3 months, taking into account the time for the newspaper publication, Gazette notification, and updating official documents.
FAQs on Name Change Due to Transgender Transition
Yes, you can legally change your name after transitioning in India with the same legal procedures.
It is not mandatory to provide proof of your gender transition to change your name, but you might be asked to provide proof like a medical certificate or psychological report confirming your transition by some authorities.
A court order is not generally required. You have to submit an affidavit, publish the name change in newspapers, and get a Gazette notification. In case of any difficulties, you might require a court order for a smoother process.
The process usually takes 2–3 months, because of factors such as preparation of documents, publishing notices in newspapers, getting the Gazette notification, and updating your official records.
Yes, after changing your name, it is important to update all of your official records, including your Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, bank accounts, educational certificates, and employment records to reflect your new name and gender identity.
In the case of transgender transition, changing name is essential as it allows you to live with authenticity, free from confusion or discrimination. Abiding by the legal steps makes the process smoother and ensures your new name is officially recognized everywhere.
You can start the name change process by preparing a notarized affidavit stating your previous and new names, publishing the name change in two newspapers, and applying for a Gazette notification. Once issued, you can update your official records such as Aadhaar, passport, and PAN card to your new name.
You can change your name through these steps:
- Affidavit: Have a notarized affidavit with your old name, new name and the reason for the change (gender transition).
- Publication of the name change: Publish the name change notice in one local and one national newspaper.
- Gazette Notification: Apply for a Gazette notification to make the name change legally valid.
- Document Update: Once the Gazette notification is issued, update your name in all official documents like Aadhaar, PAN card, passport and bank accounts.
When choosing a name, select one that makes you feel authentic and aligns with your gender expression, culture, or family traditions. Consider these tips:
- Personal Significance: Choose a name that has emotional or spiritual meaning for you.
- Pronunciation: Ensure that the name is pronounceable for you and those around you.
- Gender Expression: Reflect on how the name fits your gender identity and how others may perceive it.
- Social Circle Input: Seek advice from trusted friends or mentors about your new name.
The process of name change by a transgender person is called a gender-affirming name change, where a person chooses a new name that aligns with their gender identity. It provides legal and social recognition, allowing them to live authentically.