Name Change Gazette in Karnataka

The process of changing names may be started at any time. In Karnataka, when you want a name change process, you must take some steps such as drafting a notarized affidavit, placing newspaper ads and then filling an application with supporting documents and submitting the application to Gazette office to approve the name change, after which you can change your name in your legal documents. You can access the online services now and this is anywhere convenient.

To proceed with the legal process of name, there are certain criteria that you have to fulfil. Only then, your name will be officially recognized by government as well as private institutions. The criteria includes Indian citizenship, above 18 years of age with strict adherence to the Karnataka Gazette procedure and must not have any ongoing legal proceedings.

However, it is important to note that the state of Karnataka, does not have it’s own separate state Gazette for personal name changes, it is the Central Gazette of India, who is responsible for the procedure of name change and making it legally recognized by both government and private institutions across the nation. We will guide through the process, documentation and the legal formalities when you are applying for a name change through the Karnataka Gazette.

The most common reason for a name change process in Karnataka:

• Marriage – A common reason for women to change their names after marriage.
• Divorce – Returning to a maiden name or removing an ex-spouse's name.
• Spelling Errors – Correcting mistakes on official documents.
• Religious Conversion – Changing names upon conversion to a different religion.
• Child Documentation – Modifications in children’s names for cultural or familial reasons.
• Professional/Stage Name Change – Adopting a new name by actors, musicians, and public figures.
• PAN/Aadhaar/Ration card/Birth Certificate Error – Correcting official records.
• Gender Transition – Reflecting a new identity post-transition.
• Legal or Official Errors – Addressing discrepancies in official records.

The Gazette serves as an official proof for your name change and gives your name recognition across all the legal, governmental, and financial institutions, allowing you to update the same in your Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and other identification papers. Therefore, it is mandatory to get your name published in the Central Gazette.

Preparing Documents:

• Affidavit: Prepare an affidavit mentioning your old name, new name, and the reason for the change and get it notarized by the notary public.
• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID (with the old name).
• Address Proof: Utility bill, voter ID, ration card, or rental agreement.
• Photographs: Passport-size photos (2-3 recent).
• Newspaper Publication: Place the notice of change of name in two newspapers; one in English and one in Kannada.
• Digital Copy (CD): You might be required to furnish a soft copy of the application and documents by some institutions.

Newspaper Advertisement:

• Publish the name change notice in two newspapers. The ads must include the old name, new name, and the affidavit date.
• Keep copies of the published ads for submission.

Gazette Application Submission:

• Complete the application form from the Department of Publications or the Gazette office.
• Add the affidavit, newspaper ads, a photo of identity, address, photos and digital copy (where necessary).
• Submit online via the Karnataka e-Gazette portal or in person at the concerned office.
• Pay the prescribed fee (typically Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000).

Approval and Publication:

• The Gazette office verifies documents and approves the request.
• The change of name is announced in the Official Gazette and the new name legally recognized.
• Processing time is normally between 1 week (online) and 25-45 days (offline).

Using the Gazette Certificate:

• After publication, download or obtain the Gazette certificate.
• Use this certificate for updating official records in banks, education boards, passport office, and other agencies.

The following documents are required for submission to the Gazette office in Karnataka:

• Name Change Affidavit: Prepare an affidavit on a stamp paper, with the old name, new name, reason for change, and get it notarized by the notary public.
• Newspaper Advertisements: Newspaper advertisement of name change notice in one English and one Kannada newspaper, consisting of the old name, new name, address, and declaration of name change.
• Identity Proof: Any state-issued identification that displays the old name (e.g. Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter identification card, passport, driving license).
• Address Proof: Voter ID, utility bills, ration card, rental agreement, or other official address documents (recent/valid copy).
• Passport Size Photographs: 2-3 recent photographs.
• Application Form: Completed Gazette name change application as provided by the Gazette office or portal.
• Marriage Certificate/Divorce Decree: If name change is due to marriage or divorce, attach the relevant certificate or decree.
• Parental Consent and Birth Certificate: For minors, a consent affidavit from the guardian and the child’s birth certificate.
• Religious Conversion Certificate: If applicable, a certificate from the authorized religious institution.
• Additional Proofs: Education certificates, job documentation (NOC), property documents in case one wants to update them, too.

In the state of Karnataka, the name change process will usually take 15 to 45 days after submission of all documents, depending on the workload of the department and completeness of the documents submitted.

Timeframes Explained:

• Standard Duration: Most sources take 15 to 30 days for standard name change applications, with the official Gazette issued both in hard copy (couriered) and online.
• Extended Processing: In instances of high workload or incomplete documentation, it may take up to 25 to 45 days.
• Occasional Delays: In some cases, like adoption-related changes or busy seasons, it may take up to 60 days.
• Online Applications: Digital submissions make the process convenient and sometimes timely publication.

To initiate the process of name change, first you have to fill up the Gazette Booking Form and submit it to the Karnataka Gazette.

• Marriage: When women are married, they may adopt the husband's surname such as Ananya Sharma to Ananya Kumar.
• Divorce: People may return to their maiden name, e.g., from "Nisha Kumar" to "Nisha Sharma."
• Religious Conversion: As an example, a Hindu who is converted to Christianity can change his name to David Rao instead of Ramesh Rao.
• Spelling Mistakes: Most of them prefer correcting their names, like changing Rohit to Roheet.
• Adoption: Children may take their adoptive parents' surname, e.g., "Aarav Kumar" becomes "Aarav Nayak."
• Numerology and Astrology: Some take their names according to the predictions of astrology, e.g. Kavi becomes Kavi Thinking.
• Gender Transition: An individual undergoing a transition can change his or her name to represent his/ her gender.

You may apply for the process of name change through us. We provide a quick and hassle-free process, through which your name change will be published in the Karnataka Gazette.

After your name is published in the Karnataka Gazette, you will receive a notification on the same. With that notification, you can easily apply for the passport name change process by submitting an application for re-issuance of the passport with updated personal details, along with supporting documents at the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or through the Passport Seva online portal.

Documents Required:

• Gazette Notification (original and photocopy): This is the formal evidence of change of name.
• Passport: The reissued/updated passport.
• Identity Proof: Aadhaar card, PAN card, or any other photo ID issued by the government (with a new name, in case of changes).
• Proof of Address: Latest utility bill, Aadhaar card, voter ID, ration card, etc.
• Name Change Affidavit (Annexure E, in case of a change of name): Standard format with the old and new name.
• Passport-size Photographs: As per passport specifications.
• Marriage/Divorce/Adoption Certificates: In the case of name change related to the change of marital status or adoption (where applicable).
• Copy of Newspaper Advertisement: Officials sometimes require a copy of a newspaper advertisement (not compulsory in all states, but in Karnataka).

When it comes to changing name on birth certificate, you should file an application to the local municipal office or online (eJanma portal), submit the Gazette notification (proof of new name) along with a copy of the birth certificate containing your old name.

To correct or change a name on a in Karnataka, apply at the

Required Documents:

• Gazette Notification: Official document to get your name legally approved.
• Existing Birth Certificate: Original or a copy for reference and updating records.
• Affidavit for Name Change: Notarized affidavit detailing old and new names, reason for the change.
• Government-issued ID Proof: Aadhaar, voter ID, passport, or similar, verifying your identity.
• Address Proof: Utility bill, ration card, or other official document (sometimes requested).
• Application Form: Completed correction application (available at municipal office or online portal).
• Newspaper Advertisement: In some districts you may be required to place an advertisement of your name change notice in a local newspaper.

Therefore, adherence to the above mentioned steps, will make the process of your name change smoother and effective, providing legal validity for future records.