In Karnataka, the Central Gazette of India provides legal validity to your name and not the state Gazette.

There are legal procedures for changing the name in the official Gazette of Karnataka after which you could use the new name in all the official papers of yours like PAN, Aadhaar, Ration card, or Birth Certificate and others.

Now, the Karnataka Gazette status can be delivered to you by mail on the same day it is printed in the karnataka rajya patra - ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರ .

Not all name change requires Gazette Notification. However, a Gazette Notification is mandatory in respect of updating important documents.

Obtaining a Gazette Notification is mandatory for change of PAN, passports, records of central government employment, immigration records or inter-state transfer or advertisement in the Official Central Gazette.

To apply for a name change in the Karnataka Gazette, you generally have to follow these legal steps:

Steps to Apply for a Karnataka Gazette Name Change

• 1. Prepare the Required Documents

  Before initiating the process, you must submit the following necessary documents:

  • Signed Affidavit: The affidavit must consist of your former name, the new name, the purpose of the name change, and your affirmation. It must be signed on a 100-rupee or 500-rupee stamp paper.
  • Newspaper Publication: Publish a name change advertisement in two newspapers—one in your local language (e.g., Kannada (ಕನ್ನಡ) and one in English.) Also, keep the original or certified copies of these publications.
  • Photo Identification Proof: Submit a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, etc.
  • Address Proof: Submit a utility bill, voter ID, ration card, or other official documents that confirm your address.
  • Passport-sized Photograph: A recent photograph (as per official specifications).
• 2. Register on the Gazette Portal
  • Visit the Official Karnataka e-Gazette Portal: Access the portal at https://erajyapatra.karnataka.gov.in/.
  • Create an Account: Register by providing your details and confirming your mobile number with otp.
  • Complete the karnataka rajya patra - ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸರ್ಕಾರ Registration: Fill out the required details such as personal information, address, and upload the necessary proofs.
• 3. Fill and Submit the Online Application
  • Log In to the Portal: After registering yourself, log in to the portal with your credentials.
  • Select Name Change Notification: Select the "Name Change Notification" under the Directorate of Government Printing and Stationery section.
  • Fill Out the Application: Fill out the necessary information and upload the scanned copies of the required documents.
  • Payment of Fees: Pay the prescribed government fees online. As of 2025, the standard fee is approximately ₹1,100, with a higher fee for urgent (Tatkal) processing.
• 4. Verification and Gazette Publication
  • Application Review: After submission, the department will review your application. They may request additional documents or ask for corrections if necessary.
  • Approval: After approval of your application, the name change will be officially published in the Karnataka Government Gazette. The typical processing time is 15-30 days, although the Tatkal option speeds up the process.
• 5. Download and Use the Gazette Notification
  • Download the Gazette Notification: After the publication of the notification, you can download the soft copy from the portal.
  • Update Official Records: The Gazette notification is essential for updating your name in all official records such as bank accounts, passports, educational documents, etc.

These steps will ensure a smoother process of name change in the Karnataka Gazette.

Notes and Tips

• Both: Submit the affidavit and newspaper publications along with the KARNATAKA Gazette applications.
• Parents/guardians may also submit applications on behalf of the minor, attaching the birth certificate of the child, and the necessary consents.
• Gazette notification serves as lawful and official evidence of changing your name on all the papers.

This process is practiced throughout India and can be accessed through the KARNATAKA government’s online portals.

Essential Document Checklist

• Notarized Name Change Affidavit: A sworn affidavit explaining the old and new names, and the reason for the change, attested by a notary or Judicial Magistrate.
• Newspaper Publication: Original advertisements (clippings) from two newspapers—one in English and one in Kannada/local language—declaring the name change.
• Identity Proof: Documents such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, or voter ID, which must show the old name.
• Address Proof: Any utility bill, rent agreement, ration card, or voter ID to verify the residential address.
• Photographs: 2–3 recent passport-size photographs.
• Digital Copy: A compact disc (CD) containing a soft copy of the application and all supporting documents, as per Gazette requirements.
• Duly Filled Application Form: The official Gazette name change application, signed as required.
• Proof for Specific Cases:
  • Marriage Certificate (for name change after marriage).
  • Divorce Decree (for name change after divorce).
  • Birth Certificate (for minors).
  • Attested deed from the Indian Embassy (for those living abroad).

You have to submit the documents to the Department of Printing, Stationery, and Publications (Gazette office). After approval, your name change will be published in the Gazette. It will serve as a legal record for future purposes.

You have to follow the legal procedures along with proper documentation, to attain legal validity for your new name.

In the affidavit for a Karnataka name change, you must include your old and new names, the reason for the change, and personal details. It must be signed before the notary or judicial magistrate.

Key Affidavit Requirements

• Stamp Paper: The affidavit should be prepared on non-judicial stamp paper of at least ₹20 denomination (often ₹10 or ₹20).
• Drafting Details:
  • Clearly state the applicant's old name, new name, and reason for the change (such as marriage, numerology, spelling correction, etc.).
  • Include personal details: age, address, and occupation.
  • Mention that the change is voluntary, and that there are no malicious or fraudulent intents.
  • For minors, parents/guardians must execute the affidavit.
• Declaration: Affirm that all details provided are true and correct, and that the applicant will henceforth be known by the new name.
• Notarization: Must be signed before and attested by a notary public, judicial magistrate, or oaths commissioner.
• Format Example:

  “I, [Old Name], S/o/D/o/W/o [Parent/Spouse name], aged __ years, resident of [address], hereby solemnly declare that I have adopted [New Name] for all future purposes. I am executing this affidavit to be submitted to concerned authorities for record and Gazette publication.”

• Special Cases: Attach required supporting documents for special reasons (e.g. marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers).

The is the first and most essential step in the . It must be submitted along with for official approval and publication.

To apply for the Karnataka name change process, you must submit a notarized affidavit along with newspaper ads and other documents to the Gazette office/department to make your name change official.

The notarization procedure for Karnataka name change name change affidavits consists of various steps to ensure the legal validity and make it official.

Step-by-Step Notarization Process

• Draft the Affidavit: Preparation of an affidavit is the first step, which is to be taken when you are ready to initiate the process of changing your name. It is like a formal statement where you explicitly state which is your old name and which is your new name, the reason why you are changing it and a bit of personal information such as your address, your age, and the name of your parent or spouse. There is no need to worry, it is not so complex as it may sound. This affidavit is most commonly typed on e-stamp non-judicial paper that usually ranges between 10-100. This stamp paper is available in licensed dealers around the local courts or can be ordered online and this makes it much easier.
• Affix Signature: The applicant must sign the affidavit, confirming the truthfulness of all statements.
• Visit a Notary: Take the printed affidavit to an authorized Notary Public, Judicial Magistrate, or Oaths Commissioner for attestation. Some platforms may allow digital affidavit creation, and in rare cases, virtual notarization may be possible.
• Official Attestation: Your responsibility in going with your affidavit to the notary is to ensure that all is well. They will first establish your identity, review the information in the document and then see you sign it (or attest to the signature should you have already signed). After that they will insert their official seal, stamp and registration number. Consider it their means of providing the document with an official seal of approval. Your affidavit will not be considered legal without that of the notary, hence this step is essential.
• For NRIs and Special Cases: And even when you are not living in India, you need not worry, it is still easy. You will only need to have your affidavit attested at the nearest Indian Embassy or High Commission, instead of going to a notary who is near you. They’ll check up on your credentials and go official.In the case of individuals serving in government, things may be a bit different. Two Gazetted Officers will be required in most instances as required by the ministry guidelines. Consider it a second form of validation, as though you were asking two seniors to recommend you.It might seem like a piece of paperwork, but these provisions are there to make sure that everything is legal and legal in your future life.
• Retain Copies: After notarization, keep both original and duplicate copies of the stamped, notarized affidavit for use in further name change steps and as proof for personal records.

This notarized affidavit is required for publishing newspaper ads and for the final Karnataka Gazette application and publication.

Following the notarization of the name change affidavit in Karnataka, publish the name change notice in two newspapers—one in English and one in Kannada or another regional language.

Steps for Newspaper Publication

• Draft the Notice: The ad must include key details:
  • Old name
  • New name
  • Father’s/Husband’s name
  • Address
  • Age
  • Date on which affidavit was made
  • Notary’s name (who attested the affidavit)
• Choose Newspapers: Select widely circulated and reputable newspapers—one English daily (e.g., Times of India, Deccan Herald) and one regional/Kannada daily (e.g., Vijaya Karnataka, Prajavani).
• Book the Ads: Visit the newspaper office or book the ad online. Many newspapers and agencies provide ready-made templates for name change ads.
• Publish on the Same Day (if possible): The notices must appear in both newspapers on the same date or within a close window.
• Save Original Clippings: Secure physical or certified digital copies of both advertisements as proof—these are mandatory for Gazette application submission.

Additional Tips

• The ad content must be accurate and match the details in the affidavit, as discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.
• Retain multiple original copies (typically 4–5) of both ads for submission and personal record.
• Newspaper agencies and online services can simplify booking and offer compliance checks.
• The newspaper advertisement acts as a public notice, thereby creating a sense of transparency among the public.

Here are the list of reputed newspapers in Karnataka including both English and Kannada-language dailies for publishing your name change ads:

Kannada-Language Newspapers

• Vijaya Karnataka: Widely circulated and recognized for legal and official notices.
• Vijayavani: Popular across Karnataka, including Bangalore, Hubli, Mysore, Gangawati, and Gulbarga.
• Prajavani: Trusted daily, suitable for formal name change announcements.
• Udayavani: Another leading Kannada daily, frequently chosen for such legal ads.
• Kannada Prabha: Well-accepted for public and official notices.

English-Language/National Newspapers

• The Times of India: Highly reputed and accepted for official name change purposes.
• Deccan Herald: Widely used for legal ads and accepted by various agencies.
• The Hindu: Known for credibility and wide coverage, suitable for Gazette compliance.
• Indian Express: Also recognized for legal and public notices.

Publishing in these newspapers is the ideal option for Gazette name change applications

If we see the most common reasons for name change in the Karnataka Gazette., they are marriage, divorce, religious conversion, spelling correction, personal preference, adoption, numerology, and errors in important documents.

• Marriage: Most women that change their names when they get married either take the last name of their spouse or combine both of their names into a new name.
• Divorce or Separation: It's only common for a person to go back to the name they were born with or to remove their ex's name from official documents when they split up.
• Religious Conversion: Some people take new names that reflect their spiritual journey or religious identity.
• Spelling Corrections: Name changes can also be about correcting typos or inconsistencies across documents such as Aadhaar, PAN or school certifications.
• Personal Preference: Sometimes, people just want a name that is more meaningful or modern or whatever else resonates with who they are.
• Adoption: In adoptions, a child's name (first or last) may be changed in light of their new family.
• Numerology or Astrology: Some change the spelling of their names for good luck or balance, based on personal or cultural beliefs.
• Document Errors: Mistakes in birth certificates or school records commonly result in legal name corrections.
• Gender Change: People transitioning their gender often pick a name that suits their identity more.
• Government Job Record Update: Public sector employees can legally correct their name in official records, to reflect a change in their legal name or to correct earlier errors.

These reasons are the widely accepted ones with respect to Gazette name change applications and are recognized by government authorities and legal institutions in Karnataka.

One can choose to change their name for a variety of personal, social or legal reasons. To make the name change official, it requires a Central Gazette notification. Now let's get down to the specifics of how the common reasons play a role in the decision to change the name.

• 1. Marriage: This is one of the most common reasons for a name change. This happens particularly among women who may take their husband's surname or alter their own name.
  • Examples include:
  • Appending the husband's surname, such as "Riya Mehta" becoming "Riya Patel."
  • Combining first and last names, e.g., “Neha Sharma” and “Amit Gupta” could become “Neha Gupta-Sharma.”
  • Implications:
  • Renewing personal documents like Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and voter ID.
  • Ensures consistency in legal and financial documents.

Gazette Notification is Required after Adoption

• Adopted children often change their names to reflect their new family. Some examples include:
  • The child may adopt the surname of the adoptive parents. For example, Aarav Kumar may be renamed to Aarav Nayak.
  • The given name may be changed to follow cultural or religious traditions within the family.

Why is Gazette Notification Necessary in Spelling Corrections?

A Gazette Notification gives legal validity to a child's new name, and helps to avoid any future complications related to inheritance or identity.

Gazette Notification Necessary in Spelling Corrections

• A name change may happen to correct any mistake in official documents. Some common reasons include:
  • Renaming a character, such as changing "Rohit" to "Roheet" due to numerological reasons.
  • Correcting typographical errors, for example, changing "Amitabh" to "Amithab".

Why is Gazette Notification Required in Numerology and Astrology?

The Gazette Notification legally validates the corrected name, thereby maintaining consistency across all official records.

Gazette Notification Required Numerology and Astrology

• People often go for name change due to numerological or astrological reasons, to have a good fortune. Examples include:
  • Adding or altering letters in a name, such as changing "Kavitha" to "Kavithaa".
  • Modifying the spelling of a name, for example, changing "Ajay" to "Ajai".

Gazette Notification Fee:

• The Gazette publication fee ranges between ₹1100 and ₹3650. Extra charges apply for additional copies or expedited delivery.

Gazette Notification Timeline:

The process of Gazette notification consists of various steps. Each has its own timeline. Here's a breakdown:

• 1. Document Preparation:
  • Duration: 1-3 days
  • Under this step, preparing the affidavit, notarization, and other required documents are included.
• 2. Newspaper Advertisement:
  • Duration: 1-5 days
  • This step covers the preparation, printing, and gathering of the original copies of ads.
• 3. Presented to Gazette Office:
  • Duration: 1-2 days
  • All the required documents are submitted, and the fees associated with it are paid.
• 4. Gazette Processing:
  • Central Gazette: 25-45 days
  • This step includes the verification and registration of the name change notification.

Total Time:

• Usually, the entire process takes around 25-45 days to complete. However, it is important to note that the time taken depends on the completeness of the documents and the workload.

Under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and the General Clauses Act, 1897, a Gazette Notification of name change is legally binding and serves as legal evidence of the name change. As a result, it is accepted across all government departments, banks, courts and other institutions to update the official records.

Under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and the General Clauses Act, 1897, a Gazette Notification of name change is legally binding and serves as legal evidence of the name change. As a result, it is accepted across all government departments, banks, courts and other institutions to update the official records.

The documents required for the PAN update process:

• Original Gazette Notification: This serves as evidence of your name change.
• Current PAN Card: Please provide a photocopy or details of your current PAN.
• Identity Proof: A government-issued ID (e.g., Voter ID, Aadhaar, Passport) with the updated name.
• Recent Passport-sized Photograph: As required.

Here’s how you can update your PAN card information on the websites of NSDL or UTIITSL:

• Visit the NSDL PAN Portal: Go to NSDL PAN Portal.
• Choose the Correct Form: Click on 'Change/Correction in PAN Data' and choose the option to apply for individuals.
• Fill the Online Form: Enter your PAN details and select the 'Name Correction' option. Provide your updated name.
• Attach Supporting Documents: Upload a scanned copy of the Gazette Notification as proof of your name change. Additional identity proof may be required.
• Pay Fees: The correction fee is ₹110 (for Indian addresses) and ₹1020 (for international addresses). Payment can be made through credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.
• Submit the Form: After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment number for tracking. Make sure to save and print it.
• Send Physical Documents (if required): If necessary, mail physical copies of the supporting documents to:

For offline procedure to update PAN you must follow these steps:

• Obtain Form 49A: Collect the Request for Changes or Correction in PAN Data form at a PAN service center or download it from the NSDL/UTIITSL website.