03 Sep Name Change in Bangalore Gazette – Official Process and Guidelines
Name Change Application For Bengaluru
Name Change in Bangalore Gazette - Official Process and Guidelines
Name Change in Bangalore Gazette
In case you want to change your name either personally, legally or due to official reasons in Bangalore, then, you are required to change your name in Karnataka State Gazette.
It is the official and legally recognized channel of publishing a change of name. After publishing your new name in the Karnataka Gazette, your new name gains legal status and you will be allowed to change the name in all of your essential documents like your Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, bank account details, academic records and employment records among others.
If you want to change your name in Karnataka, you will have to follow three major steps:
- Make a notarized name change affidavit: It must contain your old and new name and the reason behind your name change. It must be signed by two witnesses and notarized by a notary public.
- Publish a name change advertisement (optional): After making the name change affidavit, you can publish your name change advertisement in two newspapers.
- Submit an application to the Karnataka State Gazette: Submit your affidavit, newspaper clippings, and supporting documents to publish your new name in the Karnataka State Gazette. Once approved, your new name will be published in the Gazette and will hold full legal validity.
The good news: You can easily complete the entire process from the comfort of your home or anywhere through the Karnataka eGazette portal online. It makes the entire process smooth and fast.
Eligibility Criteria & Importance of Gazette Notification in Bangalore:
To change your name in Bangalore (or anywhere in Karnataka), you are required to fulfill the conditions below:
- You must be an Indian citizen.
- You must be 18 years or older. If you are under 18, the application must be submitted by a parent or guardian.
- You must be free from any ongoing legal cases to qualify for a name change.
The Karnataka State Gazette serves as the government’s official record for name change declarations. Unlike some other Indian states that process changes through the Central Gazette, Karnataka manages it independently, with the same legal validity.
After your notification is published in the Karnataka Gazette, it acts as the final legal document required for updating your identity across both government and private institutions.
Common Reasons for Name Change in Bangalore:
Here are the most common reasons for which people in Bangalore and Karnataka opt to change their names:
- Marriage: In India, women usually adopt their spouse's surname after marriage. E.g.: "Asha Reddy" becomes "Asha Kumar".
- Divorce: Very often, Indian women revert back to their maiden name after divorce to remove their spouse's surname.
- Spelling Corrections: People opt to change their name to fix clerical errors in their important documents (e.g., “Krishnaa” corrected to “Krishna”).
- Religious Conversion: Sometimes people opt to change their name after religious conversion depending upon religious and cultural beliefs. E.g.: “Ravi Iyer” becomes “Rahman Ali”.
- Child Name Changes: A name change may be required due to traditional practices, astrological beliefs, or in cases of adoption.
- Professional or Stage Names: People often change their names to legally validate the ones they already use in public or for creative careers.
- Vital Document Discrepancies: People opt to change their names to fix errors like mismatched names across important documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, etc.
- Gender Transition: Many people opt to change their names after gender transition to create a new identity.
- Government Record Errors: People opt to change their names to fix clerical mistakes in important documents.
Is Gazette Notification Mandatory in Karnataka?
Yes, if you are opting to change your name legally, you will have to publish your name change in the Gazette of Karnataka. It serves as a legal authentication of your name change by the government and private institutions. Once your new name is published in the Karnataka Gazette, it serves as permanent legal proof of your name change. You can use it to update your important documents like:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Bank Accounts
- Academic Certificates
- Employment & HR Records
Without Gazette publication, your name change may not be accepted by the government bodies. So it is mandatory to publish a name change Gazette notification to ensure that your new name is officially recognized by all the government bodies across the country.
Step-by-Step Guide to Name Change via Karnataka Gazette
1. Prepare Required Documents:
You must collect the necessary required documents:
- Affidavit for Name Change: The notarized name change affidavit on a stamp paper with your old and new name and the reason behind the name change.
- Identity Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or voter ID.
- Address Proof: Utility bills, voter ID, rent agreement, or ration card.
- Passport-size Photographs: Keep ready 2 or more recent passport-size photographs.
- Newspaper Advertisements: Publish a name change advertisement in two newspapers, one in a national English daily and another one in a leading Kannada newspaper.
- Soft Copies: Prepare digital copies of your application and documents (CD or Pen Drive) as some offices require them in this format.
2. Publish Newspaper Advertisements:
Publish your name change advertisement in one national English daily and another in a leading Kannada newspaper. Your advertisement must contain your old and new name, the affidavit date, and a formal declaration. Preserve the original clippings for Gazette submission.
3. Submit the Gazette Application:
After collecting all supporting documents, fill out the official Bangalore, Karnataka Gazette Name Change Application Form. Attach the affidavit, newspaper clippings, ID and address proof, and recent passport-size photos. Submit online via the e-Gazette portal or in person at the Government Central Press, Bengaluru. Pay the applicable fee (₹500–₹1,500 depending on urgency).
4. Approval & Gazette Publication:
Officials will verify your documents. Once approved, your new name will be published in the Bangalore, Karnataka Gazette.
Publication timeline: 15–45 working days depending on workload and completeness.
5. Post-Publication Usage:
Download or collect the Gazette Notification and use it to update your name across all government and private records.
Where and How to Submit Your Application
Offline Submission:
- Directorate of Printing, Stationery & Publications, Bangalore, Karnataka Government
- Government Central Press, Cubbon Park, Bengaluru – 560001
Online Submission:
Apply through the official Bangalore, Karnataka eGazette portal:
https://egazette.karnataka.gov.in
Steps:
- Register an account
- Fill out the form
- Upload scanned documents
- Pay fees online
Fee Structure
- Standard Gazette name change publication fee: ₹700–₹1,500.
- You must confirm the latest fee before submitting your application.
Update Your Official Records
Once your new name is published in the Karnataka Gazette:
- Download or collect your Gazette notification.
- You can use it to update your new name in your important documents like Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, bank account details, property records, passport, driving licence, educational records, among others.
- The Gazette publication is the ultimate official document that makes your name change legally recognized by all government and private institutions across the country, and it serves as the permanent proof of your name change.
Documents Required for Name Change in Karnataka Gazette:
Here’s a concise list of what you need to submit:
- ID Proof: Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport, etc.
- Address Proof: Aadhaar, electricity bill, rental agreement, postpaid mobile bill, advance rental broadband connection bill, telephone bill, etc.
- Recent Passport-Size Photo: As per Gazette specs (usually 160 x 200 pixels).
- Application Form: You can collect the application form available on the Karnataka Gazette website or from your local office.
- Supporting Legal Docs:
- Marriage certificate, divorce decree (if applicable)
- Medical/legal documents for gender transition or adoption cases
- Affidavit: Provide a name change affidavit, especially when making significant updates such as altering your surname, adding/changing a middle name, or correcting spelling mistakes.
- For Minors: Attach the birth certificate along with a notarized affidavit from a parent or legal guardian.
Processing Timeline in Karnataka
- Standard Cases: 15 to 30 days
- With Review/Delays: 25 to 45 days
- Special/Legal Cases: Up to 60 days
- Online Applications: Usually quicker and comes with live tracking updates.
How to Submit: Online vs. Offline
Online Submission (Recommended)
Via the Karnataka eGazette portal:
- Register and create an account.
- Fill in the name change details accurately.
- Submit your application along with scanned copies of all the required supporting documents.
- Pay the applicable charges online.
- Track the status of your application through the online portal. Once published, you can download your name change Gazette publication in PDF format.
Offline Submission
Submit your application at:
- Government Central Press, Bangalore
- Address: Department of Printing, Stationery and Publications, Government of Karnataka, Government Central Press Building, K.R. Circle, Bangalore - 560001
- Contact number: You can get it from the official website.
Gazette Name Change Fees in Karnataka:
Typical fee structure:
- ₹700–₹1,500
- It usually depends on your urgency, mode of application, and accurate documentation.
- You must verify the actual applicable fees on the official site or by visiting the local office.
Updating Passport After Name Change in Karnataka:
To update your name in the passport:
Required Documents:
- Original Gazette Notification + 1 copy
- Old Passport
- New ID Proof showing updated name (Aadhaar, PAN)
- Address Proof
- Annexure ‘E’ Affidavit
- Passport Photos
- Relevant Legal Docs (marriage, divorce, etc.)
Where to Apply:
- Online at Passport Seva Portal
- Offline at your nearest Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)
Correcting Name on Birth Certificate in Bangalore:
Apply at:
- Local BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) office
- Or online via: https://www.ejanma.karnataka.gov.in
Documents Needed:
- The Gazette Notification (as a legal proof of the name change).
- Existing birth certificate (photocopy or the original one).
- Name change notarized affidavit.
- Valid ID and address proof.
- The newspaper clippings of your name change advertisement (if needed).
- Application for the necessary correction.
Processing Time:
- Usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending upon workload.
- Don't forget to keep the originals + photocopies of all the documents.
- You will have to pay the applicable fees along with your application. Without payment your application will not be accepted.
Online vs Offline: Which is Better?
| Feature | Online Submission | Offline Submission |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Digital | Manual/Physical |
| Document Handling | Upload scanned copies | Submit physical copies |
| Payment | Online payment gateway | Cash/Demand Draft |
| Status Tracking | Real-time portal updates | Consultant/manual follow-up |
| Gazette Delivery | Digital PDF | Physical copy |
| Convenience | High | Moderate |
FAQs on the Name Change in Karnataka Gazette
Is it mandatory to publish a name change in the Karnataka Gazette?
Yes. You must publish a name change in the Karnataka Gazette as it makes your name change legally recognized by all the government bodies and private institutions. Without this official Gazette publication, your name change may not be recognized by banks, passport offices, Aadhaar or PAN services. The Gazette notification acts as the ultimate official and permanent legal record of your name change.
Can I complete the name change process online in Karnataka?
Yes you can. Karnataka provides a user-friendly online platform for name change through the Karnataka eGazette portal. You can register, fill out your application form, upload scanned documents, and make the payment directly via the online portal. This process speeds up the timeline and allows you to track your application in real-time without visiting a government office.
Do I need to publish a newspaper advertisement for a name change in Bangalore?
In most cases, publishing a newspaper advertisement is not compulsory in Karnataka, including Bangalore. However, some districts or specific situations may still recommend publishing your name change in one Kannada and one English newspaper. While the Gazette notification itself is sufficient for legal recognition, ads can add an extra layer of public record for institutions that may ask for it.
How long does the name change process take in Karnataka?
The name change process via the Karnataka Gazette typically takes 15 to 45 days from submission. If all your documents are valid, it may be quicker. Incomplete paperwork or missing documents can extend the timeline to 60 days or more, depending on Gazette office workload.
What are the documents required to change my name in Karnataka Gazette?
You’ll need a notarized affidavit signed by two witnesses, valid ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, etc.), address proof, passport-sized photos, and your application form. Depending on the reason, attach supporting legal documents such as marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption court order, or gender transition documents.
Can I change my child’s name through the Karnataka Gazette?
Yes, you can legally change a minor’s name through the Karnataka Gazette, with the parent or guardian applying on their behalf. Required documents include the child’s birth certificate, a notarized parental affidavit, and ID/address proofs for both.
How can I track my name change application status online in Karnataka?
You can track your status by logging into the Karnataka eGazette portal with your registered credentials. The portal shows updates like “Application Received,” “Under Process,” or “Published.” Once your name is published, you can download a digital copy of the Gazette notification in PDF format, which serves as legal proof.
Is a notarized affidavit compulsory for all name changes?
Yes, a notarized affidavit is usually required. It must state your old name, new name, and reason for change, printed on stamp paper and signed before a notary. It serves as the official declaration for Gazette verification.
How much does it cost to change your name in the Karnataka Gazette?
The cost of a name change in the Karnataka Gazette typically ranges between ₹700 and ₹1,500. The amount depends on urgency, mode of application, and supporting documents. Always verify the current fee structure on the official Karnataka Gazette portal before applying.
How do I update my official documents after Gazette publication?
Once your new name is published in the Karnataka Gazette, use it as proof to update Aadhaar, PAN, passport, bank accounts, educational records, and employment documents. Keep the Gazette copy and your ID proofs ready for smooth updates.
