Name Change Newspaper Ad Format for Passport

What Is the Name Change Newspaper Ad Format for Passport in India?

One of the first requirements for a passport application is a newspaper published name change ad when changing your name for any reason, including after marriage, after divorce, for a spelling correction, or for some other personal or religious reason. Otherwise the Passport Seva Kendra will not be able to process your request for name change.

This is the guide for the name change newspaper ad, including how to book the ad immediately online, how many papers to purchase, which papers, and the cost.

Why Is a Name Change Newspaper Ad Required for a Passport?

The Ministry of External Affairs needs evidence that you have changed your name publicly before it can change your name in the passport. That evidence is provided by a name change advertisement that the newspapers published in two newspapers. It leaves a history of the name change that is available and can be traced, both in print and online.

If the newspaper clippings are not attached, passport name change application will not be complete, which may lead to rejection at Passport Seva Kendra.

What Is the Correct Format for a Name Change Ad for Passport?

The standard name change newspaper ad format for passport accepted by Passport Seva Kendras across India reads as follows:

"I, [Old Full Name], Son/Daughter/Wife of [Father's or Husband's Name], residing at [Full Residential Address], hereby declare that I have changed my name from [Old Name] to [New Name] via affidavit number [Affidavit Number] dated [Date]. All concerned are requested to note the same."

This format must appear exactly — or very closely — in both the English newspaper and the regional language newspaper. The affidavit number and date are important inclusions, as some Passport Seva Kendras specifically look for this reference.

What Details Must the Name Change Ad Include?

A valid name change advertisement for passport must contain the following:

• Your old full name — exactly as it appears in your current passport or documents
• Your relation — Son of (S/o), Daughter of (D/o), or Wife of (W/o), followed by father's or husband's name
• Your full residential address — including area, city, and PIN code
• Your new full name — exactly as you want it to appear in the new passport
• Affidavit number and date — from the notarized affidavit executed before a notary or First Class Judicial Magistrate
• Purpose — for passport name change or general name change declaration

Missing any of these details can result in the notice being questioned or rejected at the Passport Seva Kendra.

Which Newspapers Should You Choose for a Passport Name Change Ad?

For a passport name change newspaper advertisement, you must publish in two newspapers:

• One leading national English daily — such as Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, or The Hindu
• One local vernacular language newspaper — such as Maharashtra Times or Navbharat Times (Maharashtra), Dainik Jagran or Dainik Bhaskar (North India), Malayala Manorama or Mathrubhumi (Kerala), Eenadu or Sakshi (Andhra Pradesh / Telangana), Daily Thanthi (Tamil Nadu), or Gujarat Samachar (Gujarat)

The vernacular newspaper must be in the local language of the state where you currently reside. Publishing in only one newspaper — even a major national daily — is not sufficient for passport purposes.

Do You Need an Affidavit Along With the Newspaper Ad?

Yes. The name change newspaper ad for passport must be accompanied by a notarized affidavit. The correct sequence of steps is:

• Execute the affidavit first — get it notarized on stamp paper before a notary or First Class Judicial Magistrate. Note down the affidavit number and date.
• Publish the newspaper ad — include the affidavit number and date in the ad text.
• Collect original newspaper copies — retain at least 3 to 4 original copies of both newspapers.
• Submit together — present the affidavit and newspaper clippings at the Passport Seva Kendra along with your passport application.

The affidavit without the newspaper ad — or the newspaper ad without the affidavit — is generally not accepted on its own.

How Many Original Newspaper Copies Do You Need?

You should purchase or obtain at least 3 to 4 original copies of both newspapers on the day of publication. These are required because:

• One set is submitted to the Passport Seva Kendra
• One set is kept for your personal records
• Additional copies may be needed if you are simultaneously updating Aadhaar, PAN, bank records, or educational certificates

When you book through a reputable public notice ad agency, original newspaper copies are couriered directly to your address — so you do not need to visit any newspaper office or vendor.

How Soon Before Your Passport Appointment Should You Publish the Ad?

The name change newspaper ad should be published at least 2 days before your Passport Seva Kendra appointment. However, to be safe and avoid any last-minute issues, publishing 5 to 7 days before your appointment is strongly recommended. This gives enough time for:

• The newspaper copies to be couriered to your address
• Any minor corrections to be made if needed
• Simultaneous processing of the affidavit if not already done

Do not leave the newspaper booking for the day of or the day before your appointment — publication timelines and courier delivery require a buffer.

What Is the Cost of a Name Change Newspaper Ad for Passport?

The cost of an ad for changing the name in two newspapers will vary based on the newspapers chosen and the city edition. On platform books, the cost of classified name change ads begin from approximately ₹200-400 per newspaper. The cost of full public notice format ads are accepted and are easily formatted – begins at ₹800 (English and regional language combination).

With Public Notice Ads, you get:

• Rates starting at ₹800 for two newspapers
• English + Marathi combo for Mumbai from ₹475
• Free ad drafting — the notice is prepared in the correct legal format at no extra charge
• Same-day processing — submit your details before noon and your ad is published the next day
• Original newspaper copies couriered to your door

Common Reasons for a Name Change Ad for Passport

People publish name change advertisements for passport for a variety of reasons:

• Name change after marriage — adding or replacing surname after marriage
• Name change after divorce — reverting to maiden name
• Spelling correction — fixing a misspelled name in existing documents
• Astrological or religious reasons — changing to a spiritually or culturally preferred name
• Simplification — shortening or combining parts of a long name
• Gender affirmation — updating name as part of a legal gender change process

In any case the newspaper advertisement format and procedure is identical for every name change application for passports.

Is a Gazette Notification Also Required?

Passport Seva Kendras may need a Gazette Notification in addition to the newspaper notification for some cases, such as applicants in certain categories or cases of substantial change of names. But for the majority of regular name change passport applications, it is accepted that the newspaper ad, along with a notarized affidavit is adequate documentation.

It is always better to consult with the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or the Passport Seva online portal regarding the requirement or otherwise of Gazette Notification in your case before proceeding. A specialist agency can help with the Gazette process, if needed.

Can You Book a Name Change Ad for Passport Online?

Yes – you can book a name change newspaper ad for passport in less than 10 minutes online. Here's how it works when you use Public Notice Ads:

• Call or WhatsApp the team at +91 8657112011 with your name change details
• Share your information — old name, new name, father's or husband's name, address, and affidavit details
• Receive a draft — the ad is prepared in the correct format for your review at no charge
• Make payment — via GPay, PhonePe, NEFT, or bank transfer
• Publication confirmed — your ad is published in both newspapers, and original copies are couriered to your address

No need to come to the office. No waiting in lines at the newspaper offices. The process is managed ab initio by experts intimately acquainted with the needs of Passport Seva Kendras.