Changing your name is a big decision. Many people in Karnataka want to change their name for different reasons – marriage, divorce, spelling mistakes, religion change, or simply because they prefer a new identity.
But most people are confused about the legal process of Name Change in Karnataka. They hear about affidavits, newspaper ads, gazette notifications, but do not know the correct step-by-step method.
This blog is a complete, evergreen, and simple guide that explains the Gazette Name Change Process in Karnataka in very easy language. We will cover everything – documents required, fees, timeline, online vs offline process, and also answer the most common questions asked by people in Karnataka.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly how to change your name legally in Karnataka.
What Does Gazette Name Change Mean in Karnataka?
A Gazette is the official government journal. Any important changes like government orders, company registrations, and name change notifications are published in it.
When you change your name in Karnataka, it must be officially published in either:
- Karnataka State Gazette (for local recognition), or
- Central Gazette (Delhi) (for national recognition).
Publishing your new name in the Gazette means your old name and new name are linked permanently in government records. This is the strongest and final legal proof of name change.
Why Do People Change Name in Karnataka?
There are many reasons why people request a name change. Some of the most common are:
- After Marriage – Women often adopt their husband’s surname.
- After Divorce – Many women return to their maiden name.
- Spelling Mistakes – To correct errors in school certificates, Aadhaar, PAN, etc.
- Religion Conversion – People adopt new names after changing religion.
- Numerology or Astrology – People change name for luck, fortune, or personal choice.
- Adoption – Children adopted into new families may take a new name.
- Gender Change – Transgender people update their name and gender legally.
- Professional Reasons – Some people adopt a shorter or more attractive name for business or career.
Step-by-Step Name Change Process in Karnataka
The process is simple and involves three main steps:
Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit for Name Change
An affidavit is a sworn legal statement. You must write your old name, new name, reason for change, date of birth, and address. Then, you need to get it notarized.
Important points for affidavit:
- Must be printed on stamp paper (₹20, ₹50, or ₹100).
- Must have your signature and a notary/magistrate seal.
- Must clearly mention old name and new name.
Example:
“I, Priya Sharma, daughter of Rajesh Sharma, born on 5th May 1990, resident of Bengaluru, have changed my name from Priya Sharma to Priya Reddy after marriage. Henceforth, I will be known as Priya Reddy.”
Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisement
You must publish your name change notice in two newspapers:
- One local language newspaper (Kannada)
- One English newspaper
The ad must contain:
- Old name
- New name
- Affidavit date
- Address
Example format of ad:
“I, Priya Sharma, daughter of Rajesh Sharma, resident of Bengaluru, have changed my name to Priya Reddy. Hereafter, I shall be known as Priya Reddy for all purposes.”
Step 3: Gazette Publication
Now comes the final and most important step – Gazette notification.
Documents required for Gazette:
- Duly filled application form
- Original affidavit copy
- Newspaper clippings of both ads
- Passport size photos
- Address proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, ration card, etc.)
- Identity proof (PAN, Passport, Driving License)
- Soft copy of name change application (sometimes required in CD/pen drive)
- Covering letter explaining reason for name change
Once submitted, your name will be published in the Gazette. After that, you will receive a Gazette copy which acts as permanent proof of your new name.
Quick Table: Name Change Process in Karnataka
| Step | Action | Where to Go | Documents Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Make Affidavit | Notary/Magistrate | Stamp paper, Old + New name, ID proof |
| 2 | Newspaper Ad | Kannada + English Newspaper | Affidavit details |
| 3 | Gazette Publication | Karnataka Gazette Office or Delhi Gazette | Affidavit, Newspaper Ads, Photos, ID & Address Proof |
Name Change After Marriage in Karnataka
One of the most common cases is women changing surname after marriage.
Steps:
- Make affidavit mentioning old name and new name (with husband’s surname).
- Publish newspaper ads.
- Apply for Gazette notification.
- Update all documents like Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, Bank, etc.
Name Change for Minors in Karnataka
Parents can change their child’s name with these steps:
- Parents must create an affidavit on behalf of the child.
- Publish name change ad in newspapers.
- Submit application to Gazette with birth certificate and parents’ ID proofs.
Online vs Offline Name Change in Karnataka
- Offline – Go to notary, newspaper office, and Gazette office physically.
- Online – Affidavit and ads still need offline work, but Gazette application can be submitted online through the Central Gazette website.
How Long Does It Take?
- Affidavit: 1 day
- Newspaper Ad: 1–2 days
- Gazette: 30–45 days
Total time: 40–50 days on average.
What Is the Cost of Name Change in Karnataka?
| Step | Cost |
|---|---|
| Affidavit | ₹200 – ₹500 |
| Newspaper Ads | ₹800 – ₹2000 (both papers) |
| Gazette Fee | ₹1500 – ₹2500 |
| Total | ₹2500 – ₹5000 approx. |
Documents Checklist for Gazette Name Change
- Affidavit of name change
- Newspaper clippings (Kannada + English)
- Gazette application form
- Passport size photos
- Identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License)
- Address proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Ration Card, Electricity Bill)
- CD/Soft copy of name change text (if asked)
- Covering letter explaining reason
After Gazette: How to Update Your Documents
Once Gazette is published, you must update your new name in all important IDs.
Aadhaar Card Update
- Visit Aadhaar Enrollment Center
- Submit Gazette copy + affidavit
- Pay small fee (~₹50)
- New Aadhaar with updated name is issued
PAN Card Update
- Apply through NSDL/UTIITSL website
- Fill PAN correction form
- Submit Gazette copy + ID proof
- New PAN card issued in 2–3 weeks
Passport Update
- Apply for “Reissue of Passport”
- Submit Gazette copy, affidavit, newspaper ads
- Police verification may be required
- New passport issued
Bank Account Update
- Submit Gazette copy + new Aadhaar/PAN to bank
- Bank updates name in all accounts and cheque books
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete documents
- Forgetting to keep multiple copies of Gazette
- Using affidavit alone without Gazette
- Not updating Aadhaar/PAN after Gazette
Final Thoughts
The Name Change Process in Karnataka is not complicated. It is a 3-step procedure – Affidavit, Newspaper Ad, and Gazette Publication. Once you get your name published in Gazette, it becomes your final and strongest proof of identity.
After Gazette, remember to update your Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Bank, and other documents.
With this guide, you now have a complete roadmap to successfully complete your Gazette Name Change in Karnataka without confusion.
Other Blog’s
How to Change Name in Aadhar Card After Marriage 2025
How to Change Name Legally in India
How to Name Change After Marriage
Pan Card Name Change After Marriage Online
How to Get Gazette Notification for Name Change
FAQs – Name Change in Karnataka
Q1. How to change name in birth certificate in Karnataka?
To change your name in the birth certificate in Karnataka, visit the municipal corporation or panchayat office where the birth was originally registered. You must apply with an affidavit for name change, Gazette notification, and parents’ ID proof. After verification and payment of the official fee, the registrar issues a corrected birth certificate with the updated name. This process is often called name correction in the birth certificate.
Q2. What is the name change procedure in Karnataka?
The name change procedure in Karnataka is a legal process with three main steps:
- Prepare an affidavit for name change mentioning your old and new name.
- Publish the change of name advertisement in one Kannada and one English newspaper.
- Submit all documents for Gazette notification including affidavit, newspaper ads, ID proof, and photographs.
Once the Gazette publishes your new name, you can legally update Aadhaar, PAN card, Passport, voter ID, and other official records.
Q3. What is Gazette notification for name change in Karnataka?
A Gazette notification for name change in Karnataka is the official publication of your new name in the Karnataka Government Gazette. It acts as the final and permanent legal proof of name change. Without Gazette publication, an affidavit and newspaper advertisement alone are not valid for updating government documents like PAN, Aadhaar, or Passport.
Q4. How to get Karnataka Gazette copy online?
You can download the Karnataka Gazette copy online from the official Karnataka government gazette portal. By searching for your name and the date of publication in the Gazette archive, you can access and download the PDF Gazette certificate. This online copy is accepted as proof for updating details in Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, driving licence, and bank accounts.
Q5. How to get Gazette certificate for name change?
To get a Gazette certificate for name change in Karnataka, first create an affidavit, then publish your new name in Kannada and English newspapers. After that, apply for Gazette publication with the affidavit, newspaper ads, and ID proofs. Once your application is approved, the government prints your new name in the Gazette. You can then download the Gazette certificate online or collect it in hard copy as valid proof.
Q6. What is the procedure to change name in Karnataka?
The procedure to change name in Karnataka includes four steps:
- Make a notarized affidavit for name change.
- Publish name change ads in newspapers (one Kannada, one English).
- Apply for Gazette notification with all required documents.
- Download or collect the Gazette copy after publication, usually within 30–45 days.