Name Change Procedure In Karnataka: Documentation, Legal Procedure and Benefits in 2025

The process of legally changing your status in Karnataka is relatively simple process. By completing certain legal documents, you can get this process done in less than 60 days. Let's dive into how to get this done!

Name Change Process in Karnataka - Quick Info

Before diving into the detailed steps, here is a quick overview of the key aspects of the name change process in Karnataka. [1]

Documents Required for Name Change in Karnataka

To ensure a smooth process, it is essential to gather all the necessary documents beforehand. The documentation can be divided into general documents required for all applicants and specific documents needed for particular reasons. [1]

General Documents Required for All Applicants:

• A Notarised Affidavit must be prepared on a non-judicial stamp paper of the appropriate value (typically ₹20 or ₹100) and signed by you in the presence of a Notary Public.
• You will need the original copies of the advertisements you published in two newspapers announcing your name change.
• A duly filled and signed application form for the Gazette publication. This form must include details of your old and new names and your signature.
• Identity Proof,  Address Proof and two recent passport-sized photographs are required.
• A compact disc (CD) containing a soft copy of the application in the prescribed format, with the old name mentioned instead of a signature.

Specific Documents for Different Reasons:

• For Marriage: A copy of the Marriage Certificate is required. For more details on this specific scenario, you can read about the name change process after marriage.
• For Divorce: A copy of the Divorce Decree issued by the court is necessary. The name change process after divorce has its own specific considerations.
• For Minors: A Birth Certificate is mandatory. The application and affidavit must be submitted by the parent or legal guardian. The complete procedure for a name change for a minor is a specialised process.
• For Adoption: A copy of the legal Adoption Deed is required.

Legal Procedure for Name Change in Karnataka

The legal name change procedure in Karnataka is a structured, three-step process that ensures your new name is officially and publicly recorded. Following these steps carefully is essential for the change to be legally binding. [1]

Step 1: Creating the Notarised Affidavit

The first and most critical step is the creation of a Name Change Affidavit. This document is a formal declaration made under oath, stating your intention to change your name.

• Drafting the Affidavit: The affidavit must be drafted on non-judicial stamp paper, clearly stating your old name, your new name, your full address, and a declaration that your new name will henceforth be known to you in all future dealings. The name change affidavit format Karnataka is standard, but should be drafted carefully to avoid errors.
• What it Contains: It typically includes your father's/husband's name, age, and a statement confirming that the facts mentioned are true.
• Notarization: Once drafted, you must sign the affidavit in the presence of a Notary Public. The notary will verify your identity, witness your signature, and then attest the document with their official seal and signature. This notarization makes the affidavit a legally valid document.

Step 2: Publishing the Newspaper Advertisement

The next step is to make a public declaration of your name change. This is done by publishing an advertisement in two local newspapers.

• Newspaper Selection: You must publish the notice in one local language newspaper (e.g., in Kannada) and one English-language newspaper that has wide circulation in your area.
• Content of the Advertisement: The advertisement should be precise and contain your old name, your new name, your full address, and the date of the affidavit. A simple format is usually followed, for example: "I, [Old Name], residing at [Address], have changed my name to [New Name] vide affidavit dated [Date]."
• Keep Original Copies: It is crucial to collect and keep at least 4-5 original copies of both newspapers from the date your advertisement is published. These original clippings are required for the final Gazette submission.

Step 3: Applying for Gazette Notification

The final and most important step is getting your name change published in the Official Gazette of India. A Gazette notification for a name change in Karnataka is the ultimate legal proof of your name change.

• Preparing the Application: You need to fill out the application form provided by the Department of Publication.
• Assembling the Documents: Create a complete file containing the notarized affidavit, the original newspaper clippings, a self-attested copy of your ID and address proof, passport-sized photos, and the application form.
• Submitting the Application: This complete file, along with the required government fee and the digital CD, must be submitted to the Department of Publication.
• Publication: The department will review your documents. Upon successful verification, your name change will be published in the Official Gazette. A copy of the Karnataka Gazette name change publication will be sent to your address by post. This document is the legal proof that you can use to update your name everywhere else.

Common Reasons for Name Change in Karnataka

The reasons for undertaking the official name change in Karnataka are diverse, reflecting various personal and social circumstances. [1]

• Post-Marriage Name Change: This is one of the most common reasons, where an individual adopts their spouse's surname.
• Post-Divorce Name Change: Individuals often revert to their pre-marriage name after a divorce to reclaim their former identity.
• Correcting Spelling Errors: To rectify long-standing mistakes in official documents like birth certificates or educational records.
• Adoption: When a child is adopted, their surname is legally changed to that of the adoptive parents.
• Numerological or Astrological Beliefs: Some people change their name or its spelling based on astrological or numerological advice for better prospects.
• Personal Preference: A simple dislike for one's given name or the desire to adopt a name that better suits one's identity.
• Gender Identity: Individuals undergoing a gender transition will legally change their name to align with their gender identity.

After the Gazette notification, you must update your name on all other important documents. This is a crucial step often referred to as the post-gazette process. This includes getting the name updated on educational certificates, a process you can learn more about in this guide on how to change name in educational certificates.

Cost and Timeline for Name Change Process in Karnataka

The overall cost for the name change procedure includes several components. This includes the fee for the affidavit (notary charges and stamp paper), the cost of newspaper advertisements, and the government fee for the Gazette publication. In total, the entire process can cost between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000. The timeline for the complete process, from creating the affidavit to receiving the name change gazette online Karnataka publication, is typically between 4 to 8 weeks. [1]

Benefits of Using an Affidavit for Name Change

The affidavit is not just a piece of paper; it is the legal foundation of your name change application. Its benefits are significant.

• Legally Binding Declaration: An affidavit is a statement made under oath, making it a legally enforceable document. It is your formal declaration to the world of your intent. The person making this declaration is legally known as an affiant.
• Serves as Primary Evidence: It is the first and foremost piece of evidence that the Gazette office and other authorities will look for. It proves that the name change process was initiated formally.
• Establishes a Clear Date: The date on the notarized affidavit officially marks the date from which you intended to change your name.
• Required by All Authorities: Every step of the process, from the newspaper ad to the Gazette notification, requires the affidavit as a prerequisite.

How can NoBroker’s Affidavit Services Help?

Navigating the legal formalities of the name change procedure in Karnataka, especially the crucial first step of drafting a flawless affidavit, can be daunting. NoBroker simplifies this for you with its professional affidavit and notary services. We ensure your name change affidavit is drafted correctly, printed on the appropriate stamp paper, and properly notarized, all with minimal hassle and maximum convenience.

Know More About the State-Wise Name Change Process

• Name Change in India
• Name Change in Delhi
• Name Change in Tamil Nadu
• Name Change in Maharashtra