What Is a Name Change Advertisement in a Newspaper
Are you looking to publish a name change advertisement in a newspaper in 2026? You've come to the right place. Thousands of Indians need to publish this public notice every year for passport applications, Gazette notifications, and official document updates. The good news is that booking a name change ad is simpler than ever when you know the exact format, newspaper options, and city-specific requirements. Our team handles hundreds of these advertisements daily. This complete guide explains what a name change ad is, why it's required, the correct formats for every situation, city-wise costs, and step-by-step instructions for passport and Gazette applications. We put everything you need to know in one place.
Name Change Advertisement in Newspaper 2026 — Quick Overview
Quick Answer: A name change advertisement is a statutory public notice published in two newspapers — one national English daily and one regional language daily — announcing your name change. It is one of three essential requirements, along with an affidavit and Gazette notice, for legally changing your name in India.
Our operations team compiled this quick summary of the newspaper advertisement process:
- Publish in two newspapers — one English national daily and one regional language daily
- Include your old name, new name, father's/husband's name, and full address
- Keep original full newspaper pages (not cuttings) for passport and Gazette submission
- Cost ranges from ₹275 to ₹1,500 depending on city and newspaper choice
Without this newspaper advertisement, your application will be incomplete at the Passport Seva Kendra, Aadhaar Seva Kendra, and major banks in India [citation:1].
What Is a Name Change Advertisement in a Newspaper?
A name change advertisement in a newspaper is a statutory public notice published in two newspapers — one national English daily and one regional language daily — announcing that you have changed your name. This newspaper advertisement is one of three essential requirements, along with an affidavit and Gazette notice, for legally changing your name in India [citation:1].
If you don't publish the newspaper advertisement for your name change, your application will be incomplete at the Passport Seva Kendra, Aadhaar Seva Kendra, and major banks in India [citation:9].
Why Is a Newspaper Ad for Name Change Required?
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), all Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) require a newspaper advertisement for name changes. The newspaper advertisement serves the following legal purposes [citation:1]:
- It proves you have publicly declared your new name and identity
- It prevents identity theft by creating a permanent public record
- It provides necessary proof before any government agency updates your records
This requirement applies regardless of whether your name change is due to marriage, spelling correction, surname change, father's name change, or other reasons [citation:1][citation:8].
Name Change Advertisement in Newspaper — Format
The correct format for a name change ad varies slightly by city and purpose. Here are the standard accepted formats [citation:1][citation:4][citation:5]:
Standard format (general name change):
"I, [OLD NAME], S/o [FATHER'S NAME], Age [X] Years, residing at [FULL ADDRESS] have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME] vide Affidavit No. [NUMBER] dated [DATE] before Notary Public [NOTARY NAME]. Henceforth I shall be known as [NEW NAME]."
Format for name change after marriage:
"I, [OLD NAME], W/o [HUSBAND'S NAME], residing at [FULL ADDRESS], have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME] following my marriage. Henceforth I shall be known as [NEW NAME]." [citation:1][citation:4]
Format for father name change advertisement in newspaper:
"I, [FATHER'S NAME], S/o [GRANDFATHER'S NAME], residing at [FULL ADDRESS], hereby declare that I have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME] vide Affidavit No. [NUMBER] dated [DATE]. My son/daughter [CHILD'S NAME] shall hereafter refer to me as [NEW NAME] in all official records." [citation:1]
Format for name change newspaper ad for passport (Mumbai-specific):
"I have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME] as per the Maharashtra Gazette No. [GAZETTE NUMBER]." [citation:1]
Format for name change newspaper ad for passport (general):
"I, [OLD NAME], S/o [FATHER'S NAME], R/o [ADDRESS] have changed my name and shall hereafter be known as [NEW NAME]." [citation:1]
Paper Ad for Name Change for Passport — Complete Requirements
A paper advertisement for Name Change for Passport must meet these specific requirements set by the Passport Seva system [citation:1][citation:8]:
What the ad must include:
- Your old name (exactly as it appears on current documents)
- Your new name
- Father's name or husband's name (as applicable)
- Full residential address with PIN code
- Affidavit number and date (where required)
- Name of Notary Public
Which newspapers are accepted:
- One national English daily (Times of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Deccan Herald)
- One regional language daily (language depends on your state)
Important: The form of Affidavit for Name Change (Annexure E), which was previously mandatory at the Passport Office, is now discontinued. Only a photo ID with your correct name and newspaper publications from one national and one regional newspaper are required at the Passport Seva Kendra [citation:1].
Name change applications are not accepted under the Tatkal Scheme. Such applications are accepted only under the Normal Scheme [citation:1][citation:2].
Name Change Advertisement in Newspaper Mumbai — Full Guide
Mumbai has specific requirements for name change newspaper ads that differ from other cities [citation:1][citation:2].
Newspapers accepted for name change ad in Mumbai:
| Newspaper | Language | Starting Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Times of India Mumbai | English | ₹400 – ₹800 |
| Hindustan Times Mumbai | English | ₹400 – ₹700 |
| Indian Express Mumbai | English | ₹400 – ₹600 |
| Maharashtra Times | Marathi | ₹300 – ₹600 |
| Lokmat Mumbai | Marathi | ₹300 – ₹500 |
| Navbharat Times Mumbai | Hindi | ₹300 – ₹500 |
Mumbai-specific name change ad format for passport:
The Mumbai Passport Office (RPO) typically accepts ads that reference the Maharashtra Gazette number if you have already completed the Gazette process. The format is [citation:1][citation:2]:
"I have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME] as per the Maharashtra Gazette No. [NUMBER]."
If applying for a passport before the Gazette, use the standard affidavit-based format with full name, address, and affidavit details [citation:1].
Maharashtra Gazette Mumbai: The Maharashtra Gazette office operates from Charni Road, near Charni Road Railway Station. However, applications for name change in Maharashtra are now available online via the Maharashtra Government Gazette website or Maharashtra Online Portal [citation:1].
Name Change Advertisement Cost in Mumbai: Two newspaper packages (one English and one Marathi) start at ₹375 [citation:1][citation:2].
Name Change Advertisement in Newspaper Kolkata — Full Guide
Kolkata name change newspaper ads follow West Bengal government requirements. The Regional Passport Office in Kolkata requires ads in one national English daily and one Bengali regional daily [citation:1][citation:3].
Newspapers accepted for name change ad in Kolkata:
| Newspaper | Language | Starting Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Times of India Kolkata | English | ₹400 – ₹800 |
| The Telegraph | English | ₹400 – ₹700 |
| Hindustan Times Kolkata | English | ₹350 – ₹650 |
| Anandabazar Patrika | Bengali | ₹300 – ₹600 |
| Bartaman | Bengali | ₹300 – ₹500 |
| Aajkaal | Bengali | ₹250 – ₹500 |
Kolkata name change ad format [citation:1]:
"I, [OLD NAME], S/o [FATHER'S NAME], residing at [FULL ADDRESS], Kolkata — [PIN], hereby declare that I have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME]. Henceforth I shall be known as [NEW NAME] for all purposes."
For passport name change in Kolkata, submit both English and Bengali newspaper pages at your Passport Seva Kendra appointment on Shakespeare Sarani or at your nearest PSK [citation:1].
Name Change Newspaper Ad Cost — City-Wise Comparison (2026)
| City | English Newspaper (Starting) | Regional Newspaper (Starting) | Combo (Both Papers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹400 | ₹300 | ₹375 – ₹800 |
| Delhi | ₹275 – ₹400 | ₹200 – ₹350 | ₹525 – ₹1,000 |
| Bangalore | ₹700 – ₹1,100 | ₹500 – ₹900 | ₹799 – ₹1,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹350 – ₹700 | ₹250 – ₹600 | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Chennai | ₹400 – ₹700 | ₹300 – ₹600 | ₹600 – ₹1,200 |
| Hyderabad | ₹350 – ₹700 | ₹250 – ₹550 | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Pune | ₹350 – ₹650 | ₹250 – ₹500 | ₹450 – ₹900 |
Rates are charged based on the number of words, lines, or characters in the advertisement. Keeping the ad concise reduces cost without affecting legal validity [citation:1].
Name Change Newspaper Ad for Passport — Step by Step Process
Step 1 — Get a Notarized Affidavit: Draft an affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (₹20 to ₹100, depending on your state) declaring your old name, new name, address, and reason for change. Get it signed and notarized by a Notary Public in your city [citation:1][citation:9].
Step 2 — Book and Publish the Newspaper Ad: Publish your name change ad in two newspapers — one national English daily and one regional language daily for your state. Keep the original full newspaper pages (not cuttings) as these are required at the Passport Seva Kendra [citation:1][citation:8].
Step 3 — Book Passport Appointment: Visit the Passport Seva portal, fill out the application form for reissue, pay the fee, and book an appointment at your nearest PSK [citation:1].
Step 4 — Submit Documents at PSK: Carry the following on your appointment date [citation:1][citation:8][citation:10]:
- Original passport
- Completed application form
- Notarized affidavit
- Original newspaper pages showing the advertisement (both papers — full pages, not cuttings)
- Self-attested photo identity proof with your correct new name (Aadhaar or PAN)
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Address proof
Step 5 — Biometric Verification and Processing: Documents are verified and biometric authentication is completed at the PSK. Your new passport with the updated name is typically delivered within 15 to 20 working days [citation:1].
Name Correction Advertisement in Newspaper — When Is It Different From Name Change?
A name correction advertisement in the newspaper is required when there is a spelling error in your existing name on official documents, not a complete name change [citation:1][citation:4]. The format is slightly different:
"I, [INCORRECT NAME], S/o [FATHER'S NAME], residing at [FULL ADDRESS], hereby declare that my correct name is [CORRECT NAME]. The name [INCORRECT NAME] appearing on my [DOCUMENT TYPE] is a clerical error. Henceforth all official documents should read [CORRECT NAME]."
Name correction ads are accepted for [citation:1][citation:4]:
- Aadhaar card spelling corrections
- PAN card name corrections
- Bank account name corrections
- School and college certificate corrections
- Passport spelling corrections
Father Name Change Advertisement in Newspaper — When and How
A father's name change advertisement in a newspaper is required in specific situations [citation:1][citation:5]:
- When a child's school or college records show the father's name incorrectly
- When a father legally changes his own name and all child documents need updating
- When the father's name on the child's passport does not match the father's current legal name
Format for father name change ad [citation:1]:
"I, [FATHER'S FULL NAME], S/o [GRANDFATHER'S NAME], residing at [FULL ADDRESS], hereby declare that I have changed my name from [OLD NAME] to [NEW NAME] vide Affidavit No. [NUMBER] dated [DATE] before Notary Public [NAME]. All official records, including those for my children [CHILD'S NAME], should reflect my new name [NEW NAME]."
This ad is then submitted along with the child's school records correction application or the child's passport reissue application at the Passport Seva Kendra [citation:1].
Download Name Change Gazette Maharashtra — How to Get Your Gazette Certificate
After your application is published in the Maharashtra Government Gazette, download the notice in PDF format from the official website [citation:1]. Follow these steps:
- Visit the official Maharashtra Government Gazette website
- Navigate to the name change notice section
- Search using the publication date, Gazette number, or application number
- Download the notice in PDF format
- Print the PDF to submit to Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and bank authorities
The Maharashtra Gazette publishes name change notifications via the Maharashtra Online Portal. Application processing typically takes 10 to 30 days and costs between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500. The Gazette is published weekly and is available online [citation:1].
Name Change Advertisement Sample — Ready to Use Formats
Sample 1 — General name change: "I, Priya Sharma, D/o Ramesh Sharma, Age 28 Years, residing at 204, Lotus Apartments, Andheri West, Mumbai — 400058, have changed my name from Priya Sharma to Priya Mehta vide Affidavit No. 4521 dated 01.06.2026 before Notary Public Shri Anil Joshi. Henceforth I shall be known as Priya Mehta." [citation:1]
Sample 2 — After marriage: "I, Sneha Patil, W/o Rohan Desai, residing at 12, Shivaji Nagar, Pune — 411005, have changed my name from Sneha Patil to Sneha Desai following my marriage. All future correspondence should refer to me as Sneha Desai." [citation:1][citation:4]
Sample 3 — Spelling correction: "I, Mohammed Irfan, S/o Abdul Karim, residing at 45, Park Street, Kolkata — 700016, hereby declare that my correct name is Mohammed Irfan, not Mohammed Irfaan as appears in my documents. All records should be corrected accordingly." [citation:1][citation:4]
Sample 4 — Father name change for child records: "I, Suresh Kumar Verma, S/o Mohan Lal Verma, residing at 78, Civil Lines, Delhi — 110054, have changed my name from Suresh Kumar Verma to Suresh Verma vide Affidavit No. 3302 dated 01.06.2026. All official documents of my children should reflect my new name Suresh Verma." [citation:1]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a name change advertisement in a newspaper?
It's a public notice in two newspapers — one national English daily and one regional language daily — announcing your name change. Changing your name on your passport, Gazette, Aadhaar, and bank records in India is compulsory [citation:1].
Q. Is a paper advertisement for name change for a passport mandatory?
Yes. All applications for changing the name on a passport must be accompanied by original newspaper pages from one national and one regional newspaper. Original newspaper pages are required to process applications [citation:1][citation:8].
Q. What is the cost of a name change newspaper ad?
Rates begin at approximately ₹275–₹400 for one newspaper. Combo packages (two newspapers) start from ₹375 in Mumbai, ₹525 in Delhi, and ₹799 in Bangalore. Rates depend on the newspaper, city, and number of words in the advertisement [citation:1][citation:7].
Q. What is the format for a name change ad in the newspaper for a passport?
The ad should include your old name, new name, father's or husband's name, full residential address, and affidavit number and date. This may vary by city; Mumbai and Delhi formats differ slightly from those in Bangalore and Chennai [citation:1][citation:8].
Q. Can I publish the name change ad online?
Advertisements are published in newspapers, not online. However, you can book the advertisement online through newspaper ad booking platforms. The advertisement must appear in print in the newspaper [citation:1][citation:7].
Q. How many newspapers are required for name change?
Two newspapers: one national English daily and one regional language daily (specific to your state). At some Passport Seva Kendras, both newspapers must be national newspapers. Please check with your nearest Passport Seva Kendra before booking [citation:1][citation:8].
Q. How do I download the Maharashtra name change Gazette?
Visit the Maharashtra Government Gazette website, enter your Gazette number or application number, and download the PDF. The Maharashtra Gazette is published weekly and is available online [citation:1].
Q. What is a name correction advertisement in a newspaper?
It's a public notice indicating a spelling error in your name on official documents and stating your correct name. It's published in the same two newspapers but is not necessarily a full name change advertisement [citation:1][citation:4].
Name Change Advertisement in India — Key Takeaways
- Publish in two newspapers — one national English daily and one regional language daily [citation:1]
- Include your old name, new name, father's/husband's name, full address, and affidavit details [citation:1][citation:8]
- Original full newspaper pages (not cuttings) are required for passport and Gazette submission [citation:1][citation:10]
- Cost ranges from ₹275 to ₹1,500 depending on city, newspaper, and word count [citation:1][citation:7]
- Annexure E is discontinued — only photo ID and newspaper ads are required at Passport Seva Kendra [citation:1][citation:2]
- Name change applications are not accepted under the Tatkal Scheme [citation:1]
This article is for informational purposes only. For case-specific legal advice, consult a qualified legal professional or a certified name change service provider.
