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 — Quick Answer
Quick Answer: A newspaper name change announcement is a legal requirement that must be published in two newspapers: an English national daily and a regional language daily. This announcement publicly declares that you are adopting a new name. It is the second step in the three-step legal procedure for changing your name according to Indian law. You will need the newspaper clippings to amend your passport, Aadhaar, PAN card, and other official documents.
What Is a Name Change Advertisement in a Newspaper?
A name change ad in a newspaper is a legal notice that officially notifies the public that you have decided to adopt a new name and abandon your previous name.
It is used in India for three main purposes:
- It provides independent proof of having publicly declared your name change
- It gives concerned citizens the opportunity to raise objections to the name change
- It is an essential legal document required for passport reissue, Aadhaar updates, bank KYC updates, and Gazette notification
Newspaper clippings from the publication must be submitted with applications for passport reissue, Aadhaar updates, bank KYC changes, and Gazette notification.
Why Must a Name Change Ad Be Published in Two Newspapers?
The Indian Government requires two-newspaper publication to ensure that your name change reaches both national and local audiences. Publishing in a single newspaper is not acceptable.
The two-newspaper requirement serves these purposes:
- English National Daily – Ensures nationwide recognition and acceptance by central government authorities across India
- Regional Language Daily – Ensures local recognition and acceptance by state government authorities, regional courts, and banks
Both newspapers fulfill the requirements of the Passport Seva Kendra, the Gazette of India, and state authorities. Publishing in only one newspaper, even if highly circulated nationwide, is insufficient.
What Are the Reasons People Change Their Name in India?
Many reasons exist for which people change their name in India, and all require following the three-step legal procedure, the second step being newspaper publication.
- Marriage – The most common reason for name change. Women changing their surname after marriage must update their passport, Aadhaar, PAN, and bank records through newspaper publication and Gazette notification.
- Divorce or Remarriage – If reverting to your maiden name or adopting a new name after remarriage, you must go through the full three-step name change procedure.
- Wrong Spelling in Official Documents – If a spelling mistake in an Aadhaar card, birth certificate, or school certificate has been carried forward to other documents, it is corrected through a name change ad.
- Personal Choice – You can change your name at any time in India for personal reasons.
- Numerological or Astrological Reasons – Many name changes in India are done on numerological or astrological bases for professional or personal betterment.
- Child Adoption – A child's name may be changed upon adoption.
- Child Custody Cases – Name changes following a custody settlement must be published in newspapers.
- Gender Change – Legal name changes for gender transition must be published in newspapers.
- Change of Religion – A name change following a change of religion requires all three steps: affidavit, newspaper advertisement, and Gazette notification.
In all cases, all three steps—affidavit, newspaper advertisement, and Gazette notification—must be completed for the name change to have legal effect in all Indian documents.
What Are the Three Steps to Legally Change Your Name in India?
Legally changing your name in India requires exactly three steps in this sequence:
- Step 1 – Create a Notarized Affidavit
- Step 2 – Publish a Name Change Ad in Two Newspapers
- Step 3 – Notify the Official Gazette of India
Each step must be completed in order. The newspaper ad references the affidavit. The Gazette application requires both the affidavit and the newspaper clippings. Skipping or reversing any step invalidates the process.
Step 1 — How to Make a Name Change Affidavit
The first step to legally changing your name in India is creating a notarized affidavit declaring your old name, new name, and the reason for the change.
Where to obtain it: Visit your local Notary Public. The affidavit is drafted on non-judicial stamp paper (typically â‚ą10 to â‚ą100 depending on your state) and must be signed in the presence of the Notary.
What the affidavit must include:
- Your old name (exactly as it appears on current documents)
- Your new name
- Reason for the name change
- Father's name or husband's name
- Complete residential address
- Age proof or date of birth
- Any other information required by your state's format
The affidavit is the foundation of the entire process. The newspaper ad and Gazette application both reference the affidavit number and date, so ensure all details are accurate before signing.
Step 2 — How to Publish a Name Change Ad in Newspaper
The second step is publishing your name change announcement in two newspapers: one English national daily and one regional language newspaper (such as Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, or Kannada).
What to include in the name change ad:
- Your old name
- Your new name
- Date of the name change affidavit
- Name of the Notary who attested the affidavit
- Your complete residential address
- Your age
- Father's name or husband's name
Important: Cross-check every detail before submitting the ad for publication. Even a minor spelling error in your name, address, or affidavit date can delay processing or require you to repeat the entire procedure from the beginning.
How to Book a Name Change Ad in Times of India
Step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Visit ads.timesofindia.com
- Step 2: On the homepage, click the "Change of Name" icon
- Step 3: Choose the type of ad (classified text or classified display) and select the publication city/edition
- Step 4: Enter your ad content using the provided templates or upload your pre-written ad as a PDF
- Step 5: Review the preview and charges onscreen
- Step 6: Complete payment and confirm your booking
Required Document: A copy of your notarized affidavit. Upload it during the booking process and email the publication department confirming the ad details.
If you need your ad published in multiple cities and editions, Times of India offers combo packages that publish your name change ad at discounted rates across India.
What Is the Name Change Ad Format for Newspapers?
The name change newspaper ad format in India is short, precise, and to the point. It does not require legal language or complex formatting—it is a factual declaration in your own words.
Standard name change ad format:
"I, [OLD NAME], S/o or D/o or W/o [RELATION'S NAME], R/o [COMPLETE ADDRESS], aged [X] years, have changed my name and shall hereafter be known as [NEW NAME] for all future purposes vide Affidavit dated [DATE] sworn before Notary [NOTARY'S NAME], [CITY]. I have complied with all legal requirements in this regard."
Name change ad format after marriage:
"I, [MAIDEN NAME], W/o [HUSBAND'S NAME], R/o [COMPLETE ADDRESS], have changed my name to [NEW NAME] post marriage vide Affidavit dated [DATE] sworn before Notary [NOTARY'S NAME], [CITY]."
Name Change Newspaper Ad Samples — Ready to Use
Sample 1 — Complete name change ad:
"I, Safina Shaikh, D/o Mohammad Shaikh, R/o 14/55, Santa Apartments, Khushidabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 220300, aged 26 years, have changed my name and shall hereafter be known as Aamna Mohammad for all future purposes vide Affidavit dated 20/06/2026 sworn before Notary G.S. Pant, Lucknow. I have complied with all legal requirements in this regard."
Sample 2 — Name change after marriage:
"I, Revati Dua, W/o Mohit Kumar Verma, R/o C-94, Paranthe Wali Gali, Varanasi – 321010, have changed my name to Mrs. Revati Dua Verma post marriage vide Affidavit dated 20/04/2026 sworn before Notary Y.K. Yadav, Varanasi."
Sample 3 — Spelling correction:
"I, Priya Ramesh Nair, D/o Ramesh Nair, R/o 12, Sea View Building, Mumbai – 400028, declare that my correct name is Priya Ramesh Nair and not Puja Ramesh Nair as incorrectly appearing on my documents. All records should be corrected accordingly vide Affidavit dated 01/06/2026 before Notary A.K. Sharma, Mumbai."
Sample 4 — Minor child name change:
"I, Ramesh Kumar Verma, S/o Mohan Lal Verma, R/o 45, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054, have changed the name of my minor son Rohan Raj Verma, aged 8 years, to Arjun Raj Verma vide Affidavit dated 01/06/2026 before Notary P.K. Singh, Delhi. He shall hereafter be known as Arjun Raj Verma. I have complied with all legal requirements in this regard."
Step 3 — How to Publish Name Change in the Official Gazette of India
The final step is notifying the Official Gazette of India, thereby making your new name legally recognized in all government records, such as passports and PAN cards.
To apply: Submit an application to the Department of Publication with all required documents and a demand draft.
Documents Required for Gazette Name Change Notification:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Notarized affidavit (hard copy) | Original, signed, and notarized |
| Newspaper publication (hard copy) | Original clippings from both newspapers |
| Name change form (hard copy) | Filled in the prescribed format |
| Soft copy on CD | Specimen in digital format |
| Passport-size photographs | Two, self-attested |
| Photo ID proof | One, self-attested |
| Demand Draft — adult applicant | ₹1,100 in favour of Controller of Publications, Delhi |
| Demand Draft — minor applicant | ₹1,700 in favour of Controller of Publications, Delhi |
| Certification letter | Signed by applicant confirming hard and soft copy match |
| Forwarding letter | Listing all enclosed documents |
For government servants: An additional Deed for Change of Name as per Ministry of Home Affairs Office Memorandum No. 190016/1/87 – Estt. (dated 12/03/1987) is mandatory.
For Indians staying abroad: The deed must be duly signed by the High Commission of India or Indian Embassy in that country before submission.
What Documents Are Required for Name Change Newspaper Ad?
The only document required to be uploaded when booking a newspaper ad is the notarized affidavit. For Times of India (TOI) ads, you must also email the publication department confirming the ad is being published.
No further documents are needed at the newspaper level. All other documents will be uploaded later at Step 3.
Which Newspaper Is Best for a Name Change Ad in India
The best newspaper for a name change ad in India depends on your city, authority requirements, and budget. Here is a guide by purpose:
| Purpose | Recommended English Paper | Recommended Regional Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Passport – All India | Times of India | State language daily |
| Passport – Mumbai | Times of India or Indian Express | Maharashtra Times or Loksatta |
| Passport – Delhi | Times of India or Hindustan Times | Navbharat Times or Jansatta |
| Passport – Bangalore | Deccan Herald or Times of India | Vijay Karnataka or Prajavani |
| Gazette of India | Times of India | State language daily |
| Bank KYC | Any national daily | Any regional daily |
| Aadhaar update | Any national daily | Any regional daily |
Choosing a widely circulated English national daily like Times of India ensures your ad is recognized by all central government authorities across India automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a name change advertisement in a newspaper?
It is a public legal notice published in two newspapers—one English and one in a regional language—declaring that you are changing your name. It is the second of the three mandatory steps for legal name change in India and is required for name change in passport, Aadhaar, PAN, bank accounts, and Gazette notification.
Q. Why do I need to publish my name change in two newspapers?
Indian authorities require two-newspaper publication: one English-language national daily and one local regional language daily. Passport offices, Gazette offices, and most banks will not accept a single newspaper publication.
Q. What should be included in a name change newspaper ad?
A name change newspaper notice should contain your old name, new name, the name of your father, husband, or guardian, your full address, your age, the date of the affidavit, and the name of the Notary who attested the affidavit. All details must be identical to the details on your affidavit and the name change application form to the Gazette.
Q. What is the format of a name change newspaper ad?
Here is a standard format: "I have changed my name and am now known as [NEW NAME] pursuant to this Affidavit dated [DATE] before the Notary [NAME] in [CITY]. I have complied with all legal requirements in this regard." In some cities, the post-marriage name change format is shorter, without affidavit details.
Q. What document is required to publish a name change ad in a newspaper?
To publish a name change ad, you must submit a notarized affidavit. When booking online, attach a scanned copy. At the newspaper stage, no other documents are needed.
Q. How do I book a name change ad in Times of India?
Go to ads.timesofindia.com, click the "Change of Name" icon, choose your ad type and edition, enter your ad content using provided templates or upload it as a PDF, review the charges and preview, and complete your payment to confirm the booking.
Q. What happens if there is an error in my name change newspaper ad?
Any error—even in your old name, new name, address, or affidavit date—can cause a delay in your application and may require you to republish the ad from the start. Always proofread before publishing.
Q. Is the name change newspaper ad mandatory for all three steps?
Yes. The newspaper ad is a required step (Step 2) and will be referenced in Step 3 (Gazette application). The Gazette office will not process your application without newspaper clippings from both regional and English newspapers, and the Passport office will not update your passport without them.
Q. How long does the full name change process take in India?
Creating the affidavit takes one day. Publishing the newspaper ad takes one to two days. Gazette notification takes 30 to 60 days. The entire process typically takes 35 to 65 days for a standard name change in India.
Q. Can I change my name legally without publishing a newspaper ad?
No. For a complete legal name change in India, newspaper advertisement is a legal requirement. Those who skip this step will find their name change is not recognized by the Passport Office, Gazette of India, or most banks and government departments.
Name Change Advertisement in India — Key Takeaways
- Publish in two newspapers — one national English daily and one regional language daily
- Include your old name, new name, father's/husband's name, full address, age, affidavit date, and Notary name
- Cross-check every detail before submission — even minor errors can invalidate the process
- Book online through newspaper portals like ads.timesofindia.com
- Original newspaper clippings are required for passport, Gazette, and bank KYC updates
- The complete three-step process takes 35 to 65 days
This article is for informational purposes only. For case-specific legal advice, consult a qualified legal professional or a certified name change service provider.
