Change of Name in Karnataka (2026): Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your name in Karnataka is a straightforward process, provided you follow each step in the correct order. It is essential to adhere to the legally prescribed procedure without skipping any stage, as doing so can create significant problems when you later update your name across official documents such as your passport, bank account records, or Aadhaar card. Therefore, ensure that every step is completed carefully and in sequence.
In this guide, we walk you through the completename change process in Karnataka for 2026 — starting from creating your name change affidavit all the way to downloading your Karnataka Gazette PDF.
People choose to change their name in Karnataka for many different reasons. Some do it after marriage. Others rely on numerology, astrology, or religious beliefs to make this decision. And some simply want to correct a spelling mistake in their name on official documents.
Whatever your reason, follow each step in the correct order — skipping even one can cause problems when you update your name on your passport, bank account, or Aadhaar card.
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Why Is a Gazette Notification Required for a Name Change in Karnataka?
Changing your name in India is not as simple as filling out a form at a bank or a government office. Every step in the legal name change process carries weight — skip one, and the entire procedure falls apart.
The official Gazette notification is the single most important document in this process. The government issues it as the final, legally binding proof of your name change. Without it, nothing else holds up.
Once you have your Gazette notification, you can walk into any government office or private organization across India and update your official documents — your passport, Aadhaar card, bank records, and more — without any legal complications.
- Passport Seva Kendras (PSK) for passport re-issue.
- UIDAI for Aadhaar name updates.
- Income Tax Department for PAN card corrections.
- Banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds for KYC updates.
- Courts, property offices, and educational boards.
Without an official Gazette notification, no government agency or private organization will process your name change request — no matter what other documents you carry.
But once you have that Gazette publication, everything falls into place. Banks accept it. The Passport office accepts it. Aadhaar, PAN Card, every major institution treats it as solid legal proof. One document handles it all.
Skipping the Gazette notification is not an option. Once your Gazette notification is published, banks, the Passport office, Aadhaar, PAN Card — every institution accepts it as valid legal proof. No repeated verification. No unnecessary delays. Just a clean, smooth update across all your documents.
Common Reasons for Name Change in Karnataka:
After marriage — taking a spouse's surname or updating your name.
After divorce — reverting to maiden name.
Spelling correction — fixing errors in Aadhaar, school certificates, or PAN.
Numerology or astrology — aligning name vibrations.
Religious conversion — adopting a new faith-aligned name.
Personal preference — any reason you choose.
The Complete Name Change Process in Karnataka — 4 Steps
1 Draft and Notarize Your Name Change Affidavit
The name change affidavit is where everything begins. Every document you submit, every application you fill — all of it ties back to what is written in this one affidavit. Get it right, and the rest of the process follows smoothly.
You need to prepare the affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper — typically worth ₹20, ₹50, or ₹100, depending on what your local notary requires. Once it is ready, you sign it in front of a registered Notary Public, who verifies and officially notarizes it on the spot.
What your Karnataka name change affidavit must include:
- Your current (old) full name.
- Your proposed new full name.
- Your father's or spouse's name.
- Your date of birth.
- Your complete Karnataka residential address.
- The reason for the name change.
- Your signature and the notary's seal.
Before you move to the next step, get at least three original copies of your name change affidavit notarized — not photocopies, originals.
- One copy goes toward your Gazette application.
- Another copy handles your document updates like Aadhaar and PAN Card.
- The third copy you keep with yourself for future reference or verification.
⚠️ Critical:
Every spelling in your name change affidavit must match your Aadhaar Card and all your supporting documents exactly. Even a single letter out of place is enough to get your application rejected — at the Karnataka Gazette office, at the Passport Seva Kendra, or anywhere else you submit it.
2 Publish Your Name Change Advertisement in Newspapers
Once your name change affidavit is ready, you need to publish a public notice in two newspapers — one in English and one in Kannada. Both newspapers must be published in Karnataka.
This notice gives people a chance to raise a legal objection before the government updates the official records to your new name. Think of it as a public announcement that keeps the whole process transparent and legally clean.
Which newspapers are accepted for name change ads in Karnataka?
| Language | Accepted Publications |
|---|---|
| English | Deccan Herald, Times of India (Bengaluru), The Hindu |
| Kannada | Vijaya Karnataka, Prajavani, Samyukta Karnataka, Udayavani |
What must the ad include?
"I, [Old Full Name], S/O (or D/O or W/O) [Father's / Spouse's Name], residing at [Full Karnataka Address], have changed my name to [New Full Name] for all future purposes."
Your name change newspaper advertisement must include four things — your old name, your new name, your father's or spouse's name, and your current address. Miss any one of these, and the Gazette office will either reject your ad outright or send it back asking for clarification.
📰 Important:
Do not just cut out the advertisement from the newspaper. Keep at least 2 to 3 original full pages of the newspaper exactly as it was printed on the day your ad appeared. The Karnataka Gazette office and the Passport Seva Kendra often ask for the full newspaper page during verification — not just the clipping.
3 Apply for the Karnataka Gazette Name Change Notification
Once you have your name change affidavit and original newspaper clippings in hand, you are ready to file your application with the Karnataka Gazette. Karnataka gives you two ways to do this.
Option A: Online Application via Seva Sindhu Portal (Recommended)
Seva Sindhu is the official citizen services portal of the Government of Karnataka. The entire process happens online — no queues, no office visits, no wasted afternoons.
- Visit the Seva Sindhu portal (sevasindhu.karnataka.gov.in).
- Register or log in with your credentials.
- Search for and select "Change of Name" under the Department of Printing, Stationery and Publications.
- Fill in the application form with your old name, new name, date of birth, address, and reason.
- Upload scanned copies of: affidavit, both newspaper clippings, photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID), address proof, and passport-size photographs.
- Pay the prescribed Gazette fee online.
- Submit and note your application reference number for status tracking.
Option B: Offline Application at the Karnataka Gazette Office
Department of Printing, Stationery and Publications
Unit-1, 8th Mile, R.V. Vidyaniketan College Post, Mysore Road, Bengaluru Urban – 560059
📞 080-28484540 / 080-28484515
📧 gazette.kar@gov.in
⏰ Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Carry all your original documents along with self-attested photocopies of each one. The office staff will verify everything on the spot, hand you a receipt, and give you an application number to track your request.
4 Download Your Karnataka Gazette Notification PDF
Once the authorities process and approve your Gazette application, your name change gets published in the Karnataka Gazette — Part IV, Section 2. As long as all your paperwork is in order, publication usually takes 30 to 45 working days.
- Visit rajpatra.karnataka.gov.in (Karnataka e-Rajyapatra portal).
- Log in to your account and go to "My Applications".
- Click "Download" next to your published notification.
- Save the PDF — this is your official Gazette certificate.
Once your name change is published, the Karnataka Gazette PDF stays on the portal permanently. Print at least 5 to 6 copies and keep them ready — you will need them when you update your Aadhaar, PAN Card, Passport, bank accounts, Voter ID, and other official documents.
Documents Required for Change of Name in Karnataka
Core documents (all applicants):
- Notarized name change affidavit on stamp paper (original).
- Two original newspaper clippings — one English, one Kannada.
- Photo identity proof — Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or voter ID.
- Address proof — Aadhaar, electricity bill, ration card, or rent agreement.
- Passport-size photographs — 2 to 3 recent colour photos.
- Duly filled Gazette application form (from Seva Sindhu portal or Karnataka Gazette office).
Additional documents based on reason:
| Reason | Additional Document |
|---|---|
| After marriage | Original Marriage Certificate |
| After divorce | Certified Court Decree / Divorce Order |
| Religious conversion | Conversion certificate from authorized religious authority |
| Adoption | Certified copy of registered adoption deed |
| Born outside Karnataka | Ration card, voter ID, or Tahsildar-issued residential certificate |
| Minor child | Child's birth certificate + parent's Aadhaar/PAN + parental affidavit |
Scan all your name change documents clearly at a minimum of 200 DPI and keep each file under 1 MB before uploading to Seva Sindhu. Blurry scans, cropped pages, or oversized files are the most common reasons applications get rejected on the portal.
Change of Name in Karnataka 2026 — Fees and Timeline
Government Fee Structure (2026)
| Category | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| General category | ₹300 – ₹600 |
| SC / ST category | Reduced / concessional rate |
| Additional certified copies | ₹50–₹100 per copy |
Realistic Timeline
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Affidavit drafting & notarization | 1–2 days |
| Newspaper advertisement | 1–5 days |
| Seva Sindhu submission | 1–2 days |
| Gazette processing | 30–45 working days |
| Total end-to-end | 6 to 10 weeks |
The Karnataka Gazette fee can only be paid online through the Seva Sindhu portal — via UPI, net banking, or a debit/credit card. Keep in mind that this fee is non-refundable. Outside the Gazette fee, budget ₹100–₹500 for affidavit notarization and ₹1,000–₹3,000 for the two mandatory newspaper advertisements.
Updating Your Documents After the Karnataka Gazette Publication
Getting your Karnataka Gazette PDF is not the finish line — it is actually where things get moving. Use it to update your Aadhaar, PAN Card, Passport, bank accounts, Voter ID, educational certificates, and any other government or financial document.
Aadhaar
Visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra or log in to the MyAadhaar portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in. Your Karnataka Gazette PDF works as valid proof of identity. Carry your biometrics — verification is required in person. Updated Aadhaar card reaches you within 7 to 30 days.
PAN Card
Apply through the NSDL portal at onlineservices.nsdl.com or the UTI portal. Submit your Karnataka Gazette PDF along with your current PAN details. Updated PAN Card reaches you within 7 to 15 working days.
Passport
Visit passportindia.gov.in and apply for a re-issue. Select "Change in Existing Personal Particulars" and upload your Karnataka Gazette notification, name change affidavit, newspaper clippings, and old passport. Then book your appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra in Bengaluru.
Bank Accounts and Financial Records
Walk into your home branch with your Karnataka Gazette PDF and your updated Aadhaar or PAN Card. Most banks also ask for a self-attested copy of your documents along with a filled name change request form.
Voter ID and Driving Licence
Apply for Voter ID through the Election Commission voter portal. For your driving licence, visit your local RTO. Both offices accept your Karnataka Gazette notification as the primary supporting document.
Education Certificates
Contact your respective board — the Karnataka SSLC Board, PUC Board, or your university — with a copy of your Karnataka Gazette notification and a formal name correction application.
How ApplyNameChange.in Handles Your Karnataka Name Change
The three most important steps in the name change process — notarization, newspaper publication, and the Gazette application — leave no room for error. Every detail across every document must match perfectly, especially the spelling of your name. One small mismatch and your entire application comes back rejected.
- Affidavit drafting on correct stamp paper with all mandatory fields.
- Newspaper ads in passport-approved Karnataka papers — original clippings to your address.
- Seva Sindhu / Gazette portal application — document upload, fee payment, and follow-up.
- 100% online — no office visits needed.
- Free document verification before submission — spelling checked across all documents.
- Reprint guarantee on newspaper ads if not published as scheduled.
- Post-Gazette guidance — step-by-step support for Aadhaar, PAN, and passport updates.
📞 Bangalore office: +91 9844879323 | 📞 Mumbai office: +91 9326098181
Frequently Asked Questions About Change of Name in Karnataka
Can I apply for a name change in Karnataka completely online?
Yes, the entire Karnataka name change process is available online through the Seva Sindhu portal. Upload your documents, pay the Gazette fee, track your application, and download your Gazette PDF after approval — all in one place. Just make sure every document is clear and correctly formatted before you upload.
Where is the Karnataka Gazette Office located?
The Karnataka Gazette Office is located at Unit-1, 8th Mile, R.V. Vidyaniketan College Post, Mysore Road, Bengaluru Urban – 560059. You can reach them at 080-28484540 or 080-28484515, or email gazette.kar@gov.in. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Most people today simply apply online through Seva Sindhu and skip the trip to Bengaluru entirely.
What is the government fee for a Gazette name change in Karnataka in 2026?
The Karnataka Gazette name change fee falls between ₹300 and ₹600 for general category applicants. SC/ST applicants may qualify for a concessional rate. The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through the Seva Sindhu portal. On top of that, budget ₹100 to ₹500 for affidavit notarization and ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 for the two newspaper advertisements.
Where can I download the name change form for Karnataka Gazette?
The name change application form is available on the Seva Sindhu portal under the Printing, Stationery and Publications department. Simply select "Change of Name" from the service list to access and fill it online. ApplyNameChange.in also provides the form as part of their complete service package for Karnataka applicants.
Is a newspaper ad mandatory for a Gazette name change in Karnataka?
Yes. Your name change advertisement must appear in both an English daily and a Kannada daily as part of the Karnataka Gazette process. Both newspaper clippings must be uploaded on the Seva Sindhu portal. Missing even one clipping will get your application returned — there are no exceptions to this rule.
How long does the Karnataka Gazette name change process take in 2026?
Once you submit a complete application on the Seva Sindhu portal, your name change gets published within 30 to 45 working days. The full end-to-end process typically takes 6 to 10 weeks, factoring in affidavit preparation (1 to 2 days) and newspaper publication (1 to 5 days). Any missing document or incorrect detail will push the timeline further, so make sure everything is in order before you submit.
Can I change my name after marriage without a Gazette notification in Karnataka?
For minor updates like a bank account, a marriage certificate may be enough. But for major documents like your Passport, Aadhaar, or property records, the Karnataka Gazette notification is the strongest and most reliable proof you can carry. Getting it done after marriage saves you from repeated verification across multiple offices down the road.
How do I download the Karnataka Gazette name change notification PDF?
Once your name change is published, log in to the Karnataka e-Rajyapatra portal at rajpatra.karnataka.gov.in, go to "My Applications", and click Download to get your Gazette PDF. The document stays on the portal permanently, so you can download it anytime. You can also search for it publicly using your name or notification number.
