Newspaper publication (name change)

*Sample PDF of the Affidavit attached at the end.

Why this is used

• To give public notice of your name change after executing a Name Change Affidavit.
• To provide legal evidence that you are now known by a new name.
• To ensure transparency and prevent fraud, impersonation, or identity confusion.

When it is used

• After making a name change affidavit – Step 1 is affidavit, Step 2 is newspaper publication, Step 3 is Gazette notification (if permanent official record is needed).
• For official record updates – Passport, Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, bank account, property records, etc.
• In case of spelling correction / adding surname / dropping middle name.
• For women after marriage/divorce who want to adopt or retain a new name.
• For minors – Parents/guardians do it on their behalf.

Purpose

• To make the name change publicly known and leave a record that can be referred to later.
• Acts as an additional proof along with the affidavit while updating records.
• Required by government offices, banks, educational institutions, and courts for identity verification.

Other Important Points

• Publication must be done in one national English daily and one regional language newspaper.
• The notice usually includes the old name, new name, affidavit details, and notary details.
• The cuttings of both newspapers must be preserved and attached with applications (passport office, UIDAI, etc.).
• Some states make Gazette notification compulsory after publication (esp. for passports).

FAQs

Q1. Is newspaper publication compulsory for a name change?

Yes, in most cases. Affidavit + publication + Gazette = standard legal process.

Q2. Which newspapers are valid?

At least one local language daily and one national English daily. Eg: The Hindu + Eenadu (Telugu), or Times of India + Dainik Jagran (Hindi).

Q3. Do I need to publish in newspapers of my home state or current city?

Usually in your residential city newspaper, but both are accepted if needed.

Q4. How long should I keep the newspaper copy?

Lifelong ideally — at least until all documents are updated. Most govt. offices demand the original cuttings.

Q5. Can I change my name without newspaper publication?

Not for official documents. Only an affidavit is insufficient. Authorities require publication as proof of transparency.

Q6. Do children also need newspaper publication for name changes?

Yes, parents must do it on their behalf.