Name Change Ad in Newspaper: Quick Booking Guide [Starting ₹350]
A name change ad in newspaper represents a vital legal requirement to officially change your name in India. The process costs less than expected, and prices begin at ₹350 to publish in two newspapers - one national and one local .
Name changes need public notification that plays a significant role in the procedure. Your published advertisements' copies become mandatory attachments with other paperwork when you request changes to passports, PAN cards, Aadhaar cards, or bank accounts . Publication costs differ by city - standard rates range from ₹350 in Mumbai to ₹990 in Hyderabad .
This piece provides a detailed walkthrough about booking name change advertisements in newspapers. You'll learn everything about document requirements, publication selection, and the quickest way to complete the process. These steps ensure legal recognition of your name change.
What is a Name Change Ad and Why It’s Required
A newspaper name change ad lets people know you plan to legally change your name. These ads work as official announcements that help keep name changes transparent and prevent fraud.
Legal importance of public notification
Indian law requires you to publish a newspaper ad before you can officially change your name. This rule exists because name changes need to be open and clear to stop identity fraud or people trying to dodge legal duties. Your published ad serves as legal proof that you openly declared your plan to use a new name.
These ads create a permanent record with dates that anyone can check later if questions come up about someone's identity. The public notice protects both the person changing their name and others by documenting when and how the change happened.
When is it mandatory to publish a name change ad?
You need to publish a name change ad in these situations:
- Changes to first name, surname, or both
- Taking your spouse's surname after marriage
- Going back to maiden name after divorce
- Fixing spelling mistakes in official papers
- Parents changing their child's name
- Name changes from religious conversion
- Adding or removing middle names
On top of that, different situations have their own rules. To cite an instance, women who take their husband's surname after marriage might need ads in two papers - one local and one national. People who change their whole name usually need to put ads in three newspapers to spread the word more widely.
Name change ad for passport and other documents
The Passport Office wants to see newspaper ads if you're trying to change your name. You'll need to publish in two newspapers - one in your local language and another in English that goes out nationwide. These published ads prove you've made your name change public.
The way you format these ads matters by a lot. Passport-related name changes must show your old and new names, address, and state the change applies to "all purposes." The exact format changes a bit based on which document you're updating.
Name change ads don't just help with passports. You'll need them to update:
- Aadhaar cards
- PAN cards
- Voter ID cards
- Bank accounts
- Insurance policies
- Property documents
- Educational certificates
- Driving license
Government offices and institutions have their own rules about ad formats and how many newspapers you need to use. Most places want to see the actual newspaper copies rather than digital versions or photocopies.
This process will give you legal recognition of your new name in all official systems and helps avoid problems when you're updating multiple documents at once.
Documents Needed Before Booking the Ad
Getting your name change ad published in a newspaper requires proper documentation. You need the right paperwork ready before starting the process. These documents are the foundations of your name change procedure.
Notarized affidavit details
A properly executed affidavit is the life-blood of any name change process. You must prepare this sworn statement on non-judicial stamp paper worth ₹10-₹100, based on your state's rules. The affidavit proves your new name's legal status and must have these key elements:
- Your old name (as it appears on existing documents)
- Your new name (as you wish it to appear going forward)
- Clear reason for the name change
- Father's or husband's name to identify you properly
- Your complete residential address
- Your age
- Affidavit number and date of issuance
- Name of the notary who attested the document
Your local notary public can help you through the process and suggest the right stamp paper value. You must sign the document while the notary watches, and two witnesses should confirm it.
Photo ID proof requirements
Beyond the notarized affidavit, you need valid ID proof to book a name change advertisement. Newspaper offices ask for at least one government-issued photo ID to check who you are.
You can use these identification documents:
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Passport
- Voter ID card
- Driving license
The Passport Office needs two ID proofs—like PAN Card and Aadhaar Card—to check your identity. All the same, newspapers usually ask for just one valid photo ID. Sign your document to prove it's authentic.
Women changing their name after marriage might need extra papers like a marriage certificate to prove why they want the change.
Affidavit validity and format
Name change affidavits don't expire under the Indian Notaries Act, 1952. These documents stay valid as long as the facts inside them remain true and relevant.
Some offices might set their own time limits. Check what specific papers you need with the relevant authority before submitting anything.
The affidavit uses a standard format with declaration and verification parts. A typical format says: "I, (Old Name) son/daughter/wife of (Father's/Husband's Name), aged (X) years, residing at (Complete Address) hereby solemnly affirm and declare that I have changed my name from (Old Name) to (New Name) vide Affidavit Number (XXXX) dated (DD/MM/YYYY) before Notary (Notary Name)."
The date and place you sign are crucial details. Sign and notarize your affidavit on the same day to avoid questions about its authenticity. Gaps between signing and attestation might create doubts about the document's validity.
After preparing these documents correctly, you can book your name change advertisement in your chosen newspaper.
How to Book a Name Change Ad in Newspaper
You can book a name change ad with us in three simple steps once you have your documents ready. The process is quick and you won't need to visit any newspaper office.
1. Contact Us
- Call or WhatsApp us at +91-8591865225
- Share your location and requirements
- We’ll guide you on necessary details
2. Make Payment
- Receive instant quote based on your requirements on call or Whatsapp itself
- Make secure payment via UPI (GPay, Paytm, PhonePe)
- Send payment screenshot via WhatsApp
3. Receive Your Newspapers At Your Doorstep
- We handle the entire publication process from booking your ad in newspapers to getting the copies delivered to your address
- Use as proof for all your official name change requirements
Affordable Pricing - Starting from ₹350/- In Mumbai
Cost of Name Change Advertisement in Newspaper
Name change advertisement costs vary quite a bit throughout India. You'll need to plan your budget carefully since this is a legal requirement.
Factors affecting ad cost
Your final ad cost depends on several key elements. Premium newspapers like Times of India charge more than local papers. Text classified ads are cheaper than classified display ads with borders or visual elements.
Big city editions cost more than smaller ones. Weekend or holiday ads come with extra charges. Bold text and borders bump up the base price.
Combo offers for national + local newspapers
Passport authorities usually ask for ads in two newspapers—one English and one in your local language. We can help you save money with combo deals.
Whatsapp Message or call us now to get an instant quote for your change of name ad
Popular combos include Active Times (English) + Mumbai Lakshadeep (Marathi) in Mumbai. Bangalore readers can pick Times of India + Vijay Karnataka.
What to Do After Your Ad is Published
The legal name change process continues after your advertisement appears in the newspaper. Your published ad represents the first step in your experience toward getting official recognition of your new identity.
Collecting newspaper copies
You should purchase multiple copies of both newspapers that contain your advertisement right after publication. The details must be accurate in your verification, and you need both original newspaper cuttings and photocopies of the complete page. Government offices typically prefer complete newspapers instead of clippings. Your original copies will remain legally valid indefinitely, though most offices want publications from the last 6-12 months.
Applying for Gazette notification
The Gazette notification serves as your strongest legal proof of name change, and you can apply for it once you have your newspaper copies. Your application package should include a notarized affidavit, original newspaper advertisements, ID proof, address proof, photographs, and the application form. You can submit applications personally, through post/courier, or via authorized service providers. Publication usually happens 25-30 days after submission.
Updating official documents like passport, Aadhaar, PAN
The document update process should begin after your Gazette notification's publication. Your recommended sequence includes Social Security card/Aadhaar, driver's license, passport, insurance policies, and voter registration. Each office requires your Gazette copy and specific supporting documents. The requirements vary by institution, so check their websites before visiting.
Maintaining records for future use
Your name-change documentation needs careful preservation. This includes original newspaper advertisements, affidavit copies, Gazette notification, application forms, and all government department correspondence. These records hold permanent importance and might be needed years later for verification.
Conclusion
The legal process of changing your name in India needs newspaper advertisements as a basic requirement. These published notices start at ₹375 and create a public record of your identity change that helps prevent fraud. You can make this process simple by doing this and being organized.
Getting your documents ready first will save you time and help avoid problems later. Your application needs a properly notarized affidavit and valid photo ID as its foundation. You'll need to pick the right newspapers - usually one national English daily and one in your local language. This will give a complete official record of your name change.
The price changes by a lot depending on where you live, which newspaper you choose, and what type of ad you want. Text classified ads are the cheapest option for most people, but fancy newspapers or special designs will cost more. It also helps that many services now let you book online instead of going to newspaper offices in person.
Make sure to get several original copies after publication. These newspapers are proof when you apply for Gazette notification and update important documents like passports, Aadhaar cards, and PAN cards. Keep all your name-change paperwork forever to avoid any verification issues in the future.
Changing your name legally might look scary at first. But taking it one step at a time makes the whole thing easier for anyone who needs to change their name officially. If you prepare your documents carefully and follow the publication rules, your new name will be legally recognized in all official records.
FAQs
Q1. How do I publish a name change advertisement in a newspaper? To publish a name change ad, include your old name, new name, father's/husband's name, age, address, affidavit number, date of affidavit, and notary's name. Choose a national English daily and a local language newspaper. You can book the ad through an agency like us, starting from ₹350 for basic packages.
Q2. Is a newspaper advertisement mandatory for passport name change? Yes, publishing name change ads in two newspapers is required when applying for a passport name change. You need to publish in one national English daily and one local language newspaper. This is necessary for legal purposes and to establish a public record of your name change.
Q3. What should I do after my name change ad is published? After publication, collect multiple original copies of the newspapers. Use these to apply for a Gazette notification, which is strong legal proof of your name change. Then, update your official documents like Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and driver's license. Keep all related documents safely for future reference.
Q4. How much does a name change advertisement typically cost? The cost varies by city and newspaper, ranging from ₹200 to ₹1800 nationwide. For example, prices start at ₹350 in Mumbai, ₹525 in Delhi, and ₹800 in Bangalore for basic packages. Factors affecting cost include the chosen newspapers, ad type (text or display), and any enhancements like bold text.
Q5. What documents do I need before booking a name change ad? Before booking, you need a notarized affidavit on stamp paper stating your old and new names, reason for change, and personal details. You'll also need a valid photo ID proof such as Aadhaar, PAN, or passport. For women changing names after marriage, a marriage certificate may be required. These documents are essential for verifying your identity and the legitimacy of your name change request.

