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Publishing a newspaper advertisement is the second of three mandatory steps in a legal name change in India — after preparing your affidavit and before the Gazette notification. The ad publicly announces that you have changed your name, and the original newspaper copies become part of the proof you submit for your Gazette application. This guide covers exactly how to publish the ad, the format to use, sample wordings you can copy, what it costs, and the mistakes to avoid.
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What is newspaper publication for a name change?
Newspaper publication is a public notice announcing your change of name. It is required because a name change has to be declared publicly before it can be recorded in the Gazette of India. You publish the announcement in two newspapers, keep the original copies, and submit them with your Gazette application. It is the middle step of the standard name change procedure, which has three stages:
- Create a name change affidavit stating your old name, new name, and the reason for the change.
- Publish a newspaper advertisement announcing the change (this guide).
- Publish the notification in the Gazette of India, which makes the change official.
How to publish a name change advertisement?
Once your affidavit is ready and notarised, you publish the advertisement in two newspapers:
- One in the regional language of your state.
- One in an English newspaper.
Approach the newspaper’s advertisement or classifieds desk (or an authorised ad agency) and give them the wording. After it is published, preserve at least 4–5 original copies of each newspaper — the full page that shows the newspaper’s name and the date, not just a clipping. You will need these originals for your Gazette submission.
Details your advertisement must include
Every name change ad should clearly state:
- Your old name
- Your new name
- Your father’s or husband’s name
- Your age
- Your full address
- The date the affidavit was made
- The name of the notary who attested the affidavit
Check every detail against your affidavit before the ad runs. The spelling of your name, your father’s or husband’s name, and your address must match the affidavit exactly — a mismatch is one of the most common reasons a Gazette application is later rejected.
Name change newspaper ad: format and samples
Use the templates below as your ad wording. Replace the bracketed details with your own.
Template (general):
"I, [OLD NAME], [son/daughter] of [FATHER'S NAME], residing at [FULL ADDRESS], have changed my name to [NEW NAME] vide affidavit dated [DD-MM-YYYY] sworn before Notary [NOTARY NAME], [CITY]."
Sample — male applicant:
"I, Rohit Sharma, son of Mr. Mahesh Sharma, residing at C-12, Sector 21, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, have changed my name to Rohan Sharma vide affidavit dated 12-03-2026 sworn before Notary A. K. Mehta, Noida."
Sample — female applicant:
"I, Priya Verma, daughter of Mr. Suresh Verma, residing at 45, Green Park, New Delhi, have changed my name to Pia Verma vide affidavit dated 12-03-2026 sworn before Notary A. K. Mehta, New Delhi."
Sample — name change after marriage:
"I, Neha Gupta (formerly Neha Jain), wife of Mr. Arjun Gupta, married on 05-02-2026, residing at 8, Civil Lines, Jaipur, Rajasthan, have changed my name vide affidavit dated 12-03-2026 sworn before Notary A. K. Mehta, Jaipur."
How much does newspaper publication cost, and how long does it take?
The cost of a name change advertisement varies by newspaper, city, and the size of the ad — a short classified notice is usually inexpensive, while larger or premium-newspaper ads cost more. Booking through the newspaper’s classifieds desk is generally the most economical option.
On timing, the ad itself usually appears within a day or two of booking. The longer wait comes at the next stage — the Gazette notification typically takes a few weeks after you submit your file.
Common mistakes to avoid
Small errors in the advertisement are a frequent cause of delay. The usual ones are publishing in only one newspaper, a spelling that does not match the affidavit, or keeping only a clipping instead of the full newspaper page. Before you submit, review the full list of common mistakes that get name change applications rejected.
From our experience: At eDrafter, the most common ad-stage error we see is a small spelling difference between the affidavit and the newspaper ad. Read the proof carefully before it runs — once it is printed, correcting it means publishing again.
Is newspaper publication mandatory?
For a legally recognised name change that institutions will accept, the newspaper advertisement is a required step alongside the affidavit and Gazette notification. Whether the Gazette notification itself is compulsory can vary from state to state, and it is mandatory for government employees. For most people, completing all three steps is the safe route, because banks, passport offices, and other authorities generally ask for the Gazette copy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In how many newspapers do I need to publish the name change ad?
Two — one in your state’s regional-language newspaper and one in an English newspaper. Keep 4–5 original copies of each.
What details must the newspaper advertisement contain?
Your old name, new name, father’s or husband’s name, age, full address, the affidavit date, and the notary’s name. These must match your affidavit exactly.
How many copies of the newspaper should I keep?
At least 4–5 original full pages of each newspaper — the page showing the masthead and date, not a clipping — for your Gazette submission.
Can I publish the advertisement online, or do I need a print newspaper?
The standard requirement is publication in print newspapers. Keep the original printed copies, as these are what you submit with your Gazette application.
What happens if there is a mistake in my published ad?
A mismatch between the ad and your affidavit can get your Gazette application returned, which usually means publishing the advertisement again. Always proofread before it runs.
Conclusion
Newspaper publication is a simple step, but an easy one to get wrong. Publish in two newspapers, make sure every detail matches your affidavit, and keep the full original pages safe for your Gazette application — after which you can download your gazette notification online. Get those right, and you avoid the rework that delays so many name changes.
