Detailed instructions
Name Change Newspaper Advertisement India: Sample Wording and How to Publish
A newspaper advertisement for a name change is not a legal requirement under any central Indian law. The Official Gazette notification (from egazette.gov.in) is the statutory route. However, many banks, NBFCs and private employers still ask for newspaper clippings as an internal policy. This guide explains when you need one, what to write, and how to place it.
Do you actually need a newspaper advertisement?
Before spending money on a newspaper ad, contact the institution that is asking for it and ask specifically whether a Gazette notification is sufficient. Many banks and employers now accept the Gazette alone. If the institution confirms it needs newspaper clippings, proceed as described below. If not, save the cost.
Which newspapers to choose
Most institutions that ask for newspaper clippings want:
- One leading English national daily published in your city (e.g. The Hindu, Hindustan Times, Times of India, Indian Express).
- One Hindi or regional language daily published in your state (e.g. Dainik Bhaskar, Dainik Jagran, Dinamalar for Tamil, Eenadu for Telugu).
Both papers should have wide circulation in your city or district. Very small local papers may not be accepted.
Sample wording for the advertisement
Keep the wording short and factual. Most classified sections charge by the word or by a minimum line count. A typical 40-word notice:
I, [Old Full Name], daughter/son/wife of [Father’s or Husband’s Name], residing at [Full Address], hereby give notice that I have changed my name from [Old Full Name] to [New Full Name] with effect from [Date]. In future I shall be known as [New Full Name].
— [New Full Name] (formerly [Old Full Name])
Replace the placeholders with your actual details. If the institution requires your reason, add one line: “The change is consequent to my marriage” or “The change is for personal reasons.”
How to place the advertisement
-
Go to the newspaper’s booking website or office. Most major papers have an online ad booking portal (e.g. timesofindia.com/ads, hindustan-times-ads.com). Some still require a walk-in to the ad counter.
-
Choose the “Name Change” or “Public Notice” classified category. This is usually under Legal Notices or Public Notices. It typically costs less than a display advertisement.
-
Enter or upload the text. Proofread carefully. Errors in the newspaper are difficult to correct and your institution may reject clippings with wrong spellings.
-
Upload your ID proof if asked. Some papers ask for a copy of your Aadhaar or PAN to verify identity.
-
Choose the publication date and pay. Pay online or at the counter. Rates vary: ₹500–₹2,000 for an English daily, ₹300–₹1,500 for a regional paper.
-
Buy the newspaper on publication day and cut the clipping. Self-attest the clipping: write “True copy” and sign it. Keep at least two originals per clipping.
Cost summary
| Item | Approximate cost |
|---|---|
| English national daily | ₹500–₹2,000 per insertion |
| Hindi or regional daily | ₹300–₹1,500 per insertion |
| Total for both papers | ₹800–₹3,500 |
Common problems
Institution still refusing after I submitted clippings. The institution may require the clippings to be from the date after your Gazette notification. Check whether they need the gazette first or whether clippings alone suffice.
Ad published with a spelling error. Contact the newspaper immediately. Most papers will re-publish a correction at no charge if the error was theirs. If it was your mistake, you will need to pay for a new insertion.
After you have the clippings
Combine the newspaper clippings with your notarised affidavit and Gazette notification copy when approaching institutions for a name change. See the Name Change hub for guides on updating each document.