How to Change Your Name in Kerala: A Complete Guide
Changing your name legally in Kerala involves a few official steps and some paperwork. Whether you're changing your name due to marriage, numerology, personal preference, or any other reason, the process is systematic and handled primarily through the Kerala Government Gazette and Akshaya Centres. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the name change process in Kerala.
Step 1: Visit the Kerala Gazette Office
District Form Store, Government Press Buildings, Pallikunnu P. O,Kannur 670004 District Form Officer
PH no : 0497 – 2746406
The first and most important step is to visit the Kerala Gazette Office. If you’re located in Kannur or nearby, you can go to the Gazette Office there. The Gazette Office is the authority responsible for publishing official notifications, including name changes.
Step 2: Prepare and Submit the Required Documents
At the Gazette Office, you need to submit all required documents. These typically include:
A handwritten or stating your old and new name along with the reason for the name change
- A copy of your Aadhaar Card or another government-issued ID proof
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of residence
- (soft copy) of the name change format (as per the Gazette office requirement)
Make sure to verify the latest list of documents required, as it may vary slightly based on specific cases or updates to the procedure.
Step 3: Pay the Applicable Fees
After submitting the documents, you will be asked to pay the applicable fees for the name change publication in the Gazette. The fee may vary depending on the urgency or number of copies you request. After the payment is made, you will be given an acknowledgment or receipt.
Step 4: Wait for the Gazette Notification
Once your application is accepted and the fees are paid, your request will be processed. It generally takes about 2 weeks for the name change notice to be published in the Kerala Government Gazette. You can either collect the printed certificate directly from the office or download it online from the Kerala Gazette website when it becomes available.
5. How to Download Your Gazette Notification Online
Step 6 : Update Name in Official Records via Akshaya Centre
After receiving the Gazette Certificate, the next step is to ensure that your new name is updated in various official records like Aadhaar, PAN, voter ID, bank records, and more.
To do this easily, visit your nearest Akshaya Centre, which is a government-run service center. Bring the Gazette Certificate, along with a government ID and any other supporting documents (such as an affidavit, old and new name proof). Request the officials there to update your name in government databases, using the Gazette Certificate as proof.
The staff at the Akshaya Centre will guide you through the name update requests for each document. Some updates, like Aadhaar and PAN, may involve biometric verification or additional steps, which the Akshaya staff will assist with.
Final Note
Changing your name in Kerala is a straightforward but official process. By following these steps—Gazette publication followed by updating your details through Akshaya Centres—you can ensure your new name is legally recognized and reflected across all your documents. Always keep multiple copies of your Gazette Certificate, as you may need to submit them to different departments.
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