Quick answer
Name change in Kochi: notarize affidavit on Kerala stamp paper (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100), Publish the notice in one daily local leading newspaper and preserve the full original page., dispatch the signed dossier to the Department of Publication, New Delhi, personally or by post/courier. Government fee: Rs. 1,100. Timeline: 5 to 10 weeks.
Kochi (Cochin) is the commercial capital of Kerala and a major port and IT hub. Residents who need to legally change their name must follow the Central Gazette of India process: notarize an affidavit on Kerala stamp paper, publish the change of name notice in one daily local leading newspaper, and send the complete dossier to the Department of Publication in New Delhi, personally or by post/courier. Inamdar Legal provides fully remote support to Kochi clients.
Quick Answer
- 01Notarize affidavit on Kerala stamp paper (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100).
- 02Publish the notice in one daily local leading newspaper and preserve the full original page.
- 03Dispatch the signed dossier to the Department of Publication, New Delhi, personally or by post/courier.
- 04Update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and bank records after Gazette publication.
Kochi Newspaper Requirements
The Department of Publication requires the change of name to be advertised in one daily local leading newspaper - not two. For Kochi: The Hindu (Kochi edition) or Times of India Kochi or Deccan Chronicle. Mathrubhumi (Kochi edition - one of the two largest Malayalam newspapers) or Malayala Manorama (Kochi edition - the other top Malayalam newspaper). A second advertisement in a second language is not required. Preserve the full original page carrying the notice; weekly papers, supplements and magazines are not accepted.
Documents Required
Checklist for Kochi name change:
- Notarized affidavit on Kerala stamp paper (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100)
- Original newspaper (the full page) carrying the change of name notice, published in one daily local leading newspaper
- Completed Proforma signed by applicant and two witnesses
- MS Word Proforma on CD/DVD
- Signed CD undertaking
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Self-attested Aadhaar / PAN / Passport copy
Government Fees
Central Gazette fees apply uniformly:
| Category | Govt Fee |
|---|---|
| General citizen (adult) | Rs. 1,100 |
| Central Government employee | Rs. 1,100 |
| Minor (child) | Rs. 1,700 |
| Public notice / correction | Rs. 1,400 |
| Indian citizen living abroad (adult) | Rs. 3,500 |
How Inamdar Legal Helps Kochi Clients
Inamdar Legal assists Kochi clients remotely with affidavit drafting, Malayalam newspaper coordination, dossier compilation, and dispatch guidance for New Delhi. Contact: +91 9106469665 or support@inamdarlegal.com.