Quick answer
Name change in Kochi: notarize affidavit on Kerala stamp paper (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100), publish in Mathrubhumi or Malayala Manorama (Malayalam) and The Hindu Kochi or Times of India (English), submit dossier to Delhi. 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 ads in one English and one Malayalam newspaper, and submit the complete dossier to the Department of Publication in New Delhi. Inamdar Legal provides fully remote support to Kochi clients.
Quick Answer
- 01Notarize affidavit on Kerala stamp paper (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100).
- 02Publish in Mathrubhumi or Malayala Manorama (Malayalam) and The Hindu Kochi (English).
- 03Submit dossier to Department of Publication, New Delhi.
- 04Update Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, and bank records after Gazette publication.
Kochi Newspaper Requirements
For name change ads in Kochi: 1. English daily: The Hindu (Kochi edition) or Times of India Kochi or Deccan Chronicle. 2. Malayalam daily: Mathrubhumi (Kochi edition - one of the two largest Malayalam newspapers) or Malayala Manorama (Kochi edition - the other top Malayalam newspaper). Both are widely accepted. Mathrubhumi is slightly preferred for legal notices.
Documents Required
Checklist for Kochi name change:
- Notarized affidavit on Kerala stamp paper (Rs. 50 or Rs. 100)
- Original newspaper sheets: one English + one Malayalam daily
- 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 | Rs. 1,100 |
| Government employee | Rs. 1,400 |
| Minor (child) | Rs. 1,700 |
| NRI | Rs. 1,400 |
How Inamdar Legal Helps Kochi Clients
Inamdar Legal assists Kochi clients remotely with affidavit drafting, Malayalam newspaper coordination, dossier compilation, and New Delhi submission. Contact: +91 9106469665 or support@inamdarlegal.com.