Quick answer
Name change in Kolkata: notarize affidavit on West Bengal stamp paper (Rs. 10 or Rs. 50), 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.
Kolkata residents who need to legally change their name must follow the Central Gazette of India process. This requires a notarized affidavit on West Bengal stamp paper, publication in one daily local leading newspaper circulated in Kolkata, and dispatch of the complete application dossier to the Department of Publication in New Delhi. West Bengal also has its own State Gazette (Kolkata Gazette), but the Central Gazette is required for all national ID updates. Inamdar Legal provides fully remote name change support to Kolkata clients.
Quick Answer
- 01Notarize affidavit on West Bengal stamp paper (Rs. 10 or Rs. 50).
- 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 banking records after Gazette publication.
Kolkata Newspaper Requirements
The Department of Publication requires the change of name to be advertised in one daily local leading newspaper - not two. For Kolkata: The Telegraph (Kolkata's leading English daily) or Times of India Kolkata or The Hindu. Anandabazar Patrika (the highest-circulation Bengali daily in West Bengal, headquartered in Kolkata) or Aajkaal or Bartaman. 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.
West Bengal Stamp Paper
West Bengal has relatively low stamp paper denominations. For name change affidavits in Kolkata, Rs. 10 or Rs. 50 non-judicial stamp paper is typically used. Your local notary will advise the correct denomination. Notaries are available at district courts throughout Kolkata including at Bankshall Court and Alipore Court.
Documents Required
Checklist for Kolkata name change:
- Notarized affidavit on West Bengal stamp paper (Rs. 10 or Rs. 50)
- 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 Kolkata Clients
Inamdar Legal assists Kolkata clients remotely. We draft the affidavit, coordinate Anandabazar Patrika and English newspaper newspaper notice, compile the complete dossier, and prepare it for dispatch. Contact: +91 9106469665 or support@inamdarlegal.com.