Birth Certificate Name Change in India: Changing the name on a birth certificate in India is a detailed process that requires following specific steps. Here’s an easy-to-understand guide on how to go about it, along with the importance of a birth certificate and some commonly asked questions.
A birth certificate is an official document that records a person’s birth. It is crucial for many important tasks, like getting admission to schools, applying for passports, or even applying for jobs.Birth certificates are issued by the Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat, depending on where the person was born.
There are several reasons why someone might want to change their name on a birth certificate, such as:
- Marriage or Divorce: A person may want to change their name after getting married or divorced.
- Personal Preference: If someone dislikes their current name, they might decide to change it.
- Legal or Identity Reasons: Sometimes, a name change is needed for legal or personal identity purposes.
- Adoption or Parental Change: In cases of adoption or changes in parental status, a name change might be necessary.
Birth Certificate Name Change in India
Having accurate personal information on your birth certificate is crucial as it serves as a fundamental proof of identity, age, and nationality.
If you need to correct or change your name on your birth certificate in India, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Related also: Step-by-Step Process for Birth Certificate Name Changes in India
A birth certificate is required for numerous essential activities such as school admissions, obtaining passports, applying for jobs, and getting married.
An incorrect name can cause significant hurdles in these processes. Therefore, ensuring that your name is accurately recorded on your birth certificate is vital.
To change a name on a birth certificate in India:
- Create an affidavit explaining the name change and the reason.
- Publish the change in two local newspapers (one English, one local).
- Submit an application to the local registrar with:
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- Original birth certificate
- Affidavit
- Newspaper publications
- Government ID proof
- In some cases, published in the Official Gazette.
- Once approved, receive the updated birth certificate.
How to Update Your Name on Your Birth Certificate (Offline)?
| Step | Action | Details |
| 1. Get the Forms | Visit the Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat. | Ask for a “Birth Certificate Update/Correction Form.” If unavailable, you can change your name through a Gazette publication. |
| 2. Make an Affidavit | Create a legal affidavit. | The affidavit should state your new name, the reason for the change, and be notarized. It must be on special stamp paper. |
| 3. Submit the Correction Form | Fill out and submit the correction form. | Attach the affidavit and submit to the Municipal Corporation or District Court. |
| 4. Make an Announcement | Publish a name change announcement in a local newspaper. | This helps inform the public about your name change. |
| 5. Apply for a Gazette Notification | Apply to have your name change published in the Central Government’s Official Gazette. | Submit documents like the newspaper announcement, affidavit, and photo, and pay a fee (Rs. 1100 – Rs. 2500). |
| 6. Follow-up and Check | Follow up with the relevant authority. | Ensure that your documents are verified and a police check is done if needed. |
| 7. Receive the Updated Birth Certificate | Collect or wait for your new birth certificate. | Once approved, it will be mailed to you or available for pickup at the office. |
Steps to Change Your Name on a Birth Certificate
Collect Necessary Documents:
Gather all the documents you will need, including:
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- The original birth certificate
- An affidavit for the name change
- Proof of the correct name (such as a government-issued ID)
- Newspaper advertisements announcing the name change
- The application form for name correction
- Gazette notification
Prepare an Affidavit:
Create an affidavit for the name change. This document should detail your old name, the new name, and the reason for the change. It must be notarized or signed by a magistrate.
Publish in Newspapers:
Announce the name change in two newspapers: one in the local language and one in English. This step is crucial for legal validation and public records.
Submit Application to the Municipal Corporation:
Visit the municipal corporation office where the birth was registered and submit the application form along with the affidavit, newspaper clippings, and other necessary documents.
Apply for Gazette Notification:
Apply to have your name change published in the official gazette. This involves paying a fee and providing the required documents. Once published, the gazette notification serves as the official proof of your name change.
Required Documents for Changing Name on Birth Certificate
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Affidavit for Name Change
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Old Birth Certificate
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Proof of Residence
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Passport-Sized Photos
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Newspaper Advertisement Copies
Time Fees Processing
- Cost: Rs. 1100 – Rs. 2500 (excluding newspaper ad)
- Time: 45 to 60 days via Central Gazette
Main Top Tips for a Smooth Process
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Double-Check Details:
Ensure that all information in the forms and documents is accurate to avoid delays.
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Keep Copies:
Make copies of all the documents and receipts related to the name change process.
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Follow Up:
If you do not receive updates within the expected time frame, follow up with the relevant authorities to ensure your application is being processed.
State-Specific Websites for Birth Certificate Name Change in India
- Arunachal Pradesh: Itanagar Municipal Corporation
- Andhra Pradesh: crsorgi.gov.in, Meeseva
- Assam: crsorgi.gov.in
- Bihar: crsorgi.gov.in, Civil Registration System
- Chhattisgarh: cgstate.gov.in
- Goa: Government of Goa
- Haryana: saralharyana.gov.in
- Himachal Pradesh: himachalforms.nic.in
- Jammu and Kashmir: jk.gov.in
- Kerala: lsgkerala.gov.in
- Madhya Pradesh: crsorgi.gov.in, mpenagarpalika.gov.in
- Maharashtra: aaplesarkar.mahaonline.gov.in, crsorgi.gov.in, mcgm.gov.in
- Mizoram: desmizo.nic.in
- Odisha: Odisha One
- Punjab: Government of Punjab
- Rajasthan: Rajasthan Civil Registration System
- Tamil Nadu: https://chennaicorporation.gov.in/
- Telangana: Telangana MeeSeva Portal
- Uttar Pradesh: crsorgi.gov.in
- West Bengal: crsorgi.gov.in, West Bengal e-District
- Daman and Diu: edistrictdd.gov.in
- Delhi: Govt. of NCT of Delhi, ndmc.gov.in
FAQs related to Birth Certificate Name Change in India
How to change the name on a birth certificate in India?
The two main ways to legally change your name are:
- Going to Court: Requesting a name change through a local court and obtaining approval from a judge.
- Publishing in the Gazette: Announcing the name change by publishing a notice in the Official Gazette, a government publication.
How to get name change certificate in India online?
Documents required for online name change:
- Affidavit on stamp paper
- Original newspaper with name change ad
- Signed proforma (with two witnesses)
- Two passport-size photos
- Photocopies of valid ID (PAN, Aadhaar, passport)
- CD with soft copy of the application (.docx)
- Letter confirming application content is true
- Request letter and registration fee.
How much does it cost to legally change your name in India?
Minimum to 750 to a maximum of 1,000
How to change name legally in India?
To change your name legally:
- Create an affidavit: A sworn statement on stamp paper.
- Publish an advertisement: Announce the name change in a newspaper.
- Gazette Notification: Publish the change in the Gazette of India.
Conclusion
Changing your name on a birth certificate in India may seem daunting, but with the right steps, it becomes manageable. By following this guide, you can ensure your personal information is accurate and avoid potential issues in the future.