Your Step-by-Step Handbook for Birth Certificate Name Changes in India

Index
1. Birth Certificate Overview
2. Why Change Name?
3. Offline Name Change Process
4. Required Documents
5. Fees & Processing Time
6. State Websites for Name Change
7. Importance of Birth Certificate
8. Parent’s Name Change
9. Online Name Change Option
10. Conclusion
11. FAQs on Name Change

Changing of name in a birth certificate in India is a process that requires meticulousness and following specific procedures. In this guide, we provide an elaborate account of how one can go about this, the significance of a birth certificate and some frequently asked questions.

Understanding the Birth Certificate

A Birth certificate is a legal document that holds records of the birth of any person and has many important uses such as it’s use for admission to schools, passports or job applications. Municipal Corporation and Gram Panchayat issues the Birth certificate.

Why Change Your Name on a Birth Certificate?

Reasons for the name change on a birth certificate:

• Marriage or divorce
• Personal preference or dislike of current name
• Legal or identity reasons
• Adoption or change in parental status

People Also Read: What are the Advantages and Benefits of Changing Your Name in Educational Certificates

How to Change Your Name on Your Birth Certificate (Offline)

Step 1: Get the Forms You Need

• Visit the Municipal Corporation Office or the Gram Panchayat where your birth was registered. Ask for a “Birth Certificate Update/Correction Form.”
• If they don’t give you the form, you can change your name through a Gazette, which is a government record. This won’t change your birth certificate but will help update other documents with your new name.

Step 2: Make an Affidavit

• An affidavit is a legal paper that says you want to change your name. You can get it made by a local notary (a person who helps with legal documents).

• The affidavit should show your new name and explain why you want to change it. It should be on special stamp paper that doesn’t cost too much.

Step 3: Submit the Correction Form

• Fill out the correction form accurately.
• Attach the affidavit and submit it to the respective authority either in  Municipal Corporation or District Court.

Step 4: Make an Announcement in the Newspaper

• You need to put an announcement about your name change in one local newspaper.
• This helps everyone know about your name change.

Step 5: Apply for a Gazette Notification

• Apply to have your new name published in the Central Government’s Official Gazette.
• You will need to submit some documents like the newspaper announcement, your affidavit, and a passport-size photo.
• You will also have to pay a fee (between Rs. 1100 – Rs. 2500).

Step 6: Follow-up and Check

• After you submit everything, check with the municipal office to see if everything is going well.
• They might need to verify your documents and do a police check if your birth wasn’t registered within 21 days after you were born.

Step 7: Receive the Updated Birth Certificate

• Once everything is approved, your new birth certificate will be mailed to you, or you can pick it up from the office.

Documents Required for Birth Certificate Name Change

• Affidavit for name change
• Old birth certificate
• Proof of residence
• Passport-sized photos
• Copies of newspaper advertisements

Fees and Processing Time

• The process costs around Rs. 1100 – Rs. 2500, excluding newspaper advertisement rates.
• This process of name change through Central Gazette can take 45 to 60 days.

Specific State Websites for Birth Certificate Name Changes in India

It is very helpful to have all the knowledge of laws and procedures for name changes in birth certificates. This can vary from state to state.

To alter one’s name on a birth certificate, these sites offer detailed information and important application forms. 

Here are all the websites of all the states, choose and get all the information and guidance required:

State	Websites
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

Importance of having a Birth Certificate

• Create a legal identity and citizenship.
• Important for many processes, such as educational, employment, and legal purposes.
• Comes in handy when obtaining other official documents like passports or driver’s licenses.

Change of Parent’s Names in Birth Certificate

In circumstances of adoption or shifts in parental status, corresponding procedures are observed to alter a parent’s name on a birth certificate. This might maybe necessitate further lawful processes like adoption registration and judicial commands.

Online Option for Name Change in Birth Certificate

Many States offer online services for birth certificate corrections. Check your state government’s website for specific procedures and forms.

• The name change gazette is what you should check with the Municipal Corporation Office or Gram Panchayat, where the birth was recorded.n case it is legitimate, you can alter your birth certificate using the ezyLegal online name change gazette service.

Conclusion

In India, changing the name on a birth certificate is a detailed process that requires you to have the right documents and follow certain rules. By carefully following the steps explained in this guide, you can successfully change your name on your birth certificate.

Remember, your birth certificate is an important legal document that proves who you are, so it’s important to update it correctly and carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions on Birth Certificate Name Changes in India

Q1. How to get a name change certificate in India online?

Ans1. Documents Required to Change a Name Online:

• An affidavit on a stamp paper.
• The original newspaper with the name change advertisement.
• The prescribed proforma in printed format, duly signed by the applicant and two witnesses.
• Two passport-size photographs.
• Photocopies of valid ID proof (PAN card, Aadhaar card, or passport).
• A CD with a soft copy of the application in .docx format duly filled.
• A letter stating that the content in the hard and soft copy of the application is true.
• A request letter along with the registration fee to the authority.

Q2. How much does it cost to change your name in India?

Ans2. The total cost for the name change is ₹7500/- to get your name legally changed.

Q3. How to write an application for a name change on a birth certificate?

Ans3. The subject of the letter is “Name change request letter.” Salutation is done, e.g. Dear Sir or Madam, Respected Sir/Ma’am. Then the main body of the letter is written, which includes your old name and your new name and a request to update it. Thank you/Thank you in anticipation/Thank you in advance.

Q4. Is it difficult to change a name in India?

Ans4. Changing a name legally in India requires drafting an affidavit, publishing a newspaper advertisement, and notifying the change in the Gazette of India. This process requires legal compliance and specific documents, such as ID proofs and the Gazette notification publication.

Q5. What is the difference between name change and name correction?

Ans5. Name change means you will be called by another or different name or your Surname will change. But in name correction, Name and Surname will remain the same but 2–3 alphabets will be added to it, keeping the pronunciation the same or similar.

Q6. How can I change my name for free?

Ans6. The legal procedure to change your name will require you to pay filing and court fees. You will also have to pay for any other new identity that you require, like a driver’s license or an Aadhaar card.

Q7. How long will it take to change my real name in India?

Ans7. The entire name change process in India may take anywhere from 4-6 weeks or even longer in some cases.

Q8. What are the rules for name change?

Ans8. Procedure for Name Change in India:

• Affidavit Submission: An affidavit needs to be prepared for the name change.
• Ad Publication: An announcement should be published in the newspaper.
• Gazette Notification: A notification should be published in the Gazette of India regarding the name change.

Q9. Is changing the name a fundamental right?

Ans9. Articles 19(1)(a) and 21 of the Constitution of India grant every citizen the fundamental right to keep or change his or her name. However, it is not an absolute right and is subject to various restrictions by law.

Q10. How do you prove name change in India?

Ans10. In other circumstances for change of name, the applicant (male or female) should furnish

 (i) Gazette notification of the state government concerned or central gazette and clippings of newspapers regarding the change of name; and (ii) At least two public/school documents issued in the desired name.

Q11. Can I change my name on all documents?

Ans11. The changed name will be in force from the date of the Gazette notification. All old existing papers will be in your name as of the date or as it is; no change is possible. You have to make an Affidavit regarding the change in your name. Also, make an application for a change in your name in the official gazette.

Q12. Can I change my name spelling in all documents?

Ans12. Get an affidavit from the court, declare the change in 2 major newspapers, and give a copy of the affidavit everywhere where you’re going for a name change on certificates.

Q13. How do I write an affidavit for a name change?

Ans13. 1. That my recorded name in school and college is ______________(YOUR NAME), but I myself am popularly known as _________________(New name).
2. That by virtue of this affidavit, I changed my name from YOURNAME (old name) to CHOSENNAME (new name) and henceforth, I shall be known as the CHOSENNAME (new name) for all purposes.

Q14. What is a notice for a change of name?

Ans14. The notice for change of name is the document used to publish a notice or advertisement in a newspaper regarding the change of a person’s name. The affidavit may be required to be submitted along with the other documents for changing the name in certain official documents.

Q15. Can you change a 3-year-old’s name?

Ans15. You can apply to change the name of a child for any reason, but the judge will only approve the request if “the change is in the best interest of the child.” If it is, the court will issue a court order changing the child’s legal name.

Q16. Is it hard to change a baby’s name?

Ans16. A legal name change is permanent and includes petitioning the courts and changing your child’s name on their birth certificate and social security card.

Q17. What are the disadvantages of changing names?

Ans17. Changing your name involves a significant amount of paperwork and bureaucracy. You’ll need to update your driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, and any other important documents that list your name.

Q18. Is changing the name a good idea?

Ans18. Changing your name can be a transformative decision, offering the opportunity for a new and positive chapter in your life.

Q19. Can we change the name on the birth certificate in India online?

Ans19. No, you can’t change the name on a birth certificate completely online in India. You have to do some parts of the process by going to a local office in person. Here’s how you can change the name on a birth certificate:

Steps to Change the Name on a Birth Certificate in India:

1. Visit the Local Office: Go to the local municipal office, like the municipal corporation, council, or panchayat office, where the birth was registered. You can also check their website to see if they have any forms you can fill out online.
2. Fill Out the Form: Get the form you need to change the name on the birth certificate and fill it out. Some offices might let you download this form online.
3. Submit the Documents: You will need to provide some documents, such as:
   • A legal statement (called an affidavit) explaining why you want to change the name.
   • The original birth certificate.
   • Proof of identity and address (like an Aadhaar card).
   • A copy of a newspaper announcement showing the name change.
4. Submit Your Application: Bring the form and documents to the office. Some offices might need you to come in person to submit everything.
5. Pay the Fee: Pay a fee for processing the name change. The cost can be different depending on where you live.
6. Wait for Approval: The officials will check your documents and the reasons for the name change. This can take a few weeks.
7. Get the Updated Birth Certificate: If everything is approved, you will get a new birth certificate with the updated name. Some offices may let you download it online, but you might have to go back to the office to collect it.

Important Note:

While you might be able to do some steps online, like filling out forms, you still need to go to the office in person for the actual name change because they need to check your documents and signatures.

It’s a good idea to ask the local municipal office or check their website to know exactly what you need to do.

Q20. What is the rule for changing the name?

Ans20. There are two main ways to change your name legally:

1. Going to Court: In many cases, you have to ask a judge in your local court to change your name. This means filling out some forms and sometimes speaking to a judge. The court checks to make sure you want to change your name for a good reason and not to do something wrong or illegal. If the judge agrees, they will give you a court order, which is a legal document that shows everyone that your new name is official.
2. Publishing in the Gazette: Another way is to publish a notice of your name change in the Official Gazette, a government record. This makes the name change public. However, just using the Gazette might not be enough for all places, like some government offices or banks, which might still ask for a court order.

Both methods make sure your name change is recognized, but going to court often gives you stronger proof that your new name is legal. It’s important to check with your local court or government to find out which method you need to use.

Q21. How long is an affidavit valid for a name change?

Ans21. A Notarized document like an Affidavit is valid for up to a lifetime as regards its contents. Its time, place, and date on which the same has been executed should be the main consideration OR that the contents of the affidavit are negated by new/other pieces of evidence making the earlier affidavit null & void.

Q22. At what age can a child change his name?

Ans22. There isn’t a specific age for a child to change their name in India. However, if a child is under 18 years old (a minor), their parents or legal guardians have to handle the name change process for them.

Here’s how it works:

1. Parental Permission: Only parents or guardians can request a name change for a child. They need to provide a reason for wanting to change the name.
2. Affidavit: The parents or guardians will write a legal statement (called an affidavit) explaining the current name, the new name they want, and why they want to change it. This statement needs to be signed in front of a legal official called a notary.
3. Newspaper Announcement: To let the public know about the name change, the parents must publish a notice in two newspapers—one local and one national.
4. Official Record (Gazette Notification): The parents also need to get the name change published in the Official Gazette of India, a government record, to make it official. They send an application and the required documents to the Department of Publication.
5. Update Important Documents: Once the name change is official, the parents should update all important documents, like the child’s birth certificate, school records, and Aadhaar card.

It’s usually easier to change a child’s name when they are younger and haven’t created many official records yet, like school documents.

Q23. Can you change a 10-year-old’s name?

Ans23. A child cannot petition the court to have their name changed. Only a parent or guardian can do this. A name change petition can include both a parent and minor children. However, each parent will require a separate petition.

Q24. Can I use my birth certificate to change my name on my Aadhar card?

Ans24. No, you cannot change your name on Aadhar Card just by providing a Birth certificate. You need to carry at least one original proof of identity document with you while visiting the Aadhaar Seva Kendra or Aadhaar Enrolment Centre, such as a PAN card, driving license, Voter ID, ration card, etc along with birth certificate (if it reflects the name you want to change to).