How to Correct Name in Birth Certificate: A Simple Name Change Guide

A birth certificate is a very important document. It has your name, date of birth, and place of birth. It proves where and when you were born. Sometimes, people need to make corrections to their birth certificates. This could be for various reasons, like fixing a spelling error, changing a name after marriage, or for personal reasons.

Why You Might Need to Change Your Birth Certificate?

There are several reasons why you might need to change your birth certificate:

• Spelling Mistakes: Sometimes, names or your parents’ names are misspelled. It’s important to fix these so all your documents match.
• Adoption: If a child is adopted, the parents might want to change the name on the birth certificate to match the family name.
• Marriage Name Change: After getting married, many women change their last names. This may require updating the name on the birth certificate.
• Personal or Religious Reasons: Some people may change their names for religious or personal reasons. It’s important to update the birth certificate to reflect the new name.

Who Can Change a Birth Certificate?

To change your birth certificate in India, you must:

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Have a valid reason for the name change.
• Provide the necessary documents to support your request.

Documents Needed to Correct Your Birth Certificate

You will need some important documents to make changes to your birth certificate. These include:

• A reason for the name change.
• Proof of identity (such as an Aadhaar card or passport).
• Proof of address (like a utility bill or rental agreement).
• Marriage certificate (if you’re changing your name after marriage).
• A signed affidavit about the name change, witnessed by a notary.
• A copy of a newspaper ad announcing your name change.

How to Change Your Name in Birth Certificate Online

Here are the steps to follow when correcting or changing your birth certificate online:

Step 1: Get the Name Change Form  

Go to your local Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat’s website and download the name change form. You will also need to get a gazette notification. This officially announces your name change.

Step 2: Complete Your Documents  

Make sure you have all the required documents, like your identity proof, address proof, and the name change affidavit.

Step 3: Submit Your Application  

Fill out the form and submit it along with your documents to the municipal office. The officials will check and verify your documents.

Step 4: Create an Affidavit  

Write a self-declaration about your name change on stamp paper. Sign it in front of a public notary and get it notarized.

Step 5: Advertise in Newspapers  

You will need to publish your name change in two newspapers, one local and one national. The ad should have your old name, your new name, and your contact details.

Step 6: Gazette Publication  

After your documents are verified, you need to publish a notice in the official Gazette of India. This can be done online or offline, depending on where you live. The Gazette officially confirms your new name.

Step 7: Wait for Approval  

After submitting your documents and publishing the name change, you will need to wait for the authorities to approve it. This process can take about 4 to 6 weeks.

Step 8: Get Your New Birth Certificate  

Once the gazette notification is published, go to the municipal office with the following documents to get your updated birth certificate:

• Gazette notification.
• Proof of identity.
• Proof of address.
• Original birth certificate.
• Copies of the newspaper ads.

After verifying these, the authorities will give you a new birth certificate with the updated information.

How to Apply for a Gazette Notification

Online Process:

If you want to apply for a gazette notification online, follow these steps:

• Register on the Portal: Go to the Government egazette website and create an account.
• Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your identity proof, affidavit, and newspaper ads.
• Pay the Fee: There is a fee for publishing your name change in the Gazette. You can pay it online.
• Wait for Publication: After submitting your application, once verified the Gazette will publish your new name, and you will get a notification after a few days.

Offline Process

If you prefer doing it offline, follow these steps:

• Collect the Form: Visit the Gazette office and get the name change application form.
• Submit Documents: Take all your documents, including original and photocopies, and submit them along with the form.
• Affidavit and Ads: Submit the affidavit and copies of the newspaper ads.
• Pay the Fee: Pay the required fee at the Gazette office.

Once your name change is published in the Gazette, you can use it to update your birth certificate and other legal documents.

FAQs

Q: What is a Gazette Notification?  

A: A gazette notification is an official document from the government that legally confirms your name change. It is accepted everywhere and is needed to update your birth certificate, passport, Aadhaar card, and other important documents.

Q: Why is it Important to Correct Your Birth Certificate?  

A: Your birth certificate is a key document. You will need it for things like:

• School admissions.
• Applying for passports or visas.
• Getting government jobs.
• Opening bank accounts.

If the details on your birth certificate are wrong, it could cause issues later. So, it’s best to fix any mistakes as soon as possible.

Need Help For Birth Certificate Name Correction?

If you find the process confusing or difficult, contact our Name Change registered service agency. Our agency helps people with birth certificate name corrections. We have experts who know the process and can guide you, making sure all your documents are correct. They will help you to prepare an affidavit, newspaper advertisement, and gazette publication.

Correcting your birth certificate online is now easier than ever. Follow the above simple steps, and you’ll have your updated birth certificate in no time.