Legally Change The Name Of a Minor in India

This guide explains the full process of changing a minor’s name in India, including reasons like adoption, correcting typos, or changing the surname after a parent’s remarriage. Follow the steps to update documents such as Aadhaar card, birth certificate, and passport.

Updating a minor’s name on legal documents is important. If there is any mistake or change needed on documents like the Aadhaar card, passport, or birth certificate, it should be fixed as soon as possible. This prevents future problems.

In this guide, we have listed all the important steps and documents needed for changing a minor’s name. We have also shared helpful tips so you can complete this process easily from home.

Who Can Change a Minor’s Name and The Reasons in India?

There are certain situations where a minor’s name can be changed. Here are the common reasons:

The child is adopted.
Parents want to correct a typo error in the child’s name.
The mother wants to change the child’s surname after divorce or remarriage.
The father’s name needs to be corrected in documents.
There is an error in the date of birth on the birth certificate.
The mother wants to revert to her maiden name and has custody of the child.
A court order mandates a name change.
The family changes religion and wants the child’s name to reflect this change.

Documents Required for a Minor’s Name Change

To change a minor’s name legally, you will need to provide the following documents:

Name Change Application Form: Filled and signed by a parent or guardian with a consent letter.
Child’s Birth Certificate: A copy of the original birth certificate.
Affidavit (Original Copy): A notarized affidavit with a valid reason for the name change.
Adoption Certificate: If the child is adopted, this certificate is required.
Mother’s Marriage or Divorce Certificate: If the name change is due to marriage or divorce.
ID Proof of Parent: Passport, Aadhaar card, or Voter ID of the parent or guardian.
Address Proof: Ration card, electricity bill, or any valid address proof.
Newspaper Advertisement: Copies of public notices published in a regional and national newspaper.
Gazette Notification: Official publication of the name change.
Court Order: If a court has ordered the name change.

You can ask for help in preparing these documents. Our team can assist you with the entire process.

Steps to Legally Change a Minor’s Name in India

Follow these steps to change a minor’s name legally in India:

Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit

The parent or guardian must write an affidavit on a ₹20/- stamp paper. It should state the child’s current name, the new name, and the reason for the change. The affidavit must be signed and notarized. We can help you with the correct format.

Step 2: Publish 2 Newspaper Advertisements

You must publish an advertisement in two newspapers: one regional and one national. The ad must follow the government-approved format. Keep original copies of these newspaper ads as proof.

Step 3: Submit for Gazette Notification

Fill out a name change application form for the Gazette of India. Attach the affidavit, newspaper advertisements, and other required documents. Pay the government fee. After approval, the new name will be published in the Gazette of India.

How to Update the Minor’s Name on Legal Documents

After the name is published in the Gazette, you need to update it on important documents:

1. Birth Certificate

To update the child’s birth certificate, visit your local municipal office. Fill out the application form and attach the required documents, including the Gazette certificate. Pay the fee and apply. You will receive a new birth certificate with the updated name after verification.

2. Aadhaar Card

Offline Process:

Go to the nearest Aadhaar enrollment center. Fill out the correction form and attach all the necessary documents. Pay the fee. After verification, the child’s Aadhaar card will be updated.

Online Process:

Visit the UIDAI website. Log in and go to “Update My Aadhaar”. Follow the instructions, upload the documents, and submit. The new Aadhaar card will be issued after verification.

3. Passport

Visit the local passport office with the updated documents. Fill out the application form for name change and submit it with the required papers. After document and police verification, a new passport with the updated name will be issued.

How We Can Assist You

We are a registered firm in India with a team of legal experts and agents who can guide you through the name change process. We help in:

Preparing affidavits
Publishing newspaper advertisements
Completing all paper works
Applying for the Gazette notification
Follow up i the government offices
Updating legal documents

We have helped thousands of clients change their names smoothly over the last decade. Our clients have given us high ratings for our services. Call us today for a free consultation.

FAQs

Q: What is the cost of changing a minor’s name in India?

A: The cost varies based on the documents required and the processing fees. Contact us for an estimate.

Q: How long does it take to change a minor’s name?

A: The process usually takes 3-8 weeks, depending on document verification and the Gazette notification.

Q: Is it necessary to publish a newspaper ad for a minor’s name change?

A: Yes, publishing an ad in both regional and national newspapers is a mandatory step in the name change process.

Q: Can we change the date of birth along with the name change?

A: Yes, you can request a date of birth correction if there is an error. You need to provide valid proof and follow the legal process.

With this guide, you can easily complete the name change process for a minor in India. If you need help, our experts are just a call away.

Name Change Process for Minors in India: Step-by-step Process