Name change in birth certificate online: A birth certificate is one of the first documents created after a person’s birth. The name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, and parents’ details are usually mentioned in this document.
A name change in birth certificate online is, however, needed when there’s a spelling mistake, a surname needs to be added, or a person has legally changed their complete name.
The exact process may vary based on the birth certificate’s type and the authority where the birth is registered. We’ll today discuss the Name change in birth certificate online, required documents, Gazette requirements, estimated costs, and state portals here.
Types of Name Changes in a Birth Certificate
It is usually divided into two different parts:
- Minor name correction: It usually handles clerical or small mistakes and adjustments.
- Major name update: A change in the complete first name, surname, or the person’s legally adopted name is handled here.
The Registrar of Births and Deaths or the concerned municipal authority may handle the minor name correction. Additional documents like a Gazette notification are, however needed for a major name change.
Name Change in Birth Certificate Online, Possible?
Yes, the birth certificate can be updated or corrected. But the process is not the same across India.
The local Registrar may accept the application with supporting documents for a minor name correction or spelling error correction. The authority, meanwhile, may ask for the legal name change proof for a major name change. Gazette notification may be needed for a major name change.
The exact requirements depend on the state, municipal corporation, Gram Panchayat, or other authority responsible for the original birth registration.
Documents for Name Change in Birth Certificate Online
The exact documents needed for a name change in a birth certificate based on the Name change in birth certificate’s type & local rules. Common documents needed are:
1. Affidavit for Name Change
It is a sworn declaration where the existing name, proposed name, reason for the change, date of birth, address, and other required details are clearly mentioned. You must prepare it on non-judicial stamp paper and have it notarized.
2. Existing Birth Certificate
An applicant must also keep the original birth certificate & copies showing the existing name and other registration details.
3. Identity and Address Proof
Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or other government ID may also be requested based on the applicant and relevant authority.
4. Newspaper Advertisement
It is also needed for major legal name changes. It should clearly showcase the old name, new name, address, and other related information.
5. Passport-Size Photographs
The latest passport-size photos may also be needed for Gazette notification and a major name change.
6. Gazette Notification
It is one of the most important documents needed for a complete legal name change. You may also need to perform other steps to apply the change to the date of birth certificate based on your relevant authority.
7. Application to the Registrar
A correction or a name change application must also be submitted with the supporting documents mentioned above to the Registrar of Births and Deaths.
Process of Name Change in Birth Certificate Online
This route is only reliable if your local authority doesn’t offer the Name change in birth certificate online option. Common steps are:
Step 1: Contact the Birth Registrar
You must initially head to the Municipal Corporation, Municipal Council, Gram Panchayat, or other authority where the birth was originally registered. The applicant must ask for the applicable birth certificate correction or update form here.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
You must then prepare the existing birth certificate, affidavit, identity documents, address proof, photographs, and other required documents. It would be best to confirm the documents first with the registrar.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Fill in the form carefully because you must mention the existing name, proposed name, reason for the change, and registration details in it there. You can submit the form with the needed documents to the authority.
Step 4: Complete Newspaper Formalities if Required
You may also be required to publish a newspaper advertisement for a major legal name change. Some Gazette processes may also require the advertisement in a regional language & English newspaper.
Step 5: Apply for Gazette Notification if Required
You must next apply for the relevant Gazette notification based on the applicable process to provide legal proof of a complete name change.
Step 6: Wait for Verification
The registrar may take some days to check the documents & verify all information before approving it.
Step 7: Collect or Download the Updated Certificate
The concerned office or an online portal may issue the updated certificate after approval based on the local system.
Steps to Change Name in Birth Certificate Online
The Name change in birth certificate online process may differ based on the authority where the birth is registered. Applicants can easily submit applications, upload documents, pay fees, and track applications online. Some processes still require an office visit, original documents, notarization, or Gazette publication.
Common online steps are:
- You must initially visit the official state or local authority portal.
- The applicant may also need to create an account or log in if needed.
- Select the birth certificate correction or similar service.
- You must enter the current registration information.
- The applicant must type the proposed name next.
- Upload the supporting documents.
- You must next pay the application if needed.
- Submit it last and save the application number.
- You can track the application after submitting it on the government portal while waiting for approval.
- The updated birth certificate can be downloaded after approval.
Gazette Process for a Major Name Change in Birth Certificate
A Gazette notification can be relevant to legally adopt a completely different name. Its general process is:
- Affidavit
- Newspaper advertisement
- Gazette notification
The affidavit states the proposed change. The newspaper advertisement intends to announce the change publicly. The Gazette notification is official evidence of the legal name change.
The Gazette process may involve a parent or guardian for a minor applicant. Adults can usually apply for the name change themselve. The exact Gazette process depends on the applicable government department and the applicant’s case.
Name Change in Birth Certificate Online (State Portal Links)
The exact Name change in birth certificate online portal should be checked before submitting an application because every authority doesn’t provide the complete process online. It’s therefore best to consult a legal expert before starting the complete process.
If your state is not listed above or your state does not have online portal then you can use this CRS Portal by Central government of India which covers almost all the states individually.
Adding a Surname or Middle Name in Birth Certificate
It represents a separate issue compared to changing the entire name correctly.
Parents must submit their IDs, the current birth certificate, and other supporting documents for a minor applicant. The adult applicant may need to submit the Gazette notification and other documents for this purpose.
You must always confirm the exact requirements with the registrar before initiating the process.
Name change in birth certificate online cost
There’s no single cost for Name Change in Birth Certificate. But the common costs generally have:
- Government fees
- Affidavit & notarization charge
- Newspaper ads charge
- Gazette publication fee if needed
- Charges for extra document copies
The estimated cost for a name change in Birth Certificate may fall between ₹1,100–₹2,500 in some cases without the newspaper charges. Actual fees may differ based on state, department, and process.
Read Also,
- Gazette notification for name change in Rajasthan (3 Steps)
- How to Change the Name of Gazettes in Telangana?
- Odisha Gazette Name Change– 5 Steps to Change Name
- Name Change Process in Punjab | e Gazette Punjab
- Maharashtra Gazette Name Change: Step-by-Step Guide
- How to get Gazette Notification for Name Change in Delhi?
How Long Does the Process Take?
The responsible authority & the application type play an important role in deciding the exact process time.
A simple correction may take less time compared to a complete legal name change because an affidavit, newspaper publication, Gazette notification, and municipal verification are performed there.
Although around 15 to 30 days may be required for a simple correction, approximately 45 to 60 days are needed for the complete legal name change. These numbers are not fixed deadlines.
FAQs to Name change in birth certificate
Can I change my name on my birth certificate online?
A certain portion to Name Change in Birth Certificate can be completed online in some states and local authorities. A complete legal change, however, may still need an affidavit, Gazette notification, original documents, or physical verification.
Can I add my surname to a birth certificate?
Indeed, the addition of the surname or middle name is possible through the right process.
Is a Gazette notification required for every name correction?
No, a simple name correction may follow a different process. But Gazette notification is a must for changing the complete legal name.
Conclusion
The Name Change in Birth Certificate process depends mainly on if you are doing a minor name correction or a major name change. The registrar can easily handle the minor correction. But an affidavit, newspaper publication, Gazette notification, and additional verification are required for a complete name change.
Although the Name change in birth certificate online service is present in several states of India, they don’t necessarily covers every stage of name change. It would be best to check the official portal or Registrar before starting the process.