Legal Name Change for Minors in India – Complete Parent’s Guide (2025)
Legal name change for minors in India is a formal process that ensures your child’s name is officially recognized across all documents. Whether it’s due to astrology, adoption, or spelling correction, following the Gazette procedure is essential for future legal clarity. Whether the reason is astrological, numerological, personal, or legal (due to adoption etc.), the change must be officially documented to ensure that the child’s future records — from school marksheets to passport applications — align with the chosen identity.
This guide walks parents through the name change procedure for a minor, covering everything from valid reasons to the step-by-step legal process, along with how Gazette Consultant can help.
Why Do Parents Change Their Child’s Name?
There are many situations where parents decide to change their child’s name. Some of the most common include:
- Astrological or numerological reasons: Many parents consult astrologers after birth and may find that a different name is more suitable.
- Spelling corrections or simplification: To avoid confusion in future official documents.
- Adoption or guardianship changes: Where the child takes on the surname of new parents.
- Religious or cultural transformation: Especially during religious conversions.
- Personal preference or identity alignment: Parents may feel a new name better reflects the child’s future.
No matter the reason, if the name appears differently in the birth certificate, school records, or any government ID, it’s important to follow the legal procedure.
Common Legal Reasons for Minor’s Name Change
- Spelling mistake on the birth certificate
- Name changed in school records but not officially updated
- Adoption or change in guardianship
- Change in surname due to separation/divorce
- Harmonizing names across documents (Aadhaar, passport, etc.)
- Adding or removing initials or middle names
These are considered valid grounds under Indian Gazette rules.
How to Change a Minor’s Name Legally in India (Step-by-Step)
The process explained below is for Govt. of India weekly Gazette. This gazette is valid for life-time and all over India. Even if someone travels to outside India, the same gazette is valid.
Changing the name legally involves three main steps:
Step 1: Create an Affidavit
Draft an affidavit for name change of minor. This is a sworn legal statement from the parent/guardian that explains:
- The current name of child
- The desired new name of child
- The minor’s date of birth
- Parent/guardian details (name and address)
- Affidavit has to be done by Parent/Guardian only because Minor is not entitled to make affidavits.
The affidavit must be signed in front of a notary or first-class magistrate as the case may be.
Step 2: Newspaper Advertisement
Publish the name change in one newspapers:
- Advertisement on National Newspaper
- Newspaper published in Hindi or English language
- Newspapers published in Regional languages is not allowed.
This acts as a public notice for transparency.
Step 3: Gazette Notification
Apply to the Department of Publication with the application form for name change minor in gazette. Required documents include:
- Affidavit (original + copy)
- Newspaper clippings (original)
- Birth certificate copy
- School ID or other proof of minor’s identity
- Parent’s ID proof
- CD with prescribed format of name change
- Duly filled application form
After submission, the change will be published in the Official Gazette of India, which is published from New Delhi, making it legally valid across all platforms.
Required Documents for Minor’s Name Change
Here’s a checklist for parents:
- Affidavit for name change of minor (notarized)
- Birth certificate of the child
- School ID or bonafide certificate
- Parent’s Aadhaar, PAN, or passport
- Newspaper advertisements (One original Newspaper)
- Application form for Gazette notification
- CD with name change matter in .doc format
- Passport-sized photographs (one of guardian and one of child)
- Fee Receipt (bharatkosh.gov.in)
- Submission may be done either in person by parent/Guardian or may be sent by Speed Post / Courier.
Sample: Affidavit for Name Change of Minor
I, [Parent’s Full Name], son on [father/husband name], residing at [Full Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare that my minor son/daughter [Child’s Full Name] who was born on [DOB] and currently bears the name [Old Name].
I wish to change his/her name to [New Name].
Henceforth, he/she shall be known as [New Name].
I make this declaration truthfully for the purpose of publication in the Official Gazette of India.
(Signature)
(Notary Seal)
FAQs: What Every Parent Should Know
Yes. Name changes are allowed at any age, but the earlier, the better — especially before school documents are created.
No, court visits are not required. The Gazette process is entirely administrative.
No, the original birth certificate remains the same, but the Gazette acts as a legal proof of name change. However, recently we have come across that some Municipal Corporations are accepting Gazette and issuing revised Birth Certificate.
Roughly 4 – 8 weeks depending on number of applications received by Department of Publication and government holidays..
Partially. While affidavit and newspaper parts require physical work, Gazette Consultant handles most of the process remotely.
How Gazette Consultant Makes It Easy for Parents
Changing a child’s name can seem overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. Gazette Consultant ensures:
✅ Expert affidavit drafting
✅ Correct CD & application formatting
✅ All India courier support
✅ Real-time WhatsApp updates
✅ Multilingual support through messages and customised videos
✅ Error-free Gazette publication
We’ve helped over 13,000+ Indian families complete the name change procedure for name changes and corrections in India — without court or legal hassle.
WhatsApp: +91 836-842-6853
Website: https://gazetteconsultant.com
