How to Change Name in Birth Certificate: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
Have you recently discovered that your name is spelled wrong or outdated on your birth certificate? Or maybe your child’s name has a typo, or you’ve gone through a legal name change — but the birth certificate doesn’t reflect it?
You’re not alone.
Thousands of people in India face issues due to name mismatches in birth certificates, and it can lead to serious complications: from passport rejections to school admissions delays, visa refusals, and even problems while applying for jobs or financial transactions.
In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explain:
- Why correcting your name in the birth certificate is important
- Who is eligible for a name correction or name change
- Step-by-step process to change the name
- Documents required for name change in Birth Certificate
- How Gazette Consultant can help you do it hassle-free
Why Is It Important to Correct Your Name in the Birth Certificate?
Your birth certificate is the foundational identity document in India. Any inconsistency in your name across documents — especially the birth certificate — can create legal trouble when you:
- Apply for a passport
- Register for school or college
- Get married legally
- Apply for a government job
- Buy or sell property
- Apply for visa or immigration
- Claim inheritance or other benefits
A mismatch in name between your birth certificate and other IDs (like Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID Card, Driving License or passport) can cause serious delays or outright rejections.
What Kind of Name Changes Are Allowed?
You can apply for name change or correction in the following cases:
- Spelling Errors (e.g., “Ramesh” printed as “Romesh”)
- Missing Middle Name
- Adding or Dropping Surnames
- Change after Adoption
- Change after Marriage or Divorce
- Change in Gender Identity (Transgender applicants)
- Numerology or Personal Reasons
Who Can Apply for Name Change?
- If the person is a minor (below 18), parents or legal guardians must apply.
- If the person is an adult, they can apply on their own.
- Should be citizen of India.
How to Change Name in Birth Certificate in India – Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare an Affidavit
Create a notarized affidavit stating:
- The old name and new name
- Reason for change
- Declaration that both refer to the same person
👉 Get it printed on ₹10 or ₹20 non-judicial stamp paper
👉 Get it notarized by a first-class magistrate or notary
Step 2: Publish Newspaper Advertisements
Publish your name change in one newspaper (English or Hindi)
Format includes:
“I, [Old Name] S/O D/O W/O [name], residing at [Full Address], have changed my name to [New Name] and shall be known by this name from now onwards.”
Step 3: Apply for Gazette Notification
Submit your name change application to the Department of Publication under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.
You need to provide:
- Affidavit copy
- Newspaper clippings
- Passport-size photographs
- Self-attested ID proofs
- Duly filled form and covering letter
- CD with typed content (in prescribed format)
- Online (bharatkosh.gov.in) fee payment receipt
Once approved, your name change will be published in the Official Gazette of India in Part IV.
Step 4: Request Correction in Birth Certificate
Now that your name change is legally recognized, apply to the Municipal Corporation / Registrar of Births and Deaths in the place where the birth was registered.
You’ll need:
- Original birth certificate
- Gazette notification copy
- Name change affidavit
- Newspaper clippings
- ID and proof of parents (for minor)
- Application form
Note: Each State may have variation in the process. Check the remaining process with the concerned Municipality. However, if due to any reason they dont consider reissuing of revised Birth Certificate. No problem, still you can use the existing Birth certificate and attach copy of Gazette Notification. New name mentioned in the Gazette will be treated as the correct name.
Documents Required for How to Change Name in Birth Certificate in India
- Affidavit for name change
- One newspaper publication
- Gazette notification copy
- Original birth certificate
- Aadhar card or identity proof
- Passport-size photos
- Application letter to Registrar of Births
- Parents’ ID proof (for minors)
How Gazette Consultant Helps You
- Draft affidavit & ads
- Format Gazette content correctly
- Handle Gazette application
- Guide you for birth certificate correction
📞 WhatsApp us: +91 836-842-6853
🌐 Visit: gazetteconsultant.com
FAQs: What Every Parent Should Know
Only minor typos can be corrected directly. For full name change, Gazette is mandatory in most states.
Yes. All birth corrections are handled by the local registrar — even in rural areas.
No. Gazette publication is the legal proof of name change in India.
Yes, many women opt to update surname or middle name post-marriage. The Gazette route is best.
Yes. Once your birth certificate is updated, you can apply for corrections in school marksheets and certificates too.
Conclusion
Changing the name in a birth certificate in India requires careful attention to detail and supporting documentation. If you follow the above steps, the process becomes manageable and hassle-free. Ensure all information is consistent across documents to avoid future complications.
Need Help with Name Change in India? Gazette Consultant has helped 13,000+ clients across India to legally change names, correct documents, and publish Gazette notifications. Contact us today for expert assistance!
