Name Change in Birth Certificate, How to Get The Name Corrected, Procedure Explained 

Name Change in Birth Certificate

“What is there in the name?” the popular dialog from William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet the name shouldn’t be given much importance. However, in real life your name holds significant importance for identity and it is very important to have the correct name reflected in your official documents. A Birth certificate is one of the primary documents which is used as the proof of name and date of birth for a person. It is important to have the correct name on your birth certificate refracted as it is the primary document based on which various other official documents are made. 

The changing of the name on birth certificate in India is a process that would require a person to take a cautious approach and have an eye for details. You have to make sure that the details you mention are absolutely correct. The correcting name in your birth certificate is possible through traditional approach or through online correction form. The traditional approach might be overwhelming in comparison to the convenient online process, however, in both the processes you would need to pay attention to details. In this article we will provide you with a step by step process for name change in birth certificates.

Importance of Birth Certificate:

Birth certificate is a very important document and required for various legal and administrative purpose, you must ensure accuracy in the certificate, some common utilization are

• Legal Identification
• Nationality and Citizenship
• Required for Social Benefits and Services
• Mandatory for obtaining documents like passport, pan card, driving license etc.
• Required for School enrollment
• For marriage

Common Reason for Name Change in Birth Certificate:

• For females marriage and divorce are the biggest reason as in both situations often bring change in surname 
• Personal reason is another major factor, it could be a dislike or suggestion by an astrologer, numerologist etc.
• Adoption or change in parental status
• Legal or identity reasons

Documents Required for Name Change: The most common documents that are required by authorities are, however, based on the requirement as per the local prevalent you may be asked to provided additional documents

• Name Change Affidavit
• Previous Birth Certificate
• Address Proof
• Passport-size Photographs
• Duplicated Newspaper Advertisements

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Name Change in Birth Certificate Online: 

Filing Application to Issuing Authority:  The first step you have to take is to write an application to the registrar office responsible for registering death and birth in your region. In your application you must include key details, like current name, proposed new name along with the details providing the reasons behind the change.

Submission of Supporting Documents:  Submit supporting documents for validation of your request. You would be required to submit documents like a notarized affidavit, however, requirements can vary from state to state.

Verification Phase: After the submission of required documents you need to wait for verification by authorities. In case your name change application is rejected by authorities you need to file a writ of mandamus in the relevant High Court, compelling the Registrar or issuing authority to provide justification for their actions.

Issuance of Amended Birth Certificate: Once the responsible government agency has approved the name change you will be provided with the amended birth certificate. You will be able to use it as an official and legal document for your identity.

Publish Name Change in a Local Newspaper & State Gazette: After the name change has been confirmed, complete the formalities by publishing a small advertisement in the local news paper, you must also publish it in the State Gazette to get it recognized legally. 

How to Correct Birth Certificates Online via Gazette Website?

Start With Issuing a Name Change Notice:

Issue a legal notice to announce that you intend to change your name. It will be published in your local state gazette, through this notification you provide an opportunity to anyone who might  have interest in objecting to your name change. For this you would have to follow below process

• Submit name change petition in the local court
• Pay the applicable fee
• Ensure petition is served to the interested parties
• Get the new name published in the official gazette
• Attend the hearing for name change

The court will provide the order regarding approving your new name.

Name Change in Birth Certificate Tradition Process: 

• Start by visiting municipal corporation or birth and death registration office to obtain name correction application
• On an non judicial stamp paper get an affidavit prepared for the name change, included details like, existing name, new name and a brief reason to change the name
• Pay the stamp duty
• Complete all the details in application and maintain accuracy
• Submit to municipal or registrar office along with support documentation
• Now make a public announcement through news paper preferably in two languages in local and other in English declaring the name change
• Now get it published in the local state gazette by submitting the required document including advertisement, affidavit, your photo and other suggested documents 
• Now wait for the authorities to complete the verification
• Once verified and approved you would receive the updated birth certificate from the office.

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How Insaaf99 Help In The Process of Changing Name In Birth Certificate:

Insaaf99 an online legal consultation platform provides complete details about the name change in your birth certificate. Our legal experts use their experience and their familiarity with the process saves you from the unnecessary hassle. The legal expert takes care of the accuracy of the documents as name change in birth certificate is allowed once in a lifetime. So, we provide you with precise documentation and representation in court at the time of name change hearing. By providing you complete guidance and updates about the process Insaaf99 plays the role of an ally and keeps your job hassle free.

Conclusion: Birth certificate is a very important document. It is important to ensure the accuracy of the name, there can be various reasons for you opting for a change in name, however, while applying for a name change make sure you pay attention to details and fill the application form accurately. The change of the name involves legal procedure, hence, taking the help of a legal expert is advisable.

Frequently Asked Question for Name Change