Birth Certificate Name Change: How to Correct Name Online

If your birth certificate has a wrong name, spelling mistake, or if you need to add a name that was not included during registration, you can apply for correction through the Registrar of Births and Deaths. This guide covers the complete process for name change or correction in a birth certificate.

When Can You Change the Name in a Birth Certificate?

• Spelling mistake in the child's or parents' name
• Name not added at the time of birth registration (child was unnamed)
• Legal name change after adoption, marriage, or personal choice
• Wrong name recorded by the hospital or registrar

Who Can Apply?

• Parents or legal guardian of the child
• The person whose birth certificate needs correction (if adult)
• Authorized representative with power of attorney

Documents Required

For Name Correction (Spelling Mistake / Wrong Name)

• Application for correction addressed to the Registrar of Births and Deaths
• Original birth certificate or certified copy
• Proof of correct name:
  • Aadhaar card with correct name
  • School records / marksheet with correct name
  • Passport with correct name
• Proof of identity of the applicant
• Affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper declaring the correct name and reason for correction

For Adding Name (Unnamed at Birth)

• Application to the Registrar
• Original birth certificate (without name)
• Affidavit declaring the chosen name
• Supporting document showing the name (school admission record, Aadhaar, etc.)

For Legal Name Change

• All documents listed above
• Gazette notification of name change (published in the Official Gazette)
• Newspaper advertisement of name change (required in some states — typically in one local and one national newspaper)
• Deed poll or name change affidavit

Step-by-Step Process

Online Process (Where Available)

Step 1: Visit CRSORGI or State Portal

Go to crsorgi.gov.in or your state's e-District portal. Log in to your account.

Step 2: Select "Correction in Birth Certificate"

Find the option for "Correction" or "Amendment" in the birth registration section.

Step 3: Enter Registration Details

Provide your birth registration number, date of birth, and other details to locate your record.

Step 4: Specify the Correction

• Select the field to be corrected (child's name, father's name, mother's name)
• Enter the existing (incorrect) entry and the corrected entry
• Provide the reason for correction

Step 5: Upload Documents

Upload scanned copies of:

• Affidavit
• Supporting ID proof with correct name
• Gazette notification (if legal name change)
• Newspaper advertisement (if required by your state)

Step 6: Pay the Fee

Pay the correction fee online (₹10–₹50, varies by state).

Step 7: Submit and Track

Submit the application and note the reference number. Track status through the portal.

Offline Process

Step 1: Write an Application

Write an application to the Registrar of Births and Deaths of the area where the birth was registered. Include:

• Your registration number and date of birth
• The incorrect entry and the correct entry
• Reason for correction

Step 2: Prepare Affidavit

Get a sworn affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper (₹10–₹100) from a notary. The affidavit should state:

• The error in the birth certificate
• The correct information
• That the correction is genuine and not for fraudulent purposes

Step 3: Newspaper Advertisement (Some States)

Some states (like Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka) require a newspaper advertisement for name changes. Publish the name change notice in:

• One local language newspaper
• One English newspaper

Cost: ₹500–₹2,000 depending on the newspaper

Step 4: Submit to Registrar

Submit the application with all documents to the Registrar's office. Get an acknowledgment receipt.

Step 5: Verification and Correction

The Registrar verifies the documents, makes the correction in the birth register, and issues a corrected birth certificate.

Fees

Processing Time

• Minor corrections (spelling): 15–30 days
• Name addition: 15–30 days
• Legal name change: 1–3 months (including Gazette and newspaper publication time)

Important Tips

1. Keep your birth registration number handy — You will need it for any correction application.
2. Affidavit is mandatory for almost all corrections. Get it notarized properly.
3. Newspaper ad is not required in all states — Confirm with your local Registrar before spending on newspaper advertisements.
4. Apply early — If you spot an error, correct it immediately. Old errors become harder to fix as supporting documents may not be available.
5. For death certificate corrections, see our death certificate correction guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I change my name in birth certificate online?

Yes, many states allow name corrections through the CRSORGI portal (crsorgi.gov.in) or state e-District portals. For major name changes, you may need to visit the Registrar's office.

Q2. Is a newspaper advertisement mandatory for birth certificate name change?

Not in all states. Some states like Maharashtra and Delhi require it for legal name changes, but not for simple spelling corrections. Check with your local Registrar.

Q3. How much does it cost to correct a birth certificate?

For simple corrections, the fee is ₹10–₹50. If newspaper ads and Gazette notification are needed, the total cost can be ₹1,000–₹3,000.

Q4. Can I change my father's name in my birth certificate?

Yes, father's name can be corrected if there is a genuine error. You will need an affidavit and supporting documents showing the correct name.

Q5. What if my birth certificate has no name?

If the birth was registered before naming the child, you can apply for name inclusion through the Registrar with an affidavit and supporting documents.

Q6. Can I change my name in birth certificate after marriage?

Yes. You will need your marriage certificate, an affidavit, and in some states, a Gazette notification and newspaper advertisement.

Disclaimer: CitizenNest is an independent informational platform and is not affiliated with any government body. Information is sourced from official government portals and may change. Always verify details on the official website before applying.