Legal Name Change for Minor Child in India : Step-by-Step Guide + Document Checklist
Changing a kids name change or correcting a spelling error in a minor name change process requires a specific legal protocol in India. Unlike adults, a minor name change gazette is initiated by the parents or legal guardians.
Whether you want to change child name for personal reasons, astrology, or after a divorce, this guide covers every legal nuance from the Affidavit to the Central Gazette.
How to Change Name of Minor Child in India ?
Quick Overview: Minor Name Change Gazette Process
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Children below 18 years (Applied by Parents/Guardians) |
| Mandatory Steps | Affidavit + Newspaper Ad + Gazette Notification |
| Total Timeline | 30 to 45 working days |
| Validity | Lifetime & Globally Accepted |
| Government Fee | Approx. ₹1,700 |
Common Reasons for Minor Name Change
Why do parents usually opt to change minor name? Here are the most frequent causes:
- Spelling Errors: Fixing mistakes made in the birth certificate or school records.
- Adoption: Changing the surname to match the adoptive parents.
- Divorce/Remarriage: Updating the child’s surname to the mother’s maiden name or stepfather’s name.
- Numerology/Astrology: Choosing a name for future prosperity.
- Surname Addition: Adding a middle name or family surname for cultural reasons.
Gazette Notification for Name Change for Minor Child
Step-by-Step Process of name change for minor child
The parent/guardian must visit a local notary to create a minor name change affidavit on a non-judicial stamp paper (minimum ₹10-₹100 depending on the state).
- Details needed: Old name, new name, parents' names, and current address.
Previously, you had to advertise in two newspapers, but now you will need to publish a public notice in just one newspaper:
- The advertisement will be published in a local newspaper in your state.
- The advertisement must be written in English. The newspaper can be in any language.
*Note: Always keep 3-4 original copies of the newspaper.
This is the final and most crucial step. You must submit your application to the Department of Publication (Civil Lines, Delhi). Once your child's name is published in the Official Gazette of India, the name change is legally complete.
Mandatory Document Checklist
To ensure that your minor name change application is not rejected, keep these documents ready:
How to Update Minor Name in Specific Documents
1. Minor Name Change in Birth Certificate
If the child is young, you can apply at your local Municipal Corporation. However, if the birth certificate is old, then supporting proof will be a gazette notification for name change for minors.
2. Child Name Change in School Certificate
Schools generally do not change names based on just an affidavit. You must present the Official Gazette Notification to the school principal to update the 10th/12th mark sheets and Transfer Certificate (TC).
3. Minor Name Change in Aadhaar Card
Visit an Aadhaar Seva Kendra with the Gazette copy and the parent's biometric authentication. The update typically takes 7-10 days.
Time and Fees Structure
| Service Type | Govt. Fees (Approx.) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Name Change | ₹1,700 | 40–45 Days |
| Adult Name Change | ₹1,100 | 30–40 Days |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Spelling Mismatch: The name in the Affidavit must match the Newspaper ad exactly. Even a single letter difference will lead to Gazette rejection.
- Incomplete Newspaper Info: Not mentioning the Notary's name or date in the ad.
- CD Errors: Submitting a CD without the proper software format or with corrupted files.
- Missing Signatures: Both parents should ideally sign the documents unless it's a single-parent case (which requires legal proof).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can do it yourself, but many parents prefer experts to avoid technical rejections at the Gazette office.
Yes. For passports and school board exams, a Gazette notification is the only valid proof.
You will need to provide a divorce decree or a death certificate of the spouse to proceed with the minor name change.
Legally, it is recommended to do it only once to avoid future complications in document verification.
No, the physical presence of the minor is not required.
While the payment is online, the physical file must be sent or submitted to the Delhi office.
You can download it from the official website (egazette.nic.in) once published. Physical copies are no longer issued.
No, a name change does not alter the caste or religion of the minor.
No, the Passport Office strictly requires the Central Gazette notification for a name change.
There is no minimum age; it can be done even for a newborn.
