Changing Your Child's Name in India: A Parent's Guide

Changing your child’s name may feel like a complicated legal task, but it doesn’t have to be. Parents in India may wish to change their child’s name for various reasons, like spelling correction, adoption, numerology, or simply because the current name no longer feels right. Whatever the reason, the process is perfectly legal and well-defined.

In India, parents or lawful guardians can apply to change a child’s name since minors (below 18 years) cannot apply on their own. A few basic conditions must be met before starting the process:

Once your child turns 18, they can apply independently using the same process.

The first legal step is to prepare an affidavit for the name change. Think of the affidavit as a legal declaration that explains why you are changing your child’s name.

Here’s what you need to do:

Once the affidavit is ready, you’ll need to publish the name change in a newspaper advertisement. This acts as public notice and ensures transparency.

You can choose one national and one local newspaper (for example, The Times of India and your city’s main regional daily).

Your newspaper ad should include:

Keep the full-page newspaper copies safely with you, as these will be required later.

The final and most important step is publishing the name change in the Gazette of India. Once it is recorded here, your child’s new name becomes official across the country.

You will need to send a set of documents to the Controller of Publications, Department of Publication, Civil Lines, Delhi – 110054. These can be sent by post or submitted personally.

The department will check your documents and, if everything is correct, your child’s new name will appear in the Gazette within 1–2 months. You’ll receive a copy of the official notification by post, and you can also download the electronic copy from the Gazette’s official website.

Gather all these documents before applying for the Gazette:

Once you receive the Gazette copy, you can start updating your child’s name on all major documents, such as the birth certificate, Aadhaar, passport, school records, bank account, and PAN card (if issued).

It’s tempting to simply start using the new name informally, but skipping the legal process can cause problems later. A child’s name appears on all crucial records, from school mark sheets and medical documents to Aadhaar and bank details. Any mismatch can lead to delays or even rejection in official matters later in life.

Getting the name change recorded in the Gazette ensures that every government and private institution in India recognizes the new name. It also helps prevent misuse or confusion regarding identity.

Changing your child’s name in India might look paperwork-heavy, but if you follow each step patiently, it’s quite straightforward. Think of it as a one-time effort for your child’s lifelong identity. Keep multiple copies of every document, verify names thoroughly before submission, and store the Gazette copy safely. Once completed, you can officially begin using your child’s new name across all documents and institutions without worry.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and should not be considered as legal advice. Laws and procedures related to name change in India may vary by state and individual circumstances. For specific cases or assistance, please consult a qualified legal professional or relevant government authorities.