Name Change for Minor in India: Procedure, Documents, Cost and Timeline 2025

The legal name change process for minor children in India is managed by parents or guardians to update the child’s identity across official records. It involves three key steps: affidavit preparation, newspaper publication, and Gazette notification. The affidavit serves as the foundation, while the Gazette publication provides final legal recognition. Following this procedure ensures the child’s new name is formally accepted, safeguarding their future identity in educational, legal, and financial matters.

Name Change Process for Minors - Quick Info

This table provides a consolidated overview of the key aspects of the legal name change process for minors in India, offering a quick reference for parents and guardians.

What is the Process of Name Change for a Minor?

A minor legal name change is the formal, statutory process by which the name of a child under the age of 18 is altered from the one registered on their birth certificate. This is not an informal change but a legally binding procedure that, once completed, results in the new name being recognised as the child's official identity for all purposes.

Legal Framework for Minor Name Change

The name change for a minor in India is not governed by a single, specific act but by a set of established procedures and guidelines.

• Governed by Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines: The overall process follows the procedures accepted and recognised by government bodies for updating identity records.
• Mandatory Gazette notification: The publication of the new name in the Gazette of India is the final and most crucial step, as this document is the ultimate legal proof of the name change, accepted by all government authorities.
• Local municipal & school authority involvement: While the core process is centralised, the final Gazette notification is used to update records at the regional level, including birth certificates (via the municipal corporation) and school records.

Who Can Apply for a Minor’s Name Change?

The application for a minor change of name can only be initiated by the biological parents or the legal guardians.

Documents Required for Minor Name Change

To complete the name change procedure for a minor, a specific set of documents must be compiled for submission to the Department of Publication. [1]

• Minor's Birth Certificate
• Parents' self-attested photo ID proof and address proof.
• Two passport-sized photographs of both the minor and the parents/guardians.
• Marriage Certificate of Parents
• The original, duly notarised name change affidavit for minor on non-judicial stamp paper.
• The original copies of the name change advertisements from two newspapers.
• The prescribed proforma for name change, signed by both parents/guardians.
• A formal request letter addressed to the Controller of Publications.

Legal Procedure for Name Change of a Minor in India

The official procedure for changing the name of minor children in India is a structured, four-part legal process. Completing each step is essential for the new name to be legally recognised. [2]

• Step 1: Create a notarised affidavit certificate on stamp paper, formally declaring the minor's old and new names, with the consent of the parents/guardians.
• Step 2: Announce the name change by publishing an advertisement in two daily newspapers (one in English and one in a regional language).
• Step 3: Submit the affidavit, newspaper clippings, and a formal application to the Department of Publication to get the name change officially published.
• Step 4: Updating Official Documents: Use the published Gazette notification as legal proof to update the minor's name on their birth certificate, Aadhaar card, and school records.

Common Reasons for Minor Name Change Applications

The reasons for changing a minor's name are often practical and centred on the child's well-being and family circumstances. [2]

• Adoption: To give the child the surname of their new, adoptive family.
• Spelling Correction: To rectify clerical errors made on the original birth certificate.
• Post-Divorce or Remarriage: A custodial parent may wish for the child to adopt their surname or a new spouse's surname.
• Astrological or Numerological Beliefs: Parents may change a name based on expert advice for the child's future prosperity and well-being.
• Personal Preference: The original name may be difficult to pronounce, or the child may express a strong dislike for it as they grow older.
• Gender Affirmation: To choose a name that aligns with the minor's gender identity.

Key Components to Prepare an Affidavit for the Name Change of a Minor

The affidavit is the most important legal instrument in the name change of a minor in India. It must be drafted with precision and include all necessary components.

• Deponent Details: Full name, age, and address of both parents or the legal guardian(s) making the declaration.
• Minor's Details: The minor's old name, new name, and date of birth must be clearly stated.
• Declaration Clause: An unambiguous statement where the parents/guardians declare that they are changing their ward's name from the old name to the new name.
• Reason for Name Change: While not always mandatory to be overly detailed, a brief and formal reason for the name change should be included.
• No Objection Clause: A statement affirming that both parents/guardians have no objection to the name change.
• Verification and Signature: The affidavit must be signed by the deponents (parents/guardians) and verified by a Notary Public or a Gazetted Officer with their official seal and stamp.

Important Points to Remember

While undergoing the name change process for a minor, it is essential to keep a few key points in mind to ensure a smooth and successful outcome.

• Consent of Both Parents: In most cases, the consent of both parents is required. If one parent is not available, relevant legal documents (like a custody order or death certificate) must be provided.
• Consistency is Key: Ensure the minor's details (names, date of birth, address) are absolutely identical across the affidavit, newspaper ads, and the Gazette application to avoid rejection.
• Keep Original Copies: Always retain multiple original copies of the newspaper cuttings. Many institutions may require an original copy for their records.
• Gazette Publication is Proof: The Gazette notification is the ultimate legal proof. Make and keep several certified copies of this publication for future use.
• Update All Records: The process is not truly complete until the new name is updated on all other essential documents, especially the birth certificate and Aadhaar card.

How Can NoBroker’s Affidavit Services Help?

The name change affidavit is the foundational legal document of the entire process, and any error in its drafting or notarization can cause significant delays. NoBroker’s affidavit services can streamline this crucial first step. Our legal experts can draft a precise and legally compliant affidavit for your minor's name change, print it on the correct value stamp paper, and get it notarised, delivering the final document to your doorstep, ensuring your application process starts on a solid, error-free foundation.