Birth Certificate Name Change/Update Process in Bihar

A birth certificate is one of the most vital documents in one’s life. It is proof of citizenship, age, and place of birth. Most legal documents and government procedures require a birth certificate. 

Mistakes in the birth certificate are more common than you might expect. Therefore, Bihar has made the process of correcting the name on the birth certificate quite easy and quick, especially with the online process.

Let us look at the step-by-step procedure for how to change the name in the birth certificate in Bihar. 

Changing your name on the birth certificate is a procedure that lets you correct your pre-existing name on the document. You can change your spelling, first name, middle name, and surname. Circumstances like marriage, conversion, or individual identity are often why people change their names. 

Once you legally change your name, you can use it in all your official documents, government-issued identification, and future endeavours. 

Establishing Individuality

Admission to Schools

Applying for a Passport

Driver’s License

Right to Vote

Social Security Benefits

Applying for Jobs

International Travel

Changing the name on a birth certificate in Bihar can only partially be done online. However, you can register for a birth online and mail the local government or municipality office to validate your name-change process. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the method:

Step 1: Visit the civil registration system to register a newborn's birth or an older individual under the government registration system. 

Step 3: Collect supporting documents like a notarised affidavit and a valid government identification. You may also be required to produce additional documents like a marriage certificate, religious document, or proof of address. Once you’ve acquired these documents, mail them alongside your application to your district registrar. 

Step 4: The district registrar will either accept or reject your request for a name change. Applications are generally accepted if you can provide valid documents and complete information regarding the name change. You can visit the high court if the local registrar denies your request. 

Step 5: Once your request is approved, advertise your name change in a local newspaper. This is a legal requirement to legitimise your new identity. 

Step 6: Finally, you need to publish the new information in an official state Gazette. Attach necessary documents like your initial application for the change, photographs, newspaper clippings, and proof of approval. 

Step 7: You can officially use your new legal name for all documents going forward. Once your document is published, you will receive proof of your name change. 

Ensure that you get the signature of a witness for every document you have sent or received in this process. Keep the notice of approval and information bulletin published in the local newspaper as proof of name change till you receive the official document from the State Gazette. 

Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes during the online process of name change. 

• Submit Correct Information: Ensure that the documents you have submitted are up to date and contain correct information. Even trivial mistakes can lead your application to be rejected. 
• Attach Necessary Documents: For a smooth application and acceptance, you must upload all the documents required for a name change.
• Use Clear Scans: Be very careful when uploading official documents or attaching files to your application. If you need clarification on the process of scanning documents, visit the registrar to seek the help of a professional. 
• Follow the Instructions: You must refer to the guidelines and follow the instructions to ensure a smooth approval for your name change. 
• Keep Copies of Submitted Documents: Preserve every application sent, mail received, and document published. In case of a mishap, these can help you to establish your progress in the procedure. 
• Check Submission Deadlines: Check the government websites to ensure you are staying caught up on all submissions. 

It is a simple and hassle-free process to change the name on a birth certificate offline in Bihar as long as you follow the necessary steps and provide sufficient proof. Read on for further information on this process. 

Step 1: Contact the municipal or district registrar’s office where your birth was registered initially. You can also find the nearest registrar’s office on this website. 

Step 2: Visit the Registrar/ municipality office and collect a form for 'Birth Certificate Update/correction Form'.

Step 3: Get a notarised affidavit for your name change application. State your existing name, the name you changed, and the reason for the name change. Additionally, you can include details like parents’ names, place of birth, and date of birth. 

Step 4: Fill in the ‘Correction Form’ with all necessary details and submit it to the municipality along with the affidavit. 

Step 5: Publish an information bulletin in your local newspaper and official state gazette announcing your name change. This legally validates your request for a name change. 

Step 6: Wait for the officials to approve your request. In the meantime, keep a copy of the application and the documents submitted as proof of the name change procedure. 

Step 7: Depending on the validity of your documents, your request may be approved or denied. If approved, you will receive an updated birth certificate with your new name from the municipality or the registrar’s office. 

It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to complete the entire name change procedure in Bihar. The validity of documents, accuracy of the details in the application form, and efficiency of the governing body play a role in determining the time of the correction process. 

Ensure all documents are attested, scanned, and filled in without error to expedite your application. You can also email or visit the government office to keep track of your application process. Pre-planning and awareness of the steps can ensure a smooth application process. 

Various circumstances in a person’s life may lead to a change in their birth certificate. A birth certificate may be updated from religious conversion to a joyous marriage occasion for many reasons. 

Let us look at some instances that require name corrections: 

• Gender transformation or re-assignment often leads to an individual’s quest for a new identity.
• Minor spelling errors in surnames or names. 
• Religious conversion might make an individual adopt a name that aligns with their faith. 
• Personal beliefs like astrology or numerology often motivate an individual to make corrections to their name. 
• The younger generation also seeks a modern name, leading to birth certificate changes. 
• Major life events like marriage, divorce, or adoption are also some reasons why people change their name on a birth certificate. 

The father’s name is required in almost every government-issued identification. It is pivotal to ensure accuracy in the name and surname of one’s father. Often, people make spelling errors while mentioning their fathers’ names. 

Let us look at how you can make corrections to fix this error online in Bihar:

Step 1: Visit the official website to register births and deaths in India by clicking here.  

Step 3: After successfully logging in, you will be able to view your registration alongside your birth certificate details. 

Step 4: Click on ‘edit information’ and make the required corrections in your father’s name. 

Step 5: Once you’ve applied for the change, you must pay a nominal fee for the change to be successful. 

Step 6: After a successful payment, a unique ID will be sent to you to view your updated birth certificate. 

The Bihar birth certificate correction portal (Birth and Death Registration portal of India) requires you to log in to your registered ID using your credentials. Once you are logged in, you can track applications or make changes to your birth certificate. Through this website, you can make necessary changes, update details, and even download forms for specific circumstances of change. 

However, to complete the name correction process for the birth certificate, you must visit the nearest registrar’s office.

The government registrar may either approve or deny your request for a name change, depending on the information and documents provided with your application. Should your application be rejected, here are the steps you can take.

• Verify the documents submitted and ensure that all information is accurate and up to date. Misinformation often causes name change applications to be rejected. 
• If all the information you entered is correct, yet your application has been rejected, you can file a writ of mandamus with the high court asking for clarification on your rejection. A registrar or government official will respond, stating the reason for the rejection. 
• For any additional requests, address your concerns in detail to the government body issuing the certificate. Obtaining a Gazette certificate is the final step of the name change. Any additional details must be resolved before the Gazette notification is published. 

Lengthy Process

Legal Difficulties

Missing Documents

Misunderstanding the Steps

Persisting Errors

Lack of Information about Required Documents

A birth certificate is a child's first legal document and arguably one of the most important documents in one’s life. An accurate birth certificate right from the first issuance can prevent future complications. Let us look at how you can ensure an accurate certificate for a newborn. 

• Be mindful of the laws regarding a name change further in life. 
• Be aware of the extra charges levied on delayed birth registration in Bihar. Try to avoid situations that can delay your child’s registration. 
• Keep a copy of all documents submitted while registering a birth. It may include address proof of parents, government-issued identification of parents, and a medical certificate of birth from the hospital. 
• Fill out some additional registration forms as practice so that you can confidently fill up the birth registration when it is required.