How to Correct Name or Date of Birth in Birth Certificate

1. Introduction

A birth certificate is a permanent statutory record. Typographical errors—such as misspelled applicant names, inverted parent names, or erroneous date digits—can create severe hurdles during school admissions, passport issuance, higher education verifications, and visa clearances.

Under Section 15 of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, the Registrar of Births and Deaths is vested with statutory authority to correct clerical or typographical errors upon being satisfied by credible documentary evidence. This guide outlines the exact legal pathway, evidentiary documents, and municipal procedures required.

2. Quick Answer: What Can and Cannot Be Corrected

3. Documents Required

• Original Birth Certificate: The physical certificate currently holding the error.
• Hospital Records: Certified copy of the original hospital discharge summary or birth register (Form 1) showing the original entries recorded at the time of delivery.
• Affidavit for Clerical Correction: Sworn on non-judicial stamp paper (₹10–₹100) before a Notary Public, specifying the exact error and stating the correct spelling.
• Supporting Identity Proofs:
  • For parent name correction: Parents’ 10th standard marksheets, Passports, Aadhaar Cards, or Marriage Certificate showing the consistent spelling.
  • For child name spelling correction: School admission register extract or immunization card.
• Application Form: Standard correction requisition form prescribed by the municipal corporation or local registrar.

4. Step-by-Step Correction Procedure

Step 1: Procure Original Hospital Delivery Verification

Visit the hospital, maternity centre, or primary health centre (PHC) where the birth occurred. Request a certified extract of the Birth Register (Form 1) from the medical records department. If the hospital record has the correct spelling, the Registrar can correct the municipal register immediately as a clerical mismatch.

Step 2: Draft the Notarized Affidavit

Draft an affidavit stating:

“I, [Parent Name], residing at [Address], state that my child was born on [Date] at [Hospital]. In the issued birth certificate bearing registration no. [Number], my name is erroneously recorded as ‘[Incorrect Name]’ instead of ‘[Correct Name]’. I declare that both names refer to the same person and request correction under Section 15 of the RBD Act.”

Have the affidavit attested by a Notary Public.

Step 3: Submit Application to the Local Registrar

Submit the complete dossier to the office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths (Municipal Health Department, Town Panchayat, or Gram Panchayat) where the birth was originally registered:

• Pay the municipal correction fee (₹10 to ₹100).
• Obtain an acknowledgment receipt with the file tracking number.

Step 4: Verification and Marginal Entry

Under statutory rules, the Registrar:

• Inspects the original manual or digital entry in the Birth Register.
• Cross-references the hospital report.
• Makes a statutory marginal note in the register: “Corrected on [Date] under Section 15 pursuant to application and documentary verification.”
• Generates a fresh certified copy of the Birth Certificate.

5. Official Resources

• Central Civil Registration System: crsorgi.gov.in
• Ministry of Home Affairs (RBD Division): mha.gov.in
• National Government Services Portal: services.india.gov.in

6. Disclaimer

eGyan.in is an independent civic portal. Correction powers reside exclusively with the designated Registrar of Births and Deaths under the RBD Act.