Name Change in Birth Certificate in Kerala

Introduction

In the state of south India named Kerala, the procedure of name change on the birth certificate is an important administrative procedure which is often done due to a lot of reasons like personal, cultural and legal ones. The birth certificate delivers a prime document, which is a legal one providing background information about the person's identity, like date, place, and name of birth. Nevertheless, there could be circumstances when people need to change their names to amaze their name because of marriage, religious conversion, or personal choice.

For individuals, who need to introduce amendments to the state government, of Kerala, certain norms and guidelines are stipulated. The process comprises the presentation of an application to an appropriate department and the provision of the accompanying evidence, which may include affidavits, proof of identity, and other relevant documents. It is a must that the applicants follow all the rules of filling the form and ensure that every piece of information they entered is correct, to be free from any delays or mishaps.

As in Kerala, the local civic bodies such as municipality or panchayat office is the concerned authority in providing the certificates of name change on birth; the place of birth decides whether the document is issued by corporate or panchayat. This administrative power will look over the needs of children who seek the update of their documents, they also facilitate name change applications and authenticate the newly recognized name. The whole process is conducted by implementing legal procedures and administrative protocols staked for the purpose of having precisely the truth and legitimacy.

After the application is duly completed and the necessary documents are submitted, an authentication process involving extensive scrutiny is carried out to confirm the adequateness of the claims and verify the supporting documents. In this process of verification, the authorities may ask for the cross-referencing of the confirmed data with all other available records currently held, issuing checks on the validity of the presented documents, or even conducting necessary inquiries to confirm the name change request. The authorities update the birth certificate with the new name at the applicant's request after a successful verification. After that, the applicant receives the revised certificate, which attests to the name change's legal acceptance. For official and legal purposes, people must keep copies of their birth certificates, both the updated version and the original.

What is a Name Change?

Name change on a birth certificate in Kerala involves submitting an application to the local municipal corporation or panchayat office as well as documents supporting the application like affidavits and proof of identity. After completing the authentication task, the name on the birth certificate will be modified, and you will receive the official document to reflect the change.

Reasons for Name Change in Birth Certificate in Kerala

1. Marriage: In Kerala this is quite common with either men or women, mainly a woman who is given a new name when she gets married. By using the last name of their spouse, some individuals need not to be single, and if they represented separate last names, then people would think that their spouse does not like his/her last name or is embarrassed if his/her spouse has a common last name. This may explain the reason why one individual wants to serve the society or the fact that the management system is relatively easy.
2. Divorce: People after a divorce may decide to change their family identity rather switch their name to reflect coming out of a relationship or take a new name to indicate a fresh start. The Women regarding their real name change after marriage will feel more independent and hence, they may follow the example of name changing people. Being part of the friend circle and new classic love, the old emotional scars receive healing just as wounds old heal to the new life.
3. Personal Preference: Indeed, some might not see any point whatsoever in the change, or they just might be obsessed with the new name and feel that it is more appealing or just that the item is cool, or it is only because they like it. The reason one may want the handle that will accurately represent their current status or a specific ethnicity or belief might propel them. This can be the time when a person tries to put distance from the systemic prejudice words that had haunted him/her in the past.
4. Gender Transition: As of lately the individuals who are disarranged with features which differed from India presumption society is shown immense reverence and recognition. The creation of a safe space also involves the role of the transgender individual in the community by making sure you use the correct pronouns that reflect the gender identity. This can, eventually, be achieved by smooth conventionality in regards to gender identity documents, which will be examined as much as possible. The sense of achievement that occurs when the transgender community finally gets the acceptance they have longed for triggers them to represent themselves in a positive manner and in front of many other people around us.
5. Cultural or Religious Conversion: India is a multicultural nation home to many different language groups, cultures, and religious traditions. Name changes can be made by someone to indicate a conversion to a different culture or religion. For instance, a person converting to Islam might take on a new name afterward, while other people might select a name that symbolizes their adherence to a specific deity or their spiritual views.
6. Avoidance of Stigma or Discrimination: Regretfully, because of caste, religion, or regional connotations, certain names in India may be stigmatized or met with discrimination. Changing one's name might assist people in avoiding prejudice or discrimination in a variety of spheres of life, such as social relationships, work, and education. Changing one's name to something less stigmatized or neutral can help people lessen the harmful effects of bias in society.
7. Professional Reasons: Individuals may choose to modify their names for branding or career-related reasons in specific industries or professions. Changing one's name might assist people establish a unique professional identity or improve their marketability in cutthroat industries. For enhanced recognition, an actor can select a stage name, and a writer might use a pen name to target a particular readership.

Documents required for Gazette Publication in Kerala for Name Change in Birth Certificate:

1. Affidavit from Kerala
2. An original copy of the newspaper in which name change advertisement or notification is given.
3. Two witnesses, including their full name, address, phone number From Kerala
4. Soft copy of the application in MS word format.
5. A certificate in which the applicant declares that the contents included in both soft copy and hard copy are similar. The applicant should duly sign the certificate from Kerala.
6. self-attested passport size photos.
7. ID proof such as Aadhaar card, passport, voter identity card, pan card, license) from Kerala.
8. Fees payment

Procedure for Name Change in Birth Certificate in Kerala

Step 1: Gather all the Required Documents:

The first criteria, therefore, sets in to undergo the process of name change in the birth certificate in Kerala. It means pulling everything together. Usually, they will contain the original birth certificate, documents for establishing identity (such as Aadhaar, PAN card, or passport), address proof, and a list of the documents that explain the circumstances which led to the name change.

Step 2: Prepare the Affidavit:

Affidavit is a self-sworn legal document indicating the current name, the former name and the other required personal details. It is nothing but a self-attested paper which has all the details about the individual signed/verified from the state authorities concerned.

An affidavit will be drafted and a stamp paper of such value as given by the Kerala state government will be applied on it. Stamp paper should be recommended and validated by a local notary. This declaration must be made by two witnesses and a gazette officer, as a provision to the government of Kerala. The document should be carefully saved up for any processes to follow.

The Affidavit should contain the following information:

1. Old Name
2. New name
3. Reason for changing the name
4. Current address of the applicant
5. In case of women changing name after marriage,
6. Father’s name
7. Husband’s name
8. Current address of the applicant
9. Marriage date

Step 3: Publish a notice in the Local Newspaper in Kerala State and the government gazette:

The gazette of Kerala is a central government official source which has legal meaning and contains official notices of the government.

1. He/she shall only publish name change notice in the All-India Gazette after preparing it in the required format.
2. The notice should indicate the old name, the current name and the reason for changing the name. Government official language should be used for the notification.
3. He/ she also broadcasts the name change news to at least two of the local newspapers of Kerala. It should be local; the language of each state is the language of the notification.
4. One needs to keep the scanned version of this released notice.
5. This copy must be given to other departments in Kerala for their action, Affidavit should contain the following information: Old name, New name, Full residential address, Name of the place of the witnessing authority and Date of the affidavit.

Step 4: Gazette Notification for Name Change in Birth Certificate in Kerala:

Birth certificate name change in Kerala requires people to follow certain procedures. Publication is the next step after the change is published in the Official Gazette of the central government or an appropriate state or union territory. To achieve this, we need to present the requisite papers, including a declaration, newspaper cuttings, and other necessary evidence, at the Kerala Gazette Office. With the issue of the Gazette Notification, the name change becomes, so to say, stamped with its true identity, and it becomes a part of Kerala's official nomenclature.

One has to file a case for name change to the Department of Publication, New Delhi. Expect it to cost from 1150 to 2800 Indian rupees (approx.) This may, depending on the type of the case and at the same time these things can be altered.

Step 5: Verification and Formal Approval in Gazette for Kerala Citizen Change of Name on Birth Certificate:

After the applicant submits the application, the responsible committee will cross check the given documents and make a necessary Law enforcement check. Through this verification procedure, the true request for name changing is guaranteed. Upon approval of the verification, the application will be accepted thereafter.

Step 6: Certificate of Updated Birth in Kerala:

Finally, after the approval, since a gazette was issued stating that the person belonged from Kerala and had changed their name from this to the old name on their birth certificate, Kerala reflected the new name. The newly issued birth certificate works as an official document safeguarding every legal and administrative purpose through keeping it as a future reference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Name Change Process at Kerala

1. Ensure that all the requested documents are readily accessible by the due date.
2. Make sure that you understand the process beforehand.
3. Don't forget to report to the authorities that are in charge of such matters.
4. Amend all the government documents
5. Do not forget to revise the educational documents.
6. Please don’t forget to notify the family members and friends.
7. Do not forget to revise the online accounts and bank accounts regularly.

Why Choose Lawtendo

Lawtendo stands as a steadfast ally in navigating the complexities of name change in birth certificates in Kerala. Also, Lawtendo offers unparalleled convenience and assurance throughout your Birth certificate Name change journey.

With Lawtendo, you benefit from a seamless application process backed by authoritative guidance. Our platform streamlines the procedure by providing tailored suggestions on the requisite documentation, ensuring a smooth transition from your previous name to the new one in your Birth Certificate in Kerala. By simplifying the process into manageable steps, our experts offer invaluable advice at every juncture, alleviating any anxieties associated with the Birth certificate name change process. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I have my name changed on my birth certificate more than once?

Ans: Normally, it isn't prohibited to change your name on your birth certificate multiple times but each amendment is going to demand the new form and additional documentation.

Q2. Will I be allowed to change my name on the other important administrative records after modifying it on the birth certificate?

Ans: Yes, after you change your birth name and take it into consideration, you can start updating your name on other official papers like travel documents, passports and driving licenses and educational certificates as well.

Q3. What will happen to the original birth certificate; will it be disposed of or retained?

Ans: No, the original birth certificates will not remain in the possession of the council. In contrast to that, a new birth certificate has been issued, which shows the entire name changes and the old one can be claimed back to the applicants.

Q4. What is the legal status after the legal name change processes are finalized?

Ans: The new birth certificate indeed led to legal name change among the person and the latter can be used for official and legal purposes.

Q5. Where should we send the application?

Ans: Generally, the application is submitted to the local civic authority or panchayat office, the place of birth takes the lead.

Q6. How long does it take?

Ans: Processing period can be different, however, for a layman it usually takes between one or two weeks and a couple of months with the actual workload and productivity of the concerned authorities.