How to Correct Errors on a Birth Certificate in India?

Is your name or any detail on your birth certificate misprinted? It can be a typo, which cannot be addressed without passing through a defined process. Here in this article, you will discover how to get any error on your birth certificate fixed online and offline in India.

But first, let’s introduce you to what this certificate is and how crucial it is to register a birth. 

Definition of Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is a legally verified proof of an individual’s citizenship and birth credentials. Also recognized significant as a proof of identity, age, and nationality, it serves multiple purposes such as admissions in educational institution, passport applications, employment, and government schemes. The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 enforces state governments to register every birth.

Typically, the Municipal Corporation and Gram Panchayat account to issue it within 21days of the birth. But sometimes, it can be applied later with late fees. And if the term is longer than a year, the applicant has to get an affidavit from a gazette officer.

A single error can halt to leverage its benefits. So, it becomes necessary to correct it to harness its advantages.

Common Errors in Birth Certificates

Majorly, the errors in the birth proof emerge due to clerical mistakes or incorrect information shared at the time of the birth registration. Sometime, the communication gap can be responsible for it. So typically, these mistakes are commonly observed and addressed in the certificate:

• Incorrect name or types

• Wrong date of birth

• Errors in parents’ names

• Incorrect place of birth

• Gender misclassification

Legal Framework for Corrections

Since this registration is governed under the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, it also outlines the end-to-end process of correction in it. However, each state and union territory follow its own guidelines. But, the correction process is more or less similar across the country. 

Steps to Correct Errors on a Birth Certificate in India- Offline Method

Basically this procedure can be online and offline. For NRIs, online application is recommended as it does not require them to be physically present.

Step 1. Identify the Type of Error

The very first step is to discover the type of error. Identify whether it is:

• Minor, or errors related to spelling mistakes, typographical errors, or small inaccuracies
• Major, which can be incorrect date of birth, wrong parents’ names, or gender misclassification.

Step 2. Gather the Checklist of Supporting Documents

The correction will be done after verifying the following documents:Original birth certificate

• School certificates or hospital documents, Aadhaar card, passport
• Notarized affidavit for name correction or other changes
• Identity proof of the applicant (e.g., Aadhaar card, PAN card, voter ID).
• Address proof (e.g., electricity bill, ration card).
• Application form for correction (available at the municipal office or online).

Step 3. Submit an Application

• Walk into the local municipal corporation in cities and gram panchayat in villages, or registrar’s office where your birth was originally entered in to the government’s book.
• Fill the application form while enclosing the supporting papers.
• Pay out the fee as per guidelines for correction, which differs by state and type of error. So, always inquire before going ahead while following the application procedure.

Step 4. Verification Process

• The registrar will verify the enclosed documents whether they are valid and authentic. If required, it may conduct in-person verification.
• For major corrections, the update has to be published in a local newspaper so that the objections can be invited if there is any.

Step 5. Receive the Corrected Birth Certificate

• As the verification reaches its finishing line, the certificate will be issued with accurate details.
• The entire process can be a month long. However, you may receive the rectified birth certificate within 15 days if your all documents are authentic and correct.
  
  

Online Process for Corrections

These days, online services are available to get an error-free birth certificate. Here is how you can apply online for corrections:

Step 1. Visit the Official Website in Your Location: Browse the official website of the municipal corporation or state government’s birth and death registration portal. For example, http://edistrict.delhigovt.nic.in/ for people in Delhi, https://portal.mcgm.gov.in for the residents of Mumbai, etc.

Step 2. Register/Log In: Create an account by registering yourself with the government website and log in with credentials.

Step 3. Fill the Application Form: Opt in the alternative, which is ‘correction of birth certificate’ and fill the rest of the fields.

Step 4. Upload Documents: Follow the checklist that is aforesaid and upload scanned copies of those supporting documents.

Step 5. Pay the Fee: Like offline process, pay the correction fee online through UPI, debit card, or other payment alternatives. The range of fee lie between ₹50 and ₹500. This is also a matter of revision. The government may revise fee structure. So, inquire before paying it out.

Step 6. Track Application Status: Once you submit the fee, the screen will display a reference number. Save it to track the status of your application.

Step 7. Download the Corrected Certificate: As the verification is successful, the certificate will be delivered online. You need to download it from the portal or shared link.

For guidance from start-to-finish, there is another alternative. You can outsource it to a professional and experienced lawyer or solicitor. You can share your query and get details on how to obtain a rectified birth certificate within days.

Conclusion

Correcting errors on a birth certificate in India is a straightforward but meticulous process. Whether the error is minor or major, it is essential to address it promptly to avoid legal and administrative hurdles. By following the steps outlined above and utilizing the official online portals, individuals can ensure that their birth certificates are accurate and up-to-date. For state-specific guidelines and online services, always refer to the official websites of the respective municipal corporations or state governments.