How to Change Your Date of Birth in India: A Step-by-Step Guide

Change in date of birth (DOB) in official records is essential when discrepancies arise due to clerical errors, migration, or personal reasons. This guide outlines how to change your date of birth in India, including publishing a personal notice AD in newspapers.

Why is Correcting Your Date of Birth Important?

Ensuring the accuracy of your DOB on official documents is vital for:

• Legal Identity Verification: It’s needed for voting, passport applications, and obtaining a driver's license.
• Financial Transactions: Banks use your DOB for identity verification.
• Eligibility for Benefits: Government services and social programs require accurate age verification.
• Security: An accurate DOB prevents identity theft and fraud.

Reasons for Change in Date of Birth

Several situations may necessitate a change in your official DOB, including:

• Clerical Errors: Data entry mistakes can lead to incorrect DOB records.
• Migration and Documentation Issues: Errors often occur during record transfers.
• Adoption/Guardianship: In Legal changes in DOB might be needed in adoption or guardianship cases.
• Personal Reasons: Aligning official records with your actual birth date for personal or cultural reasons.

Documents Required

To change your DOB, you’ll need the following:

• Birth Certificate: Proof of your birth date.
• Affidavit: A notarized document explaining why the change is necessary.
• Proof of Identity: Government-issued ID (Aadhar card, passport, or voter ID).
• Educational Certificates: If applicable, documents showing the incorrect DOB.
• Other Legal Documents: Any official records with your DOB.

Steps to Change Your Date of Birth in India

• Prepare an Affidavit: Draft and notarize an affidavit explaining the change.
• Gather Documents: Collect all necessary documents to support your claim.
• Publish a Notice in a Newspaper: Post a personal notice AD in two newspapers (one local, one national) to announce your intent to change your DOB.
• Apply for Gazette Notification: Submit the affidavit and supporting documents to the state or central government for a gazette notification.
• Submit to Authorities: Provide the gazette notification to the relevant government office to finalize the change.

FAQs: Changing Your Date of Birth in India

What documents are needed?

Birth certificate, affidavit, proof of identity, and supporting legal documents.

Is a gazette notification mandatory?

Yes, it's required for official recognition of the DOB change.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The process to change your date of birth in India typically takes 15 to 30 days. However, the exact timeline may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the complexity of your case. This includes gathering the necessary documents, publishing the newspaper notice, and obtaining the gazette notification.

Are there penalties for falsifying DOB documents?

Penalties include fines, imprisonment, and disqualification from legal rights if found guilty.

Is it mandatory to publish a newspaper notice?

Yes, the personal notice AD is required by law to publicly declare your intent to change your DOB.

Which newspapers should I publish in?

Publish in one local and one national newspaper for broader coverage and legal compliance.

How Can I Change My DoB After 12th?

To change your date of birth after 12th grade, here’s what you need to do:

• File an Application: Submit a formal request to the respective board, providing evidence like your birth certificate, Aadhar, PAN card, etc., to show the correct DOB.
• Affidavit: Some boards may require an affidavit sworn before a first-class magistrate, along with the supporting documents.
• Publish a Newspaper Notice: Announce your intent in two newspapers (one local, one national).
• Apply for Gazette Notification: Submit your documents to the government for a gazette notification if required.
• Submit to Authorities: Once you have the necessary approvals, provide them to the educational board to finalize the update.

This process ensures your records are officially corrected.

How Can I Correct My Incorrect Date of Birth?

• Apply to the Registrar of Births and Deaths: Submit an application to the registrar to correct your date of birth on your birth certificate.
• If Rejected: If the registrar rejects your application, you can file a lawsuit in court. The court can then issue directions to the registrar to make the change.

This ensures your date of birth is officially corrected in the records.

Can I Change My DoB in Aadhaar Card Online?

No, you cannot change your date of birth online. To update your DoB, visit the nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra with proof of your date of birth, like your birth certificate or passport. This feature is not available on the online portal.