A Parent’s Guide to Adding a Surname to a Child’s Aadhaar Card

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by

Advocate Rohit
in
A Parent's Guide to Adding a Surname to a Child's Aadhaar Card

If you are stuck in such a situation, here is what to do.

Mr. Alok Sharma, a resident of the city of Vikaspuri, found himself in a common but frustrating situation. His son, Ravi, was enrolled in a prestigious institution, “Gyan Ganga Public School.” The problem began when the school administration insisted on having a document with Ravi’s full name, including the surname. However, Ravi’s birth certificate, issued by the Vikaspuri Municipal Corporation, only mentioned his first name, “Ravi.” Consequently, when his Aadhaar card was made, it also only carried his first name. The card mentioned Alok Sharma’s name in the ‘Care Of’ section, but that wasn’t enough for the school. With no existing document reflecting the full name “Ravi Sharma,” Mr. Sharma was perplexed about how to meet the school’s compliance requirement and secure his son’s official identity.

Advice in such cases

Facing such a procedural deadlock can be stressful for any parent. The key is to follow a systematic legal-administrative process to create a valid document that officially recognizes the child’s full name. The most effective method is through a Gazette Notification.

  • Gather all existing documents, including the child’s birth certificate, current Aadhaar card, and the parent’s identity proofs.
  • The first step is to create an affidavit. This legal document, sworn before a Notary Public, will declare that the person named “Ravi” and “Ravi Sharma” are one and the same. It will also state the intention to add the surname for all future purposes.
  • The next crucial step is to get the name change published in the Gazette of India. This involves placing an advertisement in one national and one local newspaper and then submitting an application to the Department of Publication.
  • Once the name change is published in the official Gazette, this document serves as irrefutable proof of the new name.
  • With the Gazette copy, you can easily apply to update the name on the Aadhaar card. This updated Aadhaar card can then be submitted to the school and used for all other official purposes.
  • Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think

Applicable Sections of Law

This issue does not fall under criminal law like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) but is governed by administrative laws and procedures.

  • The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016: This Act and its underlying regulations, set by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), govern the procedure for Aadhaar enrolment and data updates. The UIDAI lists a “Gazette Notification” as a valid Proof of Identity document for name changes or corrections.
  • The Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969: While this Act governs the issuance of birth certificates, making changes after one year can be cumbersome. The Gazette process is a legally accepted alternative to establish a name change without altering the original birth certificate.
  • Department of Publication (Government of India) Rules: The procedure for name changes for official purposes is regulated by this department, which is responsible for publishing the Gazette of India.

If you are the complainant

As the parent (the complainant in this scenario), your role is to initiate and follow through with the procedural requirements diligently.

  • Your primary task is to procure the necessary legal document, which is the Gazette Notification.
  • Start by preparing a well-drafted affidavit clearly stating the facts and the desired name change.
  • Follow the newspaper publication guidelines precisely as required for the Gazette application.
  • Submit the complete application to the Department of Publication and keep a record of the application number for tracking.
  • Once you receive the Gazette copy, visit an authorized Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with all required documents to apply for the update.
  • Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think
A Parent's Guide to Adding a Surname to a Child's Aadhaar Card

If you are the victim

While not a victim of a crime, you are a victim of a bureaucratic hurdle that is causing significant inconvenience. It is important to remain patient and methodical.

  • Understand that this is a common problem with a well-defined solution. Do not panic or get disheartened by the school’s pressure.
  • Follow the official process. Avoid engaging with unauthorized agents who promise instant solutions for a hefty fee, as these can often lead to fraudulent documents and further complications.
  • The legal process, though it takes time, is the only way to ensure the name change is permanent and legally valid for all future requirements, such as obtaining a passport, bank account, or driver’s license.
  • Consult with Lawyer: The very basic and important step to start is talk to Lawyer / advocate. You should not hesitate in paying his consultation fee i.e. might be in range of Rs. 10,000 to 50,000 depends case to case. He is helping you in this situation of come out. He is expert in the domain and can help you explain the procedure which you might have never explored. A good lawyer can get the issues resolved much faster than you think

How the police behave in such cases

The police have absolutely no role in this matter. This is a civil administrative procedure. You should not approach the police for assistance with adding a surname to an Aadhaar card or birth certificate. Police intervention would only be warranted if there were allegations of criminal activity, such as forgery, fraud, or impersonation in creating documents, which is not the case here. This entire process is handled by the UIDAI and the Department of Publication.

FAQs people normally have

  • Can I just go to the Aadhaar Centre and ask them to add the surname?

    No. The Aadhaar operator requires a valid document that shows the full name you want to update. Since you don’t have one, you must first create one, and the Gazette Notification is the standard document for this purpose.


  • Is changing the birth certificate a better option?

    Changing a birth certificate, especially after a year from the birth, is a more complex and lengthy judicial process. The Gazette notification is a faster and more straightforward administrative procedure recognized nationwide for name changes and additions.


  • How much will the entire process cost?

    The cost includes notary fees for the affidavit, the cost of newspaper advertisements, and the official fee for Gazette publication. The total expense can range from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 8,000, depending on the newspaper rates and professional fees involved.


A Parent's Guide to Adding a Surname to a Child's Aadhaar Card

What evidence is required?

To successfully complete the process, you will need the following documents:

  • For Gazette Notification:
    • An application letter to the Controller of Publication.
    • The original copies of the newspaper advertisements.
    • A prescribed proforma for the name change, duly signed by the applicant (parent) and two witnesses.
    • A notarized affidavit declaring the name change.
    • Identity proof of the applicant parent (e.g., Aadhaar card, Voter ID).
    • A copy of the child’s birth certificate.
  • For Aadhaar Card Update (after Gazette):
    • The original Gazette Notification copy.
    • The child’s existing Aadhaar card.
    • The child’s birth certificate (for date of birth verification).
    • The parent’s Aadhaar card for biometric authentication, as the child is a minor.

How long will the investigation take?

There is no “investigation” in this case, but rather an “application processing time.” The timeline is generally as follows:

  • Affidavit and Newspaper Ads: 2-4 days.
  • Gazette Publication: The processing and publication by the Department of Publication can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.
  • Aadhaar Update: After submitting the application with the Gazette copy, the Aadhaar update typically takes between 7 to 30 days.

Overall, you should budget for a total timeline of approximately 2 to 4 months to complete the entire process from start to finish.

Advocate Sudhir Rao, Supreme Court of India

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