How to Include a Name in the Birth Certificate: Chennai Guidelines

Bringing a new life into this world is a wonderful feeling, but it also comes with its share of paperwork. The most important document you need to get for your child is a birth certificate.

In Chennai, the process of registration of birth is an easy one. But, what if you haven't yet finalized the name when you go for registration? 

No worries! You can do the birth certificate name inclusion afterward.

In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know about how to include a name in a birth certificate in Chennai, or adding a new born child name to an existing birth certificate.

Key Highlights

• Eligibility: Birth must be registered with Chennai Corporation; parents or legal guardians can apply.
• Required Documents: Original birth certificate, proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport, voter ID), proof of address, hospital or birth center report.
• Timeline: Name inclusion process takes about 3-4 business days after submission.
• Late Name Addition: Can be done after 1 year with a late fee and affidavit.

Why Is Birth Certificate Name Inclusion Important?

A birth certificate isn’t just a piece of paper, it's a crucial legal document with various uses throughout your child's life. Here’s why including a name is vital:

• Proof of Identity: A birth certificate is essential for school admissions, passport applications, and various other official processes.
• Legal Recognition: Without a name on the birth certificate, your child cannot claim legal identity in government records.
• Ease of Future Documentation: Having the name on the birth certificate simplifies the process for obtaining an Aadhaar card, PAN card, and other official identification in the future.

Completing the name inclusion process sooner rather than later will prevent complications down the line.

Eligibility Criteria for Birth Certificate Name Inclusion

Ensure that you fulfill the following eligibility conditions before you start name inclusion process :

• Birth must be registered – The child’s birth should already be recorded with the Corporation of Chennai.
• Application must be submitted by parents or legal guardians – Only applications made by parents/ legal guardians will be accepted.
• Required documents must be submitted – Proof of birth, identification documents and an official declaration form have to be rendered.

Once you are within the criteria, you can proceed with the below step-by-step process.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Birth Certificate Name Inclusion

Step 1: Register the Birth

If you have recently become a parent in Chennai, then you need to register the birth within 21 days with the Corporation of Chennai, but there are different processes depending on where the baby was born.

Birth at a Hospital or Birthing Center

• You don’t need to do anything, as the hospital or maternity home will register the birth for you.
• The hospital will provide a birth report for you to take to your local registrar’s office.
• Check the information on the birth report is correct before collecting your baby’s birth certificate.

Birth at Home or Other Locations

• If the baby is born at home, parents or guardians must register the birth at the nearest panchayat office or Chennai Corporation office within 21 days.
• After you register, you'll be able to download and print the birth certificate.

Step 2: Registering the Birth Without a Name

Most parents take some days to decide on a name. If you do not have a name at the time of birth registration, you can complete registration. Afterward, follow these procedures to make updates on the birth certificate:

Steps to Include Your Baby’s Name on the Birth Certificate

1. Obtain the Birth Certificate

• The original birth certificate must be obtained if the birth has been registered.
• There will be a unique certificate number on the birth certificate needed for the name inclusion process. 

2. Visit the Chennai Corporation Website

• Go to www.chennaicorporation.gov.in
• Then, click on "Online Services."
• Select "Birth and Death."
• Choose "Child Name Inclusion."

3. Enter Your Details

• The registered mobile number must be keyed in.
• Verification using an OTP (one-time password) sent to your phone.
• Once logged in, you can enter the birth certificate updating section. 

4. Download, Fill, and Submit the Declaration Form

• Download the declaration form from the website and take a printout.
• Fill in the child's name and other details required.
• Scan and upload the duly filled form supported by requisite documents.

5. Required Documents for Name Inclusion

For the successful addition of a name in the birth certificate, you are required to submit the following documents:

• Declaration form duly signed by the parents,
• Original copy of the birth certificate issued at the time of birth registration,
• Proof of the child's birth (either hospital discharge summary or birth centre report), 
• Proof of identity of the parents (Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID), 
• Proof of address (electricity bill, ration card, etc.).

6. Approval and Name Update

• The application is processed by the Corporation of Chennai after submission.
• If everything is in order, within 3-4 business days a name will be added to the birth certificate.

Extended Deadlines and Recent Updates

If you miss the 21-day window for birth registration, you may still add the name later, but you might be required to pay a late fee and submit an affidavit explaining the delay.

Contact Information for Relevant Authorities

If you have any problem with Birth registration or Name inclusion, you can contact Chennai Corporation Authorities:

• Official website: www.chennaicorporation.gov.in
• Complaint Helpline: 1913

For in-person visits, you can reach out to your nearest Zonal Office of the Corporation of Chennai.

Adding your child’s name to his/ her birth certificate is important for establishing his/ her legal identity. The procedure in Chennai is quite simple, be it that you are registering a new born or updating an existing birth certificate. By following the above steps you can easily get it done.

To avoid delays and hassle, it is better to register the birth within 21 days and add the name as soon as you decide on it.

In case you need any help, just visit Chennai Corporation website/ helpline.