Change Place of Birth – Simple Steps to Fix Your Records
If you ever noticed that your birth place is wrong on a passport, driver’s licence or school certificate, you’re not alone. Mistakes happen during data entry, and they can cause trouble when you travel or apply for jobs. The good news is that correcting the error is straightforward if you follow the right process.
Why update your place of birth?
Wrong birth details can block you from getting visas, bank accounts, or even government benefits. Some agencies compare your birth place with the one on your Aadhaar or PAN card, and a mismatch may raise red flags. Fixing the error clears those hurdles and gives you peace of mind that all your documents match.
How to change it step by step
1. Gather proof of the correct place. You’ll need an official document that shows the right city or state – a birth certificate, hospital record, or a school admission form that lists the correct place.
2. Get a notarized affidavit. Write a short statement saying the current entry is wrong and state the correct place of birth. Have it notarized; this adds legal weight to your request.
3. Apply to the relevant authority. For passports, visit the nearest Passport Seva Kendra with the original birth certificate, the affidavit, and a self‑addressed envelope. For Aadhaar, log in to the UIDAI portal, select ‘Update Demographic Data’ and upload the same documents.
4. Pay the fee. Most updates have a small charge – usually between INR 200 and INR 500. Keep the receipt; you’ll need it when you collect the corrected document.
5. Follow up. The processing time varies: passport updates can take 2‑4 weeks, while Aadhaar changes often finish in 7‑10 days. Use the tracking number provided to check status online.
If you’re changing the place of birth on a school or college certificate, contact the institution’s admin office. They typically ask for the same set of documents and may require a small administrative fee.
Remember to update every linked record after the correction. A changed passport means you should also update your visa applications, airline profiles, and any background check forms that ask for personal details.
Common roadblocks include missing original documents or an un‑clear affidavit. To avoid delays, double‑check that every paper is legible and matches the name on your other IDs.
Finally, keep digital copies of all your corrected documents. Storing scanned PDFs in a secure cloud folder saves you time if another agency asks for proof later.
Changing your place of birth doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right documents, a small fee, and a little patience, you can get all your records aligned and move forward without unnecessary stops.
