Changing Your Birth Certificate

Changing a Child’s Birth Certificate

Only the parent, guardian, or someone with parental responsibility can apply to change the name on a child’s Birth Certificate. 

Your Child’s Forename

A child’s forename is able to be changed as long as it is within twelve months of them being baptised or if the name is in use for the first twelve months since the birth was registered.

Your child’s forename can only be changed once on the Birth Register.

• For children baptised within twelve months of the birth being registered. Then only the baptised name given can be added.
• If the child is baptised, then the Vicar or Minster of the Church has the obligation to complete Form 13 which is available from the General Register Office. This form enables the Birth Certificate to be amended into the new name. 
• Unbaptised children are able to have their forenames altered. Again, the name alteration must be done within twelve months of the birth registration. In this instance, complete Form 14 from the General Register Office.
• To change the forename of an unbaptised child after twelve months of the birth being registered, proof of use of the new forename during the first twelve months needs to be shown.

There is no fee for adding names to the Birth Register. However, there is a charge for copies of the Birth Certificate showing the new forename.

Your Child’s Surname

The process for changing your child’s surname on their Birth Certificate depends on the martial status of the parents when the birth was registered.

• In instances where the father and mother were not married when the birth was registered and want to change the child’s Birth Certificate to show the father’s details and the new surname, then an alteration requires both parents’ consent.
• When the parents were not married when the birth was registered and the father’s details and his surname were taken, the child’s surname cannot be amended on the Birth Certificate. In these circumstances, the mother needs to apply for a Deed Poll to enable the child’s records to change to the new surname. Of course, it is always necessary to consider Parental Responsibility when deciding to change your child’s name in this way.
• If the parent’s of a child marry after the birth registration, then it is possible to re-register the Birth Certificate to show the child’s new surname and the mother’s new surname. Again, both parents must agree to the changes for this to take place.

The simplest way to have your child’s birth re-registered is for both parents of the child to attend the Register Office.

Mistakes on the Birth Certificate

Following the birth registration, a mistake on the Birth Certificate may become apparent and the name recorded is incorrect. In such circumstances, it is necessary to return to the original Register Office. Returning to the previous Register Office is essential in order for the amendment to be made. Proof of the correct name being used, at the earliest date since the birth registration, must be provided. For example, an NHS letter or Immunisation card are adequate proof.

Gender Changes

Once your gender is confirmed by the Gender Recognition Panel, it is then possible to apply for your gender to be altered on your Birth Certificate. If you apply to the panel for a Gender Recognition Certificate, then this document provides sufficient proof to ensure the gender on your Birth Certificate is corrected. For more see Name Change for Transgender and Non-Binary People.