Can I change the name on a birth certificate?

Very few circumstances exist whereby a birth certificate can be amended. This is because birth certificates are considered historical records which are correct at the time of issue. In most cases you will not be able to have your birth certificate amended and if you wish to legally change your name, you will have to apply for a Deed Poll.

Changing a child's forename

You may apply to the register office where the birth was originally registered to have your child's forename amended on his birth certificate providing the new name was given to him either in baptism or by regular use within 12 months of the birth being registered.

Note: You cannot make multiple forename changes using this method.

Change of forename in baptism

If your child was given their new forename in baptism, you must obtain 'Form 13' from your local registry office and then take it to the Vicar or Minister of the church where the child was baptised. They will complete the form (which will usually require a fee) and then you can take it back to the registery office where the amended names will be inserted into space 17 of the birth certificate.

Change of forname by use

If you are applying to change the forename on your child's birth certificate because the new name has been in general use within the first 12 months of his life, you must obtain and complete 'Form 14' from the registery office where the birth was originally registered.

If you are completing the form within the first 12 months after the birth was registered, you do not need to provide any evidence that the name has been in general use. However, if you are attempting to amend the birth certificate after the first 12 months, you will need to provide some documentary evidence that the new name has been in general use within the first year of the child's life. The documentary evidence will usually be a dated bank statement, NHS letter or medial card, or an immunisation card which shows the new name in use.

Changing a child's surname

Although more difficult to achieve, it is possible to have your child's birth certificate amended to show a new surname.

If the mother and father of the child were not married at the time the birth was registered, and the father did not attend the registration process with the mother, you will be able to get the birth certificate amended to show the fathers details along with the surname of the child. Both parents must be in agreement before a change such as this can be made.

If the parents were not married at the time the birth was registered but the father's details were included on the birth certificate, the surname cannot be changed.

If you wish to change your child's surname and you do not fall into one of of the two categories above, you can apply for a Deed Poll in order to make the change. Please note: consent from everyone with parental responsibility is required in order to legally change a child's name by Deed Poll.