Certificate amendments

Birth entries record the facts at the time of the birth and are taken from details give when the birth is registered.

We might be able to change the details or add to the information originally recorded if:

• a mistake was made on a birth certificate at the time of registration that need correcting
• changes made to a child's first name
• if certain circumstances have changed.

How do I correct errors on a birth certificate?

You may be able to change or add details. You should contact the register office where the birth was registered to do this.

To make an application to correct a birth certificate, the person who registered the child should ideally do this with the original register office. He or she will need to produce documentary evidence to prove an error was made at the time of registration, there will be a fee for consideration of any correction. For further information regarding fees, please contact the Register Office or view online at GOV.UK. 

How do I change a child's forename on a birth certificate?

You can change a child's first names within 12 months of the birth registration in the following ways:

• new first names given in baptism within 12 months of the birth being registered. You need to complete the Certificate of name given in baptism
• new first names given in any other way within 12 months of the birth being registered. You need to complete the Certificate of name not given in baptism.

If your child has been baptised, only the baptismal names can be added to the register - the minister with custody of the baptismal register needs to confirm this with the Certificate of name not given in baptism.

• you must be the mother, father or guardian of the child to be able make the change
• you can only change forenames once
• you must comply with any court orders in force about the naming of your child
• if you wish to change a child's surname on a birth certificate you can only do so to correct a spelling mistake
• there will be a fee of £44 plus an additional cost for a revised certificate.

How do I re-register a birth?

In certain circumstances, we can re-registered a birth. Re-registration means the new registration replaced the original registration in records:

• to record the natural father's details in the birth record
• following the marriage of the natural parents, if they were not married at the time of the birth.

In these circumstances, you are able to change the child's surname to the mother's or the father's or a combination of the two - as long as both parents agree to the change.

If the child is 16 years of age or over, you will need their permission in writing to change the surname.

What information will I need to supply for registration?

• you will need to obtain and complete the form LA1 or GRO185 from the Direct Gov website
• a copy of the original birth entry
• marriage certificate if the reason for re-registration is because the parents have now married.

Is there a fee for re-registration?

No, the re-registration is free but there is the usual charge for the issue of any new certificates.

If you would like to buy new certificates you can order and pay for them at our customer services portal myAccount or visit the Council House. You will need to pay by debit or credit card as we only accept cash in certain circumstances.

Change of name deeds

If we can't make a change to a birth certificate it may be possible to change a name or surname of a child by a change of name deed. A change of name can be arranged by a solicitor or there are online companies who provide this service.