How to apply

To correct a mistake in a birth registration you will need to complete an application form. There is a separate form for removing incorrect father's details. The forms can be downloaded from the gov.uk guide on correcting a birth registration

You will need to contact the register office where your child’s birth was registered to find out how to send your application, how much it will cost and how to pay.

Proving the registration is wrong

You will need to show that the information given at the time of the registration was wrong. You must send in documents with your application that show what the correct information should have been.

These documents should be valid or dated around the time your child was born. You should only send in documents that have been certified as true copies of the original. Documents you can send in include:

• passport
• photocard driving licence
• bank, building society or credit card statement
• letter from a hospital or doctor
• letter from a government department

If you are not able to send in proof, corrections cannot usually be made.

All certified copies sent with the application will be destroyed if you do not ask for them to be returned. 

Further information

See the gov.uk guide on applying for a birth registration correction