What corrections can be made

If the information on the birth registration record was wrong at the time of birth you can apply for a correction, e.g. if a mistake was made when recording a parent’s occupation.

However, you can’t apply for a correction to show new information if circumstances change after you’ve registered your child’s birth, e.g. if you change your name.

You can apply to re-register the birth if the natural parents get married at a later date.

Removing the incorrect father's details

You can change who the recorded father is if you can prove the man named on the certificate is not the natural father of the child.

Examples of proof include:

• a DNA test record from an approved tester
• a court order
• evidence that confirms the name of the true biological father
• other evidence that confirms the recorded father couldn’t have been the child’s natural father

What happens if you change gender

Once your gender has been legally recognised you can order a new birth certificate with your correct gender on it.

Adding the second biological parent's name to a birth certificate

It is possible to add the second biological parent's details to the birth record. You will need to re-register your child’s birth to do this.

How to add the second biological parent's name to a birth certificate

What the correction looks like

If your application is approved, a correction will be made in the register in the office for the area where your child was born.

The original information will always be shown in the register. After the correction has been authorised, a note will be added to the margin of the register and newly issued certificates.

All full birth certificates issued after the correction will include the note in the margin.