Changing the first name of my child
A new or additional forename (or forenames) given to a child within 12 months of the date of registration may be recorded in the birth entry at any time after its completion.
The provision for giving a new forename is not intended to be used to correct an error or omission. Where it is clear that a name was incorrectly recorded at registration the procedure for applying for a correction should be followed (see below).
A name given after registration may be recorded by means of a prescribed form (available from the Register Office). One for use where the name is given in baptism and the other for use where the name is not given in baptism.
On receiving a duly completed form and being satisfied that the form is in order the registration officer who has custody of the register in which the child's birth is registered will insert the new name(s) in Space 17 of the birth entry.
Certified copies of the entry may be purchased for the appropriate statutory fee. A full certificate will contain both the original particulars at registration and the recording of the new forename(s). A short certificate will only show the child's amended forename(s).
Changing the surname of my child
If the parents were not married to each other at the time of the birth and the father did not attend with the mother to register the baby it is possible to re-register the birth at any time in the future to include the father's details in the registration and change the surname of the child if required. A form is available from the Register Office that has to be completed by both parents.
The easiest way for the birth to be re-registered is for both parents to attend the Register Office together. However, it is possible for either parent to make a statutory declaration before a solicitor or other person able legally to witness an oath, acknowledging parentage of the child. It is also possible for either parent to seek a Court Order naming the father. In any of these cases the birth can be registered again and certified copies of the re-registered birth can be purchased from the registrar.
However, if the parents were not married to each other at the time of the birth and it was decided to give the child the father's surname, whether or not he attended with the mother, it is not possible to change the surname in the registration back to that of the mother. The only alternative will be to consult a solicitor and make a statutory declaration or deed poll changing the surname of the child. This will not change the original birth registration but will provide evidence that the child is being brought up in a surname different to that recorded in the birth registration.
If the parents have married each other since the birth was registered the birth should be re-registered to accurately record the current legal status of the child as a child of that marriage. A form is available from the Register Office that must be completed and signed by both parents and submitted to the Register Office together with their marriage certificate. Either parent may attend to re-register the birth once this is authorised. Certified copies of the re-registered birth can be purchased from the registrar.
Correcting a mistake in the naming of my child at the time of registration
If it is alleged that a mistake was made in the original birth registration it will be necessary for the person who registered the birth to prove that an error exists.
You should write a letter setting out what the error is and how it came to be made. This letter should be sent to the Register Office who will pass it on to the Registrar General's Office who have to authorise any such corrections.
You will need to provide documentary proof, dated from the earliest infancy of the child, if available, of the name(s) as they were intended to be given at the registration. The letter along with the documentary evidence will then be submitted to the Registrar General's office for consideration.
For further advice in specific instances please contact your local Register Office as to how to proceed or alternatively visit the General Register Office website at the link below.
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