The best magazine
How to Obtain an Amendment to My Birth Certificate
- 1). Make certain that the birth certificate needs to be amended. Not all changes can be amended on the birth certificate. For example, if a mother marries after she has a child, her name would not be changed on the birth certificate. Check the laws of the state that issued the birth certificate to verify information that legally can be amended on it. Common errors on birth certificates include spellings of names, dates and places of birth. Transgendered individuals who have undergone gender reassignment may also request a new birth certificate.
- 2). Determine which documents are necessary to make the changes on the birth certificate. Gather and organize those documents. Examples of documents which may be used include: a notarized physician statement or certified copy of marriage licenses, state-issued sibling birth certificates or a baptismal record. Each amendment will require different documentation depending on what information needs to be amended.
- 3). Present a court order, if issued. If a court order has been issued to change the name on a birth certificate, no other documentation should be necessary.
- 4). Review all required documentation and double check that the information is correct and complete. Have another person review it as well.
- 5). Submit paperwork, documentation and any fees. All states will charge a fee to amend and issue a birth certificate, though the amount varies from state to state. Paperwork will be returned if a complete packet or fee is not included.
- 6). Wait. It may take several weeks to receive the corrected birth certificate. If nothing is received within six weeks, follow up with the appropriate agency.
Source: ...