Archive Website of the UK government

Correcting an error

If errors are discovered in the birth registration, you can change or add details. Click on the Correcting a record link below for more details.

• Correcting a record

Changing a child’s forename

You can change a child’s forename in the following circumstances:

• new forenames were given in baptism or by regular use within 12 months of the birth being registered
• 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 given in Baptism' form linked below

Also note:

• you must be the mother, father or guardian of the child to make the change
• forename changes can only be made once – any further forename changes cannot be recorded
• you must comply with any court orders in force about the naming of your child
  

Changing a child’s surname

You can only change a child’s surname in their original birth record to correct a spelling mistake.

However, a child can be re-registered in the following circumstances:

• 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, his or her written consent must be obtained before the surname can be changed.

What you need to do

If your child was baptised in a Christian church, the vicar or minister of the church needs to complete the ‘Certificate of name given in Baptism’ form. They may charge you for this.

If not, you will need to complete a ‘Certificate of name not given in baptism’ form.

Send the relevant form to the original register office. If you no longer live in the same area, post the paperwork to the relevant register office.

You can download the form below, or:

• contact your local register office
• contact the General Register Office on telephone +44 (0) 300 123 1837

or email:

corrections.re-reg@ips.gsi.gov.uk

• Download 'Certificate of name given in Baptism' (PDF, 448K)

• Download 'Certificate of name not given in Baptism' form (PDF, 38K)

• Help with PDF files

• Search for your local register office Opens new window

Getting a new birth certificate

There is no charge for re-registrations, but if you would like a new birth certificate displaying the changes, you will need to buy one.

Short certificates show just the new name with the date and place of birth. Full certificates show details of the previous name as well as the new name, unless the birth is a re-registration.

You can order certificates at the register office you are dealing with, or using the online ordering service.

• Order birth, marriage and death certificates

For events in Scotland or Northern Ireland

You can contact the relevant General Register Office using the links below.

• General Register Office for Scotland Opens new window

• General Register Office for Northern Ireland Opens new window