Birth certificate amendments

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 and change the child's surname.

Apply for a birth certificate re-registration online. This 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. But it is possible for either parent to make a statutory declaration, before a solicitor or other person legally allowed to witness an oath. It is also possible for either parent to get a Court Order naming the father. In any of these cases the birth will be registered again and new certificates will be available to buy.

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, you can not change the name on the register back to that of the mother. The only way is to see a solicitor and take legal action changing the surname of the child. This will not change the original birth registration. The statutory declaration or deed poll document will be attached to the birth certificate to show the child is being brought up with a different surname.

Marriage of parents

If the parents have married each other since the birth was registered, the birth should be re-registered to show the legal status of the child.

Apply for a birth certificate re-registration online. This has to be completed by both parents.

Either parent can then go to the Register Office with the completed form and a copy of the marriage certificate. The birth will then be re-registered and the child's surname can be changed.

New certificates will be available to buy from the registrar.