How to Amend a Birth Certificate With The Father's Name

Birth certificates are legal records that briefly document the history of your child's birth. Occasionally these records need amending, when an error has been made or for another reason. One of the most common amendments made to birth certificates is the addition of a father's name to a record previously lacking this information. This document change is generally simple to make, though exact procedures may vary from state to state.

Instructions

1. Find out where your child's birth certificate is maintained. In most cases it will be an office of the state's Department of Health that houses this vital record.

2. Write a statement detailing the change you wish to have made to the birth certificate. If the mother and father both agree to the change they should sign this letter and deliver it to the vital records office. Some states may require the parents to appear in person.

3. Obtain legal establishment of paternity if the father does not agree to amend the birth certificate with his name. This generally involves a DNA test if the mother and father were not married at the time of the child's birth. The mother may have to obtain a court order if the proposed father refuses to voluntarily submit to testing.

4. Procure a legal report of adoption to add a man's name to the birth certificate as father if it is required. This may be needed when the man is not the biological father. If the mother and her husband wish to have his name added to the birth certificate, this will likely require permission of the biological father (if known) and sometimes requires a court order. It may be necessary to have the biological father's paternity rights terminated.

5. Pay any required fees to have the birth certificate altered. Be aware that in most cases a record will be kept of the original birth certificate as well as the changes made. You also may wish to purchase copies of the new birth records. Indicate whether you are requesting certified copies or not.

Tips & Warnings

• Certain states may not require anything except the consent of both parents if changes are made to the birth certificate within a few months of the birth. Your local child support agency can be consulted for aid in establishing paterniy.

• In many cases the father of the child cannot have his name added to the birth certificate without the consent of the mother. A father may petition a court to have his name added in this case but success can not be guaranteed. Always follow the requirements set by the state in which the birth occurred.