Corrections to Birth Certificates

The GRO web site contains the following information in answer to the question 'Can I change the birth record at a later date?'

Under certain circumstances, it may be possible to change the details or add to the information recorded at the time of the original registration.

Depending on exactly what the changes are, you will need to arrange either a correction, a change of baby's forename or a re-registration.

Re-Registration

• If baby's parents are unmarried and would like the natural father’s details added to the birth record, a re-registration will be required so that a new birth record can be created to replace the original one. To do this, you will need to complete a form GRO185.

• If baby's natural parents have married each other since the birth, a re-registration will be required so that a new birth record can be created to show the child as a child of the parents’ marriage. To do this, you will need to complete a form LA1.

Both these forms are obtainable from your local Registration Office.