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Changes and corrections

If you believe there's an error on a certificate, you can apply to have it corrected. You can also apply to register a change, such as changing a name.

On this page

Changes

Changing a certificate is different from fixing a mistake. For example, changing your name or your child's name is a change, not a correction, so there is a different process.

The back of the new certificate shows any changes or corrections made to the certificate. This doesn't include corrections to death certificates.

Corrections

If you think there's a mistake on a certificate, you can apply to have it fixed.

We check all mistakes before fixing them.

Corrections include:

  • Simple mistakes like:
    • Typographical errors
    • Misread handwriting.
  • Clarifications and small changes like:
    • Adding the town to a place of birth, if it only lists the country
    • Adding a middle name, if it's on the birth registration statement but not on the birth certificate.

Updated