1. Births and adoptions registered in England and Wales

The name on a birth certificate issued in England or Wales can be changed in the following circumstances:

1.1 Changing a child's forename(s)

It is possible to add or change forenames on the birth register provided the new forenames were given in baptism within 12 months of the birth being registered - or are in common use within 12 months of the birth being registered.

New forenames may be added to the birth record after the first 12 months, but you will need to provide documentary evidence that the new forenames were in use within 12 months of birth registration. Upon re-registration, a new birth certificate can be purchased showing the child’s new forenames.

1.1.2  Changing a child's surname from the mother's surname to the father's surname (parents not married)

Where a child’s natural 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 child, you can re-register the birth at any time in the future to include the father's details and change the child’s surname to that of the father. However both parents must agree otherwise a court order is required. Upon re-registration, a new birth certificate can be purchased showing the name change.

1.1.3  Changing a child's surname from the mother's surname to the father's surname (parents married since birth)

Where a child’s natural parents marry each other after the birth registration, the birth can be re-registered to show the child as a child of the parents' marriage.

Upon re-registration, the child and mother's surname can be changed to that of the father and a new birth certificate can be purchased showing the new names.

1.1.4  Changing a child's name if the person recorded as the father on the birth certificate is not the biological father

If you can prove that the person recorded on the birth certificate as the child’s father isn’t the biological father you can’t make any changes to the forename(s) or surname shown on the birth certificate.

What you can do, however, is provide DNA paternity test results (from a court-approved DNA testing laboratory) for the General Register Office (GRO). You can then apply to the GRO to have the named father’s details shown as having been recorded in error. This won’t change the name shown on certificate itself but it will include a note indicating the error.

Can you get the biological father recorded on his child’s birth certificate? If both parents agree, you can apply to the GRO to re-register the birth. In this instance the child’s surname can usually be changed upon re-registration, although some restrictions apply.

Children aged 16 or over will also need to agree to the change. However, you can’t re-register a birth simply to change a child’s surname.

For information about how to change your child's name by Deed Poll if the person recorded on your child's birth certificate is not the biological father, please click here to read our article ‘Can I change my child’s name?’

1.2  If you have changed your gender and obtained a Gender Recognition Certificate

If you are aged 18 or over, have gender dysphoria and have been living in your acquired gender for at least two years, you can apply to the Gender Recognition Panel for a Gender Recognition Certificate.  This will enable you to obtain a new birth certificate showing your new gender and name. Your new birth certificate can then be used as documentary evidence of your change of name thus avoiding the need for a Deed Poll.

For more information about changing the name on a Birth Certificate, please click here to email the General Registrar Office for England and Wales or call 0300 123 1837.

.....................................................

Sections in this article
Click on the links below to view each section of this article.

1.         Births and adoptions registered in England or Wales
2.         Births and adoptions registered in Scotland
3.         Births and adoptions registered in Northern Ireland

This page was last checked today by Suzanne Blackwell, Senior Deed Poll Officer.