•  February 2012. I am delighted with the service given as i am currently in South Africa for two months - your company even phoned me here. Help was given with my payment on phone and I am ever so grateful to know that there is still a company out there that knows what customer service is.... 

    Gezina, Morecambe, Lancashire.

How do you change your birth certificate?

There are very few circumstances where a birth certificate can be changed.  This is because a birth certificate is an historical record, which was correct when the birth was registered.  In most situations, if you want to be legally known by a name that is different to your birth name, all you can do is apply for a Deed Poll to change your legal name. 

When you receive your Deed Poll document, you will use it to get all your official documents and records changed to your new name.  In the future, if you are asked to prove your identity (say for example you apply for a passport or bank account) you simply produce your birth certificate and your Deed Poll document.  The new name shown on your Deed Poll overrides the name on your birth certificate.

There are a few circumstances that enable you to get your, or your child's, name entry in the birth register amended.  Consequently, a new birth certificate can be issued showing the new or amended name details.  If you are able to get a new birth certificate issued, a Deed Poll is not required as the new birth certificate will be accepted by everyone as documentary evidence of the change of name thus enabling all documents and records to be changed to the new name. 

The rules differ based upon where your (or your child’s) birth was registered. Please use the links below to find out about the circumstances in which it is possible to amend a birth certificate.

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

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  • Wednesday: If you're calling from a mobile (for help with changing your name) - it's cheaper for you to call 0333 577 4000. @ 22/02/2012 19:49
  • Wednesday: You can use a Deed Poll to legally revert to your maiden name BEFORE or AFTER divorce - Click Here @ 22/02/2012 19:49
  • Wednesday: This explains how to legally change your child's name - Click Here @ 22/02/2012 19:49
  • Wednesday: A full list of FAQ's relating to changing your name by Deed Poll can be found here - Click Here @ 22/02/2012 08:58
  • Wednesday: Unless you're getting married - a Deed Poll will be required when changing your name in the UK - Click Here @ 22/02/2012 08:58
  • Wednesday: FAQ: Who can act as my witness when I change my name by Deed Poll? Click Here @ 22/02/2012 08:58
  • Wednesday: Here's a list of organisations that you should consider notifying upon changing your name by Deed Poll - Click Here @ 22/02/2012 08:58
  • Wednesday: A Deed of Change of Name is more commonly referred to as Deed Poll - Click Here @ 22/02/2012 08:58
  • Tuesday: If you're calling from a mobile (for help with changing your name) - it's cheaper for you to call 0333 577 4000. @ 21/02/2012 08:35
  • Tuesday: You can use a Deed Poll to legally revert to your maiden name BEFORE or AFTER divorce - Click Here @ 21/02/2012 08:35
  • Tuesday: This explains how to legally change your child's name - Click Here @ 21/02/2012 08:35
  • Tuesday: A full list of FAQ's relating to changing your name by Deed Poll can be found here - Click Here @ 21/02/2012 08:35
  • Tuesday: Unless you're getting married - a Deed Poll will be required when changing your name in the UK - Click Here @ 21/02/2012 08:35
  • Tuesday: FAQ: Who can act as my witness when I change my name by Deed Poll? Click Here @ 21/02/2012 08:35
  • Tuesday: Here's a list of organisations that you should consider notifying upon changing your name by Deed Poll - Click Here @ 21/02/2012 08:34
  • Tuesday: A Deed of Change of Name is more commonly referred to as Deed Poll - Click Here @ 21/02/2012 08:34
  • Monday: If you're calling from a mobile (for help with changing your name) - it's cheaper for you to call 0333 577 4000. @ 20/02/2012 08:51
  • Monday: You can use a Deed Poll to legally revert to your maiden name BEFORE or AFTER divorce - Click Here @ 20/02/2012 08:51
  • Monday: This explains how to legally change your child's name - Click Here @ 20/02/2012 08:50
  • Monday: A full list of FAQ's relating to changing your name by Deed Poll can be found here - Click Here @ 20/02/2012 08:50