How to change parent name on child birth certificate
New Parent Information
Congratulations on the birth of your child!
To congratulate you on the birth of your child, the Pennsylvania Department of Health is pleased to present you with your child's birth certificate. This is your child's first official identification, so please keep it in a safe location. Your child will use this birth certificate for future milestones, like registering for school, applying for a driver's license, getting a passport and verifying their U.S. citizenship for their first job.
If you need additional copies of your child's birth certificate, please visit Ordering a Birth Certificate page.
Please review your child's birth certificate to make sure everything is accurate and spelled correctly. If your child's birth certificate contains an error, it is easiest to correct the error prior to your child's first birthday. The following information provides direction on how to correct errors on your child's birth certificate.
If your child is over one year of age and a correction to their birth certificate is needed, please refer to the Amending a Birth Record for more information.
Correcting Typographical Errors and Adding Missing Information
The information listed on your child's birth certificate is based on the Report of Live Birth submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. If you delivered your baby in a licensed Pennsylvania birth facility, you likely were provided with a Birthing Parent's Worksheet which is used to collect information to be included on the Report of Live Birth. The birthing facility then entered information from the Birthing Parent's Worksheet into an electronic Report of Live Birth which is submitted directly to us. While most Reports of Live Birth are submitted with 100% accuracy, sometimes typographical errors do occur.
To correct this type of error, complete the Request to Modify an Infant’s Birth Record. Do not use this form to add a parent to a child's birth record.
Based on national standards, all parent's names as printed on a birth certificate list the parent's legal name prior to first marriage (also referred to as a maiden last name).
All parents listed on the birth certificate must sign the Request to Modify an Infant’s Birth Record. The form also needs notarized if one of the following applies:
- You are changing the last name of your child.
- You are changing a parent's last name.
Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record
To modify parentage on a child’s birth record, complete a Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record form. Any removal of a parent from a child’s record requires a court order or an approved cancellation of an Acknowledgement of Paternity. Please note that a maximum of two parents may be listed on a child’s birth record in Pennsylvania.
This form may not be used to modify a birth record due to adoption.
Married Couples
If you were married at the time of your child's birth, then the birthing parent's spouse is the child's legal parent unless a specialized registration process has been used to list a biological parent on your child's birth record.
- If your spouse is the child's biological parent, then complete a Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record. This form may also be used for couples who marry after the birth of the child where the spouse of the birthing parent is also the biological parent of the child.
- If you are married and had a child with someone other than your spouse, contact our office at 724-656-3100, option 4, for further assistance. As required under legislation, we must notify your spouse of this child's birth prior to adding the biological parent to your child's birth record.
Unmarried Couple
- If you are an unmarried couple and both the birthing parent and the biological father agree to be listed on the child's birth record, please complete an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) form which must be filed with the Department of Human Services (DHS). If you completed the AOP at time of your child's birth but the birth certificate does not list the father, please follow up with DHS at 800-932-0211 .
Once you have verified that DHS has processed your AOP, complete a Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record. Please note that the AOP must first be processed by DHS before we can add the father to your child's birth record. - If you are the biological parent of a child and unable to file an AOP, we can list you as the parent of your child once we receive an appropriate court order that demonstrates your parentage. While we receive most of these court orders directly from the courts, you may also submit a Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record and provide us with a certified copy of the court order (which must include the raised seal of the court).
Removing a Parent from a Birth Record
To remove a parent from a birth record, we must receive a court order that provides appropriate detail on why the parent's name is being removed. At no time will we add a third parent to a child's birth record. Therefore, if the courts have determined that someone other than the individual(s) listed on a birth record is a parent of the child, then the court must issue a court order to first remove the individual who is not the parent of the child.
If you have a certified copy of a court order to remove a parent from your child's birth record, you may submit a Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record along with the certified copy of the court order (which must include the raised seal of the court).
Amending a Birth Record Due to Adoption
Please see the Adoption Information on My Records page for more information.
Processing Time
Please see the Processing Times page for details.
Applying for a Corrected Birth Certificate
Receiving a Free Birth Certificate
To receive a corrected birth certificate free of charge, please return your child's original birth certificate along with the Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record before your child is six months old.
Applying for a Birth Certificate
If you submitted a Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record and you indicated on the form that you want an updated birth certificate, you do not need to do anything further.
If you submitted a Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record but did not indicate that you wanted an updated birth certificate, please do not order a new birth certificate until we notify you that your child's birth record has been corrected. Once you receive this notification from us, you may apply for a new birth certificate. Once you receive this notification from us, you may apply for a new birth certificate. See ordering a birth certificate for details on how to apply.
Amending Birth Record
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Modifying a Birth Record
All Requests to Modify a Birth Record will be processed in accordance with the following:
- Vital Statistics Law
- Domestic Relations Code, Consolidated Statute Title 23
- Names, Consolidate Statute Title 54 (Chapter 7, Judicial Name Changes)
- PA Code, Title 28, Chapter 1.
Administration of Vital Records
How do I modify a birth record and receive an updated birth certificate?
The forms listed below are to be used to modify a birth record. These forms cannot be used to modify an individual's birth record due to an adoption. Upon update to the record, an updated birth certificate will be issued, if requested.
To add, remove or replace a parent on a birth record, complete the Request to Modify Parentage on a Birth Record form.
To modify information, other than parentage, complete the appropriate form below, based on the age of the individual whose record needs to be amended.
- Request to Modify an Infant's Birth Record (Age Less Than 1 Year Old)
- Request to Modify a Child's Birth Record (Age 1 Year to Less Than 7 Years Old)
- Request to Modify a Child's Birth Record (Age 7 Years to Less Than 14 Years Old)
- Request to Modify a Child's Birth Record (Age 14 Years to Less Than 18 Years Old)
- Request to Modify an Adult's Birth Record (Age 18 Years Old and Above)
Mail the completed form, your identification, payment, and documentary evidence (see each form for specific details) to:
PA Department of Health
Bureau of Health Statistics and Registries
ATTN: Birth Registry
555 Walnut Street, 6th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1934
To improve the processing time for your application, ensure the following:
- That you have completed Part 1 of the form in its entirety
- That you have included an acceptable form of ID as outlined in Part 2
- That you have included payment if applicable as outlined in Part 3
- That you have completed Part 4 in its entirety.
Please ensure that you have provided the full and correct spelling of the individual's name as it currently appears on the individual's birth certificate. - That you have only completed information in Part 5 that needs modified on the individual's birth record. Please do not complete fields in this section that do not need modified.
- That you have signed and notarized (if applicable) the form as outlined in Part 6.
- That you have provided acceptable documentary evidence as outlined in Part 7.
Please note that the specific requirements for Parts 1, 6, and 7 vary based on the form you are submitting. The forms submitted must align with the age of the subject at the time you are completing the form and submitting to BHSR.
See our current Processing Times for amendments.
Is it possible to change the name of the mother in the child's birth certificate
We have the opportunity to change the first name, surname, patronymic (or even take a "match").
Is it possible to change one of the parents in the child's birth certificate? Ekaterina Tyagai, partner at the Pen & Paper Bar Association, answers.
Question. Is it possible to change the name written in the “mother” column on the birth certificate if the child is already an adult?
Answer. The procedure for changing a record of a parent of a child may be different depending on the reasons for such a change. nine0003
1. If the child's mother has changed her name
According to the 2nd paragraph of Part 2 of Art. 63 of the Law "On acts of civil status" in the record of the birth of a child who has reached the age of majority, information about his parents is changed upon application to the registry office. According to part 2 of Art. 69 of the same law, the basis for making corrections and changes to such records is considered to be, among other things, the application of an adult who wants to change information about a parent who has changed his name.
2. If, in principle, another person must be indicated as the mother
In this case, the mother's entry in the birth register must be challenged and a new entry made. According to paragraph 1 of Art. 52 of the Family Code of the Russian Federation, the entry of parents in the birth register can only be challenged in court at the request of one of the following people:
- a person recorded as the father or mother of the child;
- person who is actually the father or mother of the child;
- the child himself upon reaching the age of majority; nine0022
- guardian (custodian) of the child;
- guardian of a parent declared incompetent by a court.
An application from one of them is considered by the court in a special proceeding.
Clause 29 of the Resolution of the Plenum of the Supreme Court states that if during the trial it is established that the person recorded as the mother of the child is not the biological parent, the court has the right to make a decision to satisfy the claim to challenge the entry about the child's mother in the record of the act about the birth of a child.
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The court's decision to satisfy the specified requirement is the basis for the annulment of information about the child's mother from the record of the child's birth certificate.
Art. 75 of the Law "On acts of civil status", the annulment of the primary entry of a civil status act is carried out by the registry office on the basis of a court decision that has entered into force.
After the cancellation of the entry, a new entry about the mother will need to be entered in the birth certificate of the child. In this case, it will be necessary to submit a document of the established form of birth: such a requirement is indicated in the 2nd paragraph of Part 1 of Art. 17 of the same law. If such a document is not available, most likely, you will have to provide the registry office with a court decision on establishing the fact of the birth of a child by a particular woman. nine0003
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Is it possible to change a child's name and what is the procedure?! – Lawyer Plus
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08/31/2020
The name of the child is given at birth, but it can be changed for various reasons both in childhood and in adulthood at the request of a person. There are circumstances due to which parents do not want the child to bear the chosen name. It is possible to organize a name change, but the truth will have to change all the documents confirming his identity, observing the conditions established by the laws of the Russian Federation.
The procedure itself requires the approval of the guardianship and guardianship authorities if the child is under ten years old. It does not take much time, but it is still better to consult a family law lawyer who will help you change your name competently, quickly and without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
There are enough reasons for changing the name and, as mentioned above, the procedure can be carried out at any age. The most common reasons for changing personal data are in the first place:
- Personal desire of parents when they simply do not like the name;
- Difficult to pronounce or dissonant name that may affect the child's future in a negative way;
- Divorce of parents;
- Adoption of a child in another family when the parents want to choose the name they like;
- Marriage and adoption of a child;
- Name change due to religious beliefs and national traditions. nine0081
Most often, the reason for changing a child's name is subjective, due to the personal desire and beliefs of the parents.
How to change personal data?!
Name changes are governed by the provisions of the Family Code. In particular, Article 59 of the IC of Russia says that the process is carried out by the legal representatives of the child (parents or official adoptive parents).
If the parents do not mind changing the name, then they need to collect documents and submit them along with the application to the relevant state authorities. At the same time, the legislation of our state protects the rights of minor citizens, taking into account the opinion of the child, which he can express if his age is over ten years. If the child does not agree with the change of his name, then the procedure against his will cannot be carried out. nine0003
Also, to change the name, not only the desire of the parents will be required, but also the consent of the guardianship and guardianship authorities, which must verify that all the rights of a minor are observed. And the appeal to guardianship is necessary when the child is under ten years old. If the parents nevertheless decided to change their personal data in this situation, then first of all they need to contact the guardianship and guardianship authorities with a statement that is carefully studied and analyzed.
When there are no objections, the guardianship authorities issue an appropriate official written permission, with which you can apply to the registry office, where new data is entered into the child's birth certificate. An application for guardianship is required from each parent if they are legally married. In the absence of one of the parents, a notarized application for a name change is required. nine0003
What documents are required to change the child's name?!
Before applying to the registry office, you need to collect a certain package of documents. All of them, together with the application, are carefully checked. This package usually includes:
- Permission to change the name of a child from guardianship;
- Passports of the child's official representatives;
- Birth certificate;
- Document of registration of a minor citizen at the place of residence; nine0022
- State fee payment receipt;
- Certificate of marriage;
- Written consent of the child when he is over ten years old;
- A notarized power of attorney, required if the interests of one or both parents are represented by the principal.
Employees of the registry office must enter information into the acts of changing the name of a minor citizen and issue a new birth certificate, which will reflect the changed and up-to-date information. Usually, an application for a name change submitted with all documents to the registry office is considered within one calendar month, but sometimes there may be delays in issuing documents. nine0003
Civil Registry Offices do not always agree to a change of name, especially if there is a violation of the rights of a citizen.
If there are errors, inaccuracies, documents are not fully collected, the new name is contrary to legislative norms, then a reasoned refusal is issued, which you can try to appeal in court. You can apply to the registry office both in person and by using the State Services portal, while it should be noted that going to the registry office cannot be avoided, but you can sign up for an electronic queue for a certain time.
There are extraordinary circumstances when it is quite difficult to change the name. Adoptive parents often seek to correct personal data, who want to hide the fact of adopting a child in infancy, passing him off to the environment as his own. For a child to be adopted at the age of ten years, his consent in writing is required and this complicates the task. If one of the parents is against changing the name, then in this case you will have to go to court and defend your rights. Such problems appear at the moment when the parents are in a state of divorce proceedings. nine0003
Consent of the second parent to change the name of the child is not required in the following cases:
- The place of residence and location of the parent is not known;
- Citizen declared missing;
- Parent fails to pay statutory support for a minor child;
- The parent was deprived of parental rights by a court decision;
- If the father of a minor child is officially recognized as legally incompetent by a court decision; nine0022
- The child's father was recognized as a mentally ill citizen who cannot control his actions and be responsible for their consequences;
Father's consent is not required if the child was born outside of a legally registered marriage.
In this case, the name of the mother, not the father, is indicated on the birth certificate of the child. A child's name can be changed at any age. For example, at the age of 14, children already have partial civil rights and receive a passport, and the legal age of majority comes at 18. nine0003
A teenager can independently submit an application and documents for a change of surname, although this is done in the presence of his parents or adoptive parents. For these purposes, a minor citizen must independently submit an application for a name change along with a set of documents, which includes a certificate of registration at the place of residence, a copy of the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, a receipt for payment of state duty, a birth certificate.
Is it possible to change a child's surname without the father's consent?!
Very often women, when dissolving a marriage, want to change their child's name and surname without the father's consent.
You can change the data when receiving a passport, for example, by choosing the name of the child's mother. In practice, it also happens that the child's mother marries a new man, and she wants to change the child's surname and possibly even a patronymic to a new one. After the age of 14, a minor can change his patronymic, and before this age it is impossible to carry out the procedure, but at the same time, Russian family law does not prohibit changing the name and surname. If a child is adopted by another man who is not officially his biological father, then he can give him his middle name. nine0003
To complete this procedure you will need:
- Child's birth certificate;
- Permission of one of the parents to change the middle name;
- Passports of the child's legal parents;
- Application written in the prescribed form (issued at the registry office).
At the end, you must attach a certificate of marriage or its dissolution.
